A moment of silence was observed during the resumption of National Assembly for three Members of Parliament (MPs) who died during its recess for Christmas season.

The MPs are the late Mr. Nthofeela Lesala for Hololo Constituency No.2, Mrs. Mats'eliso Monyakane of Sebapala Constituency No. 66 and Mr. Nkoanyane Ramakatsa of Mpharane Constituency No.61.

The moment of silence was led by the Speaker of the National Assembly Ms. Ntlhoi Motsamai during the third meeting of the second session of the Seventh Parliament on Friday.

Furthermore, the Speaker said the blood-curdling road accidents of not so distant a past at St. Monica's in Leribe have also registered deaths of valuable lives.

Ms. Motsamai also noted with shock the unprecedented loss of lives due to the earthquake that rocked the island state of Haiti on January 12, this year, where a record number of over 180,000 people died and an estimated 200,000 injured.

The Speaker said in the last meeting, they settled for a more coherent programme consisting mainly of questions, motions, bills and ministerial statements.

She pointed out that business pending before relevant Portfolio committees includes; Land Administration Authority Bill, 2009, Land Bill, 2009, Public Meetings and Processions Bill, 2009.

Others are National Youth Council Regulations 2009, the Report of the Auditor General on the Public Accounts of Lesotho for the year ended March 31, 2007 among others.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Lesao Lehohla passed condolences to the late MPs on behalf of the government, where he said the late MPS proved beyond doubt that they lived with the people in villages as they were all buried at their respective villages.

He said the deceased were not only a loss to their families but to their constituencies and the government as well.

At the same occasion, Deputy Speaker Mr. Sephiri Motanyane acknowledged the role played by the opposition parties during the burial of the late MPs, saying the unity that was shown there should continue even in the Parliament.

He stressed that political differences should not divide people and that even when they discuss national issues in the House, they should express their views freely without any fear.

The All Basotho Convention (ABC) leader Mr. Motsoahae Thabane also passed condolences to the Prime Minister Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili who was present in the National Assembly.

He wished that the death of the three MPs from this Seventh Parliament should be enough as they have already lost many, particularly during the House's recess.

Other members who passed condolences included Assistant Minister of Education and Training, Mrs. 'Malijane Maqelepo who happened to be at the Hospital with Messrs Ramakatsa and Lesala but has since fully recovered, though she was walking with crutches.

The Parliament reopened after adjourning for a festive season in November last year. Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance and Development Planning will present this year's financial estimates on Friday.

Source: LENA 05/02/2010