BELMOPAN, Belize – The Belize government says it is committed to having students access their education safely and consistently amid reports that some school bus routes would be disrupted as a result of outstanding payments to school bus contractors.
(File Photo)In a statement, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST) said that it is aware of reports regarding the potential disruption of some school bus routes acknowledging “that delays in the contractual process have contributed to delays in payments”.
Education Minister Francis Fonseca said the contracts were delayed because of approvals at the Contractor General’s Office, but assured that the issue was being resolved.
“Yes, we are having some issues. This year, for the first time, we introduced a new system that provides for the contractor general to review all of these contracts. And they’re small contracts, but they have to go through a process.
“So there have been some delays in approval of those contracts by the contractor general’s office. But we’re working through those. And I believe that all of those will be resolved over the next few days. So there should not be any further interruptions in terms of school bus transportation,” Fonesca said.
Bus drivers spend an estimated BDZ$100 (One BDZ$=US$0.49 cents) daily on fuel and cannot keep buying diesel out of pocket. They said also that fuel stations are also demanding payment for accounts.
While it did not say how much is owed to the contractors, the MoECST said “we are working diligently, in consultation with the Ministry of Finance, to facilitate payments.
“Recognising that some school bus routes may be affected, the Ministry sincerely regrets the inconvenience this may cause to students, parents teachers and school.
“Principals and school communities that may be affected have been notified and asked to support students who may be impacted,” the MoECST said, adding that it wanted to assure the public and other stakeholders “that we are working to resolve this matter, with payments expected to be facilitated by midweek.
“The MoECST remains committed to ensuring that students can access their education safely and consistently and will provide further updates as this matter proceeds”.
