River Gee County Superintendent Mike Swengbe has dismissed allegations of financial impropriety surrounding the renovation of the Superintendent’s Compound, describing the claims as “baseless.”
Swengbe disclosed that the project cost US$23,920, not the US$46,000 reported in some quarters. He emphasized that the renovation was fully approved by the County Council and carried out with transparency.
“The compound is a public facility for the people of River Gee,” Swengbe said in a statement. “All expenditures were disclosed and approved by the Council.”
He recounted that, prior to the renovation, he had been forced to lodge in a private guest house for more than four months, personally covering expenses of US$30 per day. The decision to renovate, he explained, was intended to ensure future superintendents have a functional residence and to enable the county to host official guests.
Swengbe praised the Council’s support and noted that citizens welcomed the initiative. He further rejected claims that US$40,000 had been diverted for vehicle purchases, clarifying that the funds remain in the bank.
The Superintendent underscored his commitment to accountability, stressing that all financial decisions were made in consultation with the County Council and communicated openly through local radio.
“These accusations are unfounded,” he said. “We have operated with transparency, and every expenditure has been documented and approved.”
The clarification comes amid growing public scrutiny of county-level spending, with residents and stakeholders demanding greater accountability in the use of public funds. Swengbe’s defense highlights the tension between local governance and public perception, as officials seek to balance development priorities with financial integrity.
