By EDNAL PALMER
The North Guadalcanal Constituency has become the first constituency in Solomon Islands to voluntarily open its records for auditing under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Act 2023, setting a benchmark for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
Speaking during the launch of the Office of the Auditor General’s (OAG) nationwide CDF audit programme this week, North Guadalcanal Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Simon Ngoli encouraged other constituencies to embrace the audit process.
Ngoli admitted that constituency staff were initially anxious when informed that auditors would be reviewing their records, but stressed that accountability comes with the responsibility of managing public funds.
“We were very nervous when we learned that auditors were coming,” he said. “But we are managing people’s funds, therefore it is our duty to report on how we manage and execute them.”
He said audits should not be viewed as fault-finding exercises but as opportunities to improve record-keeping, strengthen management systems, and ensure compliance with the requirements of the CDF framework.
The audit of North Guadalcanal Constituency has now been completed, with the Auditor General’s report expected to be released soon.
The next constituency scheduled for audit is East Are’are. Its Member of Parliament, Peter Kenilorea Jr., welcomed the exercise, describing it as long overdue and essential for building public trust.
“Often, people in the communities think these supports come from the MP,” Kenilorea said. “They thank me for providing this and that, but I always tell them it is your money, not my money.”
While acknowledging the positive impact CDF projects have had on communities, he said independent audits are necessary to ensure transparency, accountability, and confidence in the system.
“This exercise will also boost the confidence of donors, not only in the management of the funds but also in our management systems,” he added.
Auditor General David Teika Dennis said the audits are intended to support constituencies in improving their operations and meeting the standards set out under the CDF Act 2023.
“These audits provide CDOs with reliable and timely information to support better decision-making and ensure they are meeting the high standards established by the 2023 Act,” Teika said.
“It is not just about finding fault; it is about fostering a culture of compliance and service excellence.”
Minister for Rural Development Daniel Waneoroa echoed those sentiments, reminding constituency staff that under the CDF Act 2023 they are contracted public officers who must uphold professionalism, prudence, and transparency.
He also called on constituents to play their part by implementing community projects responsibly and inclusively.
“I call upon my fellow Members of Parliament, all CDOs, and all community leaders to welcome the OAG teams with open doors and open books as we roll out this programme nationally,” Waneoroa said.
“Let us embrace this opportunity to show that the CDF can be a trusted engine of growth. By opening ourselves to the scrutiny of the people we serve, we prove our commitment to a prosperous, accountable and united Solomon Islands.”
The national audit programme marks the first comprehensive review of constituency-managed CDF funds under the new legislation and is expected to strengthen public confidence in the management of one of the country’s most significant development funding mechanisms.
