Source: Expedite critical legislation, Parly challenged – herald Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday challenged Parliament to expedite the passage of laws since the legislation enacted in the House carries the aspirations of the nation and its development. The President said this while delivering the State of the Nation Address and officially opening the […]
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday challenged Parliament to expedite the passage of laws since the legislation enacted in the House carries the aspirations of the nation and its development.
The President said this while delivering the State of the Nation Address and officially opening the Third Session of the 10th Parliament of Zimbabwe at the new Parliament Building in Mount Hampden.
“The importance of the timeous discharge of legislative duties reposed in Parliament cannot be overemphasised. Parliament is reminded that laws passed by this August House carry the hopes and aspirations of our people and consist of central policies for implementation by the Executive.
“It is, therefore, critically important that the law-making processes be expedited for the efficient operation of State apparatus.
“Collectively, we have a duty to sustain the prevailing confidence that the people of our country have in our governance systems,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the outstanding Bills from the First and Second Sessions that were presented to Parliament must be concluded as soon as possible.
These include: the Occupational Safety and Health Bill; Public Service Amendment Bill; State Service Pension Bill; Pipelines Amendment Bill; Persons with Disabilities Bill; Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Bill; Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill; Insurance and Pensions Amendment Bill, and Zimbabwe School Examinations Council Bill.
“Regrettably, there are additional Bills that I announced during the Official Opening of the Second Session of the 10th Parliament of Zimbabwe that have not been presented to Parliament.
“These include the Teaching Professions Council Bill; Electronic Transactions and Electronic Commerce Bill; Standards Bill; Biological Warfare Bill; Legal Practitioners Amendment Bill and Rural Electrification Fund Amendment Bill, among others.
“The total backlog of outstanding Bills is unacceptable. I challenge this August House to do more to ensure that these Bills are brought before Parliament and finalised,” he said.
President Mnangagwa outlined the new Bills that will form part of the agenda during the course of the Third Session of Parliament.
“With regard to the industry and commerce sub-sectors, the National Productivity Institute Bill seeks to create the Zimbabwe Productivity Institute to drive increased productivity across all our industries. Amendments will be made to foundational laws, including the Iron and Steel Industry Act and the Sugar Production Control Act.
“To further protect our consumers from a fast-changing economic environment, amendments to the Competition Act are now a necessity. Meanwhile, Government is finalising amendments to the Commercial Premises (Lease Control) Act to create fairness in the commercial rental market.
“Amendment of the Research Act aims at establishing a deliberate and sustainable framework for funding research to facilitate adequate resources for research institutions. This is in line with my Administration’s ongoing quest to promote locally developed solutions and innovation, while reducing dependence on imported technologies,” he said.
In the higher and tertiary education sector,
the President said Government was working on a legislative framework for the accelerated commercialisation of products emanating from innovation hubs that were established at universities across the country.
He also said a notable number of Bills is set to be tabled before the August House from the transport sector for enactment and amendment.
“Equally, Bills that relate to the devolution and decentralisation agenda, as well as the broader local governance arena, will be presented before this esteemed body.
“To mitigate disaster and other unforeseen catastrophes, the Civil Protection Act will be repealed and replaced with the proposed Disaster Risk Management Bill.
“Other Bills to be considered include the Zimbabwe Media Commission Amendment Bill; Meteorological Services Amendment Bill; Foreign Affairs and International Trade Bill; Sport, Leisure and Recreation Bill; Sports Integrity Bill; National Languages Bill; as well as amendments to the Veterans of the Liberation Act; National Heroes Act; and War Victims Compensation Act,” President Mnangagwa said.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere, Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe Senator Jerry Gotora, Chiefs Council of Zimbabwe president Mtshane Khumalo and other delegates follow proceedings
He added that the Police Amendment Bill, which lapsed with the dissolution of the 9th Parliament, should be reintroduced in this Session.
“To consolidate the management and administration of aspects relating to our Home Affairs, the following laws should be considered for amendment: the Unlawful Organisations Act, Official Secrets Act; National Archives of Zimbabwe Act; the Censorship and Entertainment Control Act, Lotteries and Gaming Act; the Citizenship Act and the Private Investigators and Security Guards (Control) Act.
“In line with the constitutional mandate of safeguarding the country’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest and contribution to international peace and security, the Ministry of Defence will be required to table the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and the Arms Trade Treaty as well as the Red Cross Amendment Bill and the Defence Amendment Bill.”
President Mnangagwa said several protocols, treaties and agreements will be brought for ratification and these include: the Protocol Amending the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights Amendment Protocol of 2005; Lisbon Treaty to the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications; and the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs.
“The Protocol Against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air; as well as the Protocol on the Trafficking of Firearms, their Parts, Components and Ammunition, will be tabled during this Session of Parliament,” he said.
The President thanked parliamentarians for their tireless individual and collective efforts towards advancing the development and prosperity of the country.
“Through your wholehearted service and representation of the grassroots communities, you all continue to consolidate our people-centred and participatory governance. As we keep marching towards Vision 2030, let us remain close to the people, in good times and throughout the seasons of challenges,” he said.
