The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) of the Solomon Islands has officially launched the Community Participatory Audit (CPA) programme in Honiara. Supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the European Union-funded Vaka Pasifika project, the initiative aims to improve transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in the management of public funds.
The Community Participatory Audit introduces a collaborative approach that brings together government institutions, civil society organizations, and local communities to participate in the audit process. By incorporating community feedback and local knowledge, the programme strengthens existing oversight mechanisms and helps ensure that public resources are used effectively to benefit citizens.
The pilot programme focuses on Constituency Development Funds (CDFs), which support development priorities across the country’s 50 constituencies and are audited under the CDF Act 2023. The initiative reflects a growing commitment to making public oversight more inclusive and responsive to community needs.
Government officials emphasized that involving citizens directly in the audit process will strengthen accountability and increase public confidence in the management of public resources. The programme also reinforces the principle that communities are best placed to provide valuable insights into how development funds are being utilized and whether they are delivering meaningful benefits.
With approximately SBD 250 million allocated annually through Constituency Development Funds, the CPA pilot will examine expenditures for the 2024 and 2025 financial years, beginning with the Ministry of Rural Development. The audit is expected to contribute to stronger public financial management and improved governance across the country.
Developed with technical assistance and capacity-building support from UNDP under the European Union-funded Vaka Pasifika project, the Community Participatory Audit represents an important step toward enhancing transparency, promoting civic engagement, and building greater public trust in the Solomon Islands.
