Government supports Auditor General’s initiative to strengthen transparency, accountability and public trust in management of Constituency Development Fund

BY NED GAGAHE

Government has formally endorsed the use of Community Participatory Audits (CPA) by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) as part of efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and public trust in the management of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

The CPA initiative was piloted in North Guadalcanal and East Are’are constituencies. The CPA for North Guadalcanal has been completed and its report is expected soon. CPA for East Are’are is also expected to begin soon.

Minister for Rural Development (MRD), Daniel Waneoroa, announced government’s support during the launch of the Community Participatory Audit initiative at Heritage Park Hotel yesterday.

Speaking at the event, Mr Waneoroa said the initiative marks a significant step towards improving oversight of the country’s CDF programme, which distributes about $250 million annually to constituencies nationwide.

“Today, we turn a new leaf by formally endorsing the Office of the Auditor General’s use of Community Participatory Audits in the auditing of the Constituency Development Funds,” he said.

He said public perception of the CDF had for years been affected by concerns over unfair distribution and a lack of transparency.

“For too long, public perception of these funds has been marred by stories of unfair distribution and a lack of transparency,” he said.

Waneoroa said the government’s support for the initiative is grounded in its commitment to citizen participation, accountability and the rule of law.

He said under Section 30 of the Constituency Development Funds Act 2023, the CDF is subject to audit by the Auditor General, while the Constitution also mandates the Auditor General to audit all government authorities.

The minister said the CDF Act 2023 introduced stronger accountability measures, including penalties of up to $100,000 in fines or five years imprisonment for Members of Parliament and public officers found guilty of misappropriating CDF funds.

He described the Community Participatory Audit approach as a “game-changer” because it goes beyond traditional auditing methods by involving citizens directly in the verification of projects funded under the programme.

“Traditional auditing often looks only at paper; Community Participatory Audits look at reality through the eyes of our people,” he said.

“Our constituents are the ones who see every day if a water tank was delivered or a clinic was built.”

The initiative will see the OAG work closely with civil society organisations and community members to gather evidence on whether constituency-funded projects have been delivered as intended.

Mr Waneoroa said the approach will ensure that diverse voices, including those from marginalised groups, are represented in the oversight of public resources.

He said the audits will also help constituency offices improve record-keeping, compliance and service delivery.

“This is not about catching people; it is about providing Constituency Officers, Constituency Development Committees, Members of Parliament and community leaders with the feedback they need to improve decision-making and better serve their people,” he said.

The OAG has already launched pilot audits in North Guadalcanal and East Are’are constituencies, with plans to expand the programme nationwide.

Mr Waneoroa said his ministry will explore ways to financially support the OAG to roll out the initiative across all 50 constituencies.

He calls on Members of Parliament, Constituency Development Offices and community leaders to fully cooperate with auditors as the programme expands.

“Let us embrace this opportunity to show that the CDF can be a trusted engine of growth,” he said.

“By opening ourselves to the scrutiny of the people we serve, we prove our commitment to a prosperous, accountable and united Solomon Islands.”

Photo credit: Ned Gagahe

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BY TONY IROGA

The National Sports Council (NSC) has congratulated Dr Clyde Puilingi on his appointment to the UNESCO Global Task Force of Experts 2026–2027 on Traditional Pharmacopoeia in the Context of Sport Values, Ethics and Integrity.

Dr Puilingi is the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).

“His appointment places him among a group of international experts working with UNESCO under the International Convention against Doping in Sport,” the NSC statement said over the weekend.

The Task Force will study how traditional knowledge systems can be linked with modern anti-doping efforts. It will also focus on athlete protection, integrity, and ethical practices in sport around the world.

NSC described the appointment as a proud achievement for Dr Puilingi and the Solomon Islands.

“This appointment reflects the depth of expertise within our national institutions, particularly SINU, and highlights the important role our scholars and researchers continue to play in global sporting discourse,” NSC said.

NSC said the appointment shows that Solomon Islands experts can contribute to important international discussions on sport and research.

The statement highlighted that Dr Puilingi’s involvement will help strengthen the Solomon Islands’ voice in global discussions on clean sport and create opportunities for collaboration with international researchers and policy experts.

NSC said that it is confident that Dr Puilingi will make a valuable contribution to UNESCO’s work and the promotion of ethical standards in sport.

Photo credit: NSC

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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA

More than 40 university students gathered at Saora Theological College over the weekend for the annual June Camp Conference organised by the Solomon Islands Universities Christian Fellowship (SIUCF).

The three-day conference, held from June 19 to 21, brought together students from the University of the South Pacific (USP) and Solomon Islands National University (SINU) for fellowship, Bible study and spiritual growth.

This year’s conference was themed “A New King”, based on 1 Samuel 8, and was led by SIUCF National Director, Edward Wate.

The conference aimed to train and equip students with practical tools to help them study the Bible effectively through small group discussions and keynote talks centered on the conference theme.

The gathering also provided students with an opportunity to relax after their examinations, connect with fellow believers and deepen their understanding of Jesus Christ through Bible study and fellowship.

Participants attended a series of Bible talks and group sessions focused on the lessons and teachings found in 1 Samuel 8.

A total of 53 students registered for the conference, however only 40 were able to attend.

Conference facilitators expressed gratitude for the successful event and thanked God for those who participated.

“We are grateful to God for the students who were able to attend and continue to pray for those who could not join this year due to studies and other commitments,” a facilitator said.

The annual June Camp Conference remains one of SIUCF’s key programs that aim to strengthen the faith and leadership of university students in Solomon Islands.

Photo: Supplied

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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA

As part of the social safeguard requirements under the second Solomon Islands Roads and aviation Project (SIRAP2), FinnOC has successfully concluded a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Awareness Training in Honiara and Santa Cruz on May 23 to 25 and June 9 to 11 2026.

FinnOC Global consultancy company provides services in planning, procurement and implementation of sectoral development projects.

A statement from SIRAP2 said the training forms part of ongoing efforts to promote safe, inclusive, and respectful communities during the implementation of activities supported under SIRAP2.

The SIRAP2 project is funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA).

The training sessions brought together workers from the contractors engaged in the Aviation Building Complex, Air Traffic Control Tower and Santa Cruz Airport Upgrade works, alongside representatives from nearby communities, services providers, local authorities, and other stakeholders.

The initiative aims to equip participants with a deeper understanding of GBV, sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual harassment. It also strengthened awareness of prevention strategies, reporting mechanisms, and survivor-centered response approaches.

Participants learned about key concepts relating to GBV risks in project environments, as well as the roles and responsible of individuals and institutions in preventing and responding to incidents of violence, exploitation, and harassments. 

FinnOC emphasised the importance of continued awareness and capacity building to reduce social risks associated with infrastructure development projects.

Permanent Secretary of MCA, Mr Alwyn Danitofea, said the Government is committed to ensure that all infrastructure projects are delivered safely and responsibly, with strong attention to the well-being of workers and surrounding communities.

“Training such as this is essential in strengthening awareness, preventing harm, and ensuring that all stakeholders understand their responsibilities in maintaining safe and respectful environments,” he said.

The training also provided an opportunity for participants to discuss local challenges, strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, and improve understanding of available support services for survivors of GBV.

Participants welcomed the initiative and acknowledge the importance of continued awareness activities to promote community well-being, gender equality, and protection of vulnerable groups.   

Photo credit: SIRAP2

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

SOLOMON Islands has become the first country in the Pacific region to implement the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative (PHCPI) framework, marking a significant milestone in strengthening healthcare services across the country.

The achievement was highlighted during the opening of the Western Province Health Summit last week, where Australia’s First Secretary for Health, Jemma Thompson, commended Solomon Islands for taking a leadership role in adopting the globally recognised framework.

Thompson said the PHCPI framework helps countries and communities focus on what matters most in primary healthcare by linking investments in health systems with the actual health outcomes experienced by people.

“The PHCPI links investments in health systems, including staffing, facilities, medicines and funding, with service delivery and the actual health outcomes experienced by communities,” Thompson said.

She said the approach goes beyond simply counting activities and outputs, instead it provides a clearer picture of how well the health system is functioning.

Thompson said the initiative enables health authorities to monitor progress over time and compare performance across provinces in a fair and constructive manner.

“This supports better targeting of investments and reforms so that limited resources are directed to areas where they can make the greatest impact.

“PHCPI asks questions about how well the system is working, where quality is strong, and where there are gaps or bottlenecks that hold performance back,” she said.

Thompson added that the framework aligns closely with Solomon Islands’ national health strategies and its commitment to achieve universal health coverage, ensuring that all citizens can access essential health services without suffering financial hardship.

She praised the country for pioneering the implementation of the initiative at the sub-national level.

“It is worth acknowledging that Solomon Islands is showing leadership as the first country in the Pacific to apply this approach sub-nationally. This is something we can be proud of,” she said.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is already using the PHCPI framework to assess and improve the national health system.

Through the development of local Vital Signs Profiles (VSP) and provincial scorecards, the framework supports evidence-based planning and decision-making with primary focus on critical areas including healthcare financing, service capacity, performance monitoring and equitable access to health services across the country’s scattered islands.

The adoption of PHCPI is expected to further strengthen primary healthcare delivery and support Solomon Islands’ ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes for communities throughout the nation.

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Prime Minister Matthew Wale has assured his constituents that his previous and future overseas visits will benefit the country. 

PM Wale made the assurance on Sunday, June 21, during his constituency visit to the Lalana community, ward 30. 

He said his overseas visits are mainly to reset and strengthen Solomon Islands’ relationships and enhance partnerships with Solomon Islands’ friends. 

He said that on Friday, June 26, he will begin his overseas travels once more to restructure the relationships. 

“So, after this visit, on Friday, I will travel to Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Washington DC, Tokyo, the UN, and then to Europe.

“All these overseas visits are to put all our relationships straight forward and to make sure we can benefit from them for the longer term,” he said.

He hopes that from the visits, his government will at least achieve what needs to be done for the good of the people of this country.

“Many times, our people have raised their complaints about the Rural Constituency Development Fund (RCDF). From the visits, we will seek possible ways to address and support our people,” he said.

Walew said he will try his very best to show how the government should run in addressing what this country needs, even though they have only two years to lead the country.

Meanwhile, he also promised that his government will find a way forward to improve the country’s currency.

“We want to see our people get many things when they buy with a 100 note. It is very sad when we buy with 100 notes and only get a few things,” he said.

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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA

Rising from the sea around Isabel Province, a new sculpture by British artist, Jason deCaires Taylor, was installed last week. 

Former Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele, whose constituency is in Isabel, and British High Commissioner, HE Paul Turner, attended the opening event, a statement by the UK High Commission yesterday said.

The live-size sculpture, called ‘Solomon Siren’, depicts the story of climate activist, Gladys Habu Bartlett, whose ancestral land on Kale Island has gradually disappeared beneath the sea, the statement said. 

Over the past two decades, rising sea levels have inundated the island, forcing her family to relocate. 

In recent years, Gladys has highlighted the plight of Kale to demonstrate the world’s complacency towards the threat faced by many small island states in the Pacific, the UK High Commission said. 

A new assessment by the UN indicates that global sea levels are increasing at twice the rate of a decade ago.

The sculpture of stainless steel and concrete depicts a life-size figure of Gladys, her head resting against a tree stump, the statement said. 

The figure represents all women in the community, reflecting on the loss of their lands to the sea.  At high tide, the sea submerges a large part of the figure. 

The body of the figure is inscribed with a series of dates that mark Kale Island’s fate: 2006, when rising sea waters became alarming; 2016, when scientists confirmed the complete loss of Kale; and 2026, the year the sculpture was installed, the statement said.

“The sculpture will serve as a memorial to the vanished island of Kale,” said artist Taylor. 

Taylor, who is based in London, is an award-winning sculptor who is widely regarded as the founder of underwater art. 

He has constructed sculptures in seas all over the world, including in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean. 

Through his works, he aims to draw attention to the fragility of the maritime environment and the communities in these regions.

Manele and HE Turner opened the event last Thursday with Gladys Bartlett cutting the ribbon.  Turner told the community that the UK will continue to be a voice for Pacific Island states on climate action, the UK High Commission statement said. 

He said that ‘Solomon Siren’ is yet another wake-up call for climate-change deniers to understand the impact of rising sea-levels on people’s lives. 

The timing is perfect just before the COP Summit.

The official opening was attended by landowners of Kale and the provincial community who marked the poignant event with songs and prayers. 

As everyone departed in the late afternoon, the Solomon Siren stood alone against the incoming tide, as it will for many years to come.

Photos credit: UK High Commission

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