Members of East Makira Constituency Development Committee with MP Franklyn Derek Wasi.
EMC holds inaugural CDC meeting, charts 2025 development priorities
The East Makira Constituency (EMC) has taken a significant step toward advancing community development by convening its first Constituency Development Committee (CDC) meeting on June 6th, 2025, in Honiara.
The meeting was held purposely to chart and discuss key development opportunities, priorities, and preparation for the 2025 Constituency Development Funds (CDF) program implementation.
It brought together CDC members, constituency officers, and Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) officials.
The inaugural meeting focused on critical areas to ensure alignment with the CDF Act 2023 and to lay the groundwork for effective development planning.
Key agenda items included:
- Review of 2024 projects: Assessing progress and lessons learned from past initiatives.
- Financial updates: Transparency and accountability in funds management.
- CDC Roles and Responsibilities: Clarifying the committee’s mandate under the CDF Act 2023.
- 2024-2025 Constituency Development Plan (CDP): Setting long-term goals and strategies.
- 2025 Budget and Annual Work Plan (AWP): Prioritising projects and allocating resources for this year 2025.
- Partnership opportunities: Exploring collaborations with development partners and donor-funded programs.
MRD officials, led by Principal Legal Officer Diana Alasia, provided guidance on the CDC’s composition and functions as outlined in the CDF Act 2023.
The CDC, under the CDF Act 2023 Section 13 (4), is responsible for:
- The Coordination of the Constituency Development programs.
- The consideration and approval of the annual budget of the constituency.
- The general management of the Constituency Development Funds under the direct supervision of the Ministry, in consultation with the Constituency Member of Parliament.
- The coordination, monitoring, and supervision of the implementation of approved projects.
- Developing the constituency development plan.
- Public relations and community interactions.
Honourable Franklyn Derek Wasi, CDC Chairman and Member of Parliament for East Makira, in his opening statement, encouraged the CDC members to discuss openly issues affecting the development in their constituency.
“Today marks a significant milestone in how we plan, manage and deliver development for our people. And the establishment of this Committee is a bold step towards inclusive, transparent and accountable governance at the constituency level.
“It signals our commitment to people-driven development that responds to the real needs and priorities of our communities,” Honourable Wasi said.
He further acknowledged the Ministry of Rural Development for its continuous support and guidance towards the development needs of the rural Solomon Islands.
Hon. Wasi said the MRD’s support affirms the National Government’s commitments to strengthen rural development planning and delivery.
“As your Member of Parliament, I am committed to ensuring development resources, including the constituency development fund used wisely, fairly and transparently,” he added.
He added that the role of this committee is central to achieving the goals; this body must be the engine of planning, oversight and accountability, working together to ensure that our projects are inclusive, impactful and sustainable.
Hon. Wasi highlighted that EMC have many challenges from infrastructure gaps and youth unemployment, to education, health, agriculture and climate resilience.
“But our greatest strengths lie in our unity and shared purpose, and together we can achieve more,” he stated.
Constituency Development Officer (CDO), Timan Tauni, echoed similar sentiments while emphasising the importance of unity and partnership. “By working within the framework of the CDF Act 2023, we can elevate our development aspirations and deliver tangible benefits to our rural communities,” he added.
Ends////with photos
MRD Principal Legal Officer Diana Alasia presenting the CDF Act 2023.
Members of EMC CDC at the meeting.
EMC Constituency Project Officer Jonas Kurio.
Members of the EMC CDC and a constituency officer.
A member of the EMC CDC during the meeting.
Source: MRD Media