MP queries govt on development policies

Ntchisi North member of Parliament (MP) Boniface Kadzamira (Independent) on Wednesday took to task government to explain its position and progress on policies regarding girls’ hostels.

Through a supplementary question in Parliament on Tuesday, Kadzamira wondered why government has not come up with a policy to address the challenges being faced as a result of lack of girls’ hostels in various districts.

Said Kadzamira: “Looking at today’s Order Paper, all the questions which are being asked are of the same nature. The first MP wants a girls’ hostel in his constituency, about three MPs want the same. Then another set of MPs wants [community day] secondary schools to be elevated to full boarding school.

“Now, my problem is that why can’t the minister responsible come up with a policy [or statement] to deal with these issues once and for all? Why should we continue to address these issues like this?”

He said dealing with such problems in piecemeal hinders development as there is no clear way in addressing the issues raised.

In response, Minister of Education, Science and Technology Emmaunel Fabiano said he will address all the issues raised through a ministerial statement.

But chief whip Henry Mussa, who is also acting leader of the House in the absence of the office bearer Francis Kasaila who is away, said government will need to discuss the issues raised at Cabinet level.

He said: “It is true we need a policy on all those development issues being addressed by MPs; otherwise, we will be moving in circles. It is an issue which we need to discuss at Cabinet level.” n