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Zvamaida Murwira, Harare Bureau
The First Session of the Ninth Parliament had its inaugural sitting yesterday where debate on the speech delivered by President Mnangagwa when he officially opened the August House last week took centre stage.

Members of Parliament hailed the President’s speech saying it paved way for economic development.

Yesterday’s debate followed a motion moved by Mashonaland West Proportionate Representative, Cde Goodluck Kwaramba (Zanu-PF), which was seconded by Wedza North Member of Parliament Cde David Musabayana (Zanu-PF.)

In her debate, Cde Kwaramba said there was a need to take decisive action against non- performing heads of parastatals as some of them continued to bleed the fiscus.

“Heads should roll in these parastatals. It should be emphasised that they should deliver and not continue to drain the fiscus. These parastatals must justify their existence,” said Cde Kwaramba.

Cde Musabayana called on the Government to deal with several impediments hampering development in the economy.

Some of the impediments he cited included poor infrastructure, information communication and technology and corruption.

“Corruption increases the cost of doing business as you have to grease a lot of people,” said Cde Musabayana.

Chikomba Central Member of Parliament Cde Felex Mhona (Zanu-PF) said there was a need for legislators’ tenure to be capped to two terms.

“We need to commit ourselves to the value of transparency. Why can’t we have two terms just the same with the President so that when he leaves office we do the same together and allow fresh minds,” said Cde Mhona.

“It is common among us that we want to die in office.

“It should be known that whatever we do as leaders we are doing it for the future generation,” said Cde Mhona.

Norton Member of Parliament Mr Temba Mliswa (Independent) implored legislators to work hard in their constituencies.

He commended President Mnangagwa for his vision saying it was meant to take the country forward.

Mr Mliswa also commended the Head of State and Government for his anti-graft drive but said more needed to be done.

“We also expect to see an arrest of sitting Cabinet Ministers who would have been implicated in corruption,” said Mr Mliswa.

Mr Mliswa commended Zanu-PF’s performance in the just ended election particularly the inroads that it made in urban areas, which has traditionally been perceived as a stronghold of the opposition.

He blamed both Zanu-PF and the MDC Alliance’s poor showing in some constituencies for what he felt was caused by imposition of some candidates.

The debate continues today with new legislators expected to make maiden speeches.