By: Edwin N. Khakie
Former Bong County Superintendent Esther Y. Walker has damaged her silence on current discussions relating to the county’s growth trajectory, strongly defending her management strategy and laying out a number of initiatives she claims had been carried out underneath her administration.
Addressing journalists at a press convention in Gbarnga over the weekend, Madam Walker emphasised that her management was rooted in conventional engagement and group involvement, describing herself as a “daughter of the soil” who linked with residents on a grassroots stage.
“Madam Loleyah Hawa Norris has her method of main the individuals of Bong County,” she stated. “For me, my title is Esther Nyama Walker. I’m proud to be a Kpelleh lady from Bong County, with each dad and mom from right here. In my management, I most popular the standard strategy. When one thing occurred, I might go and sit with the individuals and focus on it straight.”
Her feedback come amid heightened public discourse over governance kinds and developmental outcomes within the county, with residents drawing comparisons between present Superintendent Norris, who returned from years of residing in the USA, and her predecessor.
Madam Walker revealed that a number of developmental tasks had been initiated throughout her tenure, with funding sourced primarily from ArcelorMittal Liberia and China Union as a part of their County Social Growth Fund (CSDF) obligations.
The fencing of the Bong County Administrative Constructing and the Superintendent’s compound is designed to reinforce safety and aesthetics.
Surveying authorities properties throughout Gbarnga, notably in areas just like the Sunday Market, administrative zones, and different public services.
The development and enchancment of healthcare services in rural communities, notably in Gbah-City and Zoweinta.
“I launched fencing across the superintendent’s compound and the executive constructing for safety causes. Our nation has seen elevated actions from ECOWAS residents and others, in order a feminine chief, I couldn’t reside there with my youngsters with out defending them,” she defined.
On the difficulty of funding, Madam Walker said that though her workplace had the authority to deposit funds, she didn’t personally deal with withdrawals, an announcement aimed toward clarifying issues about accountability.
She additional famous that the COVID-19 pandemic and its precursor, the Ebola disaster, had considerably disrupted firm contributions to the county. Nonetheless, by way of engagement with company stakeholders and the then-ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC)-led authorities, funding commitments had been finally restored.
“Once we got here to energy, the businesses had requested for reductions due to Ebola. I appealed to them to revive the funds, and so they agreed. The funds had been paid, with 80% going to the county and 20% utilized in project-affected communities.”
Madam Walker said that her administration left undisclosed funds within the county’s account upon her departure and referenced an audit report reviewed on the Capitol Constructing as proof.
“I can not provide the precise determine now till I am going again to my paperwork, however there was cash left within the county’s account. The present management is working with these funds,” she claimed.
She additionally talked about that the renovation of the executive constructing was budgeted at roughly US$198,000, citing points with leaking roofs and the necessity for structural changes. The contractor, she stated, selected to start with the corridor whereas awaiting the conclusion of nationwide elections to finish the broader renovation.
Madam Walker’s assertions come at a time of elevated scrutiny over the dealing with of public funds and the tempo of growth throughout Liberia’s counties. Bong County, specifically, has seen rising public concern about transparency, notably relating to using CSDF and allocations from the nationwide authorities.
Whereas she praised Superintendent Norris for having her distinctive management fashion, Madam Walker subtly urged continuity and respect for earlier investments.
“Growth shouldn’t be about persona. It’s about individuals. Nobody administration can do all of it, however we should construct on what we began.”
Madam Norris has not formally responded to Madam Walker’s claims, however county officers have up to now maintained that they’re dedicated to finishing ongoing tasks whereas introducing new interventions to enhance service supply and governance.
As Bong County continues to grapple with growth challenges and shifting political management, the previous superintendent’s remarks add one other layer to the continued public discourse. Whether or not her claims will spark renewed curiosity in auditing previous administrations or immediate a re-evaluation of stalled tasks stays to be seen.
For now, Madam Walker says she stays happy with her contributions and stands prepared to offer readability on her stewardship ought to the necessity come up.
