The Solomon Islands Constituency Development Fund (CDF) was established in 1989 by the government of the late Prime Minister Solomon Mamaloni. Initially introduced alongside the Solomon Islands Communities and Provincial Special Assistance Fund (SICOPSA), the CDF aimed to assist Members of Parliament in responding promptly to the urgent and often emergency needs of their constituents. Although SICOPSA was discontinued after two years, the CDF evolved from the Rural Community Development Fund (RCDF) into its current form.
The Rennell-Bellona constituency, representing the islands of Rennell and Bellona, has utilized CDF allocations to address infrastructure challenges, such as road maintenance, and to support -generating projects and community services. The CDF program has faced scrutiny over governance and accountability. The Solomon Islands Government has responded by passing the Constituency Development Fund Bill 2023, which aims to establish a more inclusive and efficient delivery mechanism for CDFs. The bill emphasizes transparency, accountability, and the establishment of dedicated constituency offices to oversee development programs.
Under the new Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Act 2023, the allocation of funds is strategically structured to promote balanced and inclusive development across various sectors. The distribution is as follows:
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40% to Productive and Resource Sectors: This includes agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, aiming to enhance economic activities and livelihoods in rural areas.
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20% to Essential Services: Funding for health, education, and infrastructure to improve basic services and quality of life.
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20% to Cross-Sectoral and Inclusivity Initiatives: Supporting projects that address multiple sectors and promote inclusive development.
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20% to Social and Cultural Obligations: Allocations for medical assistance, repatriation of deceased individuals, and responses to natural disasters.
This structured approach ensures that CDF resources are utilized effectively to meet the diverse needs of rural communities, fostering sustainable development and improving livelihoods.
The new Solomon Islands RCDF Act 2023 emphasizes audits as vital for ensuring transparency, accountability, and public trust. Regular audits help verify that funds are used properly, deterring misuse or corruption. By making audit reports accessible, the Act empowers citizens with knowledge about how public resources are spent, encouraging responsible governance.