Malawi’s first meeting of the 45th parliamentary session adjourned today with members passing the $50 million (K1.2 billion) International Development Association (IDA) Bill.
The $50million loan is also expected to support expansion of infrastructure and facilities at the public colleges, development and revision of curricula, staff development, but also procurement of teaching and learning materials.
According to Gondwe, the Polytechnic will get a lion’s share with $10 million allocation; Mzuni will have $9 million, Chancellor College $8 million while Luanar and Teveta will each get $5 million. The remainder of the funding is for administrative purposes.
The $50million loan is also expected to support expansion of infrastructure and facilities at the public colleges, development and revision of curricula, staff development, but also procurement of teaching and learning materials.
So far newly elected Speaker of Parliament Richard Msowoya described the first meeting as ‘very’ mature.
“I think the members have now realised that their role is to serve Malawians not their own interest,” he told Nation Online.
The passing of the K1.2 billion IDA Bill, the Strengthening Safety Nets Systems Project-Fourth Malawi Social Action Fund Loan Authorisation Bill now means that five Bills have been passed since Parliament commenced three weeks ago.
Bill number five of 2014, Skills Development Education , was first shot down during the second reading but it took some banging heads between government and opposition to reach an agreement to reintroduce the Bill to the House hence its tabling in line with Standing Order 82.
Both Leader of the House Francis Kasaira and Leader of Opposition Lazarus Chakwera described the sitting as fruitful.
He said new members need orientation as some were standing on point of orders during contribution on bills.
Meanwhile, MCP spokesperson, who is also member of Parliament for Salima Northwest Constituency was today was elected as new chairperson for Women Caucus in Parliament. She will be deputised by former chair Cecilia Chazama.
