EALA Plenary begins in Dar today

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) will today, Monday, resume a two-week sitting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with debate on the EAC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Bill, the EAC Persons with Disabilities Bill and various committee reports top on agenda. This was confirmed by a statement from the regional assembly. The objective of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Bill is to provide a legal framework at regional and national level for timely intervention in disaster situations and to protect the people and the natural environment affected by disaster through comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management. Debate on the Bill was adjourned during the session in Kampala, Uganda in January 2014, at the request of the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers, according to the statement. At the time of adjournment, the Council had cited the need to consult the relevant provisions of the Treaty and to allow for pursuit of the ratification of the EAC Protocol on Peace and Security. The Protocol, among other objectives, provides for co-operation in DRR management and crisis response. Earlier moved by MP Dr James Ndahiro (Rwanda), the EAC Persons with Disabilities Bill seeks to provide a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of the rights of persons with disability in the Community in line with Article 120 (C) of the Treaty for the establishment of the regional bloc. The Bill envisages development and adoption of a common approach towards disadvantaged and marginalised groups, including children, the youth, the elderly and persons with disability through rehabilitation and provision of, among others, foster homes, healthcare, education and training. The Assembly is also expected to debate and pass the EAC Supplementary Appropriation Bill to anchor the EAC Supplementary Budget for FY 2015/2016. Meanwhile, Tanzania’s Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa, is scheduled to officially open the Plenary on behalf of President Joseph Pombe Magufuli, at a Special Sitting on Tuesday, where he will also deliver the State of EAC Address. Tanzania President Magufuli is the current chair of the EAC Summit. The State of EAC Address is delivered annually by the Sitting Chair of the EAC and it reflects on matters of policies related to the Community. The State of EAC Address focuses on matters of general policies relating to the progress that the Community is realising while providing impetus for the Community to pick on. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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EALA Plenary begins in Dar today