Clarification on Budget Expenditure Amidst Public Concerns
Rivercess County Superintendent Byron Zahnwea has addressed recent concerns regarding the county’s budget expenditure, following a wave of public outrage over alleged mismanagement of funds. The controversy has sparked debates among residents, particularly concerning the allocation of resources for road infrastructure projects.
The situation escalated when dozens of citizens, including youths, elders, and students, gathered at the superintendent’s compound to demand clarity on conflicting figures in the proposed 2025 budget. Specifically, there is confusion over the Yarpah Town-One House Road rehabilitation project, which reportedly has three different allocations—US$146,000, US$143,000, and US$43,000—listed in a single document for the same project.
In response to these allegations, Zahnwea denied any misuse of funds while clarifying the proposed budget. Speaking at the National Forestry Forum held at the EJS Ministerial Complex, he emphasized that the public should seek information rather than resort to protests.
“It is unfortunate that people know how to protest without inquiry, which is open to everyone,” he said. “The budget for Rivercess, under the County Development Funds, is $186,666, and that is what we are to receive and have not yet received through resolution.”
Zahnwea highlighted that the county has not yet received the funds, which will require collaboration between the County Council, citizens, and leadership. He stressed that the money will be used appropriately according to the County Development Agenda (CDA), as mandated for all counties.
“We will receive $186,666,000, and that demands resolution. Before we use that money, there is a County Development Agenda, which covers all of the 15 counties, and the CDA has priorities,” he explained.
He further clarified that the CDA, set by the government for Rivercess County, prioritizes road development. As a result, most of the funds allocated in the first year of the CDA were directed toward roads, which are considered the most urgent needs.
“The CDA has priorities, and in the priorities for Rivercess, the first year is roads. From all indications, can $186,666 fix a road? No, so we go for the alternative, which is rehabilitation,” Zahnwea stated.
Key Priorities Under the CDA
According to Zahnwea, the county has identified three main priorities under the CDA for the use of the County Development Funds (CDF). These include:
- Yarpah Town to One-House Road Rehabilitation: This project is budgeted between US$133,000 and $143,000.
- Sports Development: Allocated US$25,000.
- County Council Operations: Required 10% of the total funds, ranging between US$15,000 and $18,000.
Zahnwea also expressed concern over the lack of Social Development Funds for the county, noting that no companies are currently operating in the area.
He called for calm among the citizens, expressing frustration with their reactions in his absence. “This feels ‘different’—and that the system is open to everyone,” he added.