The tightening of government procurement processes to plug corrupt activities has affected the school feeding programme, according to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, the education minister, stated her ministry had been given funds to source food and other materials but had learned there were challenges with the government’s procurement processes.
“I think you are aware that there is a lot of control now following the discovery by Government that certain companies were using black market rates to give us quotations as Government so there is strict monitoring from the Procurement Unit so that we prevent such behaviour by the private sector,” she said, whose result, had affected the school feeding programme.
“Our school feeding programme has suffered a blow, as we have been unable to procure. The construction of schools has been delayed because we have not been able to procure the materials because of this procurement process which is cumbersome. There are a lot of investigations that take place before you can be given authority by the Ministry of Finance for payment.”
Dr. Ndlovu stated the ministry wanted children fed and would appreciate it if the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare could assist in providing maize meal to students in schools.
“If they have got the beans and cooking oil the better so that at least in the meantime, whilst this procurement system is being addressed, our children can have something. You know, a hungry brain does not work. Children need to have something in their tummies,” said the education minister.
“So, it is really a worrisome situation which we are trying to address as Government. I hope and pray that very soon, the procurement issues will be addressed and ironed out, especially in partnership with the private sector where we procure the products.”
Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Professor Paul Mavima, said his ministry would assist in the implementation of the school feeding programme as it was essential for school children.
Prof Mavima said the school feeding programme has other elements including the development of nutrition gardens at schools and mobilisation of parents to contribute towards the provision of the needed items.
“The initiation should be done by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. We can collaborate with them in the implementation of this programme. In this season, when we have shortages and food insecurities across the country, it is a very essential programme and it has been proven to increase school attendance, retention and even improve pass rates. So, it is a programme that is needed.”
