AN introduced formula considered to reflect fair allocations of Constituency Development Funds (CDF) to all 50 constituencies was passed as a motion in Parliament last week.

The motion to create the formula for distributing CDF was moved by the Leader of the Independent Group Hon Dr Derek Sikua.

The Leader of the Independent Group said he was asked by his constituents to see how the allocation of CDF can be done in a transparent and equitable manner based on population, remoteness and hardship factors

“For my constituency alone, I have an estimated population of just over 15,600 people in Northeast Guadalcanal constituency. And if you divide the allocation that each constituency was given $6.5million for the 2017 financial year equally to each of my constituents, each person would get something like $416.18 each,” said Hon Sikua.

Hon Sikua clarified that the CDF funds he referred to in this motion are basically the Solomon Islands Government Funds to support constituency development; the SSCD Funds and the Cash Grants that come with it as well as the Republic of China Taiwan Funds which are basically cash grants, but they may also include those funds that are paid directly to constituencies from Government.

Other Members who contributed to the motion suggested that factors such as land terrain, weather conditions, time and effort to get to a certain place and generally the physical nature of constituencies must be considered when making the formula.

According to Parliament, a total of 18 members from both sides of the house including the Prime Minister and the Leader of Opposition spoke in support of the motion.

With the motion now passed, it is up to Government to create and implement a formula for the cause.