SYDNEY MUBAIWA
MASVINGO-Parents have raised complaints over the continued alleged misuse of Better Schools Programme Zimbabwe (BSPZ) funds at the Gweru and Masvingo Education offices by senior officials.
The aggrieved parents petitioned the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Moses Mhike and the Education Ministry over the continued abuse of the hard earned funds.
In the two petitions, parents argued that 95% of the funds were being used for non BSPZ activities. They said the funds were being used for lining the pockets of senior education officials based at the two provincial capitals.
“We would like to express our deep concern and bring to your attention to the highest levels of corruption that is taking place at the Midlands Primary and Secondary Education Government Complex in Gweru involving the grant looting of public funds which is being currently orchestrated by senior education officials.
“The funds that we refer to in this letter of complaint is non as (sic) the Better Schools Programme (BSPZ) fund,” reads part of the petition.
In the same petition, parents said there are no meaningful projects implemented by the province using the BSPZ funds.
“Ironically the Midlands province and its district have not constructed a single Better Schools Programme Resource Centre using the funds.
“A well orchestrated plan has been put in place by the senior officials where these funds are being siphoned big time through the purchase of fuel which is being shared amongst them for personal use.
“The bulk of these funds are being used for purchasing food and lunch for the directorate,” further reads the petition.
In Masvingo, aggrieved parents said the provincial directorate were using the same funds to fill their own pockets.
“We write to your attention the concerns shared by Masvingo residents concerning the conduct of Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Masvingo Province Directorate and some District Schools Inspectors regarding the abuse of public funds from our contributions derived from BSPZ affiliations,” reads part of the petition.
In an interview with The Midweek Watch Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said investigations are currently underway.
“Yes, the petitions were received and investigations are currently underway. We would like to thank the parents for bringing such information to our attention,” he said.
