Africa-Press – Tanzania. GEITA regional administration has smelt a rat in the implementation of the project involving the construction of classrooms under Rapid Credit Facility (RCF) funding, ordering special investigation into the matter.
Regional Commissioner, Rosemary Senyamule ordered an investigation into the project implementation after resurfacing of some signs of embezzlement. The RC issued the directives on Thursday during her tour of Geita Town Council to inspect the progress of the projects where she witnessed large quantities of building materials unused in many areas despite the completion of the projects.
Inspecting the construction of four classrooms at Shantamine Secondary School located in Mtakuja Ward in Geita District, Senyamule was surprised to find 340 bags of cement unused after the project implementation.
According to the RC, the fact that such a big number cement bags remained unused by project implementers it sent a signal that there was serious poor estimation of the cost (BOQ) of the project, ordering all individuals involved in the matter to be held to account.
“It is unconceivable for 340 bags of cement in the construction of only four classrooms to remain unused, what is the intention? Is this not theft? I have been informed that 240 pieces of timber have remained at one school where the classroom construction project has been going on. We must know who is responsible for this situation because this is ill intention,” she said.
While at Lukaranga Community Secondary School in Nyankumbu the Regional Commissioner was shocked after learning that four classrooms were constructed at a cost of 80,000,000/- with 180 bags of cement and 200 pieces of timber remaining unused after the construction.
“This shows that there is a big problem somewhere, we have trusted our experts for a long time but it appears they have let us down. How can you remain with more than 100 pieces of timber and more that 170 bags of cement in the project of this kind? This is ill intention to the government,” Senyamule said.
While at Bung’wangoko Secondary School in Bung’wangoko Ward, Senyamule witnessed four classrooms built at the cost of 80m/- with 17 galvanized iron sheets, 56 iron bars, 100 timbers and 300 bags of cement remaining unused. She instructed the Geita Town Council Director and the District Commissioner to take action against all officials involved in the embezzlement of funds.
On his side Bwang’wangoko Ward Councillor, Thobias Ikangala said that it is impossible to have architectural design on the table and come up with strange estimates. Commenting on the situation, Bung’wangoko Secondary School Headmaster, Pastori Mgema said all purchases were made in accordance with the advice given by the engineer.
Headmaster at Shantamine Secondary School, Daudi Shija said that the purchase of building materials was done with precaution of shortage of cement in the area. Geita Town Council Director, Zahara Michuzi promised to take action against all those who made purchases that did not comply with the BOQ for they caused damage to the government.
Zahara acknowledged that the root of the problem lied in the poor accountability of council engineers and procurement and supply chain officials who failed to co-operate with school heads.
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