PCCB uncovers embezzlement in school construction projects in Geita

GEITA: THE Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) in Geita has uncovered embezzlement and loss of funds in the construction of three schools with a total value of 1.47bn/-.

The projects are Nyantorotoro secondary School with a net worth of 584.2m/- and Nyantorotoro primary School worth 181.6m/- located in Geita District as well as Museveni primary School located in Chato District worth 705m/-.

Deputy Head of PCCB in Geita Region, Mr Azza Mtaita, revealed this during the presentation of the October to December 2023 report explaining that investigations were underway for legal measures.

“During the investigation, there are those people who have been interviewed, there are others who have not been interviewed, but all in all the actual investigation is ongoing,” Mtaita insisted.

Mr Mtaita explained that the initial investigation shows that in the construction projects for both primary and secondary schools of Nyantorotoro, there were violations of procurement procedures.

“This leads to some construction raw materials being purchased at high prices,” he emphasised.

“Sometimes it leads to projects not being completed on time, the situation that sets back government efforts towards moving social services closer to the people,” he added.

Supervisor of the construction project of Nyantorotoro Secondary School, Ms Mbusiro Marwa said the project started on July 31st, 2023 with 10 local project technicians engaged.

She said the project involves the construction of an administration block, eight classrooms, two teachers’ offices, three laboratory blocks, an IT block, a library, and eight toilets.

Ms Marwa explained that up to date about 566.4m/- has been spent, remaining with 17.8m/- from the allocated budget.