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{
    "id": 1053564,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1053564/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 22,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Public Health, the sitting arrangements was such that the Chamber only accommodated 66 Members. After some time, they reviewed that and increased the sitting capacity to 112 Members. I do not know whether Members read the seat labels written: “Sit Here”. Even those people who went up to Class III can read that. I would expect Members of Parliament to be the first ones to read those simple words. They are just seven letters. “Sit Here”. If you find yourself sitting where it is not so labeled, you are in violation. There are so many empty sitting spaces. There are some who find it very inconveniencing, but we have to allow the inconvenience to happen for the time being. I know there are some who like sitting next to certain Members and they feel uncomfortable when they sit next to others. Because Hon. Millie Odhiambo came late, she now has to sit far away from where she normally sits. Obviously, we have to live with these times as they are. The issue about the number of sittings is already under discussion. We will make an appropriate decision. However, the proposition could come from the House Business Committee, but the decision will be made by the House itself. The House Business Committee cannot impose on the House. It is the House to make the decision on the number of sittings, the duration and the number of people. No! The number of people will be determined by technical advice from the Public Health Department. The first point which Hon. Ichung’wah raised is very pertinent. I alluded to it last week when I said in passing that we must appreciate that there is a spike in COVID-19 cases. There is an increase in the number of cases. When you look around and you do not see some of your colleagues, that should suggest that all is not well. We obviously continue to pray for them to recover quickly. We have also had a spike among the staff. As I say this, you can see the Member for Imenti North is not listening. You can see how actively he is… Hon. Caleb Kositany, even if you were vaccinated yesterday, please, help us to navigate through this period. All those matters that Hon. Ichung’wah has raised are being actively considered. Like I said, with regard to the passing on of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, we have programmed that mater in the Afternoon Sitting to allow Members to express themselves. In accordance with my Communication, part of the reason why we had this Sitting, as I explained, was to get the report of the Budget and Appropriations Committee with regard to the First Supplementary Estimates for the Financial Year 2020/2021. Thereafter, they are supposed to table their report, after which the Chairperson is supposed to give notice of Motion. I have relaxed the Standing Orders because I am told that there have been consultations happening throughout the last five days, extending to this morning. I am aware. I may not sit in those committees but I am always briefed. I am aware that there are consultations. The Chairperson will be given up to 1.00 p.m. to table the First Supplementary Estimates and give notice of the Motion, failing which, they shall be deemed not to have been tabled and will not form part of the business for the afternoon. We must go by our own rules. If the Chairperson and his team do not table and give notice of the Motion before 1.00 p.m. today, you can consider that as having been skipped and we will proceed to other business. I am told that there is work that is being done along those lines following the various consultations that have been happening. What are all these interventions? I hope it is not about the passing on of Magufuli. Let us move to the next Order. We were on Order No.3."
}