Latest news with #ConstituencyDevelopmentFunds
Scoop
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Central Honiara Constituency Gives Back Over $500K Funding To Churches, Promotes Transparency
Press Release – Solomon Islands MRD This initiative was made possible through the 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 … 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
6 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
GKC Delivers Essential Building Materials To Ghatere Health Clinic Improvement
Press Release – Solomon Islands MRD The support was made possible under the national governments Constituency Development Funds (CDF) programme with funding from the GKC budget allocation for 2024. The Gizo-Kolombangara Constituency (GKC) Office last week (May 23) delivered timely support worth more than $20,000 in essential building materials to Ghatere Clinic on Kolombangara Island, Western Province. The assistance which falls under the essential services was part of the constituency's ongoing commitment and resolute action under the leadership of Honourable Member of Parliament (MP), Jimson Tanangada, to improve healthcare services to communities within the constituency. The support was made possible under the national government's Constituency Development Funds (CDF) programme with funding from the GKC budget allocation for 2024. The hardware materials will support the Ghatere community's ongoing efforts to improve the clinic's infrastructure. Speaking during the handover ceremony, Chairman of the Ghatere Clinic, Martin Pahu, expressed profound gratitude to the GKC Office under the leadership of Honourable Jimson Tanangada for the generous support. 'Today's handover marks a pivotal moment for us, the community here. 'This initiative is a critical response to our pressing needs, especially for our people and local communities who rely on the clinic for health services,' Mr. Pahu stressed. Ghatere Clinic's catchment area extends from Kuzi to Vavanga communities in Central Kolombangara Island. Mr. Pahu said that the support demonstrates the commitment of a leader who recognizes the health needs of his people. 'We are immensely thankful to Hon. Tanangada for recognizing and acting upon our request to improve the state of our clinic. This generous support in the form of building materials is a testament to his dedication to delivering much-needed government services through initiatives aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of the Kolombangara island populace,' Chairman Pahu underscored. Meanwhile, Constituency Development Officer (CDO), Alphonsus Wale, acknowledged the proactive efforts of the clinic committee in revitalizing the facility. 'I want to commend the clinic committee for their initiative to breathe new life into Ghatere Health Clinic. We at GKC are committed to supporting your vision for better healthcare here in Kolombangara,' Mr. Wale assured the attendees. He also thanked the constituents, communities, and leaders of Gizo-Kolombangara for their unwavering support and collaboration with their Member of Parliament and the constituency office. The handing over of materials was witnessed by the clinic committee members and the general public. The Ghatere Health Clinic has long been a lifeline for the surrounding communities, and the recent donations are intended to bolster its infrastructure, ensuring it can continue to provide essential medical care to those in need. 'As the Gizo-Kolombangara Constituency continues to make strides in healthcare development, the handover of building materials serves as a reminder of the importance of collaborative initiatives that prioritize the health and welfare of the community. 'Together, with continued support and dedication, there is hope for a healthier future for all,' CDO Wale emphasized.
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
Central Honiara Constituency Gives Back Over $500K Funding To Churches, Promotes Transparency
Press Release – Solomon Islands MRD This initiative was made possible through the 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 … 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
6 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
GKC Delivers Essential Building Materials To Ghatere Health Clinic Improvement
The Gizo-Kolombangara Constituency (GKC) Office last week (May 23) delivered timely support worth more than $20,000 in essential building materials to Ghatere Clinic on Kolombangara Island, Western Province. The assistance which falls under the essential services was part of the constituency's ongoing commitment and resolute action under the leadership of Honourable Member of Parliament (MP), Jimson Tanangada, to improve healthcare services to communities within the constituency. The support was made possible under the national government's Constituency Development Funds (CDF) programme with funding from the GKC budget allocation for 2024. The hardware materials will support the Ghatere community's ongoing efforts to improve the clinic's infrastructure. Speaking during the handover ceremony, Chairman of the Ghatere Clinic, Martin Pahu, expressed profound gratitude to the GKC Office under the leadership of Honourable Jimson Tanangada for the generous support. 'Today's handover marks a pivotal moment for us, the community here. 'This initiative is a critical response to our pressing needs, especially for our people and local communities who rely on the clinic for health services,' Mr. Pahu stressed. Ghatere Clinic's catchment area extends from Kuzi to Vavanga communities in Central Kolombangara Island. Mr. Pahu said that the support demonstrates the commitment of a leader who recognizes the health needs of his people. 'We are immensely thankful to Hon. Tanangada for recognizing and acting upon our request to improve the state of our clinic. This generous support in the form of building materials is a testament to his dedication to delivering much-needed government services through initiatives aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of the Kolombangara island populace,' Chairman Pahu underscored. Meanwhile, Constituency Development Officer (CDO), Alphonsus Wale, acknowledged the proactive efforts of the clinic committee in revitalizing the facility. 'I want to commend the clinic committee for their initiative to breathe new life into Ghatere Health Clinic. We at GKC are committed to supporting your vision for better healthcare here in Kolombangara,' Mr. Wale assured the attendees. He also thanked the constituents, communities, and leaders of Gizo-Kolombangara for their unwavering support and collaboration with their Member of Parliament and the constituency office. The handing over of materials was witnessed by the clinic committee members and the general public. The Ghatere Health Clinic has long been a lifeline for the surrounding communities, and the recent donations are intended to bolster its infrastructure, ensuring it can continue to provide essential medical care to those in need. 'As the Gizo-Kolombangara Constituency continues to make strides in healthcare development, the handover of building materials serves as a reminder of the importance of collaborative initiatives that prioritize the health and welfare of the community. 'Together, with continued support and dedication, there is hope for a healthier future for all,' CDO Wale emphasized.
