BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is designed to support development and promote self-efficiency in communities, says George Barairamo, Deputy Secretary Technical at the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).
Speaking during a workshop for East Honiara Constituency Zone Committee chairpersons at Maranatha Hall on Thursday last week, he said the CDF is a national programme implemented by MRD under the CDF Act 2023.
He said funds are distributed through two main components; grants and the Preferred Supplier Arrangement (PSA).
“These methods ensure that funds are allocated and utilised effectively to benefit constituencies,” he said.
Mr Barairamo told the attendees that the money does not belong to individual constituencies or Members of Parliament.
“The money belongs to the government and is allocated to improve the livelihoods of people in constituencies, including East Honiara,” he said.
He said the two main components of the CDF include the Solomon Islands Constituency Development Fund support provided by the Solomon Islands Government and the Rural Sustainable Programme.
Mr Barairamo said MRD is responsible in ensuring that the funds are used properly.
“As soon as the money is allocated to the constituency, we must ensure it is used according to its intended purposes,” he said.
He said that the CDF is strictly meant for development activities.
“It is not intended for other purposes such as buying bags of rice, paying compensation, or purchasing bride price. These are not development activities. CDF should support initiatives that transform livelihoods and provide sustainable benefits to communities,” he said.
Mr Barairamo said funds can be accessed by individuals, groups, or communities to support development initiatives that improve people’s lives.
“The purpose of CDF is to provide access to funding for people with special needs and to assist individuals, community groups, and organisations to participate in socio-economic development,” he said.
He said CDF also aims to address unemployment and support small-scale economic activities.
Mr Barairamo said that under the National Development Strategy (NDS), the CDF is aligned with medium-term development goals.
“To support small businesses and develop the rural economy so that there is cash flow in rural areas. This will help create employment opportunities,” he said.
He said CDF can also support construction of small infrastructures such as wharves, bridges, and roads to support community development.
Photo credit: John Houanihau
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