Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) claims it has information that syndicates are being formed between local authorities and learning institutions managing school grants to manipulate the funds.
Responding to a press query on the recently released Ministry of Finance and National Planning audit report which indicated that over K356,000 in school grants had been misappropriated in the Ministry of Education, TI-Z acting executive director Raymond Mutale stated that the findings in the report confirm the need for government to expedite strengthening control and oversight systems in governance institutions.
Mutale disclosed that TI-Z was in receipt of information that learning institutions and local authorities managing such funds were conniving to influence and manipulate the grants management system to their benefit.
“We, therefore, challenge government to take action on all the officers linked to these issues as a demonstration of commitment to accountable governance”.
Mutale expressed worry at the country failure to effectively implement measures to protect public funds.
This weakness, he said, has resulting in perennial revelations of public funds mismanagement by the Auditor General.
“These findings make sad reading because they expose the government with regard to weakeneses in internal controls and oversight of public funds management,” Mutale added.
The Ministry of Finance recently conducted a review of the utilization of school grants in a sample of 182 schools countrywide. Over K80 million had been given out over the period.
The audit findings indicated the school administrator’s failure to manage funds in line with the relevant laws, regulations and guidelines.
