Two Bukoba municipal officials suspended
KAGERA: THE Bukoba District Commissioner (DC), Erasto Sima, has instructed the Bukoba Municipal Director, Hamidy Njovu, to immediately suspend two officials for allegedly violating government directives regarding funds intended for the improvement of the education sector.
He issued this directive during an impromptu inspection at Omumwani Girls’ High School, where he expressed his dissatisfaction with the funds allocated by the central government for the construction of public schools under the Secondary Education Quality Improvement Programme (SEQUIP).
“I am disappointed by the poor standard of construction of several buildings at Omumwani Girls’ High School. During the fiscal year 2023/2024, the central government allocated approximately 716m/- for the construction of seven classrooms and four dormitories. However, the construction of these buildings under the SEQUIP does not meet the required standard and does not provide value for money,” he said.
Mr Sima named the two officials under suspension as Ms. Christina Tibenda, the Bukoba Municipal Accountant, and Ms Saraphina Rwezaura, the Headmistress of Omumwani Girls’ High School.
“The two officials will remain under suspension pending a thorough investigation into the allegations against them,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Muleba District Commissioner (DC), Dr Abel Nyamahanga, has instructed the Acting District Executive Director (DED), Ms. Christina Akio, to suspend seven council officials for allegedly violating government guidelines regarding the construction of buildings under the Primary Education Quality Improvement (BOOST) Programme, resulting in an estimated loss of over 104m/-.
He made these remarks during a recent joint workers’ meeting to review work progress in 2023 and establish strategies for the new year 2024.
“I am disappointed by reports indicating that guidelines for the construction of buildings under the BOOST Programme have been violated. I will not hesitate to take immediate action against employees found to have committed fraud in public projects,” he warned.
According to Dr. Nyamahanga, the stalled projects include the construction of buildings for four primary schools: Kanyamika, Burigi, Kanyabwenda, and Rugasha.
The suspended officers include the District Education Officer (primary), five engineers from the Works department, and a procurement officer (names withheld). “The officers have been suspended pending an inquiry into the allegations against them,” he said.
