Project to Hold Parliament Accountable Launched

THE German Development Cooperation has launched a 2.5 million Euros two-year project on strengthening parliamentary control on government operations in Zambia.
The project is aimed at making people aware of the role of Parliament.
German deputy ambassador to Zambia Frank Hofmann said during the launch in Lusaka yesterday that the project is a mammoth task because it will make people hold Parliament accountable for its work.
“This is a crucial project because it is linking the grassroots people to Parliament and therefore people will hold it (Parliament) accountable for its work,” Dr Hofmann said.
Dr Hofmann said a vibrant Parliament is cardinal to strengthening of any country’s democracy.
He said under the project, Parliament Radio will be modernised and access to the internet in rural constituencies enhanced.
“We want to be Zambia’s reliable partners as we bring Parliament closer to the people and thus the people’s representatives (MPs) must have responsible actions,” Dr Hofmann said.
He urged the members of Parliament to come up with hot and interesting topics in Parliament for debate as a way of attracting listeners.
And Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini described the project as crucial to parliamentary reforms and modernisation which have been going on over the past 15 years.
Dr Matibini said under the project, Parliament will set up its own television station to broadcast live debates in the House.
“This project will result in quality interaction between MPs and the electorate,” Dr Matibini said.
He said under the project, offices will be constructed in all the 150 constituencies of the country.
“We have been spending colossal sums of money on rentals but this will no longer be the thing,” Dr Matibini said.
Speaking earlier, Clerk of the National Assembly Doris Mwinga said the project will be valuable to Parliament’s interaction with the people.
Mrs Mwinga also revealed that three books will be published: Structure of the Zambian State, Citizens’ Participation in the Legislative Process and Law Making Process in Zambia.
She said other short versions of Parliament abstracts such as debates in Parliament and parliamentary proceedings will be published.

Posted by Editor on November 6, 2013. Filed under LATEST NEWS. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry