LOBAMBA – Following a tour undertaken last Friday, Members of Parliament (MPs) have raised serious concerns about the condition of the infrastructure at Eswatini Medical Christian University (EMCU).
During the portfolio committee debate of the Ministry of Education and Training yesterday, it was revealed that the delegation witnessed a classroom block literally losing its footing.
It was reported that a contractor is currently on-site in a desperate race to construct a support wall to prevent the building from collapsing entirely. Inside the classrooms, the air was said to be thick with the scent of decay. Rising damp has allowed toxic mould to spread across almost every wall, creating an environment that has been deemed unfit for human habitation.
During the debate, Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga stated that there were numerous issues affecting the university.
“A colleague showed me a picture of one of the structures. The buildings are just a mess. It has made me wonder where the money that the mission is supposed to contribute is. I think the time has come for the auditor general to pay attention to the institution,” Mhlanga said.
The deputy speaker said it would be ideal for a proper investigation, as one may never know if there are acts of money laundering following claims that money from donors is deposited into a private account.
Also making a submission on EMCU was Mhlambanyatsi MP Bonginkosi Dlamini, who said he was part of the tour and that what he witnessed was terrible.
“There is no university like that. Even an old primary school in rural areas is better. I am pleading with the ministry, MPs and all stakeholders that we work together to help the university. There is a need to look into the issue of the vice chancellor there. There are issues regarding his position; let us find solutions,” the Mhlambanyatsi MP submitted.
Manzini Region MP Thandeka Mavuso also addressed the matter, stating that the institution could no longer be regarded as a university.
“It is now like a crèche. What plans does the ministry have to help the university? Is there a plan to build proper accommodation and classrooms?” Mavuso asked.
During an engagement with some of the MPs who were part of the tour, they shared that the seriousness of the situation was laid bare when the delegation visited the institution alongside the Minister for Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, and Principal Secretary Nanikie Mnisi.
Some MPs suggested that if the memorandum of agreement between the government and the Africa Continent Mission (ACM) is failing, then it should be reviewed.
The MPs also shared photographs taken during the tour, which show that the furniture at the institution is in a poor state.
Meanwhile, MPs praised both the minister and the principal secretary for their visibility in schools.
“The PS is very vibrant and visits schools to listen to the needs of teachers. She properly understands the problems faced by teachers, and this is good,” submitted MP Tanele Magagula.
She also pleaded with the ministry to ensure that an Education Board is appointed so that the burden can be removed from both the minister and the principal secretary.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
Leave a comment