Government has refuted claims of undertaking any constitutional amendments, clarifying that the initiative is being driven by Members of Parliament. Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa addressed the issue, attributing the movement to opposition Independent Whip Emmanuel Banda, who has advocated for parliamentary involvement in local decision-making processes.
Mweetwa emphasized that the proposed amendments, presented in a motion by Emmanuel Banda, pertain to Members of Parliament resuming active participation in local authorities. The motion seeks to involve MPs in decisions related to land allocation and the disbursement of Constituency Development Fund (CDF). The CDF increment necessitates increased participation from MPs to enhance their connection with constituents.
The Chief Government Spokesperson disclosed that Emmanuel Banda, an independent Member of Parliament for Petauke, has officially submitted the motion to the Clerk of the National Assembly. The motion urges the executive to effect constitutional amendments to facilitate the suggested changes.
Mweetwa clarified that the motion would have already been presented in Parliament if Emmanuel Banda had not faced suspension. The proposal aims to foster a stronger link between Members of Parliament and their constituencies by involving them in critical local decision-making processes.
Source: Lusakatimes
In other news – 280 petition reopening of Kasenseli Gold mine
Over Two hundred and eighty people in Mwinilunga district in Northwestern province have petitioned President Hakainde Hichilema to hastily reopen Kasenseli Gold mine.
The residents have also petitioned the head of state to remove the Zambia National Service (ZNS) officers manning the mine alleging continued illegal mining activities. Read more
