The security of Zimbabwe School Examinations Council exam papers could be compromised amid revelations that the examinations mother body is using a private player in printing examination papers.

The Auditor General Mildred Chiri has noted that the Norton printing press is still to be commissioned after a payment of US$1,3m owed to printing press supplier.

The Auditor General is concerned that engagement of a private player in the printing of examination papers would result in the leakage of examination papers.

The need to pay for the new printing press is urgent as using a third party compromises the security of examinations.

“Outsourcing may not be sustainable and the security of examinations may be compromised,” said the Auditor General.

“The printing press was installed in 2018 after a part payment of a3 138 318 leaving a balance of US$ 1,3 million.

“Due to the outstanding balance, the Council could not commission the printing press, as a result the Council had to outsource the printing of O level June and November 2017 examination papers at a cost of US$251 367 and 1 918 746 respectively,” reads the Auditor General’s report.

The Auditor General added that the financial loss may get worse as the continued delay in commission the printing press may render it obsolete.H-Metro