The National Assembly of Zambia has called on Parliamentary Liaison Officers from various government ministries and departments to strengthen collaboration with Parliament in an effort to improve on the handling of parliamentary questions.
Speaking during a workshop for Parliamentary Liaison Officers at Parliament Buildings on 5th June 2025, Acting Deputy Clerk for Administration, Mr. Sage Samuwika,said that the critical role of cooperation between Parliament and government ministries is essential for the promotion of transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery to the Zambian people.
Mr. Samuwikaalso said that the workshop was intended to enhance the timeliness and accuracy of ministerial responses in Parliament, ultimately contributing to more effective governance.
The workshop was centered on Order 83 of the Standing Orders, which deals with the grouping of questions, a process designed to streamline responses by consolidating inquiries on similar subjects and directing them to a single ministry.
At the same event, Director (Rules and Procedural Matters) Mr Jimmy Sabi, said that the need to group questions was essential as it saves time for other business to be considered in the house. Mr Sabi further stated that the Parliamentary Liason Officers are free to engage staff from the Journals and Table Office Department on any matter where they are in doubt.
And Director Institute of Parliamentary Studies (IPST), Mr.Tennieson Nyangu in his presentationsaid that the purpose and essence of having grouped questions was to,“avoid duplication, Saving Parliamentary time, reduce the of backlog of questions, focused discussions, and improves efficiency.”
