The Private Sector Commission (PSC) will soon begin distributing nearly $30 million in donations collected to support families affected by the fire at Mahdia Secondary School’s dormitory.
This confirmation came from the newly elected Chairman of the Commission, Gerald Gouveia Jr. Gouveia stated that the funds, which private sector members raised, will be handed over “within the coming weeks.”
“These donations were meant to help the families, and they will be distributed as intended,” Gouveia said. He noted that making this happen is “very high” on his priority list.
The PSC had come under scrutiny after it was revealed that the funds had remained untouched for nearly two years. Gouveia declined to comment on the delay but assured that the commission is now moving forward to fulfill its commitment.
According to the PSC’s 2024 annual report, the funds were raised under the heading “Contributions for Mahdia Fire Relief” during the tenure of former Chairman Komal Singh.
Singh served as head of the commission throughout 2023 and into 2024, the same period when the donations were received.
On May 21, 2023, a fire broke out at the dormitory, killing 20 children, including one boy.
