Macpherson blocked from providing full overview of his department's performance due to time constraints

CPE TOWN - Public Works minister Dean Macpherson has received a hostile reception at a portfolio committee in parliament on Wednesday. 

He was blocked by chairperson Carol Phiri from providing a full overview of the performance of his department due to time constraints.  

The department was before the committee to deliver a quarterly performance report of its progress and expenditure.  

But not all Members of Parliament (MPs) wanted to hear from Macpherson.

It’s customary for ministers to provide an overview of the subject under discussion in parliamentary committees before department officials go into the details.  

Macpherson was stopped in his tracks by Phiri, who was chairing the meeting remotely due to illness, from completing his remarks after just five minutes. 

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Macpherson, whom the committee has in the past accused of dodging committee meetings was left frustrated.  

"It would be unfortunate if I couldn't give some early highlights into the report and background, because if I don't, I get accused of not accounting to the committee," he said.

But Phiri was having none of it, saying time was not on his side and he was only expected to make opening remarks.  

She said Macpherson's report appeared to be usurping the role of officials, who should provide the update instead.