GOVERNMENT is yet to release this year’s Basic Education Assistance Module (Beam) funds to beneficiaries at Bulawayo City Council (BCC) schools, latest council minutes show.
Council’s housing and community services director Dictor Khumalo said: “Council did not receive any Beam funds as yet for 2023, while $75 931 999 was the outstanding balance for 2022 Beam allocations.”
“Alderman Monica Lubimbi was concerned about non-payment of Beam in council schools. This affected beneficiaries and their parents and guardians. She urged central government to pay in time so that the quality of education improves.
“The chairperson (councillor Sinikiwe Mutanda) concurred. Some results of Beam beneficiaries were withheld pending full payment of all outstanding school fees,” the minutes read.
Khumalo said council was engaging government at provincial level to ensure the Beam funds are made available.
The Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association recently urged residents to report to authorities schools or administrators who with-hold children’s results over outstanding school fees.
