Dr. Paul Bosawai looking on from the back with his
constituency officers together with the MRD officials. On
the table are sourcing documents and files prepared for the
audit compliance spot-check.
(Photo/Supplied)
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 and was satisfied to note the
high-level of compliance established by the Constituency
office in relation to the government’s procurement and
financial management guidelines particularly 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 Honourable Dr. Paul
Bosawai.
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Compliance spot checks are important for
ensuring organizations’ ongoing adherence to guidelines,
internal financial management procedures, and best practices
to avoid and minimise fiduciary risks and legal consequences
in the administration and implementation of the CDP and CDF
as the source funding. 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
precedence, 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, and, most
importantly, to always adhere to the government’s
procurement guidelines and principles.
MRD Director of
Rural Development Division (RDD) 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 and particularly in this spot audit on its CDF
expenditures.
“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 audit,” Mr
Delemani said.
“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
underscored.
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 become 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 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 emphasized.
Hon. Dr. Bosawai
also asserted 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.
Under the CDF Act 2023, Section 30, the
CDF is subject to
audit.
