Utilize Kasempa constituency offices – Steven Katuka

The parliamentary committee on reforms and modernization has called on residents of Kasempa to desist from viewing the constituency offices around the country as political structures.

 The committee advised members of Kasempa to make use of the constituency office which is charged with the responsibility of bringing parliament closer to the people.

 This follows the public’s perception during a meeting held today to discuss the importance of constituency offices which indicated that the constituency  office was only meant for the area member of parliament and his followers.

 Chairing the committee on parliamentary reforms and modernization, Member of Parliament for Mwinilunga Steven Katuka urged the people to utilize the constituency offices as they represent government under the legislature.

 Mr Katuka highlighted that the committee is charged with the responsibility of bringing parliament closer to the people because since 1964 only the two arms of government were represent at district level.

 He said constituency offices were created to afford people chance to address issues affecting them direct to the members of parliament who are not always available in the district but represented by the office bearers.

 Mr Katuka also urged residents not to desist from working with opposition members of parliament adding that once elected an MP becomes part of government and hence works for the interest of the people.

 And Davy Mufwaya, a resident of Kasempa commended the parliamentary committee for explaining the importance of the constituency office which he said was perceived as political offices and hence people refrained from submitting issues for fear of being marked as partisan.  

 He noted that most times problems are heaped on MPs and thereby leaving the constituency office underutilized and unappreciated.

 Mr Mufwaya further suggested for MPs country wide to embark on sensitizing the public on the importance of the constituency office which would afford chance to the public to remove the negative view towards the offices.

 Among the members of the parliamentary committee on reforms and modernization was, Chasefu MP Chifumu Banda, Lupososhi’s Lazarus Bwalya, Luwingu’s Patrick Mucheleka and Solwezi West’s Humphrey Mwanza.