Press Release - BPRA Lobbies Anti-Corruption Commission on BEAM and HSCTP


Press Release

Date:              28 February 2013
Contact:         Emmanuel Ndlovu
                        Programmes and Advocacy Manager
                        Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA)

BPRA Lobbies Anti-Corruption Commission on BEAM and HSCTP

BULAWAYO Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) has written to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission requesting investigations into the administration of the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM)and the Harmonised Social Cash Transfer Programme (HSCTP). The investigations are meant to put to rest allegations of underhand dealings and corruption in the administration of the two programmes within the broader goal of promoting transparency and accountability in the operations of public institutions. The HSCTP is a social welfare project that is operated by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and aims at poverty alleviation through financial support to households living in extreme poverty. Meanwhile BEAM is a social welfare programme, operated by the same ministry that supports poor and vulnerable children with their education.

Investigations carried out by BPRA in 2012 in the six wards (ward 8, ward 14, ward 18, ward 19, ward 27 and ward 28) where the pilot phase of the HSCTP is in place revealed irregularities in the administration of the project with intended beneficiaries alleging that they were being fleeced of their handouts. Meanwhile residents of Bulawayo have previously complained that BEAM was not reaching the intended beneficiaries, with school heads, influential teachers and School Development Committees (SDC) members allegedly using their influence to enlist their kith and kin who do not need educational assistance.   

In the two letters, dated 26 February 2013 and addressed to the General Manager of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, BPRA requested investigations into the HSCTP and BEAM to ensure transparency and accountability in the operations of the two programmes in order to ensure that they adequately benefit the intended beneficiaries –underprivileged and vulnerable people. In a response to the letters today (28 February 2013), the  Anti-Corruption Commission wrote “Thank you for sending this vital information to us. Please note that you report will get the necessary attention and look forward to hearing from us soon.”

Please find attached copies of the letters that BPRA sent to the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Signed

.........................................................
Mr Emmanuel Ndlovu
Programmes and Advocacy Manager
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA)

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