From Paycheck to Progress: As Gbarpolu’s Legislator Uses Half Salary to Fund District Projects Amid Alleged LSP Diversion

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By Henry B. Gboluma, Jr.| Gbarpolu County Correspondent

‎Bopolu City, September 17, 2025 — Gbarpolu County District #1 Representative Zinnah Norman has raised concerns about purported withholding of the Legislative Support Project (LSP) Funds allocated for his district in 2024 and 2025.

‎He says persistent delays have hampered key community development initiatives and left residents questioning why their district is being sidelined.

‎Key allegations and statements

‎The Representative claims that funds designated under the Legislative Support Project Fund have not been released for district projects in 2024 and 2025.

‎He alleges that the 2025 allocations were diverted to political activity, specifically to finance the removal of the former speaker, accusing others of manipulating funds for political ends.

‎He criticized fellow lawmakers who supported the removal of former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.

‎He said he has been told that he and other lawmakers may not benefit from the 2025 LSP fund as a consequence of not supporting the removal of Former Speaker Fonati Koffa.

‎Impact on district projects

‎As a result, the Gbarpolu District #1 Lawmaker said that the lack of LSP funds has impeded grassroots development, leaving several initiatives stalled or delayed.

‎He cited a 2024 earmark for the Gungbayah Chiefdom that has not started due to a lack of government funds.

‎Despite the funding bottleneck, he noted that some initiatives are being pursued through alternative funding streams, including a personal salary allocation strategy.

‎Representative Norman’s personal funding approach

‎Meanwhile, the Gbarpolu District #1 Lawmaker has announced that he is using half of his monthly representative salary to fund projects in the district.

‎He disclosed that his current monthly salary is USD 4,000.00 plus LD 300,000 along with a gasoline allowance coupon valued at USD 1,500.00.

‎Upcoming or ongoing initiatives

‎A Mobile Clinic launch is scheduled for September 23, 2025, in Gokala town, Gungbayah district according to the Lawmaker.

‎Accordingly, he has already purchased an ambulance and two motorcycles, and procured about USD$9,000 in medicines for the Mobile Clinic outreach.

‎Completed or ongoing infrastructure and social projects

• ‎Small Henry Town Hall (completed)
• ‎Lowoma Town Hall (completed)
• ‎Point Point Field School (completed)
• ‎Jungle James Market Building (completed) with LD 500,000 in market vendor support
• ‎Ambulance procurement and two motorcycles to support the Mobile Clinic rollout
• ‎Distribution of 200 bundles of zinc, 100 bags of cement, and zinc nails
• ‎Tawalata School construction at roof level
• ‎Bondi Community Market project near completion in Bopolu City
• ‎Internet-friendly Youth Center under construction in Bopolu City

‎A two-story school building in Bopolu City designed to house an affordable daytime daycare and a free vocational school in the afternoon and evening.

‎Context and outlook

‎Meanwhile, Rep. Norman has emphasized that the absence of Legislative Support Project funds is actually undermining the district’s ability to deliver promised services and infrastructure.

‎He is therefore calling on the government to release the funds promptly, insisting that residents deserve the benefits of the Legislative Support Fund regardless of partisan politics.

‎Representative Zinnah Norman made these disclosures during an appearance on The Daily Talk on the Voice of Gbarpolu Radio on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in Bopolu City.

‎Meanwhile, verification efforts continue on other initiatives captured in this Legislative Update; please stay tuned for further updates by this network.