World Bank Silent as K1.6m Grant to Education Ministry Goes to 3,000 Ghost Pupils
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NewsThe World Bank Group International Development Association […]
The World Bank Group International Development Association is reported to have signed a grant agreement with the Zambian government for special Drawing Rights equivalent to $157 million to finance the the Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods for Human Capital (GEWEL2) project.
However, according to the Auditor General’s report seen by the Zambian Business Times-ZBT funds worth K1.6 million are reported to have been misused as the Ministry of Education paid
the entire amount as school fees for 2,977 ( about 3,000) ghost pupils who dropped out of school.
The Audit observed that the 2,977 beneficiaries dropped out of school in 2023 -2024 academic year rendering the payment irregular contrary to Section 5.7.3(c) of the project implementation manual (PIM ) that requires the verification process.
The GEWEL2 project is said to be a special protection project aimed at promoting human capital development and productivity among poor and vulnerable girls and women and The financing of the Agreement indicated that the project is to be implemented over a period of four (4) years with a closure date of 30th June 2028.
Meanwhile, the Zambian Business Times ZBT reached out to World Bank Zambia through the Country Director Ms Martine Valcin and External Affairs officer Carlyn Hambuba to get clarifications and efforts being taken to address the irregularities of the K1.6 million misappropriated funds.
Later, Ms Hambuba requested for a press query to be sent before making any response over the matter.
However, despite receiving the query which had a standard response of 2 days, Hambuba opted to remain silent over the matter without any official feedback availed to ZBT at press.
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