FISH TOWN, River Gee County — River Gee County Superintendent Mike T. Swengbe has issued a detailed clarification regarding reports on the renovation of the Superintendent’s compound, disputing claims that US$46,000 was spent.
By: Peter P. Toe, Jr.
According to Superintendent Swengbe, only US$23,920 was used for the project.
Breaking down the expenditure, the Superintendent explained that US$22,620 was spent on construction materials and US$1,300 on workmanship, bringing the total to US$23,920.
He emphasized that the Superintendent’s compound is a county facility meant to serve the people of River Gee, not personal property, and that the funds were approved and resolved by the County Council with full disclosure.
Superintendent Swengbe highlighted that since the founding of River Gee County in 2000, there had been no official Superintendent compound. “When I came to the County as Superintendent, there was no place for me to stay. I had to dwell in a private guest house for over four months, paying US$30 daily from my pocket, and I did not take a cent from county funds, based on my love for our county,” he said.
Recalling the difficulties, he faced, the Superintendent explained that the renovation was necessary to provide a suitable residence for future superintendents and visiting guests.
He praised the County Council for granting approval for the renovation and thanked citizens for supporting the initiative, noting that the upgraded facility will also allow the county to host official guests—a benefit for the wider community.
On claims regarding the Executive Guest House project in the county, Superintendent Swengbe dismissed reports that US$40,000 intended for the project had been diverted to purchase vehicles, calling the allegations “false and misleading.” He stated that the funds remain in the bank and that all vehicle purchases were separately approved by the County Council.
“Since we took over the leadership of the county, we have not spent any money without the endorsement and approval of the County Council, and full disclosure has been made on local radios about all expenditures,” Swengbe added.
The Superintendent emphasized that County Council approvals are part of measures to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the county’s limited resources and reiterated his commitment to responsible stewardship of public funds.
This statement comes amid ongoing public discussions following reports by the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) alleging excessive spending on the Superintendent’s compound. Superintendent Swengbe’s clarification seeks to address these concerns and provide transparency on county development expenditures.
