/ 3 July 2006

Zim Parliament to discipline Cabinet members

Zimbabwe’s Parliament is to clamp down on Cabinet ministers not taking the legislature’s business seriously, Harare’s Herald newspaper reported on Monday.

Its website said a parliamentary committee recommended on Sunday that the conduct of such ministers be brought to the attention of President Robert Mugabe.

After a three-day workshop, the parliamentary liaison and coordination Committee (LCC) also proposed that the guilty ministers be summoned to the legislature.

There has been concern among the lawmakers over the failure by ministers to respond to issues raised in the House.

President of the Senate Edna Madzongwe said on Friday the continued absenteeism of ministers from both Houses during question time was a cause for concern.

”The attention of presiding officers of both Houses has been drawn to the concerns … with regard to the continued absenteeism of ministers from both Houses during question time as well as failure to respond to committee reports and motions,” she said.

”Let me assure you all that presiding officers sympathise with members’ sentiments and we will play our part in ensuring that members of the executive avail themselves in Parliament when requested.” — Sapa