MRD supports NGC in training VDOs on CDF Act 2023

MRD supports North Guadalcanl in training VDOs on CDF Act 2023, empowering local leaders for community development.

Women VDO’s attending the training.

VDO participants.

Member of Parliament for North Guadalcanal Constituency and Minister for Health and Medical Services Honourable Dr Paul Popora Bosawai making his opening remarks before the VDO’s training starts.

North Guadalcanal Constituency senior businessman, John Saki asking questions during the Q&A session.

MRD Principal Legal Officer presenting the CDF Act 2023 at the VDOs training.

MRD Director Governance, Noel Matea making his presentation during the training.

MP for North Guadalcanal Constituency and Minister for Ministry of Health Honourable Dr Paul Popora Bosawai speaking during the training.

The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) has supported the North Guadalcanal Constituency (NGC) office in conducting a training session for its Village Development Officers (VDOs) on the implementation of the new Constituency Development Funds (CDF) Act 2023.

The event, held on Friday, 11 April 2025, at Koli Point, was initiated by the constituency office. It brought together community leaders, chiefs, and representatives from women’s and youth groups.

Under NGC’s development framework, VDOs have been designated as ‘Sub-Committees’ in accordance with Section 14 (2), (a), (i, ii, iii) of the CDF Act 2023. The Act allows Constituency Development Committees to recommend the formation of sub-committees or task forces to address specific constituency priorities.

During the training, the MRD team provided explanations of the Act and its practical application within the constituency’s development programs.

Paul Popora Bosawai, Member of Parliament for NGC, highlighted the importance of the training in supporting the constituency’s development goals. “Above all, we aim to comply with the new CDF Act 2023,” he said.

“The Act clearly outlines allocations for productive sectors, essential services, cross-sectoral initiatives, and social sectors—each with fixed implementation percentages that MPs cannot alter,” he added.

Bosawai also emphasized the crucial role of VDOs in delivering the 2025 CDF budget effectively. “VDOs are our agents on the ground, playing a pivotal role in advancing our development objectives,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the VDOs, Daniel Tolia described the training as timely and necessary for addressing the constituency’s development needs. “It’s time for all village leaders in NGC to unite in supporting our development aspirations for the greater good of our people,” he said.

Tolia also expressed optimism about the new Act, noting that it provides a clearer structure for collaboration between communities and their elected representatives.

Noel Matea, Director of Governance at MRD, commended the NGC office for engaging with MRD in the training. “MRD remains committed to supporting all 50 constituencies across the country to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the CDF Act 2023,” he said.

Matea added that due to the significant changes introduced by the new Act, MRD will continue its outreach and capacity-building efforts to help constituencies adapt to the updated framework.

The training represents a key step in empowering local leaders and supporting the successful implementation of development initiatives under the CDF Act 2023.

Source: MRD