North Guadalcanal champions CDF accountability
The era of desired change has arrived for the North Guadalcanal Constituency (NGC) as it takes the lead in Constituency Development Funds (CDF) audit compliance.
This marks a significant step in promoting transparency and accountability in the delivery of its CDF under the national government’s Constituency Development Programme (CDP).
Recently, the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) conducted an internal procurement audit and compliance spot check on the constituency’s 2024 CDF budget expenditures.
MRD was satisfied with the high-level of compliance established by the Constituency office in relation to the government’s procurement and financial management guidelines as required by the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA) 2013 and the CDF Act 2023.
The spot-audit was conducted as part of the initial legislative and administrative reform program and work plan to be undertaken by the MRD in 2025 as provided for under the CDF Act 2023 and other public financial management requirements.
The exercise was undertaken with the invitation made by and fully supported by the NGC through the proactive support of its MP Hon. Dr. Paul Bosawai.
The MRD team go over the sourcing documents for compliance check
Compliance spot checks are important for ensuring organizations’ ongoing adherence to guidelines and internal financial management procedures to avoid fiduciary risks and legal consequences in the administration and implementation of the CDP and CDF.
They also help detect and address weaknesses in internal controls which are important mechanisms whenever public funds are being utilised on behalf of the people.
Financial Controller Paul Gregory Alalo, who led the MRD team for the compliance check, recognized Hon. Minister Bosawai and his constituency team for the job well done.
“I am satisfied. Your compliance with the government’s procurement guidelines, procedures, and policies is outstanding. You have set the precedent, and this is the standard that we encourage other constituencies to emulate,” Mr. Alalo emphasized.
Mr. Alalo then encouraged the constituency team to continue the good work and to keep supporting their MP for the constituency’s prosperity.
MRD Director of Rural Development Division Milfred Delemani shared similar sentiments.
While acknowledging Hon. Dr. Bosawai for his bold step, Mr. Delemani highlighted that NGC is the first-ever constituency to support the MRD reform efforts on spot audit.
“This really paves the way forward for good governance, transparency, and accountability, in alignment with the CDF Act 2023.You are setting the pace for all constituencies in financial and procurement audits.
“I am heartened to see such proactive, passionate, and energetic leaders like you taking the courage to initiate and set out new directions and setting the standards for the betterment of your people and the wider Solomon Islands,” Mr. Delemani said.
Hon. Dr Bosawai shares his greater plans for his constituency development aspirations and for the country with the MRD team during the compliance spot check activity
MRD Director of Governance, Noel Matea, stressed that audit compliance has been a challenge for the ministry over the years, but with the enforcement of the CDF Act 2023, it became legally necessary for every constituency to comply with the legislative guidelines and policies to avoid legal implications.
“You have set a standard, and this is the highest standard we encourage every constituency to fulfill,” Mr. Matea said.
Meanwhile, Hon. Dr. Bosawai acknowledged the MRD team for accepting his invitation to initiate the audit spot-check with his Constituency.
“It is good to start something, somewhere as an example for other constituencies because we are using Public Funds.
“I have a big dream, and that is to build and create a better Solomon Islands so that one day everyone can enjoy its prosperity.
“My intention in involving myself in politics is not to win elections but to bring the change that my people have long hoped for.
“To realize that change, we must unite in our determination and efforts. The change must begin with us. Navigating change is tough, and as leaders, we cannot expect change to happen miraculously unless we are willing to reflect, learn, and grow,” Hon. Dr. Bosawai said.
MRD Financial Controller, Paul Alalo raises a point during the compliance check exercise with Hon. Dr Bosawai and his team
Hon. Dr. Bosawai also said that as part of the transformative leadership and change he is advocating for his constituency; he has also directed his constituency office and informed his constituency that no member of his immediate family will receive assistance or project under the NGC CDF allocation.
“I have restricted my own Bosawai family from the NGC CDF support, not because I wanted to attract attention and admiration from people, but because I know God has already blessed my family with just enough, and now it is time to prioritize the needs and well-being of others.
“More importantly by doing this, I am limiting myself from any form of conflict of interest which may jeopardise my own integrity as a leader for my own constituents and the country,” he explained.
Hon. Dr. Bosawai also took the opportunity to discuss his greater plans for his constituency development aspirations, aiming to deliver tangible developments that will grow the rural economy and support rural communities’ livelihoods for a better life.
Hon. Dr. Bosawai is a first-time MP for NGC. His first major project delivered last year was the improvement of road infrastructures within his constituency.
This year, NGC focuses on income-generating projects to support communities and constituents who are keen to participate in economic initiatives and improving rural livelihoods.
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MRD statement