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Nduduzo Tshuma Political Editor
SENATE president Edna Madzongwe on Tuesday lashed out at Senators for failing to come up with motions to debate in the House after sitting for only 25 minutes.Cde Madzongwe said the Senators were not being representative to their respective constituencies, adding that it was unfair for the government to fund sittings in the Senate that last for only 25 minutes.
“I also want to repeat what I always say when we break after sitting for only 20 minutes. Let us think of motions that we can propose to be debated in this Senate,” she said.
“As people’s representatives, I’m sure we can do better than what we’re doing right now. We’re short-changing the people we represent.”
Madzongwe said the conduct of the Senators was proof that they were not interacting with the people they represent.
“Otherwise we should be able to come and move motions which will have emanated from the provinces that we represent in this Senate,” she said.
“So, I’m appealing again, it’s not fair for the government to sponsor our sittings that are for only 25 minutes.”
In the brief sitting, Chief Senator Mtshane Khumalo hailed the government for setting up a commission to look into insurance and pensions lost at the adoption of the multi-currency system in 2009.
“President Mugabe spoke about pensions and insurances that were lost by people in 2009 when we adopted multiple currencies. Madam President, it’s clear that so many people who lost their monies are now living in abject poverty and depending on handouts,” said Khumalo.
“However, had things been done correctly, they would be independent and managing to send their children to school. It’s also clear that the government has to help these people who would have been able to earn their own living had things been handled differently.”
Chief Senator Khumalo bemoaned failure by companies in Matabeleland North to fulfil their pledges to the Community Share Ownership Trust Scheme.
He said in other areas like Shurugwi and Gwanda, the schemes were being run successfully to the benefit of the people.
“We know that these councils lack money for development. We’re therefore looking forward to having more community trusts in Zimbabwe so that they can help rural district councils,” said Khumalo.
“It’s saddening Madam President, that in 2012 many companies promised to help community trusts to do their good deeds as I previously mentioned.
“To date, these companies have not honoured their undertakings. We hope that the relevant ministry will look into that issue such that the community trusts contribute the money that they promised.”
Hildah Bhobho (Zanu-PF) was also sworn into Senate, filling a vacancy left by Madzongwe upon her appointment as Senate President.
Bhobho was duly appointed Senator for the Mashonaland West Province with effect from January 23 this year.
Online Reporter