Madam Deputy Speaker, Your Excellency Deputy President, hon members, I would like to start by registering Azapo's appreciation for the decision taken of increasing our speaking time from a minute to three minutes. In truth, it was virtually impossible to make a meaningful contribution in debates in one minute.
Azapo also supports the move away from papers to information technology equipment. We, however, want to raise concerns about the age of the equipment that we are using. The lifespan of Parliament is five years, but it does not follow that the lifespan of equipment is also five years. Members are presently using equipment that go in and out of the IT support desk for repairs, thus making it difficult for members to perform their jobs effectively.
Hon Speaker, I would like to address you on sectoral parliaments. Azapo fully supports sectoral parliaments. However, we are concerned by how some of them are organised and run. It is even more worrying that Parliament finds it difficult to compile reports. Reports either come very late or not at all. In fact, we are told of reports that cannot be compiled because so- and-so has left the employ of Parliament.
Azapo calls on your Office to tighten up administration. We also call on your Office to consider introducing a workers' parliament and a sectoral parliament for people living with disabilities. Getting more people involved in the work and life of Parliament cannot be a waste of time and money, provided it is done properly.
Hon Speaker, Azapo shares your concern about the lack of decorum during some of the sittings of the House. There were times when Parliament became a laughing stock and lost the confidence and respect of the people we represent.
We support your efforts to restore order in the House. But we equally call on presiding officers to do everything in their power to act impartially and give rulings that are fair and consistent.
Finally, hon Speaker, this place has become dangerous. Members and officials use lifts that are poorly maintained. You know what happened in the Marks Building. We accept that it is the Department of Public Works that has to maintain the infrastructure, but you as tenant must ensure that parliamentary buildings are properly maintained. You have to see the long queues that develop because of lifts that are out of order most of the time. Please intervene before there is another accident.
Azapo supports Budget Vote No 2. I thank you. [Applause.]