DEPUTY government chief whip Princess Kasune says as the second session of the 13th National Assembly resumes today, the business expected is primarily the consideration of Bills.

Speaking during a virtual briefing, Monday, Kasune said Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti is expected to swear in the newly elected Kabwata UPND member of parliament Andrew Tayengwa.

She said President Hakainde Hichilema is scheduled to also address Parliament on the progress made in the application of national values and principles next month.

“The business to be expected in this meeting is primarily [the] consideration of Bills. Apart from consideration of Bills, the House is also expected to transact the following business; the Speaker of the National Assembly, honourable Nelly B K Mutti, MP will swear in the Kabwata Member of Parliament Elect, Mr Andrew Tayengwa, following the by-election that was held for Kabwata Constituency on 3rd February, 2022,” Kasune said.

“State of the Nation Address by the Republican President (SONA), His Excellency the President Mr Hakainde Hichilema is scheduled to address Parliament on the progress made in the application of National Values and Principles on Friday, 11th March, 2022. The Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address on the progress made in the application of National Values and Principles will be debated for 10 sitting days from Tuesday 15th to Wednesday 30th March, 2022, or such other period as will be determined by the House Business Committee.”

And Kasune said the 351 questions which have been carried over from the First Meeting would be placed on the Order Paper beginning today.

“351 questions have been carried over from the First Meeting and they will be placed on the Order Paper beginning Tuesday, 15th February, 2022. Honourable Ministers are expected to issue Ministerial Statements in the House on topical matters that may include the following: the effect of floods on crops and infrastructure in some parts of the country; the effects of drought on crop production and the country’s food security; the economic situation in the country; and update on the Coronavirus Disease-2019 situation and the roll-out of vaccines and vaccine boosters in the country,” she said.

“Questions to her Honour the Vice President Standing Order 80 of the National Assembly of Zambia. Standing Orders of 2021, provides for Questions without Notice to Her Honour the Vice-President for a period of 45 minutes on Fridays. In line with this standing order, the Vice President’s Question time will as usual be held each Friday during this Meeting.”

Meanwhile, Kasune said members of parliament would participate in the business of the House from various meeting rooms at Parliament.

“This meeting will take a hybrid format like the previous one in keeping the COVID-19 preventive measures. In this regard, Members of Parliament will participate in the Business of the House from various meeting rooms at Parliament Buildings using the Zoom online platform,” said Kasune.