By OLIVER SAMBOKO
HEALTH Minister Sylvia Masebo was yesterday put under pressure on the floor of the house on the decision taken by the government to force civil servants to undergo covid19 vaccination.
Pambashe Member of Parliament Ronald Chitotela who rose on a point of public importance, said the announcement by government to the effect that those who have not been vaccinated and present a certificate will not be allowed to access public buildings was unconstitutional and against the bill of rights.
Mr Chitotela wanted to know if the vice president who is leader of the Government business in the national assembly was in order to keep quiet when Government is abrogating the constitution and part five of the Bill of Rights according to article 33 (4) and (5) which provides that a person cannot be compelled to act or engage in an act that is contrary to that person’s believe.
He said Government should explain if the constitution and the people’s rights have been suspended so that every citizen can be aware and compelled to take the covid vaccine.
Mr Chitotela said while he appreciated the Government’s intention to protect the lives of people, he was concerned that the Government wants to force people to get vaccinated against their will.
He said the Government should remember that there are fundamentalists in the Seventh Day Adventists Church and the Jehovah’s Witnesses who do not take vaccines and wondered what will happen to such people.
Mr Chitotela said some of those people are working in government and wondered what is going to happen to them since they will not get the vaccine and won’t be allowed access to their work place.
“These people did not choose to be Zambians but it is God who gave them this beautiful country and the right to have access to Government buildings and also public services,” he said.
Mr Chitotela explained that some of the teachers that will be invigilating school examinations are fundamentalists from the Seventh Day Adventists and members of the Watchtower sect meaning they won’t be able to provide their services to the learners who are sitting for examination.
Meanwhile, Ms Masebo said the government has received concerns from the public over the announced covid 19 measures aimed at protecting the public.
She said the UPND Government is a listening administration and ensures that all concerns are put into consideration.
Ms Masebo said the reason she brought the issue to parliament is part of a consultative process being undertaken by the new dawn government.
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