The Ministry of Education has come under scrutiny after appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to address audit queries highlighted in a recent report.
One of the major issues raised was the accumulation of over 1 billion Kwacha in unpaid debts, which include: Leave terminal benefits, Repatriation and leave travel benefits as well as payments to suppliers and contractors
In addition to the significant debt, the PAC expressed concern over the Ministry’s failure to remit 1 million Kwacha in Pay as You Earn (PAYE) taxes to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).
This tax was deducted from employees at five stations in Western Province but was not forwarded to the tax authority as required.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani