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{
    "id": 105454,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/105454/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 339,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Namwamba",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 108,
        "legal_name": "Ababu Tawfiq Pius Namwamba",
        "slug": "ababu-namwamba"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir. This House has had occasion to mark several historic moments. This is one of those historic moments that the Tenth Parliament can take pride in. But it is sad to note that this particular moment of history has been clouded by such disappointing apathy to the extent that we are debating one of the most important Motions in the legislative agenda of this House before empty benches of the Government. This House has three cardinal responsibilities. We have the responsibility to represent the people of this country, the responsibility to legislate the law that governs this country and we have the responsibility to plan oversight role including how resources of this country are appropriated, managed and applied, for and on behalf of the people of this country. Therefore, when for the very first time in the history of this country this House gets the opportunity; an opportunity that previous Houses have desired and repeatedly attempted to have, the opportunity to be part of the Budget making process; the opportunity to move beyond merely being a rubber stamp on heavy, lengthy appropriation documents and books of accounts tabled in this House by the Government; on a day when we are bringing to life in a very practical sense the new Standing Order No.143 that establishes the Budget Committee and gives it the mandate to deal with these issues; when for the first time we are witnessing the Fiscal Management Act of 2009 coming to life in a very real sense; this moment of history is being marked by empty seats in this House. Even when I raise my eyes to look at the Press gallery, it is equally empty. And my heart bleeds and I wonder whether we are turning this House to be a forum where interest is only generated by political drama but when we come to the issues that really affect the people of this country, the issues that really matter; issues that include matters of bread and butter for the lives of the people of this country, that such moments are marked with this kind of apathy. It is really a sad day!"
}