Navajo Nation Faces Scrutiny Over COVID-19 Funds Allocation for Housing Project
A recent development has emerged within the Navajo Nation as a special prosecutor has been appointed to delve into the allocation of federal COVID-19 funds. These funds were intended for the construction of modular homes for tribal members, but questions have been raised about their management.
In a bid to enhance housing infrastructure, President Buu Nygren’s administration had awarded substantial contracts to ZenniHome, a company based in Phoenix. The plan was to establish and run a manufacturing facility near Page, but the project was unexpectedly halted last month.
ZenniHome’s CEO, Bob Worsley, attributed the project’s termination to the tribe’s decision to cancel certain funding and alleged mismanagement of the initiative. The sudden cessation of the project has prompted inquiries from members of the Navajo Nation Council, who are keen to understand the reallocation of funds initially set for the project.
Speaker Crystalyne Curley emphasized the necessity of maintaining governmental integrity and ensuring accountability in the usage of public resources. “It is vital that we protect the integrity of our government and ensure accountability in the use of public funds,” Curley stated in a press release.
Calls for public hearings have been made by several delegates to address these concerns. The issue took center stage last month during a state of the nation address, where questions about ZenniHome led to Nygren’s abrupt departure from the assembly. More details can be found here.
In response to these developments, the Window Rock District Court has brought in an external prosecutor to investigate potential unethical and illegal conduct concerning contracts between Nygren’s office and ZenniHome. This scrutiny will be led by a New Mexico attorney.
While Nygren has not provided comments directly to the media, he addressed the issue on social media, expressing that the investigation detracts from the pressing needs of the Navajo people. He conveyed confidence in the propriety of his administration’s actions. “By launching this investigation, Council is only taking away from the needs of the Navajo people, but as I have always said – I welcome the investigation because I am confident that we did nothing wrong. Along with unity, our focus should be on the needs of the people — improving infrastructure, repairing and building roads, creating jobs, and strengthening public safety,” Nygren wrote.
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