The NC could not resume business as scheduled yesterday, following a two-month break, because not enough members turned up for work.

Only 12 MPs, out of a total 28, were present. The minimum number of parliamentarians required for NC business to proceed is 14.

Four pieces of legislation referred to the Council by the National Assembly were set to be introduced yesterday. However, Deputy NC Chairperson Margreth Mensah had to adjourn proceedings to today.

Bills before the NC for review are the Legal Practitioners Amendment Bill, Regional Council Amendment Bill, Roads Authority Amendment Bill and the Agricultural (Commercial) Land Reform Amendment Bill.

Swapo Chief Whip Henock ya Kasita, Dudu Murorua (DTA-UDF), DTA-UDF Chief Whip Sampie Cloete, Asser Kapere (Swapo), Mensah (Swapo), Teofillus Eiseb (Swapo), John Hakaye (Swapo), Erasmus Hendjala (Swapo), Peter Mwala (Swapo), Stephanus Dax (Swapo), John Thinguru (Swapo) and Max Shinohamba (Swapo), were the only MPs who reported for duty.

Senior Parliamentary Clerk Samuel Kaxuxwena said all MPs were informed of yesterday's sitting in time.

But Ya Kasita said some MPs failed to turn up because they were given "short notice".

"They should be informed a week before (resumption of business)," said Ya Kasita. He said some councillors were busy with duties in their constituencies.

Ya Kasita also said he could not understand why the NC business had to resume on a Tuesday as the Parliamentary Standing Rules and Orders states that the Council's business should start on Mondays.

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