Parly Speaker blocks fuel situation debate

SPEAKER of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda yesterday shot down a request by MPs to discuss the fuel situation in the country as a matter of urgency, saying legislators will get a chance to grill Energy minister Fortune Chasi on the issue during today’s question and answer session.

When the House resumed yesterday, Buhera South MP Joseph Chinotimba (Zanu PF) stood up to raise an urgent matter of public importance, saying since Chasi was present in the House, MPs should be allowed to grill him on the fuel situation given the sudden rise of prices to almost $5 per litre.

National Assembly Standing Order number 59 allows an MP to ask leave to move the adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, but after first delivering to the Speaker a written statement of the subject to be discussed.

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