Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 568312,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/568312/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 373,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "the Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and Planning, because that is the relevant Ministry that is in charge of devolution and the counties from the national Government. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, as I go through this Bill, I am also glad to note that there is a transition clause that links us to the former Local Authorities Provident Fund Scheme that had been established and, therefore, there will be continuity. The reason I mention this is that it greatly worries and saddens me the manner in which the former Local Authorities Provident Fund Scheme was managed. We are all aware that a lot of money was contributed to that scheme and most of which was embezzled. Some money is lying in bank accounts that are not even known. You are aware that formerly some of the chairmen of that provident fund had actually even been arrested and charged in courts of law. Therefore, I am glad to see that there is a transition saving clause. I hope that when this board of trustees comes to manage this scheme, they will do a system audit of the Local Authorities Provident Fund as it was previously. In that audit scheme, I hope they will look at the assets and liabilities and how much money was raised. Could a report then be tabled in this Senate, so that we can be informed and we are able to make decisions? Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I hope that when this scheme is actually finally enacted, the beneficiaries will be paid in a timely manner. Many a time, we have many beneficiaries, especially widows, not paid or paid after ten years. This actually loses the point. There are cases of many people, especially widows, who keep rushing to the Office of the Attorney General, under administration. So many widows have never been paid over so many years. I wonder who is actually “eating” this money. I hope that the beneficiaries will be paid in a timely manner. In any event, the reason a retirement scheme is established, is actually to help people who have worked very hard and served this country with dedication. When they retire, we want them to be comfortable. What is the point of them being uncomfortable when this money is just lying idle in many accounts and some of it has been embezzled by corrupt officials? As I conclude, I want, again, to congratulate the Mover and Seconder for bringing this Bill which is going to enable our people out there to receive their money. I am very glad that the governors have not been greatly involved in this Bill. It says that only a representative of governors will be attending. These very governors are opposing this Bill because they want to continue enjoying money that cannot be accounted for. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to support."
}