By Kuvee Kangueehi Windhoek Following a recess of almost two months, the National Assembly resumed its work on Tuesday afternoon. The National Assembly, which started its fifth session of the fourth parliament, was officially opened by the Head of State Hifikepunye Pohamba. A number of bills such as the Labour Bill, Value Added Tax Amendment Bill, Motor Vehicle Accident Funds Bill, Vocational Education Training Bill and Electricity Bill is expected to be tabled during this session. New Era spoke to a number of parliamentarians on what other issues they would like to raise during this session. DTA of Namibia President Katuutire Kaura said during the recess he visited the Okavango Region and was disappointed that 17 years after independence, farmers are still using oxen to plough. He said he would introduce a motion that farmers should be provided with tractors to effectively plough their fields. “The Okavango and Caprivi regions can become the breadbasket for the entire country if we can assist farmers.” He added that if assistance is given to the farmers, it could enhance the green scheme and Namibia could be in a position to set up more feedlots. The DTA president noted that this would result in fewer cattle being exported on the hoof to South Africa and more job creation locally. Kaura also observed that something needs to be done regarding road safety. He said there is almost no visible highway patrol and this contributes to people speeding and causing accidents. “The roadblocks are not effective because they are just outside the towns and drivers can do what they want all the way until they reach the next town.” Congress of Democrats (CoD) president Ben Ulenga said crime that involves the use of guns is escalating and that lawmakers must look at a way of addressing the problem. He noted that some of the crimes are not done to gain any material value but simply meted by violent elements. He added that Namibia has witnessed poor police work. The CoD president cited the violent clashes in Aminuis last year as a classical example of poor police work. He charged that the death of Theboy Hiiho in those clashes could have been prevented if the police were more effective. “How can someone be shot dead in front of the police without the police doing anything and not even arresting the culprit?” Republican Party (RP) President Henk Mudge said during the recess he visited a number of areas and was strongly disturbed by widespread poverty. He said people are simply struggling and cannot make ends meet. “We need to look at serious efforts to elevate poverty because many of our citizens are affected by this.” Mudge said he is strongly convinced that government has funds to address the problems but there is a lack of political will. “We should put our money where our mouth is and start proper projects that can assist the hundreds of people suffering.” He added that the lawmakers should concentrate on improving the lives of grassroots people so that they can taste the fruits of independence even if it is after 17 years. On his part, the United Democratic Front (UDF) President Justus Garoeb said the issue that is close to his heart is the decreasing numbers of livestock among the rural communities. He said because of the high cost of living, subsistence farmers are being forced to sell the small and big livestock and their numbers have been depleted. “People have to sell half of their belongings to send their children to university and it is simply not sustainable.” He said government should look at donating livestock to subsistence farmers because the situation is reaching a critical point. “Most of these people who no longer have animals are now moving to the urban areas and this is putting pressure on the resources of town councils.” The Chief expressed his disappointment over the fact that many poor families are losing their houses because they cannot afford municipal bills. “These poor people are losing the roofs over their heads not because they owe money on the house but because they cannot pay water and electricity.”