Zomba MPs take Council to task on education bursary

Members of Parliament in Zomba have taken to task Council Officials on how education bursary was being implemented and furnish them with detailed report.

The request follows revelations that some students who are beneficiaries of the scheme, funded under Constituency Development Fund were being sent back from school for failure to pay school fees when partial Council reports were indicating that money was released to schools that accommodate students on the scheme.

Speaking at full Council Meeting, Member for Zomba Ntoya Constituency, Nedi Phoya said it was disturbing to note that while money was being deducted for the bursary scheme, a lot of students were being sent back from school.

He said Council officials must bring out names of students benefiting from the program, money that has been paid and balances for transparency as well as accountability.

Parliamentarian for Zomba Chingale, Loney Chijere expressed shock over implementation of the scheme saying “it is pathetic to see students asking for help when a provision was already made through CDF.”

Chairperson for Education Service Committee, William Muthipa said though the committee tried to probe more on bursary scheme, there was no answer from the council especially social welfare office.

District Commissioner for Zomba, Dr Smart Gwedemula promised to sort out the issue with relevant sectors.