South Guadalcanal MP and Minister for Rural Development Reaffirms Commitment to Rural Development and CDF Act Implementation
In his Sine Die speech in Parliament, the Member of Parliament (MP) for South Guadalcanal and Minister for Rural Development, Rollen Seleso, reaffirmed his dedication to advancing the work of the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) in 2025. The Minister emphasized the importance of timely implementation of policy recommendations and activities to ensure Solomon Islanders benefit from the ministry’s initiatives in the coming year.
Minister Seleso described the national budget as crucial, marking the first budget of the 12th Parliament. He highlighted that this budget would serve as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to transformative development that directly benefits the people of the Solomon Islands.
The budget’s theme, Accelerating Accountable and Transformative Investments, was highlighted by the Minister, who expressed his firm belief that it would drive the government’s transformative policy agenda. He cautioned, however, that the success of this transformation relies heavily on the unity, cooperation and responsibility between the government and its people.
Seleso highlights the government’s significant role in ensuring that the budget delivers tangible benefits for the people. “The impact of the budget is what matters most,” he stated, emphasizing the need for rural-focused investments. With the majority of Solomon Islanders residing in rural areas, he argued, it is essential that government priorities shift toward the rural sector, the marginalized, and isolated populations. He reminded Parliament that these communities hold primary rights to key resources such as land and natural assets, which are central to economic development.
The Minister pointed out that the Solomon Islands has long struggled with the gap between rural and urban areas since gaining independence. He reiterated that it is time for the government to address these disparities. “The focus should be on economic infrastructure, agribusiness, and facilitating both international and domestic markets for rural communities,” he said.
In addition to his comments on the budget, Minister Seleso discussed key legislative reforms, particularly the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Act of 2023. He revealed that the MRD began implementing the CDF Act in early 2024. While acknowledging that full implementation will take time as stakeholders familiarize themselves with the new provisions, he defended the Act against criticism, calling it “a significant change in how the CDF is managed.”
He emphasized the importance of the newly established Constituency Development Offices, where officers are now taking on roles to assist in constituency matters. He urged Solomon Islanders to familiarize themselves with these officers and consult them for guidance on local issues.
Seleso also addressed the critical role of the Constituency Development Committee (CDC), noting that while it is still in its early stages, the CDC will play a vital role in the planning and monitoring of constituency projects. He stressed that the success of the CDF hinges on the effectiveness of the CDC, urging members to perform their duties impartially and with seriousness.
Looking ahead to 2025, Seleso outlined key activity plans for the MRD, which include continued civic education and awareness. “With the commencement of the CDF Act, it is crucial to engage communities to ensure they understand the Act in its current form,” he said. The Minister also highlighted the importance of project monitoring, stating that the MRD will place more emphasis on assessing the progress of projects to ensure effective service delivery.
He concluded his address by thanking the people of South Guadalcanal for their ongoing support and commitment to the development of the region. Minister Seleso assured his constituents that the government is committed to improving their livelihoods through meaningful investments and reforms.
