The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) has commenced the implementation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Act 2023.
This Act establishes management and regulatory oversight for the utilisation of the Fund under the Constituency Development Program.
Speaking during the sine die motion in Parliament, Friday, Minister Rollen Seleso described the CDF Act 2023 as a progressive and forward-looking piece of legislation.
He noted that while the Act has already been implemented, there may be a “settling-in period” required before it can be fully operational and achieve its intended goals.
“All parties involved in utilising the CDF will need time to become familiar with the provisions of the legislation to ensure effective implementation,” Minister Seleso stated.
“There may also be a need for future reviews of some provisions to ensure they remain relevant to the evolving context.”
Despite some criticisms labeling it a “half-cooked legislation,” Minister Seleso expressed confidence in the reforms introduced by the Act, emphasizing that these changes mark significant progress in how the CDF is managed by MRD and its Constituency Offices.
He called on stakeholders to celebrate these legislative advancements.
One of the key requirements of the Act is the establishment of Constituency Development Offices.
According to Minister Seleso, most of these offices have already been established, with all 50 constituencies now having Constituency Development Officers, Project Officers, and Accountants in place. These offices are actively undertaking their roles to support their respective constituencies.
Minister Seleso highlighted the importance of Constituency Offices as the primary operational structures for the Constituency Development Program.
He encouraged citizens to engage with their local officers and seek information on constituency matters through these offices.
To support the administration of these offices, MRD will collaborate with the 50 Constituency Offices to develop a standard operating procedure.
This will ensure that operations are conducted in compliance with the relevant regulations and the provisions of the CDF Act.
Another significant governance structure introduced by the Act is the Constituency Development Committee (CDC). Minister Seleso underscored the critical role of the CDC in constituency-level development planning, implementation, and monitoring. Guidelines for the roles and responsibilities of the CDC have been provided under the new legislation.
“Although still in its early stages, the CDC is expected to play a pivotal role in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the Constituency Development Program across all constituencies and communities in the Solomon Islands,” he said.
Minister Seleso stressed that the success of the Constituency Development Program and the effective use of the CDF depend significantly on the work and oversight of the CDCs.
He urged those appointed to the CDCs to approach their roles seriously and execute their mandates inclusively and comprehensively.
Regarding the CDF Regulations, Minister Seleso revealed that the Ministry is working closely with the Attorney General’s Chambers to finalise the regulations, with plans to have them gazetted by the first quarter of 2025.
