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Dr Ignatius Chombo

Nonsikelelo Moyo, Chronicle Reporter
MEMBERS of Parliament have called for the prioritisation of social service delivery and completion of outstanding projects at the ongoing 2018 Parliamentary pre-budget seminar in Victoria Falls.

Officially opening the workshop on Thursday, the Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, said he expected committee presentations to address a number of issues.

“Your presentations must address the debilitating spirit of procrastination, indolence and inertia that has slowly become endemic and is proving to be the biggest enemy in our bureaucracy, apart from the scourge of corruption,” he said. Speaking at the same seminar, Finance and Economic Development Minister Dr Ignatius Chombo said the 2018 budget would ensure completion of a number of government projects.

“In the 2018 budget, the focus will be on completion of most government projects, maintaining the growth momentum in agriculture, infrastructure development, clinics, social service delivery, and implementation of education programmes,” he said.

Dr Chombo said the budget would also include provisions for the 2018 harmonised elections.

During a question and answer session, MPs raised concerns about a number of issues with most legislators questioning the lack of corporate governance in Government.

“I would suggest that we actually have a state owned regulatory authority given the number of state owned enterprises available in our country and the extent of impropriety in these enterprises. They do not file the necessary returns or accounts and I’m suggesting the setting up of an independent board of experts in corporate governance that can run these enterprises and ensure that they’re in compliance with the Corporate Governance Bill,” said one of the MPs.

Some MPs called for an increment of their allowances so that they can be motivated to work hard.

Female MPs suggested the inclusion of free sanitary wear provision in the national budget as it is a necessity for women.

They also noted with concern the state of the Bulawayo manufacturing industry with most industrial complexes and warehouses having been turned into churches and funeral palours.

In response to MPs’ concerns, Dr Chombo said the issues would be considered and included in the budget. — @nonsy_m