Two municipal officials in Bukoba suspended
KAGERA: BUKOBA District Commissioner, Erasto Sima has directed the Bukoba Municipal Director, Hamidy Njovu to suspend forthwith two officials for allegedly violating government directives on funds meant for the improvement of the education sector.
He issued the directive last week during an impromptu inspection at Omumwani Girls’ High School where he expressed dissatisfaction with funds allocated by the central government for the construction of public schools built under the Secondary Education Quality Improvement Programme (SEQUIP).
“I have been disappointed by the poor standard on the construction of several buildings at Omumwani Girls’ High School. During the fiscal year 2023/2024 the central government allocated about 716m/- for the construction of seven classrooms and four dormitories. However, the construction of the buildings under the Secondary Education Quality Improvement Programme (SEQUIP) is below the required standard with no value for money,” he said.
Mr Sima named the two officials under suspension as Ms Christina Tibenda, who is the Bukoba Municipal Accountant and Ms Saraphina Rwezaura, the Headmistress for Omumwani Girls’ High School.
“The two officials will remain under suspension pending a thorough investigation on the allegations facing them,” he said.
Meanwhile, Muleba District Commissioner (DC), Dr Abel Nyamahanga has directed the Acting District Executive Director (DED), Ms Christina Akio, to suspend seven Council Officials for allegedly violating government guidelines on the construction of buildings under the Primary Education Quality Improvement (BOOST) Programme, causing an estimated loss of over 104m/-.
He made the remarks recently during a joint workers’ meeting to review work progress during 2023 and set strategies for the New Year 2024.
“I have been disappointed by reports indicating that guidelines for the construction of buildings under the Primary Education Quality Improvement Programme (BOOST) have been violated. I will not hesitate to take immediate action against employees who are 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 namely Kanyamika, Burigi, Kanyabwenda and Rugasha.
The suspended officers include the District Education Officer (Primary), five Engineers under the Works department and a Procurement Officer (names withheld).
“The officers have been suspended pending an inquiry into the allegations levelled against them,” he said.
