Day Three of the considerations of the estimates for Budget 2024 saw Parliamentarians, key officials, staff, media and school children being ushered out of the Arthur Chung Conference Center at Liliendaal.
Initially, reports suggested that this was due to a bomb scare, and the Police and Fire Service were called in. The Service ranks swept the building, and Emergency Medical Team officials and a service dog were seen on the ground.
When persons returned to the building and the proceedings resumed, Manzoor Nadir, Speaker of the National Assembly, told the House that an “electrical issue” caused the disturbance. It is believed that one of the panels powering the central air-conditioning was reported to have an issue by the staff of the ACCC.
Ensuring those present that it was now safe to be in the building, he began the session.
In today’s consideration, the Members of Parliament will scrutinize the budget allocations for the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, led by Minister Sonia Parag.