The 2017 Auditor General’s Report on accounts of parastatal bodies and other statutory institutions has revealed that the Copperbelt University did not remit over K686 million to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) in Pay as You Earn, and the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA).

And the report revealed that the University spent over K300, 000 on airfares for students who travelled to Israel on an academic tour and had not recovered the money by the time of review.

The report also revealed that a Guest House that was procured by the University in 2013 had been making losses for three consecutive years, leading to the reduction of its value.

“The University owed amounts totalling K686, 848,082 in respect of outstanding statutory contributions as at 30th November, 2018,” read the report.

The breakdown of the unremitted statutory funds included K524, 270, 408 to the Zambia revenue authority and K162, 577,674 to NAPSA.

“According to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Copperbelt University and the International Center for Agriculture Studies in Israel on Co-operation and training for Students in Educational Project in Agriculture, eligible students were to meet their own tuition fees, return tickets and any other fees payable. On 22nd August 2017, the University spent K303,900 on airfares on behalf of twenty students that travelled to Israel. However, the modalities of how the funds were supposed to be recovered were not defined. Consequently, as at 31st December 2018, the funds had not been recovered from the Students,” read the report.

According to the report, the University also paid for medical insurance of two of its scholars who were studying abroad, contrary to the institutions regulations.

“Section 13.10 of the 2014 Staff Development Progamme, Policy and Regulations Governing Training states that ‘the university shall pay text book allowance at existing rates and full tuition fees on receipt of an official invoice. However, food, medical bills and accommodation charges shall be the responsibility of the fellow’. Contrary to the clause, it was observed that during the period under review, two payments amounting to K18,074 were paid for medical insurance for two officers while studying abroad,” read the report.

Further, the report also revealed that a Guest House that was procured by the University at over K3.8 million had been making losses for three consecutive years.

“On 16th October 2013, the University purchased Africanza Restaurant and Guest House at a cost of K3, 850, 000. A review of the financial records revealed that the Guest House made losses of K191,761 in 2015, K37, 579 in 2016 and K78,179 in 2017. Consequently, the value of the investment reduced from K4, 354, 000 in 2015, to K4,167,000 in 2016.

Additionally, the report revealed that K105,000 imprest was not retired by end of the year, and that K133,000 was lost through unsupported payments.