CHAPTER ONE FOUNDATION CALLS FOR THOROUGH PARLIAMENTARY SCRUTINY ON PROPOSED MINISTRY REALIGNMENT
By Gloria Chabala & Philip Sikainda Jr
Chapter One Foundation has urged Parliament to exercise independent judgment and scrutinize President Hakainde Hichilema’s proposed realignment of government ministries rather than merely approve the Executive’s proposal.
President Hichilema has written to Parliament under Article 92(2)(d) of the Constitution seeking approval for the realignment, and Vice President Mutale Nalumango will this afternoon move a motion on the floor of the House seeking approval for the proposed establishment, merger and dissolution of government ministries.
However, Foundation Executive Director Josiah Kalala says reorganizing ministries can be costly and disruptive, and merging them does not automatically translate into greater efficiency.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr Kalala said Parliament’s role is to scrutinize whether the changes are necessary, evidence-based, financially justified and in the public interest, noting that the proposal comes while the National Assembly is considering the national budget.
Meanwhile, governance expert Isaac Mwanza has welcomed President Hichilema’s decision to seek parliamentary approval, saying the move is intended to activate and accelerate Zambia’s Growth Agenda.
Mr Mwanza has, however, noted that the number of ministries is fixed by the Constitution and cannot be exceeded.
PHOENIX NEWS