Group demands investigation into alleged K8.5 million procurement irregularities in Ministry of Education

The National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) has called on the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to urgently investigate procurement irregularities at the Ministry of Education Headquarters.

NAQEZ Executive Director, Dr. Aaron Chansa, urged the ACC to look into the questionable procurement of a non-functional E-census software from M-SAT, a private company, following disturbing findings in the 2023 Auditor General’s Report.

Chansa disclosed that on April 11, 2024, the Ministry issued a directive to all public and private schools, requiring them to deposit K800 each into M-SAT’s account for the software procurement.

He noted that the anticipated contributions from government schools alone exceeded K8.5 million.

According to Chansa, M-SAT was contracted to provide a comprehensive digitalised annual census software designed to facilitate the Ministry’s collection of educational statistics.

However, the Ministry’s officers involved in the transaction reportedly failed to comply with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act.

The Auditor General’s Report indicated that M-SAT was engaged and compensated without any formal procurement processes, constituting a serious breach of procedure.

Moreover, Chansa highlighted that M-SAT did not provide necessary training to Ministry staff in seven provinces, resulting in the abandonment of the software by June 30, 2024, due to its non-functionality.

Given the suspicious nature of the transaction, Chansa urged the ACC to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind the procurement.

He stressed the importance of safeguarding education grants and ensuring they are utilised responsibly, rather than squandered on defective products.

Chansa demanded that if the investigation confirmed any wrongdoing, M-SAT should refund the K800 contributions from all schools.

He also insisted that Ministry staff responsible for approving and facilitating the irregular procurement should face consequences.

“As a nation, it is crucial that we protect public funds, especially those allocated for education, from abuse. Public resources must serve the common good, not private interests,” Chansa asserted.

He reiterated President Hakainde Hichilema’s warning, stating, “The country needs to be disciplined. If you have long fingers, you are on your own,” emphasizing that public servants and politicians must not misuse public funds for personal gain.

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