Govt banks on parliament for solutions to Malawi woes

Deputy leader of the House Kondwani Nankhumwa says the government expects parliament to help find lasting solutions to the current crisis of food shortages and the economy.

Nankhumwa said this ahead of parliament seating which starts this Monday.

“The minister of Finance will tell the House the overall performance of our economy for the last six months and an overview of the budget in the next six months,” said Nankhumwa.

He said in addition, the minister of Agriculture Allan Chiyembekeza is expected to present to the House the food situation in the country.

“We are of the belief parliament will help government find solutions. These are two critical issues affecting the country,” said Nankhumwa who is also minister of Local Government.

He said before parliament rises in March, the legislators will have passed the Access to Information bill.

The Communications bill, he said, is also likely to pass in parliament.

However media experts and other commentators have expressed worry that the government has disregarded a critical proposal in the Communications bill that would curtailed executive powers of the head of state in the appointment of a director general of the public broadcaster, Malawi Broadcasting Corporation.

As of now, the President appoints the executive director and the minister of Information has direct control and influence of the tax payer funded broadcaster, virtually turning it a ruling party mouth piece and it hardly covers the opposition in democratic Malawi.

Nankhumwa also aid 11 bills are expected to be tabled including land bills and ministers will present ministerial statements, including the minister of Health on the status of public hospitals following reports of persistent drug shortages and food shortages for patients.

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :

Sharing is caring!