Harare-Pomona deal raises a stink in Parliament

HON. HWENDE:  In terms of what law are you interfering? -[HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.]-

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Order, order!  Hon. Biti, you raised a question, so can you listen.

HON. HAMAUSWA:  On a point of order.  The Minister is now here.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  No, let the Leader of Government Business take over.

THE MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. MURWIRA):  Hon. Speaker, the question that is being asked is a very important question and it is very important that we focus on the main issue of trying to solve problems in Harare legally.  What we have said is that this issue of Pomona, if there are specific issues – [HON. MEMBERS: It is according to what law?]- It is according to the laws of the Republic of Zimbabwe – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.]-

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Please can you sit down!

HON. PROF. MURWIRA:  Hon. Speaker, I wish for your protection – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.]-

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Order, order! The question is very specific and it requires some research, so Hon. Minister, I am sure you can come up with a statement to indicate the legal framework perhaps next week.  Thank you.

HON. MURAI:  Supplementary question.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Can you sit down Hon. Murai.  Order Hon. Hwende, you asked a question on the basis of which law and I have ruled that this is a specific question which requires the Minister to refer to the law and then come back and give you that legal framework.  Thank you – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.]-

HON. ZWIZWAI:  On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir

THE HON. SPEAKER: Are you contesting my ruling?

HON. ZWIZWAI:  I am not.  You are a very generous gentleman Mr. Speaker Sir.  All I am simply saying and what I want to say is that in terms of your deportment as the Speaker of Parliament, if a point of order is raised, you are very quick to refer to the Standing Rules and Orders.  Why do our Ministers not refer to the law if they are learned people who have been appointed to duty and that deportment?

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Order, I get you.

HON. ZWIZWAI:  You are going to correct me in each and every turn as you always do here.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Please, can you sit down.

HON. ZWIZWAI:  And you cannot correct the Ministers to say that they need to go and research.  Why?

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Order.

HON. ZWIZWAI:  But Hon. Speaker this issue…

HON. HAMAUSWA:  Can you recognise me Mr. Speaker Sir.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Can you sit down, I did not recognise you.

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