Parliament has passed the Amendment Bill for Press Trust Reconstruction of 2022.

The bill seeks to amend the Press Trust Reconstruction act in order to among others; enhance the penalty for contravention of the Act that has remained static since the enactment of the Act in 1995.

The other amendment is to enable the Trust to support its investments by borrowing or guaranteeing borrowing by its subsidiary and associate companies.

The amendment further reduces the term of office for Trustees from six to five years.

Commenting on the matter, Minister of Justice Titus Mvalo has said that the amended bill will help to improve the quality of personnel available in its board by recruiting individuals with proper qualifications as well as allowing young qualified personnel to be part of the board members.

Mvalo added that the amended bill will also allow parliament to debate on issues concerning the institution since it is for public interest.