(HERALD) Play your role, PM urges Parly

Play your role, PM urges Parly
Herald Reporter

PRIME Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has urged parliamentarians to actively discharge their oversight role by holding public officials accountable for their actions. He was speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday.

"It is essential that this House becomes a vibrant force for democracy and accountability in Zimbabwe, such that all public officials recognise Parliament’s ability and determination to investigate.

"Every public official — whether a Minister, a policeman or a civil servant who has broken the law, acted corruptly or simply incompetently must respect the supremacy of this House," PM Tsvangirai said.

He commended Cabinet for leading economic recovery saying Government would strive to maintain fiscal discipline.

"I wish to acknowledge the skill, commitment and dedication of all ministers who have been involved in overseeing the country’s economic recovery. As Government, we support the drive to instil budgetary discipline within our Government and moves to introduce greater accountability and fiscal rigour among all ministries," he said.

PM Tsvangirai also commended legislators for carrying out their duties under difficult circumstances and assured them that Government was aware of their concerns.

"I am aware that you Mr Speaker have received a proposal from the Welfare Committee representing MPs and Government will ensure that this issue and the non-payment of sitting and other allowances, receives the attention they deserve within our constrained economic environment," he said.

The Prime Minister also said he would present a Government Work Programme next year that would form the basis of the legislative agenda once approved by the Council of Ministers and Cabinet.

The work programme would be informed by the need to promote economic growth, guarantee basic services and infrastructure development, and advance basic freedoms. He also acknowledged the role of Sadc and South Africa in facilitating dialogue between the parties in the inclusive Government.

"I wish to acknowledge the continued involvement of Sadc as the guarantors of the Global Political Agreement and for standing by the people of Zimbabwe in ensuring that the GPA is implemented in full," he said.

"In particular, the role of South Africa as the facilitator of the dialogue process is most appreciated."

Responding to the Prime Minister’s statement, Mwenezi East legislator Cde Kudakwashe Bhasikiti urged MPs to fight corruption and implored Government to pay them allowances commensurate with other Sadc countries. Goromonzi North Member of the House of Assembly Cde Paddy Zhanda called on Government to urgently improve the welfare of MPs to stamp out corruption.

Cde Zhanda said Zimbabwe had enough resources to ensure a better standard of living for its citizens.