Parliament debates Mugabe's 'correct' speech

President Mugabe's speech during the official opening of the Third Session of the Eighth Parliament shows Government's commitment to creating a conducive environment to attract investment, Parliament heard yesterday.

This was said by parliamentarians while debating the President's speech that he delivered last week. "This legislative agenda has to be read in line with political will by the Executive to address the economic challenges facing this country," Zanu-PF Buhera North representative William Mutomba said.

"The President has taken the initiative to bring 14 Bills out of the 21 Bills set to be presented that will create an investor friendly environment. Unfortunately for us, the economy is in a bad state, people are desperate and we need to change and the President set the tone for the change we need."

Midlands' proportional representative Melody Dziva, echoed similar sentiments saying Parliament had an obligation to fulfil the aspirations of the electorate. "We need unity as parliamentarians. We need to address issues that affect our people especially on food, jobs, health and educations. People are looking at this Parliament that we protect their rights and aspirations because that is what they voted us for," she said.

Dziva commended President Mugabe for speaking against corruption, adding the proposed National Code of Conduct and Good Corporate Governance Bill would go a long way in providing the framework to fight the scourge. MDC vice president and Bulawayo proportional representative Ms Thokozani Khupe, however, said the President's speech did not address the plight of Zimbabweans.

"The speech did not speak to the aspirations and needs of the people of Zimbabwe," she said. She said people needed food, jobs and access to health among other necessities. MDC Matabeleland South representative Mrs Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, said the President's speech did not address the issues of devolution that she said was critical in ensuring development.

"We cannot run away from the fact that the issue of marginalisation is an issue if we are to get development in this country," she said. Meanwhile, Mashonaland West proportional representative Joanna Tsogorani, died on Monday. "It is with profound sorrow that I have to inform the House of the death on Monday of proportional representation member Honourable Joan Tsogorani," Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda made the announcement before commencement of business yesterday. She has been unwell for the past few months.