Speaker goads Parliament to action

PARLIAMENT should speedily enact laws set out in the legislative agenda presented by President Mnangagwa when he opened the First Session of the Ninth Parliament two weeks ago, Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda has said.

Adv Mudenda said this while addressing parliamentarians during an induction workshop yesterday.

“Parliament must expedite the process of completing the legislative agenda relating to passing laws that address the dictates of the ease and cost of doing business in Zimbabwe,” he said.

“The ambitious legislative agenda outlined by the President on 24 September 2018 during the State of the Nation address is achievable and demands that the ninth Parliament gives greater impetus to the President’s vision of a prosperous Zimbabwe underpinned by an inclusive growth. In that regard, the ninth Parliament, has no choice but to vigorously tackle all the 29 Bills tabled in the House by His Excellency the President, when he pronounced them during the State of the Nation address.”

Adv Mudenda also said Parliament should also expedite the alignment of laws with the Constitution.

“On a related note Parliament must urgently bring closure to the task of aligning the relevant 52 laws to the constitution of Zimbabwe.

“The process of aligning laws with the Constitution is one which must not be deferred any longer as citizens ought to enjoy the full rights and privileges prescribed by the constitution. We must avoid a possible constitutional crisis emanating from enabling legislation which is ultra vires the Constitution,” he said.

The Speaker also called on Parliamentarians to take parliamentary business seriously as they were the people’s representative.

“I appeal for total unwavering commitment to the work of Parliament by members, both in committee and in the plenary sessions of Parliament. Resolute commitment must be duly reflected in your contributions and religious attendance in your committees and plenary in the House,” Adv Mudenda said.

Both of Houses of parliament resume sitting today following last week’s official opening.