By Patrick Stephen Tokpah
-Bong
Residents of Bong County have expressed outrage over what they describe as a wasteful spending by county officials, following comments made at the dedication ceremony of the refurbished Bong County Superintendent’s Compound.
At the re-dedication ceremony of the refurbished Superintendent Compound held over the weekend, the County Development Officer, Sedekie Kromah, clarified that the ongoing construction of a new three-story administrative complex, valued at US$300, 000 is intended to house the county Administrative Officer, the County Development Officer, and the Finance Officer, along with their families.
This announcement contradicted earlier speculation that the building would serve as a guest house for high-profile visitors.
The construction is taking place adjacent the Superintendent’s residence, prompting backlash from local citizens.
Many are questioning the allocation of funds from the county’s social development budget, arguing that these resources should be directed towards projects that directly benefit the community, such as scholarships for underprivileged youth.
“We don’t see any justification for using public funds to build a complex for officials who already have homes,” stated one resident. “These funds should be used to improve the lives of our people, not to enhance the comforts of our leaders,” said John Kelleh, a resident of Brooklyn Community in Gbarnga.
Criticism has also been aimed at Superintendent Hawa Norris, with residents claiming her administration has been marked by wasteful spending.
They highlighted the recent purchase of three vehicles costing $75,000 for county officials as an unnecessary drain on resources, emphasizing that the Ministry of Internal Affairs is responsible for providing vehicles for official.
Concerns over the financial implications of vehicle maintenance, alongside the expensive construction project, have further fueled public discontent.
Many Bongese believe that county officials are prioritizing their personal benefits over the pressing needs of the community.
The Senior Advisor of USAID Liberia Media Activity at Internews Liberia, Jefferson Togbah Massah, took to his social media handle to write his disappointment in Superintendent Hawa Norris’s leadership.
“I am thinking whether these Bong County officials were homeless in their own county before being appointed by the President? There is no city hall in Gbarnga, but three officials want to live in a $300,000 house at the expense of the county. Let’s stop the wasteful spending and be more strategic. Local officials can’t live like expatriates in their own county,” he added.
As debates continue, local residents are calling for increased transparency and accountability from their leaders, urging them to focus on initiatives that will foster real improvement in the lives of Bong County residents.