By Correspondent
Bulawayo City Council is currently owed nearly ZWL$9 billion by the Government and parents for students attending its schools.
Full Council minutes show that Government has failed to pay over ZWL$1 billion under the Basic Education Assistance Module program.
“During the third term last year, a total of $3 537 022 133 was paid for tuition and Council levies while $6 904 597 800 remained outstanding.
“Council did not receive any Basic Education Assistance Module funds as yet for 2023.
“Meanwhile, $1 664 697 633 is the outstanding balance for 2023 BEAM payments.
“Council is still very much concerned about the long list of school fees debtors.
The failure by both Government and parents to remit the necessary fund has creates a difficult situation for council.
“Efforts are being made to have parents honour their obligations.
“In addition, all new learners fill in contract forms that tie down parents to honour payment plans as well as pay on or before schools open.
Parents or guardians could be sued for their breaches as per Ministry regulations,” it said.
Government has outlawed the sending away of school children over non-payment of fees.
However, this has increased chances of litigation against parents by council.