By Preston Slami Panyonnoh – Correspondent, Sinoe County
Butaw District, Sinoe— August 14, 2025 — The long-neglected Butaw Administrative Building in Sinoe County is set for a major facelift following an announcement by House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon to fully finance its renovation. The move comes after heightened public criticism and fresh media coverage of the facility’s deteriorating state, which had become a symbol of neglect in the district.
The project, valued at USD 10,000 (about LRD 2,000,000), will include structural repairs, the installation of new fittings, upgraded office furniture, and aesthetic improvements aimed at restoring both the building’s dignity and functionality.
The Butaw Administrative Building is more than just an office — it is the hub of district governance, where decisions that affect local communities are made. Yet, for years, the structure has been left to rot, with leaking roofs, cracked walls, and broken furniture creating a less-than-conducive environment for public service.
The last major renovation took place during the administration of Hon. J. Milton Teahjay as Superintendent of Sinoe County, when the building was restored to operational capacity. Later, in 2022, Hon. Teahjay made another notable contribution, donating LRD 150,000 to support a minor renovation effort. While this brought some relief, it did not address the deeper structural issues that continued to plague the building.
Speaker Koon’s involvement carries deeper meaning for the people of Butaw. Though he currently serves as the Representative for Electoral District #11 in Montserrado County, he is a son of Butaw, a district whose political influence stretches beyond its geographic size.
Butaw is the same district that played a decisive role in electing Hon. Thomas Romeo Quioh as Representative for Sinoe County’s District #3, and it is also where Senator Crayton Oldman Duncan secured the bulk of his votes in the past election. Locals often point out that with such strong political representation from their native sons, the district should not have been allowed to fall into visible neglect.
For years, citizens have openly questioned why leaders with national influence — including Koon, Quioh, and Duncan — had not prioritized restoring the administrative hub. The recent media spotlight only intensified those demands for action.
Earlier this month, this correspondent’s report exposed the worsening state of the building, complete with photos and testimonies from residents and staff. The story triggered online debates and local discussions, with many residents calling for immediate intervention. Just days later, Speaker Koon announced his decision to personally finance a complete renovation from his office’s development budget.
“These projects are part of my broader vision to ensure that public facilities meet the dignity and needs of our people,” Koon said in his announcement. “When infrastructure works, communities thrive.”
Community Reactions
In Butaw, the news has been met with cautious optimism. “We are happy Speaker Koon is doing this,” said youth leader Samuel Nyenpan. “But we’ve heard promises before. This time, we want to see real action and a quality job.”
Elders recall the pride that came with the last renovation under Teahjay’s leadership. “When Superintendent Teahjay renovated this place, it brought respect back to Butaw,” one elder remarked. “We hope this new work will do the same and even more.”
For Speaker Koon, the renovation could help address one of the most visible criticisms against him — that despite his high-ranking role, he had yet to deliver major, tangible development to his native Butaw. Political analysts say delivering on this project could shift local perceptions and strengthen his standing both in Sinoe and nationally.
No fixed completion date has been set, but the Speaker’s office has indicated that work will begin “soon.” Locals say they will be monitoring the project closely to ensure it is carried out to completion and up to standard.
For the people of Sinoe County, and Butaw in particular, the project is more than bricks and mortar — it is a restoration of pride, political accountability, and the belief that their leaders can indeed respond to the needs of their home communities.
