The parliamentarians are concerned with the lack of cooperation by the ministers evidenced by non attendance to Committees’ Oral Evidence sessions at the expense of the public.
Those with outstanding questions on the order paper include Justice minister Patrick Chinamasa, State Security minister Sydney Sekeramayi, Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo, Industry and Commerce minister Welshman Ncube, Transport and Infrastructure minister Nicholas Goche, Youth and Indigenisation minister Saviour Kasukuwere, State Enterprises and Parastatals minister Gorden Moyo and Home Affairs co-ministers Kembo Mohadi and Theresa Makone.
The motion was moved by MDC-T Silobela MP Anadi Sululu calling for the censure of ministers who skip parliament to avoid scheduled question-and-answer sessions by backbenchers.
Sululu said it is sad that questions go for months without being answered.
“It is sad to note that some written questions for ministers to respond within a reasonable time or period say three to five months stay on the order paper for more than six months even up to a year.
“If you look at today’s order paper a question that was raised by hounerable Mushonga is still not answered and that question was asked in October 2010.
“As parliament of Zimbabwe we are the custodians of people’s aspirations. In summation it requires action by us the legislative inform of laws and resolutions to be activated or to be actualized by the actions of the executive and relative parastals.
“It is worry some therefore that parliamentary decisions that is laws and resolutions once made are not executed by the executive,” Sululu said.
He added:“From the foregoing it is imperative on instructive of this August assembly to make right the long associated with an action of the executive by instituting a parliamentary committee whose mandate ids to monitor the implementation of parliamentary reports,” Sululu.
Bulawayo South MP Eddie Cross concurred with Sululu adding that they are now working above party politics for the good of the nation but progress is being hampered by the executive.
“When we started our work this was a very partisan place but we agreed that for the sake of Zimbabweans we must work together. Many of our committees are on track, working on non partisan basis to try and keep the country and the economy on track.
“I am deeply disturbed by the fact that there has been lack of accountability and failure to meet statutory obligations by the executive. If we fail in our responsibilities then the country as a whole is going to suffer.
“The responsible ministers should conduct their work in a transparent and responsible manner and treat this house with respect,” Cross said.
The motion was unanimously adopted.
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