HON. CHIKWINYA: On a point of order Hon. Speaker. Thank you Hon. Speaker. We are debating the most important Government policy, which is the National Budget. The presenter of that Budget, who is the Minister, is not here. The Chief Whip of ZANU PF in this Parliament had indicated that the motion be stood over until the Minister arrives in Parliament in respect of the nation and the importance of the work before us. So, I see it as disrespectful of Parliament by either the Minister himself or the Government in its entirety for us to debate this motion in his absence. How is he going to respond? – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – How is he going to hear our input? So, I propose that we abide by the Chief Whip of ZANU PF‘s assertions that we stood over this motion until the Minister arrives. In fact we are aware that the Minister has resigned.
An Hon. Member having stood up to give a point of order.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I have not given a response to the point of order raised. Thank you. Hon. Chikwinya, please be informed that the Hon. Minister gave his apologies as he is away on Government business – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – His officers are present and taking notes of the debate that is going on. So, the debate will be presented in the Hansard.
Hon. P. D. Sibanda having stood up to give a point of order.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Please Hon. Sibanda we have come here for Parliamentary business not points of order – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – I have made a ruling.
Hon. Sibanda was asked to approach the Chair.
HON. MHONA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I will proceed with my report.
1.1 The introduction of the Infrastructure Investment Plan as part of the budget documents is also commendable. The relevant Ministries must provide timely and relevant updates on the implementation of the projects as required by the PFMA (Section 32,33 and 34). Transparency in both procuring of the projects as well as consistent and timely feedback on project implementation will help to get the right service providers at the right cost and avoid costly project overruns. Parliament must take note of all the proposed projects and provide effective oversight of budget implementation
1.2 The Committee is however concerned that the Minister did not consider some very pertinent Committee recommendations including:
- Government re-applying for re-admission into the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) for selling Gold;
- Including a Charter of Fiscal responsibilities on the budget pack presented by the Minister to Parliament, as per the Hon. Speakers call;
iii. Establishing a well-resourced cancer hospital or introducing a cancer levy;
- Supporting teacher training in local languages especially for Kariba, Binga and Beitbridge among other places;
- Introducing an Education Equalisation Fund to fund rural education and development;
- Ring-fencing revenue from the reconsidered 2% per dollar tax to fund the provision of social services and social safety nets;
vii. Expeditious auctioning of Government property to ensure that it does not lose out from depreciation of assets.
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