As the National Assembly resumed this afternoon, it was filled with concern and urgency as Swanu's Member of Parliament, Evilastus Kaaronda, raised questions.
Kaaronda first questioned the Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, about recent public concerns suggesting that COVID-19 might return.
Kaaronda urged the minister to speak clearly to the nation about whether the nation could face the same challenges again.
Dr. Luvindao reassured the public that the ministry has active surveillance teams in place.
These teams, she said, are monitoring the situation closely and are ready to act if there is any cause for concern.
She explained that COVID-19 never fully disappeared after the major outbreak, explaining that it is a virus that continues to exist but made it so serious at the time and particular strain and severity of symptoms it caused.
"At this point in time we have no cause for concern to say that a new strain or varien that is of concern has been picked up by the surveillance team. So therefore, any infections with others that we have been picking up, but we currently do not have any strains of concern. I wish to currently reassure you that in the event that there is a strain to be worried about, our surveillance team will be the first to notify the public and on time, as you do have the right to necessary information."
In his second question, Kaaronda addressed issues related to recognition of veterans who were part of the liberation struggle but did not consistently participate throughout the process.
He asked Deputy Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Dr. Charles Mubita about a proposed token being offered to these veterans, noting that many applicants are being told to reapply or change their status in order to qualify, and even then, they are only offered a small token.
However, Dr Mubita declined to answer the question, stating that according to rule 129, questions must be directed to the relevant minister, unless that Minister is absent from the chamber.
"Therefore, for me to attempt to answer your question will not only be violating rule 129, but it will also be a gross disrespect to my minister."
As such, he said he could not respond.