SLEEPING MPs

THE photos of our lawmakers Garry Nkombo (UPND Mazabuka MP) and Ronnie Shikapwasha (MMD Keembe MP) published in one of of our daily tabloids were the two were captured sleeping during the 2014 budget speech delivered by Finance minister Alexander Chikwanda at Parliament this past Friday, left me wondering whether the speech was that boring.

For parliamentarians, I understand yawning is a privilege that's hard to win and easy to drift into. I mean plush seats, air-condition, cool and droning voices make Parliament a great place for a short snooze, especially after a sumptuous canteen meal.

However, given the number of times we have seen pictures of Shikapwasha sleeping while serious issues of public interest are being discussed, I assume it doesn't bother him or even care because to this day he has never apologized.

But how many of us would still keep our jobs if we were caught sleeping at work in relation to the number of times the Keembe MP has been pictured enjoying his nap while on duty?

I don't think even Nkombo and Shikapwasha can tolerate their workers if those workers were found wanting in such a manner.

I think it is about time the people of Zambia demanded for the establishment of a parliament committee to deal with members of parliament who are sleeping on duty.

I think parliament should put in place a code to provide for forfeiture of sitting allowance to parliamentarians who sleep during deliberations.

We can't afford wasting tax payers' money on people who just go to parliament to sleep while time ticks towards their allowances and gratuity.

If the likes of Nkombo and Shikapwasha are too tired and no longer up to their tasks they are welcome to resign. Let them do the honourable thing and leave room for those who really want to serve the people they represent.

I'm sure there are a lot of young, vibrant and energetic politicians out there who can represent their respective constituencies with honour, enthusiasm and vigilance.