CESTOS CITY, Rivercess County – The nine-member Rivercess County Council has rejected the proposed financial plan for the utilization of the county’s 2026 County Development Funds (CDF), citing concerns over the absence of operational support for the council and what members described as a lack of adequate public consultation.
Speaking to Verity News, County Council Chairperson Karl Kollor Jr. disclosed that the council unanimously rejected the proposed budget after identifying several issues they believe undermine the council’s effectiveness and the interests of county residents.
According to Kollor, one of the major concerns is the failure of county authorities to allocate an operational budget for the County Council, which is responsible for monitoring and evaluating development projects approved under the County Development Fund.
“The council cannot effectively perform its oversight responsibilities without operational support. We believe resources should be provided to enable council members to properly monitor projects across the county,” Kollor stated.
Kollor further accused the county’s local government leadership of failing to adequately engage citizens from the county’s eight administrative districts before formulating the proposed budget.
“The people know their most pressing needs, but instead of listening to them, the county leadership has decided on its own priorities,” he alleged.
His position was echoed by fellow council member Melvin Yuonah, who maintained that the council would not approve the financial plan until its concerns are fully addressed.
Yuonah accused county authorities of repeatedly presenting incomplete reports and information that, according to him, do not reflect transparency and accountability to the people of Rivercess County.
“The county administration has consistently submitted reports that are incomplete and not sincere to the trust placed in them by the citizens. Until these issues are addressed, particularly the provision of operational funding for the council, we will not approve the budget,” Yuonah asserted.
The council’s decision has effectively stalled the approval process for the county’s proposed 2026 development spending plan.
The proposed budget was presented by Rivercess County Superintendent Byron Zahnwea during a County Council sitting held on May 13, 2026, at the County Administration Building in Cestos City.
According to the proposal, approximately US$186,000 has been earmarked for several development initiatives, with significant investments targeted toward education, health, social welfare, and sports development.
Among the proposed projects is the construction of a six-classroom school building for Toe Town Public School in Toe Town at an estimated cost of US$43,500. Another six-classroom facility is proposed for Sadio Public School in Garwlor, also valued at approximately US$43,500.
The administration additionally proposed the construction of a four-bedroom nursing quarter in Bodowhea Town at an estimated cost of US$34,000.
Plans were also outlined for the construction of a safe home, security booth, and kitchen facility in Cestos City to provide shelter and support for victims of violence and other vulnerable persons. The project is estimated to cost US$34,000.
The budget further allocates US$22,333 for sports development activities throughout the county.
Meanwhile, county authorities disclosed that, outside of the County Development Fund allocation, they have submitted for the council’s endorsement a separate national government-funded proposal for the construction of a sports pitch in Cestos City valued at approximately US$250,000.
The administration also highlighted plans under the County Development Agenda for the construction of a modern City Hall and perimeter fence in Cestos City, a project estimated at more than US$426,132.
With the County Council withholding its approval, the future of the proposed projects now hinges on further negotiations between the council and county authorities to resolve the outstanding concerns.
