The mobile laboratories that the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) promised to be in the country by the time the new school term starts have been delayed.
The Ministry’s spokesperson Manfred Ndovi confirmed the development in an interview on Wednesday, saying they have not received any mobile laboratory as promised.
MoEST announced last month the procurement of laboratories from South Africa, adding that the mobile laboratories would be in the country before the new school term begins.
However, Ndovi said in an interview the 200 mobile laboratories have delayed due to procurement processes.
“I can confirm that up to now the Ministry of Education has not received any of the promised mobile laboratories, but let me assure all members of the general public that anytime from now the laboratories will be arriving in the country,” said Ndovi.
Civil Society Education Coalition (Csec) executive director Benedicto Kondowe, in an interview Wednesday, lambasted government for the delay, adding that even the plans to roll out the new curriculum are not adding up because a lot of things have not been done.
He said: “It is not just about the mobile laboratories. This story is the same for the procurement of textbooks, teachers’ guides and recruitment of teachers. Csec continues to implore government to be careful in changing curriculum because a lot of things need to be done.
“This is also clear evidence that there is lack of leadership to those charged with the responsibility to manage this. From my assessment the Ministry of Education is not ready to roll out the new curriculum.”
Kondowe added that the current curriculum is too short and there will be disastrous implications in terms of progress
