Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, has chided legislators who abscond parliamentary duties saying they were doing a disservice to the electorate.
While officially opening the Liaison and Coordination Committee retreat in Bulawayo, Friday, Mudenda warned that the list of names of members of Parliament who have not been effectively carrying out their duties will be served to their respective political parties so that corrective measures can be taken.
Mudenda reminded the legislators that the title ‘honourable’ members is a borrowed one and belongs to the electorate, adding it can be taken away from them anytime by the citizenry when they fail to perform their duties.
“The chairman of the LCC (Pupurai Togarepi) presented a fairly detailed analysis of attendance of parliamentary committee meetings,” said Mudenda.
“It is shocking that some members have zero attendance, while some have one or two out of 28 sittings. You have got to be ashamed of yourselves because you are not performing up to the expectations of the electorate nor to your oath of office.”
You are supposed to do your best and work for the people of Zimbabwe in the context of the demands of the Supreme law and the general legislation. I was very disappointed to see this analysis. I think it is best that as a measure of corrective action, this list be given to their respective political parties so that they can know their representatives are underperforming. Forewarned is forearmed.”
Mudenda also challenged the members of Parliament to ensure that they call for accountability on resources mobilised for the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We acknowledge that Parliament business was deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic but you still have a role to play in coming up with mitigatory measures of the devastating pandemic. You are expected to call for accountability for the mobilised finances and resource materials for the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
The Liaison and Coordinating Committee is meeting to review the performance of the first and second sessions of the 9th Parliament.
Ukuthini ngumsangano lo.