The Sunday Mail
Updates and story by Chief Reporter
Sitting of the National Assembly of Parliament, 16 March 2016.
Government will soon conduct a forensic audit to determine the exact figure of losses in the diamond sector, Mines and Mining Development Minister Walter Chidakwa told the National Assembly during question time on Wednesday.
Minister Chidakwa said the audit would give a detailed picture of what transpired in Chiadzwa where billions of dollars have not been accounted for.
Private miners who were operating at the fields have since been chucked out, with a consolidated entity taking over.
Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa also told the National Assembly that the Zimbabwe Government would not summon US Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Harry Thomas over recent violent clashes in the United States that were ignited in the heat of the highly charged presidential election campaign in that country.
He was responding to Buhera South legislator Cde Joseph Chinotimba who wanted to know whether Government would reciprocate Washington’s habit of interfering in Zimbabwe’s domestic affairs during elections.
VP Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe remained guided by Sadc and African Union principles of non-interference in the affairs of other countries.
On matters medical, Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Aldrin Musiiwa said authorities were working with Premier Service Medical Aid Society to ensure all subscribers access services.
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THE LIVE SESSION
15.45 Hon Maridadi asks Hon. VP Mphoko regarding his stay at Rainbow Towers.
Hon. Speaker states that the questions addressed should be based on policy and his question should be written down.
MDC Chief whip Hon. Innocent Gonese raises a point of order, saying the question should be responded to.
Hon. Speaker reiterates that the question relating the Hon. VP Mphoko staying in the hotel, must be put in writing.
Marking the end of question without notice
15.40 Ministry of Health, Dep. Minister respond to question regarding medical aid provision to paid up PSMAS subscribers. He said govt is working at reforming PSMAS.
15.30 Hon. Misihairabwi-Mushonga questions the criteria over the selection of liberation heroes.
Hon VP Mnangagwa distinguishes a liberation hero and a liberation WAR hero, with the war hero having been in battle, using a gun. Wherehas one who played a part, and not necessarily gone into battle is a liberation hero.
Hon VP Mnangagwa says state assisted funerals are accorded to people who would have served their country with distinction, without having participated in the liberation struggle.
15.20 Hon. Chinotimba asks Hon VP Mnangagwa whether the government will summon US Ambassador to Zimbabwe to answer to the political violence taking place in the campaigning for the US Presidential elections given that the US has a habit of interfering in the internal affairs of other countries.
Hon. VP Mnangagwa says we do not have such a policy and will not interfere with their internal affairs, and govt will not summon Ambassador over their political violence in the US.
Buhera South MP Joseph Chinotimba edebates during question and answer session.-(Picture by Tawanda Mudimu)
15.18 Hon. VP Mnangagwa says consolidation of diamond mining companies in Marange is the best practice and it will not prevent “honest” investors from coming in.
15.15 Hon VP Mnangagwa speaks on Zimbabwe’s debt situation. Saying that on the foreign debt there are positive developments due to ongoing negotiations with the IMF and World Bank. On the internal debt the RBZ is holding continuous discussions with the financial services sector.
15.10 Question directed to Hon. VP Mnangagwa regarding financial leakages and lack of follow ups on irregularities cited in the auditor-general’s reports.
Hon. VP Mnangagwa said they are enough mechanisms to bring culprits to book while the Ministry of Home Affairs is available to attend to any particular that the MPs may want to report
15.00 Minister of Mining, Hon. Chidakwa responds to “missing” diamonds money as asked by Hon. Chamisa
Hon. Chidakwa says the figures are still being processed to be established. And once a forensic audit has been carried out to determine the actual figure. It will be tabled before parliament.
14.50 Hon. Nyanhongo asks the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development, Hon. Made on the type of maize that is being imported.
Hon. Made says priority is given to white maize for people, while yellow maize is also imported for livestock.
14.45 Ministry of Education Dep. Minister Mavhima responds to a question regarding hot sitting, saying it will continue being practiced in schools owing to the shortage of schools, especially in rural areas.
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Professor Paul Mavhima debates during question and answer session at parliament in Harare yesterday.-(Picture by Tawanda Mudimu)
14.35 Hon Mutseyami expresses concern over the continued absence of Ministers during Wednesday’s traditional Questions without notice to the Speaker.
Adv Mudenda responds by saying seven cabinet ministers are out of the country on official business while some of them are trickling in during proceedings.
14.30 Hon. Misihairambwi-Mushonga presents a cake as a token of appreciation to National Assembly Speaker, Advocate Jacob Mundenda for his stance in supporting breastfeeding mothers.
Hon Misihairabwi-Mushonga
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SUMMARY
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