MPs angered by officials who measured fish at Parliament canteen

Dodoma. The deputy Speaker of Parliament, Dr Tulia Ackson has ordered the government to issue a statement in the House today (Wednesday), explaining how officials from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development found their way into the House to measure fish size at the canteen where MPs dine.

“Since the Prime Minister is here, I now order that the government should bring a complete statement over the issue here so we can be informed of what transpired and decide what to do,” she said.

This came up as soon as the Parliament had converged for the evening session when Mr Peter Serukamba (Kigoma North) stood up, in line with Parliamentary Standing Order 47, and requested the House to deliberate on the issue.

“The fact that officials were able to enter the Parliament and went direct to where our food is processed means that our safety may also be compromised. How could they do that without informing the Speaker’s Office,” Mr Serukamba enquired.

The motion won the hearts of all the ten MPs who debated it, with others questioning if the officials have the powers of doing a similar thing to the executive or the judiciary arms of government.

Those who contributed to the debate included Mr Abdallah Mtolea (Temeke - CUF), Cicilia Pareso (Special Seats - Chadema), Joseph Selasini (Rombo), Dustan Kitandula (Mkinga - CCM), Venance Mwamoto (Kilolo), Rashid Shangazi (Mlalo - CCM), Zuberi Kuchauka (Liwale) Almasi Maige (Tabora North - CCM), John Kadutu (Ulyankulu) and Dr Immaculate Sware (Special Seats - Chadema).