13 Jul 2005

Solomon Islands MP supports Rural Community Development fund remaining

11:59 am on 13 July 2005

An MP in Solomon Islands says the Rural Community Development Fund, or the RCDF, should be continued but MPs must be made accountable for their spendings.

The West Honiara MP, Yukio Sato, joined debate on whether or not to abolish the scheme by saying it's a matter for leaders to be careful on how they distribute the money.

The Solomon Star newspaper reports that Mr Sato also believes that voters have to understand what the RCDF

He says that often voters approached their MPs with personal and private requests, and when these were turned down, they would tell MPs that they would fail in the next election.

Funds from the Rural Community Development Fund are distributed to MPs for spending on projects in their constituencies.