The Small Malaita Constituency Office (SMCO) successfully held its first Constituency Development Committee (CDC) meeting for 2026 from 15 to 16 February at Afio Station.
Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Brown Honimae said that the meeting was held purposefully to discuss the constituency’s key development priorities for the 2026 fiscal year.
Mr. Honimae stated that a key outcome of the meeting was the official endorsement of the constituency’s 2026 budget, priority projects and programs, and the 2026 Annual Work Plan (AWP).
The approved priority projects and programs for 2026 are structured into four sectors according to the CDF Act 2023, as follows:
- The Productive and Resources Sector includes income-generating projects in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fishery, and transport.
- The Essential Services Sector includes education, health, and road transportation networks.
- Cross-sectoral projects approved for this year include road transportation networks, community infrastructure, water supply and sanitation, and women’s programs.
- The Social and Cultural Obligation Sector includes housing schemes.
CDO Honimae said that the committee also appreciated the progress so far on the delivery of the 2025 projects and the annual implementation report.
Meanwhile, CDC Chairman Hon. Hou, MP, acknowledged every member for their invaluable contributions during the meeting. He appreciated their insights and collaboration, which were vital to the meeting’s success.
“…stay engaged and committed to our shared vision as we move forward with our plans to develop our constituency,” Chairman Hou reminded members.
The CDC Chairman and Member of Parliament for Small Malaita Constituency (SMC), Hon. Rick Hou, along with constituency officers and committee members, attended the meeting.
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.
-MRD
