In writing this piece my interest is on the way CDF projects are being implemented that is ensuring tangible developments in rural communities with reported monitoring and evaluation of the various projects.
I write from the perspective of seeing CDF implementation bringing results to the people and I have no interest or desire in making a political point in quoting what was recently published in the Island Sun newspaper
This is the published newspaper article, quote.
The Constituency Development Officer (CDO) of South Vella has described the project implementation approach of Peoples Republic of China as a “game changer” that would lead to tangible development in rural communities.
Lemech Tovavaki made the statement when officials from the Chinese Embassy and Government visited the Economic Growth Center, yesterday.
The visit coincided with the launch of South Vella Coconut Crushing Mill.
Tovavaki stressed that China has shown an important example of how projects should be implemented by establishing strategy from funding to monitoring and evaluation of project.
He added the strategy is a game changer as constituency developments are subjected to proper regulatory system which can lead to tangible development.
“It is fitting for officials from the Chinese embassy in Honiara to visit projects funded under their contribution through the Constituency Development Fund.”
Mr.Tovavaki added that such visits will determine whether the projects are progressing well or not.
“We want to express our gratitude to the People’ Republic of China for core funding our economic growth center and also our Crushing Mill.
“Your visit today displays your determination and commitments towards our community social and economic development.
“Today, we launched the South Vella Crushing Mill, which is fully funded by CDF and I understand that People’s Republic of China have made major contributions to the CDF.
“CDF also plays major role in the development of our economic center and we thank you for your assistance,” he said.
Mr,Tovavaki said the Crushing Mill and Economic Center development project was part of the constituency’s social and economic development.
He said the project will add value to the existing services for people to generate income especially selling of coconuts and other products.
Mr.Tovavaki added that the rehabilitation of Barakoma Airstrip will also bring benefits to the people of South Vella in terms of economic activities.
The Prime Minister’s Policy Advisor for the Productive Sector, Samson Viulu said South Vella is a huge contributor of coconut production in the country and it is fitting for the constituency to venture into coconut crushing mill.
He said the government is looking at improving the benefit of coconut products.
Mr.Viulu added South Vella is one among other constituencies that will be part of a pilot project looking at value adding to the product for greater benefits.
In her speech, Counsellor Rui Gong from the People’s Republic of China said China was keen to support income generating projects that would touch the lives of the people.
End of quote.
In separate news, the women of West Wainoni in East Makira Constituency of Makira Ulawa Province have formed what can be described as a unique Council of Women.
They have registered as the West Wainoni Council of Women, a Charitable, Non-Profitable Organization.
It is unique because its members are both women and men.
She said the West Wainoni Council of Women as a Charitable Non-Profit Organization has received support from the Government through the Rural Development Program and three donor partners namely the Australian Government, the European Union and the World Bank.
Ms Kahia said her organization registered its gratitude to the Government through the RDP Management and staff in Component Two of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the three donor partners for seeing the importance to fund “our request originally for training.
On May 17, the efforts and endeavors of the West Wainoni Council of Women paid off when the RDP Team Leader, Annie Rafeasi handed over a Laptop, a Printer, a Dongle, Accessories and Stationery to the West Wainoni Council of Women’s Vice President, Prudence Katawea and Treasurer, Ms Kahia at the Makira Women’s Resources Centre in Kira Kira.
On receiving the office equipment and accessories and stationery, Ms Kahia described them as an enabling gigantic step in “our efforts and endeavors to serve the development needs and aspirations of our members.
“They will also empower and enable our women to take part in the socio-economic sector to improve their rural communities’ livelihoods and well-being.
“And they will be used to improve and enhance the administrative capacity and capability of our Council of Women when serving rural women and the communities they reside”.
End of quote.
Sources: Island Sun newspaper.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
