FISH TOWN, Liberia — The Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) River Gee Chapter has raised serious concerns over what it described as excessive spending from the County Development Fund on the renovation and furnishing of the Superintendent’s compound in River Gee County.
By Peter P. Toe, Jr.
In a press release issued by the Coordinator of FLY River Gee Chapter, Isaiah K. Nyenpan, the youth organization expressed disappointment over reports that more than US$46,000 was used by the administration of Superintendent Mike T. Swengbe for the renovation and furnishing of the superintendent’s residence.
According to Mr. Nyenpan, the reported expenditure comes at a time when many communities across River Gee County continue to face significant development challenges, including inadequate school infrastructure and incomplete community development projects.
“As Coordinator of FLY River Gee Chapter, I find it troubling that more than US$46,000 from the County Development Fund has reportedly been used on the renovation and furnishing of the superintendent’s residence, while many communities in the county continue to struggle with serious development challenges,” the statement noted.
The FLY River Gee Chapter further indicated that several schools across the county lack basic chairs for students, while key development priorities such as the proper layout of Fish Town and Kanweaken remain unfinished.
According to documents reviewed by the youth organization, the initial renovation cost reportedly included US$22,620 for materials and US$1,300 for workmanship, bringing the total to US$23,920.
The statement also outlined additional furnishing and equipment costs, including US$3,000 for kitchen utensils, US$1,500 for a dining room set, US$1,800 for a living room set, US$950 for carpet, US$1,500 for two single beds, US$2,000 for a master bed set, US$1,300 for two DSTV sets, US$1,600 for two air conditioners, US$6,200 for a 10KVA generator, US$700 for paint and US$2,070 for plumbing materials.
According to FLY River Gee Chapter, these expenditures reportedly bring the total amount spent to approximately US$46,540 on a building that was already completed prior to the current superintendent assuming office.
The youth group said the situation raises serious questions about priorities in the use of the County Development Fund, emphasizing that such funds are intended for development projects that directly benefit citizens.
“As a youth leader and coordinator of FLY in River Gee, I believe the same amount spent on a single compound could have helped address many pressing needs affecting our citizens, including education, infrastructure, and youth development,” Mr. Nyenpan added.
The organization is therefore calling for greater transparency, accountability, and responsible management of public resources to ensure development funds are used for the benefit of the people of River Gee County.
Meanwhile, efforts to obtain comments from Superintendent Mike T. Swengbe proved unsuccessful. This outlet made several attempts to reach the superintendent via phone calls, but the calls rang without response. A text message sent to him also remained unanswered as of press time.
