PCCB saves over 6bn/- from projects in Simiyu

BARIADI: THE Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) in Simiyu Region has saved more than 6bn/- in public funds allocated for education projects that were found to be poorly implemented.

This was revealed yesterday by the PCCB Simiyu Regional Chief, Mr Manyama Tungaraza, while presenting the bureau’s third-quarter performance report for the 2024/2025 financial year during a press briefing in Bariadi.

Mr Tungaraza said the funds were part of the budgets for three major projects– construction of Simiyu Boys Secondary School (budgeted at 4.1bn/-), construction of Kabondo Secondary School in Meatu District (584m/-), and a new vocational secondary school in Mwamapalala Ward, Itilima District (1.6bn/-).

Regarding the Simiyu Boys Secondary School, PCCB discovered that parts of the infrastructure, including classrooms, had been constructed over a clean water pipeline.

The project also experienced delays of up to 119 days.

“After our intervention, we engaged the relevant authorities and the pipeline was successfully relocated to prevent future risks. The project deadline was extended, and construction is now back on track and expected to be completed by July 18, 2025,” said Tungaraza.

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In Meatu District, the Kabondo Secondary School project was also flagged after the contractor failed to deliver as per the agreement.

“The contractor had completed only 10 per cent of the work by the end of the 90-day contract period. Our investigation revealed that the contractor lacked the financial capability to execute the project,” Tungaraza explained.

Following discussions with stakeholders, the contract was reassigned to a more competent contractor, and the project has since been completed.

For the vocational secondary school in Mwamapalala Ward, Itilima District, PCCB reported major delays in the delivery of construction materials.

After meeting with stakeholders and resolving the issues, progress improved significantly from 25 per cent to 75 per cent.

In a separate development, through its Takukuru Rafiki program, PCCB addressed several public complaints, including reports of clinic cards being sold illegally at health centres.

“The complaint was received from 20 wards. We convened meetings with health sector leaders and urged them to investigate and take disciplinary measures against the staff involved in this malpractice,” said Tungaraza.