Latest news with #CDFAct2023
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Minister Waneoroa Opens CDF Governance Workshop For Constituency Officers In Honiara
Press Release – Solomon Islands MRD The workshop is one of the key priority activities under MRD annual work plan for this year with the sole objective to; capacitate constituency officers with foundational knowledge on the CDF Act 2023 and the CDF Governance Framework. The Minister for the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), Honourable Member of Parliament Daniel Waneoroa this morning officially opens the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) Governance Training workshop and Program Implementation, welcoming 150 Constituency officers and 50 Constituency Development Committee (CDC) Secretaries members to the 4-days sessions in Honiara. The workshop is one of the key priority activities under MRD annual work plan for this year with the sole objective to; capacitate constituency officers with foundational knowledge on the CDF Act 2023 and the CDF Governance Framework. In his official remarks, Hon. Minister Waneoroa said, that, as the Minister responsible for the Ministry, he has the biggest task of overseeing and ensuring the delivery of the SIG largest development budget and its projects under the Constituency Program. 'This is a task that I will ensure we all work together to achieve. You all present here today play a major role to achieving and successfully deliver this program. 'As I alluded to in my response to the Speech from the Throne in the current Parliament meeting, this workshop and other activities related to the national Government's policy will guide the MRD's work program for this year and the coming ones,' Hon. Minister Waneoroa emphasized. The minister outlined that under the GNUT Policy Statement and specific to the Section 8.3 on the Resource Sector, MRD is mandated to work on the following policy areas: • Strengthen processes to improve accountability and transparency in administering CDF funds to ensure compliance with CDF Act 2023 and Public Finance Management Act and Regulations; • Promote and utilize constituency funds to decentralize development activities and improve rural livelihood and services; • Review and implement policies and legislation to strengthen constituency development and services; • Prioritize the establishments of Constituency Development Growth Centers (CDGC) in constituencies to decentralize development activities and provide government services to rural areas; and • Implement relevant organizational and functional restructuring within the ministry to align with relevant provisions of the CDF Act 2023. Hon. Minister Waneoroa told the participating officers that the introduction of the CDF Act 2023 necessitates the importance of building our capacities to work on and familiarise ourselves with the changes brought about both in the legislative and administrative aspects of our program. 'Being strategic within this new legal framework as a Ministry and making ourselves relevant in the whole of the government system is important. Thus, everything that we do today either through this workshop or other community-based trainings and administrative guidelines provided by MRD is important for our area of work and to achieving the policy directions of the national government.' Hon. Minister Waneoroa said that 'capacity development for all constituency officers in the critical areas required to improve effective and efficient service delivery in the rural communities will be prioritised for all constituency officers.' The training workshop is purposely designed to achieve the following key outcomes: • Participants will be able to explain the key provisions of the CDF Act 2023 and how it governs constituency development, ensuring compliance with legal and accountability requirements. • participate in the review of the draft of the CDF Act 2023 Regulations and provide informed feedback to ensure that constituency perspectives are incorporated into the final document. • broaden the understanding in the structure, roles, and responsibilities of the Constituency Development Committee (CDC) under the CDF Act 2023 and apply this knowledge in constituency governance. • Participants will be able to identify and use the mandatory templates and the development of constituency plans and reports. • Briefed on the implementation guidelines for PRC RSDP Phase Two and other related future matters on this funding. • Be able to design and implement effective civic-awareness initiatives and communications guideline and methods to improve public understanding of the CDF program and its regulatory framework. 'My good officers, as you go through the various topics of training over the next 4 days, I appeal to you to make good use of this opportunity to learn as much as you can. 'I hope that through this workshop you will develop skills and acquire knowledge which will support you to deliver your work more productively with our constituents and for our rural people,' Hon. Minister Waneoroa said. He thanked everyone for making all efforts to attend this important training and also conveyed well wishes to everyone for a successful training.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Minister Waneoroa Opens CDF Governance Workshop For Constituency Officers In Honiara
The Minister for the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), Honourable Member of Parliament Daniel Waneoroa this morning officially opens the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) Governance Training workshop and Program Implementation, welcoming 150 Constituency officers and 50 Constituency Development Committee (CDC) Secretaries members to the 4-days sessions in Honiara. The workshop is one of the key priority activities under MRD annual work plan for this year with the sole objective to; capacitate constituency officers with foundational knowledge on the CDF Act 2023 and the CDF Governance Framework. In his official remarks, Hon. Minister Waneoroa said, that, as the Minister responsible for the Ministry, he has the biggest task of overseeing and ensuring the delivery of the SIG largest development budget and its projects under the Constituency Program. 'This is a task that I will ensure we all work together to achieve. You all present here today play a major role to achieving and successfully deliver this program. 'As I alluded to in my response to the Speech from the Throne in the current Parliament meeting, this workshop and other activities related to the national Government's policy will guide the MRD's work program for this year and the coming ones,' Hon. Minister Waneoroa emphasized. The minister outlined that under the GNUT Policy Statement and specific to the Section 8.3 on the Resource Sector, MRD is mandated to work on the following policy areas: • Strengthen processes to improve accountability and transparency in administering CDF funds to ensure compliance with CDF Act 2023 and Public Finance Management Act and Regulations; • Promote and utilize constituency funds to decentralize development activities and improve rural livelihood and services; • Review and implement policies and legislation to strengthen constituency development and services; • Prioritize the establishments of Constituency Development Growth Centers (CDGC) in constituencies to decentralize development activities and provide government services to rural areas; and • Implement relevant organizational and functional restructuring within the ministry to align with relevant provisions of the CDF Act 2023. Hon. Minister Waneoroa told the participating officers that the introduction of the CDF Act 2023 necessitates the importance of building our capacities to work on and familiarise ourselves with the changes brought about both in the legislative and administrative aspects of our program. 'Being strategic within this new legal framework as a Ministry and making ourselves relevant in the whole of the government system is important. Thus, everything that we do today either through this workshop or other community-based trainings and administrative guidelines provided by MRD is important for our area of work and to achieving the policy directions of the national government.' Hon. Minister Waneoroa said that 'capacity development for all constituency officers in the critical areas required to improve effective and efficient service delivery in the rural communities will be prioritised for all constituency officers.' The training workshop is purposely designed to achieve the following key outcomes: • Participants will be able to explain the key provisions of the CDF Act 2023 and how it governs constituency development, ensuring compliance with legal and accountability requirements. • participate in the review of the draft of the CDF Act 2023 Regulations and provide informed feedback to ensure that constituency perspectives are incorporated into the final document. • broaden the understanding in the structure, roles, and responsibilities of the Constituency Development Committee (CDC) under the CDF Act 2023 and apply this knowledge in constituency governance. • Participants will be able to identify and use the mandatory templates and the development of constituency plans and reports. • Briefed on the implementation guidelines for PRC RSDP Phase Two and other related future matters on this funding. • Be able to design and implement effective civic-awareness initiatives and communications guideline and methods to improve public understanding of the CDF program and its regulatory framework. 'My good officers, as you go through the various topics of training over the next 4 days, I appeal to you to make good use of this opportunity to learn as much as you can. 'I hope that through this workshop you will develop skills and acquire knowledge which will support you to deliver your work more productively with our constituents and for our rural people,' Hon. Minister Waneoroa said. He thanked everyone for making all efforts to attend this important training and also conveyed well wishes to everyone for a successful training.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Central Honiara Constituency Gives Back Over $500K Funding To Churches, Promotes Transparency
The Central Honiara Constituency (CHC) office on May 17, 2025, commenced the rollout of its $546,323.76 funding support program to 42 churches in the constituency. To date, 18 of the 42 churches have received their financial support in the form of tithes and offerings, with others scheduled to receive theirs throughout this week and next week, once the constituency office receives their bank details. This initiative was made possible through the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) Church Grants arrangement for church organizations under the Ministry of Traditional Governance and Ecclesiastical Affairs (MTGEA) and the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), under the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) program. Half of the funding came from the Church Grants, while the remaining amount was allocated from the CDF under the CHC's 2024 budget. A ceremony to kick off the program's implementation was held at Holy Cross Cathedral on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in the presence of media and the public. Having the media and the public witness the disbursement is part of the constituency office's ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability, under the esteemed leadership of Honourable Gordon Darcy Lilo, in line with the new CDF Act 2023. Earlier this month, CHC also delivered two buses to Mataniko Pikinini Clinic and Mbokonavera Clinic to support healthcare services for both health workers and patients within the constituency. Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Paul Rexford stated that MP Lilo and the constituency office are pleased to facilitate support to the churches. 'Giving back to churches what is due to them is important to ensure they can support their operations and outreach programs to spread the gospel of our Lord and Savior to our people,' he said. He added that CHC, under MP Lilo's guidance, has decided that before delivering other projects, the primary focus is to prioritize Community first—by supporting the churches first. 'Despite Central Honiara having the largest number of registered voters—over 17,000 in the last election—we continue to see it as both fitting and important to give back to these churches through their tithes and offerings. This is to ensure the work of our Lord Jesus Christ continues in this country,' CDO Rexford emphasized. 'As the CDO for CHC, I am humbled and pleased to see church leader's express gratitude and delight for the support provided by the CHC, made possible through the national government via the constituency office. '…As Christians, let us all pray for each other, pray for our constituency and country, and work together as a team for the betterment of CHC and our nation,' Mr. Rexford urged. He also noted that similar support was provided last year through Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo's discretionary fund. 'For 2025, this marks the first time the CHC team has facilitated support through the Church Grant and CDF especially for churches,' he said. 'Under the payout, smaller churches received $10,098.80, while bigger churches—such as Holy Cross Cathedral, Central SSEC, St. Barnabas Cathedral, and Wesley United—received amounts exceeding $10,000,'Mr. Rexford said. Church leaders who attended the ceremony expressed profound gratitude to the government, Hon. Lilo, and the CHC officers for their generous support and commendable efforts for the constituents of CHC. 'This is the first of its kind. It has never happened before. Your wisdom in recognizing churches from all denominations, big and small, is laudable and praiseworthy. Thank you, Hon. Lilo, for your leadership,' the church leaders stated. One church pastor illustrated this with the parable of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19, where Jesus healed ten men with leprosy, but only one returned to thank Him (Lord). 'CHC is like the one who returned to thank Jesus. CHC has come back to give support to its constituents and churches through these tithes and offerings,' Mr. Rexford quoted the pastor. The church leaders assured that churches will continue to pray for the government, CHC constituents, Hon. Lilo, and his officers as they continue serving His people.
Scoop
11-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
MRD Completes Review Of The First ‘Draft CDF Regulations'
Press Release – Solomon Islands MRD The first draft was produced by the Attorney General's Chamber (AGC) based on the Drafting Instructions prepared and submitted by the MRD. MONDAY 5TH MAY, 2025 The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) senior management has successfully concluded a two-day review of the first draft regulations for the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) Act 2023 last week, Thursday. The first draft was produced by the Attorney General's Chamber (AGC) based on the 'Drafting Instructions' prepared and submitted by the MRD. The regulations drafting instructions were developed following extensive consultations the ministry held with integrity institutions, provincial governments, and community stakeholders, which concluded in October 2024. The regulations, which will be cited as the CDF Regulations 2025 once adopted and gazetted by the Minister of MRD, will further support the Ministry to implement the CDF Act 2023 and strengthen the governance and administration of the CDF programme. The CDF regulations, including other reforms undertaken by the MRD, are the ongoing mandatory and legislative reforms the ministry is undertaking to improve and strengthen the delivery mechanisms of the Constituency Development (CD) programme and its governance. Work on reforming the CD programme commenced by MRD in August 2022 with the formulation of the first ever Solomon Islands Constituency Development Policy (SICDP), which was followed by the CDF Act 2023 The CDF Act 2023 was passed by Parliament in December 2023. It came into force on January 5, 2024. Meanwhile, the two-day session provided an opportunity for the MRD senior management to review and refine the draft, provide feedback, and respond to questions from the AGC. The inputs will be used by the AGC drafters for the second round of drafting. Permanent Secretary John Misite'e thanked his management team for their invaluable insights and contributions to the draft during the review process. 'This is a crucial process as it gives the ministry and the AGC a space for exchange of drafts and further instructions until we are satisfied that the draft legislation reflects the policy in a legally implementable form. 'Our team is committed to complete this task and will have the final draft in place before the end of this second quarter.' PS Misite'e also acknowledged the AGC for its support toward this legislative procedure, which will slowly but surely lead to greater transparency and accountability in the administration of CDF, ensuring better outcomes are achieved for community development in Solomon Islands. PS Misite'e also expressed his appreciation to the GNUT government for its ongoing commitment to the CDF programme and support for this legislative reform to improve and strengthen the delivery of services to rural communities across the country. The Constituency Development Programme (CDP) is a national programme of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) administered by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD). It is implemented by the 50 constituencies in the country to improve the socio-economic livelihoods of Solomon Islanders.
Scoop
11-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
MRD Completes Review Of The First ‘Draft CDF Regulations'
MONDAY 5TH MAY, 2025 The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) senior management has successfully concluded a two-day review of the first draft regulations for the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) Act 2023 last week, Thursday. The first draft was produced by the Attorney General's Chamber (AGC) based on the 'Drafting Instructions' prepared and submitted by the MRD. The regulations drafting instructions were developed following extensive consultations the ministry held with integrity institutions, provincial governments, and community stakeholders, which concluded in October 2024. The regulations, which will be cited as the CDF Regulations 2025 once adopted and gazetted by the Minister of MRD, will further support the Ministry to implement the CDF Act 2023 and strengthen the governance and administration of the CDF programme. The CDF regulations, including other reforms undertaken by the MRD, are the ongoing mandatory and legislative reforms the ministry is undertaking to improve and strengthen the delivery mechanisms of the Constituency Development (CD) programme and its governance. Work on reforming the CD programme commenced by MRD in August 2022 with the formulation of the first ever Solomon Islands Constituency Development Policy (SICDP), which was followed by the CDF Act 2023 The CDF Act 2023 was passed by Parliament in December 2023. It came into force on January 5, 2024. Meanwhile, the two-day session provided an opportunity for the MRD senior management to review and refine the draft, provide feedback, and respond to questions from the AGC. The inputs will be used by the AGC drafters for the second round of drafting. Permanent Secretary John Misite'e thanked his management team for their invaluable insights and contributions to the draft during the review process. 'This is a crucial process as it gives the ministry and the AGC a space for exchange of drafts and further instructions until we are satisfied that the draft legislation reflects the policy in a legally implementable form. 'Our team is committed to complete this task and will have the final draft in place before the end of this second quarter.' PS Misite'e also acknowledged the AGC for its support toward this legislative procedure, which will slowly but surely lead to greater transparency and accountability in the administration of CDF, ensuring better outcomes are achieved for community development in Solomon Islands. PS Misite'e also expressed his appreciation to the GNUT government for its ongoing commitment to the CDF programme and support for this legislative reform to improve and strengthen the delivery of services to rural communities across the country. The Constituency Development Programme (CDP) is a national programme of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) administered by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD). It is implemented by the 50 constituencies in the country to improve the socio-economic livelihoods of Solomon Islanders.
