By OLIVER SAMBOKO
SPEAKER of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti has warned ministers against absconding from attending Parliament business.
This was after leader of opposition in Parliament Brian Mundubile objected to any move to allow another minister to answer the question on behalf of Local Government and Rural Development Minister Garry Nkombo who was not in the house and without any communication as to why.
When the question posed by Mkushi North Member of Parliament Christopher Chibuye was called by the Speaker, Mr Nkombo was not in the house despite being aware of the question directed at him on the order paper.
Mr Chibuye wanted to know when the construction of township roads in Mkushi will be completed; and what the cause of the delay in completing the project was.
The Speaker who was forced to stand down the question, said Parliament was an institution of rules and if the minister knew that he was not going to attend, he should have communicated and an acting minister appointed to attend to the question.
Ms Mutti said she does not expect ministers to continue absconding parliamentary sittings when just a few days ago, she gave guidance on the issue.
She advised ministers to ensure that parliamentary work take precedence and that in future such breaches will not be tolerated.
