Chawama flooded, but Deputy Speaker says not urgent

By NATION REPORTER

FLOODING in Lusaka’s Chawama Constituency has reached alarming levels, with water reportedly rising to window height in some homes, but the matter was yesterday dismissed in Parliament as not urgent.
Chawama Member of Parliament (FDD) Bright Nundwe said residents in townships such as Misisi, Kuku and John Howard which are part of the larger Chawama Constituency, were facing severe flooding, posing danger especially to children.
“Chawama is extremely flooded. Misisi, Kuku and John Howard…the water is reaching window level. What is Government doing about it?” Mr Nundwe asked.
He said the situation had become dire and unbearable, requiring immediate intervention.
But First Deputy Speaker Malungo Chisangano ruled that the matter did not qualify as urgent.
“No one has died and no one will die. In fact, when did this same flooding take place? There is no catastrophe, so it doesn’t qualify as an urgent matter,” Ms Chisangano said.
Meanwhile, Kamfinsa Member of Parliament (PF) Christopher Kang’ombe questioned Government’s failure to acknowledge earlier calls for the introduction of a 24-hour economy.
Mr Kang’ombe said the idea had been proposed a long time ago but was initially rejected by Parliament, only to be adopted later by Cabinet yesterday, three years later.
“Is Government in order not to acknowledge the advocacy from the people of Kamfinsa? We have been calling for that the last three years,” he said.
In a separate matter, Kantanshi Member of Parliament (PF) Anthony Mumba raised concern over possible fuel supply disruptions linked to war between Iran and the United States with its ally Israel.
Mr Mumba said although the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) had assured the nation that the situation was stable, signs on the ground suggested otherwise because he had personally struggled to buy diesel in Ndola.
“Energy is the driver of the economy. But this war may adversely affect us. Why is Government quiet about contingency measures?” he asked.
Mr Mumba said given his personal experience after he struggled to find diesel in Ndola, it was certain that the situation could deteriorate if not addressed.
The House also momentarily lightened when Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane, acting as Minister of Education, engaged in a light exchange with Shiwang’andu Member of Parliament Stephen Kampyongo over delays in placing over 2, 000 newly recruited teachers on the payroll.
Dr Musokotwane is traditionally known as a reservist who rarely jokes but this time, he decided to lighten up the House with sane jokes.
Earlier, Mr Kampyongo had jokingly questioned when newly appointed ministers would be oriented into “exiting Government.”
Dr Musokotwane responded in jest: “Who oriented you when you were appointed Minister? Madam Speaker, Mr Kampyongo is a good man.”
He explained that the delay in placing teachers on the payroll was due to clerical workload challenges rather than lack of funds at the Treasury.