Harare — At least three sittings of the Third Session of the Seventh Parliament will be held outside Harare for the first time in Zimbabwe's history.

This means Parliament has to fork out at least US$30 000 per day on accommodation and meals for the 294 legislators (House of Assembly and Senate), excluding fuel and money for Parliament employees.

The announcement, which is subject to Presidential assent, was made by House of Assembly Speaker, Mr Lovemore Moyo, at a reception to mark the opening of the session last week.

"For the first time in the history of Parliament we have conducted interviews for the various commissions, which were open to the public.

"I sincerely hope that by the end of the Seventh Parliament we will have brought Parliament closer to the people by holding at least three parliamentary sittings outside Parliament Building in areas such as Mutare, Masvingo and Bulawayo," he said.

Mr Moyo said once all the regulatory requirements had been fulfilled, Parliament would mobilise resources for the sittings.

"This is an idea we want to develop and it starts with the President making the necessary proclamations.

"In terms of other logistical arrangements, in the past we have hosted various summits, including the Sadc Parliamentary Forum last year and the same facilities could be used.

"The major constraint could be money but that will be looked into," he said.

Parliament has instituted a number of reforms to open its activities to the public.

These include the establishment of Portfolio and Thematic Committees that have conducted public hearings.

Constituency information centres have also been established across the country.

Mr Moyo reiterated that the legislature did not seek to usurp the executive's role.

"With regard to our oversight function, the recent meeting between the Liaison and Co-ordination Commi-ttee and members of the front bench, it was agreed that the legislature's oversight role does not seek to undermine the executive's mandate."

On the current constitution-making process, Mr Moyo urged parliamentarians to ensure the new law reflected the will of Zimbabweans.

Diplomats, senior Government officials and legislators attended the reception.