At the National Assembly this Month: Upcoming Laws on Waterways and Farmland, Amendments to Telecom Law

August was a busy month at the National Assembly with most attention going to amendment of the Telecom Law. Central to the amendment are the harsh sanctions on defamation and misinformation using telecommunication means, presently a non-bailable offence. Legislators in both chambers are seeking to recalibrate the provision.

Waterways were also discussed through the draft Law on Dams and a Law on Canals. Regulating structures and water flows in connection with irrigation has an important impact on farming.

The Farmland Law, a key piece of modern legislation on land use, is also up for amendment. A related law on Forestry is also being discussed for amendment.

Other drafts laws or law amendments include the Lottery Law, Commercial Tax Law and a Law on Tax Arbitration.