.MATIBINI

By KAIKO NAMUSA –

SPEAKER of the National Assembly, Patrick Matibini has warned Members of Parliament against coming late and dodging from Parliament at the expense of using tax payer’s money, labelling such conduct as ‘notorious’.
The Speaker also ordered Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Bob Sichinga to apologise for coming late and furnish the House with an explanation for his conduct after the first question on the order paper directed at the Ministry lapsed.
The question concerned the construction of Kitwe’s Mukuba Mall and was asked by Patriotic Front (PF) Kamfinsa Member of Parliament, Moses Chishimba.
Dr Matibini said coming late and dodging was only disadvantaging the Zambians in that the legislative arm of Government should adhere to high levels of discipline and not misuse public resources.
Dr Matibini said this yesterday following a point of order raised by Chipili PF MP, Davies Mwila, who sought guidance on the absence of the Minister and his deputies.
Mr Sichinga, his two deputies, Miles Sampa and Richwell Siamunene, were not present at the start of business.
“It is indeed correct that all these questions are asked in a representative capacity, on behalf of the constituents and meant to ensure Government is held accountable. Above all the sittings are
scheduled and it is of utmost importance that all of us, from the Speaker, attend on time.
“We must be very religious about this, at least I am. It is especially displeasing when colleagues on the right (Cabinet Ministers) are not here to respond. There are many of you who come late and leave early before business ends. We must be disciplined.
“We are required to be here throughout. When we conduct a census by the end of business today (yesterday), the situation will be different. Some of the members are notorious for that. We are not using tax payer’s money properly. This is tax payer’s money and we must be serious,” Dr Matibini demanded.
Mr Mwila said that Parliamentarians tabling questions laboured to conduct research on various topics so that the electorate could be informed on important national issues.
The House then proceeded to the next question, but at this time Mr Sichinga arrived and was ordered to furnish an explanation for coming late as well as render an apology which he obliged.
In his response, Mr Sichinga said the mall in Kitwe would be completed in April next year from the expected time frame of April this year, owing to requests by retailers to expand the property from 20,000 square metres to 32,000 square metres.
He said the cost of the project had also inflated from the original US$30 million to $60 million and would employ 1,500 Zambians at the construction phase and 500 permanent jobs once the mall was completed.