Malawi President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has today taken questions and responded to issues addressed in respond to the State of the Nation Address which he delivered on 4th September, 2020.
In the past, responses to issues addressed to the SONA were taken by the Member of Parliament who moved a Motion to debate the SONA.
The President responded to a number of questions including concerns on Agricultural Input Programme, 193 houses for Members of Parliament and risk allowance for teachers among others.
In his response, the President assured the House that construction of the 193 houses for Members will not come at the expense of other projects such as constructing teacher’s houses.
President Chakwera emphasized that his government will save billions of Kwachas used to pay Member’s housing allowance.
Parliament on Wednesday, 9th September, 2020 passed a motion to operationalise Section 89 (3) and (4) of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi dealing with questions to the president.
Section 89 (3) and (4) provides that the President shall each year before the consideration of the official budget, attend parliament and shall (a) address Parliament on the state of the nation and on the future policies of the government at that time, (b) report on the policies of the previous year and (c) respond to questions.
Section 4 provides that the President shall be called to Parliament to answer questions at such times as may be prescribed by the Standing Orders of Parliament or on a motion of the National Assembly.-(Text & Photo Malawi Parliament)