PARLIAMENT goes on recess

PARLIAMENT yesterday adjourned sine die with Vice-President Guy Scott urging Members of Parliament (MPs) to utilise the recess to visit their constituencies and address issues of development.
And Parliament was by Press time last evening debating a private member’s motion moved last week by United Party for National Development (UPND) Mazabuka MP Garry Nkombo, urging Government to provide a roadmap for the enactment of a new Constitution.
Dr Scott thanked the House for the deliberations during the third session of the 11th National Assembly, which received 10 ministerial statements and 211 questions for oral answers.
He implored the MPs to supplement Government’s efforts to foster development, adding that although there were challenges in distributing farm produce, they were overcome. “I thank the House for transacting successfully during the sitting and I appeal to you to use the break to visit your constituencies and address issues of development,” he said. During the debate on Mr Nkombo’s motion, Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini curtailed points of order from MPs, saying the trend was delaying the debate. He urged the parliamentarians to ensure their contributions were relevant to the motion. Dr Matibini, in guiding proceedings, said Zambians were anxious over the outcome of the motion as they had followed events surrounding the Constitution debate.
Lupososhi Patriotic Front MP Bwalya Chungu said the Constitution-making process required a careful analysis before it was enacted.
Mr Chungu said there was no doubt that a people-driven Constitution was a necessity, but that the process should not be rushed.
United Party for National Development Monze Central MP, Jack Mwiimbu said there were contradictory statements on the way forward on the Republican document.
“We are urging Government to be very clear on the Constitution roadmap and give a proper and precise roadmap. There is no roadmap and it does not exist,” he said.
Liuwa MMD MP, Situmbeko Musokotwane said the Constitution should be enacted before the 2016 general elections.
Home Affairs Deputy Minister, Alfreda Kasembe said Government was committed to delivering a new Constitution to the people of Zambia.
Ms Kasembe said President Michael Sata had indicated from the start of the process that he wanted Zambians to own the process.