62 Dead, 153 Missing, 20,000 Rescued; Kasaila Reports in Parliament

62 Dead, 153 Missing, 20,000 Rescued; Kasaila Reports in Parliament

The Leader of Malawi National Assembly Honorable Francis Lazaro Kasaila said floods that have hit the country from the onset of the first rains during rainy season for this year have claimed 62 lives and 153 still missing.

Kasaila was addressing the House on Monday as the Members of Parliament were beginning the first sitting for the 3rd Meeting (Budget Review) of 45th Session.

He said search for the missing persons is underway and currently 20,000 victims were rescued. He mentioned that the South African government has brought in two helicopters for the task of distribution of food and other humanitarian assistance and added that World Bank will assist Malawi government with US$600,000 towards the replanting of lost crops destroyed by the floods.

Commenting on the statement, Leader of Opposition Dr. Lazarus Chakwera President for Malawi Congress Party (MCP) thanked government for being quick in its response when the disaster hit 15 districts. He also appreciated humanitarian assistance coming from all organizations responding to government calls and other calls being made by other International organizations.

People’s Party (PP) Leader in the house Hon Uladi Musa also thanked government for ensuring that flood victims from all areas and districts are being reached out with much needed humanitarian assistance.

And United Democratic Front (UDF) Leader in the House Hon Lucius Banda also appreciated government and all other institutions and individuals that are supporting the victims and expressed his heartfelt condolences to those that lost their lives.

After leaders of the political parties, Members of Parliament also took to the floor commenting on the statement made by the Leader of House and urged government and all well-wishers to continue support the flood victims.

House Adjourns Sine Die With Appraisal From Both Sides

The Malawi National Assembly adjourns Sine Die this afternoon with high appraise by all sides of the house pertaining to the level of debate in the house.

Leader of House Honorable Francis Lazaro Kasaila in his adjournment motion speech thanked all members for the fruitful deliberations and level of behavior shown in the house.

Committee Of Supply Passes K325. 936 Billion Of 2014/15 Budget

The National Assembly is expected to pass the 2014/15 National Budget this Friday as the Committee of Supply will only be required to pass Thirteen votes that remained on Thursday business sessions.

The second day of Committee of Supply on Thursday has passed a sum of K325.936 billion from 31 votes of various budget allocations to government ministries and departments.

Speaker's Ruling To Instill Peace In The National Assembly

PP MPs protested over Ngwira's suspension

Leader of House in the National Assembly Honorable Francis Lazaro Kasaila says the ruling to be made this Monday by Speaker of National Assembly Richard Msowoya will help to bring back order in the house.

Kasaila in an interview admit that the house was in chaos in the last two days of the third week of this budget sitting following the disagreements that emerged in the house in particular on Thursday when the Second Deputy Speaker was forced to invoke rule 105 to Mzimba Hora MP Hon Christopher Mzomera Ngwira over misconduct and that the member should not attend proceedings for two days.