By SILUMESI MALUMO
PARLAIMENT yesterday adjourned sine die due to the escalating cases of Covid-19
Vice President Inonge Wina said as leader of the House she was expected to adjourn sine die whenever an emergency occurred.
Ms Wina said Covid-19 was an emergency therefore it was prudent to adjourn in order to protect the lives of Parliamentarians.
“Despite the health guidelines the cases of Covid-19 have been rising at the institution and the country generally. It is in this regard that I seek the indulges of Hounourable members that in accordance with standing orders number 33 (1) of the National Assembly of Zambia standing order 2016 the house adjourn sine die in order to protect both Members of Parliament and staff from the risk of contracting the disease.
I wish the Members of Parliament to test for Covid-19 before going to their constituencies in order to minismise the transmission of the disease,” she said.
Earlier yesterday Parliament paid tribute to departed Members of Parliament Rodgers Mwewa and Mwenya Munkonge.
Parliament was saddened with the death of the two members of Parliament who were dedicated to serve the people.
Vice President Wina said the death of the two parliamentarians was saddening and the house had been robbed of people who were eager to work for their constituents.
Ms Wina said, “I want to press on record our regret and sorrow and anguish over the demise of the two Honourable Members of Parliament.”
She said the demise of the two was not just a loss to their respective constituencies but the entire nation.
UPND Chief Whip Jack Mwiimbu said the two parliamentarians were decent people as they were always available for mutual discussions with other MPs without taking into account political affiliation.
He said he had served as an MP for long time and it was rare to find people who were accommodative like the late two parliamentarians.
And Government Chief Whip Brian Mundubile said Parliament would surely miss the two for their hard work.
