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{
    "id": 116865,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/116865/?format=api",
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    "content": "Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, this is a clear pointer to single sourcing. How was the suitability of this single bidder assessed? Was it through technical competence, previous experience or price in the absence of other bidders? Was it merely because the World Bank was of the opinion that this bidder could do the concessioning work? In page 9 of the Sessional Paper No.4, it is stated that the concessioning will be for 30 years. In 30 years time, most of us sitting in this House will either be too old or will no longer be here. It also states that in that period of 30 years, he will be fully responsible for the maintenance of the road at stipulated high standards. Penalties are specified in the concession contract in the event of failure. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, looking at the penalties being talked about, for example; if the concessionnaires fail to adhere to the traffic management, their penalty will be 2.5 per cent. I want to know how that percentage was arrived at. We are also told that if the concessionaires fail to report electronic problems, the penalty will be 2 per cent. How was this arrived at? In the agreement, there are certain aspects that are vague. For example, the agreement says: “For any failure to keep the roadside and toll facility in good order and state of cleanliness---“How would you measure “good order” and “state of cleanliness”? These are vague provisions, which, to me, cannot support the request for approval of this Sessional Paper by Parliament. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, on page 11, the Sessional Paper says: “--- subject to approval by the National Assembly of the concession contract, the concession contract will be signed.” However, if you look at the draft that we have been given, you will see that all the pages are already initialised. Who signed this agreement before the National Assembly approved it? The same paragraph says that, within 48 months from the commencement of the works, the elevated road ways sections and grids separated inter-changes will be ready. It does not say what will happen if they are not ready within 48 months. As I said, we only got this document at 2.00 p.m. this afternoon. I have not looked at it in detail, but I have enough reasons to believe that it will be reckless and irresponsible of us, as Parliament, to approve this Sessional Paper as it is. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, we need more information from the Minister, so that we can make considered opinions. On the bases of those considered opinions, we will decide whether or not it is worth supporting. Thank you, Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir."
}