By Ednal Palmer
Years of public calls for greater transparency and accountability in the management of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) are finally being answered, with the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) rolling out a new audit approach that goes beyond paperwork and into communities.
The OAG today launched its Citizen Participatory Audit (CPA) initiative after completing its first audit under the programme in North Guadalcanal Constituency.
The exercise is being conducted in accordance with the CDF Act 2023, specifically Section 30, which mandates that all CDF expenditures are subject to audit by the Auditor-General.
Unlike traditional audits that primarily focus on financial records, the CPA involves locally established Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and community members in verifying whether development projects reported on paper have actually been delivered on the ground.
North Guadalcanal and East Are’are are the first two constituencies to voluntarily open their books and welcome auditors into their communities.
While the audit of East Are’are Constituency is expected to commence in the coming months, the report on North Guadalcanal is expected to be released soon.
The CPA focuses on both compliance and performance, assessing not only whether funds were spent according to regulations but also whether intended development outcomes were achieved.
Auditor-General David Dennis Teika said the new participatory approach directly responds to growing public demands for greater scrutiny of constituency funds.
“This audit is answering the public demand that we hear on radio programmes and social media platforms for greater transparency,” Teika said.
He explained that the Citizen Participatory Audit enables communities to play an active role in the auditing process by providing information and feedback on projects and services funded through the CDF.
Minister for Rural Development Daniel Waneoroa described the initiative as a “game-changer” that offers a fresh perspective on public accountability.
“Traditional auditing often looks only at paper,” Waneoroa said.
“Community Participatory Audits look at reality through the eyes of our people, who will form a significant part of the audit process,” Waneoroa said.
“Our constituents are the ones who see every day whether a water tank was delivered or a clinic was built.”
He said the involvement of CSOs and ordinary citizens provides auditors with valuable on-the-ground evidence, strengthening the credibility of audit findings.
“The approach taken by the Office of the Auditor General ensures that diverse voices, including marginalised groups, are represented in the oversight of public resources,” he said.
Waneoroa added that the initiative sends a clear message to Constituency Development Offices, public officers, and communities across the country about the importance of participation, inclusivity, transparency, and accountability.
“Let’s welcome this exercise with open doors and open books,” he said.
