Parliament concluded its first week since the opening of the 52nd parliamentary session on Friday, with Leader of the House Jappie Mhango expressing satisfaction with the proceedings.
Speaking to journalists, Mhango said the atmosphere, initially expected to be tense for new members, proved to be welcoming and productive.
“This week has been remarkable for the new members. From a leadership perspective, we are very pleased with the engagement and the quality of the debates,” he said.
Mhango highlighted ongoing national challenges, including widespread food shortages, which prompted the President to declare a state of disaster on October 11.
He explained that the declaration is aimed at mobilizing resources to procure food supplies, including imports from Zambia, for distribution across all 28 districts.
“This is a critical matter for the nation, and the government remains committed to ensuring that our citizens have access to sufficient food,” Mhango said.
On another pressing matter, Mhango addressed calls for a renewed investigation into an accident involving Vice President Saulos Chilima.
Acknowledging public dissatisfaction with the initial report, he said the Minister of Justice will review the findings and determine the appropriate next steps.
“The call for a fresh investigation comes from the citizens, and we respect their views.
The government will follow legal procedures to ensure the matter is properly addressed,” he said.
Friday’s session reflected a blend of optimism among new members and urgency in tackling national challenges, signaling an active and purposeful start to the parliamentary term.
