Umbilo CPF investigates PPE ‘wastage’
Heather Roos was shocked at the discovery of PPE and other items which were meant to be donated to local schools going to waste in Umbilo.
UMBILO CPF is looking for answers following the recent report that personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as other goods such as steriliser, destined for local schools, was stored at the former offices of the Department of Education in Acton Road, Umbilo.
Umbilo CPF chair, Heather Roos, told Berea Mail she was informed by a source that this equipment had been stored at the premises since last year.
She said the items were for designated schools in the Umlazi district, however they never made it there.
“I was told by a source that the PPE as well as chemicals and sterlisers had been on site since September. They were meant to go to schools, but they haven’t left the premises. The chemicals and hand soap are leaking out of the containers onto the floor and boxes of PPE (aprons and masks) have been left on the corridors and have been exposed to the elements and subsequently ruined,” she said.
Roos said residents had also observed activity at the facility in the early hours of the morning.
ALSO READ: Department of Education under fire after paying inflated prices for PPE
“I am trying to find out what has happened here, as this is a waste of resources and money. These items need to be donated or given to schools before they are completely wasted,” she said.
No response was received to requests for comment sent to two Department of Education media liaison officers regarding this matter.
However Dr Imran Keeka, member of Provincial Legislature and the Democratic Alliance spokesperson on Education, said: “I’ve already engaged with the Special Investigating Unit with regards to allegations of corruption into the procurement of PPE and there is now a process underway to recover looted funds. Notwithstanding, this discovery needs to be scrutinised further as part of the whole investigation to further lay bare the many allegations underhandedness which is often rebuffed by the province’s political leadership,” he said.
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