Thursday, 17^th February, 2022

 

The House met at 1430 hours

 

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

NATIONAL ANTHEM

 

PRAYER

 

_______

 

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

 

STALLED CONSTRUCTION OF MPIKA/NABWALYA ROAD IN MPIKA DISTRICT

 

146. Mr Kapyanga (Mpika) asked the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development:

 

1. why the construction of the Mpika/Nabwalya road in Mpika District has stalled;
2. when the project will resume;
3. whether the contractor has been paid;
4. if not, how much money is owed to the contractor; and
5. when the contractor will be paid.

 

The Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development (Eng. Milupi): Madam Speaker, works on the Mpika to Nabwalya Road in Mpika District have stalled due to funding challenges on the project and the works will resume once funds have been secured for the project.

 

Madam, the contractor has been paid K73,823,309.33, out of K207,554,165.35 certified for works done. The contractor is owed K133,730,856 for works so far done and certified. The contractor will be paid the amount owed once resources have been mobilised for the project.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for that good response. I want to find out when most likely funds can be mobilised for the continuation of the project as the people of Nabwalya are 100 per cent cut-off from the rest of the country since there is literally no road that leads there.

 

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Mpika for the follow-up question and also to mention that I do sympathise with him as the hon. Member of Parliament for the area and also specifically with the people of Nabwalya. This is a remote area and the people there depend on road connectivity to their district headquarters.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government is fully aware of their circumstances, but unfortunately, when funds are not available, there is very little we can do for now. That is why we are saying that with what we are doing that will make funds available, these will be some of the priority projects that we will undertake.

 

Just to recap, Madam Speaker, in 2020, the budget to my ministry under the Patriotic Front (PF) Government for road infrastructure was K10.5 billion. For the 2021 budget, again under the PF administration, it was reduced from that K10.5 billion to K6.55 billion. This shows that even our hon. Colleagues recognised that there was no money.

 

Madam, under the New Dawn Administration, because of the same situation, the budget for my ministry for road infrastructure and other things has further reduced from K6.55 billion to K4.9 billion. A substantial amount of this is earmarked for what we already owe on interim payment certificates (IPCs). This is really just to demonstrate the difficulty that we are in and therefore, reliance on what we are doing to restructure the debt, which we hope will release some funds somewhere mid-year.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kambita (Zambezi East): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity to ask a follow-up question to the hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development. Going by the answer the hon. Minister has given, I want to find out whether his ministry is facing challenges in paying the contractor that was contracted to work on this road in question because there are so many other projects of the same kind which were contracted by the Patriotic Front (PF).

 

Madam, do we have some kind of historical records showing some form of a Gantt chart when payment should have passed in subsequent years after these contracts were procured? Do we have any clear roadmap on how these monies would be liquidated or are we making something now to clearly show this so that contractors are expectant of when they would be paid?

 

Madam Speaker: That question will require a detailed explanation or response from the hon. Minister, which I believe he does not have. Maybe a ministerial statement might be able to cover that. This question only relates to the Mpika/Nabwalya Road in Mpika District. So, let us not overstretch it, otherwise we will take the hon. Minister by surprise.

 

Mr J. Chibuye (Roan): Madam Speaker, I am very thankful to the hon. Minister for his response. In every contract that is signed between the client and the contractor, there are clauses that bind the two parties. Could the hon. Minister be in a position to state as to whether the delayed payment to the contractor will attract an interest. I am asking this because surely after twenty-eight days of the issuance of an interim payment certificate (IPC), if payments are not made, the contractor has the right to demand for interest. Similarly, the Government being the client can also revoke the clause of liquidated damages on the contractor if he/she fails to deliver the project on time.

 

Madam Speaker, allow me to cite a vivid example of a project in Kafulafuta where a contractor today –

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member, let us not overstretch the question. This question is about the Mpika/Nabwalya Road. It is not time to sneak in questions.

 

Mr J. Chibuye: Much obliged. Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: So, ask your specific question. The issue of interest, is that the question?

 

Mr J. Chibuye: Madam Speaker, could the hon. Minister state as to whether the Government will be made to lose or pay more money in terms of interest on the IPCs that have been issued, but have not been paid after the twenty-eight days period has elapsed.

 

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, that is a very good question from the hon. Member for Roan because it shows his concern for the nation. What we are dealing with are historical things from our previous administration. Sometimes it surprises me that the previous administration had very senior and experienced lawyers like the hon. Member who is the Leader of the Opposition.

 

Laughter

 

Eng. Milupi: Why he allowed in Government –

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Minister!

 

If you start pointing fingers, they will also start pointing fingers. So let us avoid that. Please, stick to answering the question, hon. Minister.

 

Eng. Milupi: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Maybe I will look at you.

 

Madam, these projects were contracted without resources available. The hon. Member is right. Once a contract is signed and you default on that contract, there is some cost associated with that. We are reviewing all the contracts, including this one, to ensure that where possible, we are able to limit the liability on the Government.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr J. Daka (Chadiza): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving an opportunity to the people of Chadiza to add their voice to the discussion on the Mpika/Nabwalya project. My concern is on the cost associated with standing time on labour and machinery. I am saying this because I have noticed that on most of these stalled projects, contractors have just left a few sets of equipment and some labour on site.

 

Madam Speaker, my question is: What interventions have we put in place because I know that charges or penalties that arise from standing time are more severe compared to interest claims? I want the people of Chadiza to know what interventions have been put in place as a measure that would reduce the impact of penalties which will come from standing time.

 

Madam Speaker: Although I did not get the question properly, I hope the hon. Minister did get the question.

 

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, I did get the question very clearly. The hon. Member for Chadiza, Eng. Daka, is expressing the same concern on the cost to the Government on standing charges for equipment, which is higher than the interest payments. I think the question is: What measures is the Government taking to limit this liability? We are carrying out a complete review of all projects, including this one for the Mpika/Nabwalya Road. Some of that review is in this document here (holding a document in his hand). It will result in some contract being terminated so that we limit the liability on the Government.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Menyani Zulu (Nyimba): Madam Speaker, the Mpika/Nawalya Road –

 

Ms Katuta: It is ‘Nabwalya’.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Menyani Zulu: There is no ‘B’ in my vocabulary, Madam.

 

Madam Speaker, the Mpika/Nabwalya Road links up the Nacala Corridor and my question is very simple. Looking at the value of this road, this is the link in-between East Africa and Mozambique. Do we have any plans going forward because the money is not available and it might not be available even next year? So, have we tried or are there any plans to advertise this road as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project? I know this area and it is viable for a PPP project.

 

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Nyimba has sneaked in something new. He is more interested in the Nacala Corridor. Yes, we have plans for that, but our plans for the Nacala Corridor are not specifically or particularly related to the Mpika/Nabwalya Road. Our plans relate to the Matumbo/Chama/Lundazi/Chipata/Katete/Chanida Road. We are holding discussions and getting people interested to undertake that project on a PPP.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

CONSTRUCTION NEW HOSPITAL IN ITEZHI-TEZHI DISTRICT

 

147. Mr Mutinta (Itezhi-Tezhi) asked the Minister of Health:

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to construct a new hospital in Itezhi-Tezhi District;
2. if so, when the plans will be implemented; and
3. if there are no such plans, why.

 

Madam Speaker: The Acting Leader of Government Business in the House will answer since the hon. Minister of Health is not available.

 

The Minister of Defence (Mr Lufuma): Madam Speaker, could I ask the hon. Minister of Agriculture to answer the question.

 

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr Mtolo) (on behalf of the Minister of Health (Mrs Masebo)): Madam Speaker –

 

Ms Katuta interjected.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Mtolo: Excuse me, Madam Speaker, but the hon. Member is –

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Can we have some order. I even missed the joke.

 

Laughter 

 

Madam Speaker: Proceed, hon. Minister.

 

Mr. Mtolo: Madam Speaker, thank you –

 

Mr Chitotela: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: A point of order is being raised by the hon. Member for Pambashe.

 

Interruptions

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: It is another Nabwalya issue.

 

Mr Chitotela: Madam Speaker, you need to visit Pambashe. There are hidden gems there. You can ask the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development and he will tell you. It is a beautiful area.

 

Madam Speaker, Parliament operates on standard procedures and established etiquette. Where there are changes in terms of leadership in the House, this House is informed. Yesterday, you did inform us that the hon. Minister of Agriculture will be Acting Leader of Government Business in the House, but when you called for a question to be answered, we saw another person in the name of the hon. Minister of Defence standing up to indicate and delegating the authority. So, we are at sea. Are there changes that have not been communicated to this House? I seek your guidance, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: I am also at sea and that is how I missed the joke the other side. I was still consulting to see whether it was me who made a mistake. I think we need to put our House in order and then communicate information when there is a change. I have not been formally informed, so I am not aware of whether there is been a change or replacement. To our knowledge, Hon. Mtolo, the Minister of Agriculture was the one that was appointed to be the Leader of Government Business in the House. I do not if there is a change now, but we have not been notified. Maybe the Executive can confirm.

 

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, I think it is just a question of etiquette, but if the Speaker was not informed, we can only apologize. This afternoon, the hon. Minister of Defence who sits higher than me in terms of Cabinet position is in the House and it is only in order that he becomes the Leader of Government Business in the House. For not informing your office, we can only apologize.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much. We have taken note that the Minister of Defence is the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House for now, until her Honor the Vice President comes.

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Can we have some order. I think we have been advised accordingly and we follow what we have been told.

 

May the hon. Minister continue.

 

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Itezhi-Tezhi wants to know whether the Government has any plans to construct a new hospital in Itezhi-Tezhi District –

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I think that kind of joy where you are laughing like that is not acceptable or encouraged when we are in the House. I know you draw a number of years from laughing loudly and laughing a lot, but not in the House please. Can we resist from doing that because we are interrupting the business of the House. May the hon. Minister proceed.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, the Government has no plans to construct a new hospital in the district and as stated, there is no such plans to be implemented.

 

Madam Speaker, the reason is that there is already an existing hospital in the district.

 

I thank you.

 

Mr Mutinta: Madam Speaker, I want to put the record straight, hon. Minister, that to the contrary, there is no hospital in Itezhi-Tezhi. As far as I am concerned what is there is a five roomed structure which was built –

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Itezhi-Tezhi, please ask a supplementary question. It is not the time to counter what the minister has said.

 

Mr Mutinta: My question, Madam Speaker, is whether the Government has any immediate measures that it intends to put in place so that the people of Itezhi-Tezhi can also be serviced like any other District?

 

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, we thank the hon. Member for that information. May we take it therefore, that the matter will be investigated given what the hon. Member has just indicated because according to our records, there is a hospital.

 

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Munir Zulu (Lumezi): Madam Speaker, is it the hon. Minister’s nature to be telling lies in the House?

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Lumezi, can you resume your seat and can you withdraw the words ‘telling lies’.

 

Mr Munir Zulu:  Thank you very much Madam Speaker. Is it the hon. Minister’s nature not to be honest –

 

Madam Speaker: Please, hon. Member withdraw, ...

 

Mr Munir Zulu:  I withdraw ‘lying’ –

 

Madam Speaker: … and resume your seat.

 

CONSTRUCTION OF SCIENCE LABORATORIES AT ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MILENGE DISTRICT

 

148. Mr Chonde (Milenge) asked the Minister of Education:

 

1.  whether the Government has any plans to construct science laboratories at all secondary schools in Milenge District; and
2. if so, when the plans will be implemented.

 

The Minister of Education (Mr Syakalima): Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to construct Science Laboratories at all secondary schools countrywide and Milenge District is no exception.

 

Madam Speaker, the commencement of the plans to construct science laboratories at all secondary schools in Milenge District depends on the availability of funds. The implementation will be done in phases under the Medium Term Expenditure Framework.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Chonde: Madam Speaker, the pupils in Milenge are some of the most deprived rural pupils. Is there hope that the current crop, for this year, may have a chance to even know how to identify beakers and any other apparatus? This is a matter of urgency as far as education is concerned in Milenge because they also wish to borrow the New Government’s word of equitably taking part. They are judged on the same examination as those that have equipment. Is there immediate chance and urgency to this matter?

 

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, like I said earlier, we put non availability of laboratories as a matter of concern, but you will appreciate that Milenge District has six secondary schools with the following details in terms of science laboratories. Milenge Secondary School and Kabange Secondary School have operational science laboratories, at Kafwanka Secondary School and ,Milumbi Secondary School, science laboratiories are under construction and are at 75 per cent. The only secondary schools without science laboratories are, Butimbwe Secondary School, Chibende Secondary School, Kapalala Secondary School and Mapula Secondary School. Although these other ones do not have science laboratories, they are the ones that we are looking forward to giving laboratories.

 

I thank you.

 

Mr Mundubile (Mporokoso): Madam Speaker, we know that mathematics and science are very important to any developing nation, and we have seen a lot of effort made by the ministry to try to improve participation by learners in mathematics and science. Does the Government have intentions for the future, in the spirit of backward and forward integration, to introduce science incubators where maybe learners that have gone beyond grade twelve and are exceptional in their performance are grouped together to facilitate for scientific inventions? What we have seen in the past is that such learners have only been able to utilise what they learn in higher learning, but those that maybe do not go that far, have not properly utilised what they pick from these laboratories.

 

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, since the hon. Member said in future, yes.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Madam Speaker, I feel sorry for the people of Itezhi-Tezhi because their health post has been described as a district hospital.

 

Madam Speaker: Order! Hon. Member, we are on Question No. 148.

 

Mr Mung’andu: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Since these secondary schools do not have laboratories, is the Government probably considering giving pupils in those secondary schools different exams or having them skip practical examinations because they cannot compete with a pupil here in Lusaka who knows what a test tube is?

 

Hon. Member: And a pipette.

 

Mr Mung’andu: They also know a pipette and are able to titrate. While in these secondary schools in rural areas where there are no laboratories, for them, titration is like a science fiction movie. Is the Government considering giving exemptions to them or a different pass mark when it comes to admission in colleges and universities?

 

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, we are not considering any of those options. What we are considering is to build laboratories.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Chibombwe (Bahati): Madam Speaker, does the Government have plans to procure portable science laboratories? Such equipment is there and I think I have seen them even here in Zambia. Does the Government have plans to procure such portable labs that can be distributed to schools in Milenge and elsewhere in the country so that our pupils in Milenge will be able to tell the difference between a cylindrical glass and a beaker?

 

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, some schools have portable laboratories. There are temporary ones at Kafwanka Secondary School and Lwela Secondary School. So, those things are already there, but maybe if he talked about numbers, yes we can agree with him that they are few.

 

COMMENCEMENT OF TARRING OF TOWNSHIP ROADS IN SENANGA DISTRICT

149. Mr Mulaliki (Senanga) asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development:

 

1. when tarring of township roads in Senanga District will commence;
2. what has caused the delay in commencing the project, considering that the contractor has been on site since 2015;
3. whether the Government has any plans to increase the distance to be covered under the project; and
4. if so, what the total distance to be covered will be.

 

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Nkombo): Madam Speaker, I wish to take advantage of this question raised by the hon. Member of Parliament for Senanga, Mr Mulaliki, and through this question to inform the august House that the tarring of township roads in Senenga District will commence as soon as funds are made available and in accordance with the ministry’s ten-year implementation programme for road rehabilitation.

 

Madam Speaker, the delay in commencement has been caused by the non-availability of funds. Following the expiration of the initial contract in 2018, the ministry has not yet renewed due to budgetary constraints.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to increase the kilometres once funds are available and the total distance to be covered will be determined once the contract and designs are developed for renewal.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mung’andu: Madam Speaker, I know Senenga very well –

 

Hon. Government Members: Aah!

 

Mr Mung’andu: They can argue, but I know it. Madam, probably, it is just a short distance –

 

Madam Speaker: Order! Hon. Member for Chama South, please ask your supplementary question.

 

Mr Mung’andu: Yes, this is what I am about to do, Madam Speaker. It is a distance from Sesheke Roundabout turn-off probably up to the prison, which is less than 3km or 4km. However, the hon. Minister says when funds are available, which was the answer the previous administration was giving and they used to call it ‘regional development’. Why can the Government not make these funds available in the shortest possible time so that our people in Senenga, a beautiful town along the Zambezi River, are able to enjoy good roads the way the people of Mazabuka are enjoying right now?

 

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, how I wish I could talk about Mazabuka, which the hon. Member in his wildest dreams thinks the roads are fixed. This Government does not work on probabilities, and it does not work –

 

Madam Speaker: Order! Hon. Minister, the use of the phrase ‘wildest dreams”.

 

Mr Nkombo: I withdraw that, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam, the hon. Member, in his imagination, says on the Floor of this House that the people of Mazabuka are enjoying good tarmac roads. I want to just take advantage of this moment to indicate that Mazabuka was one of those districts that was highly discriminated by the former Government. There is not even one meter of tarmac road in Mazabuka under the programme that we are discussing this afternoon.

 

Madam Speaker, coming back to Senanga, the hon. Member must realise that this is a new dispensation that works under strict regulation and respects budgetary provisions. At this juncture, it should be understood by the hon. Member who asked the question that the project in Senanga was stopped by two things. One was the non-availability of money because they were not cutting the suit to the size of the cloth in the way they were doing their Budget before. So, there came a time when the former Government made a pronouncement that all projects that were below 80 per cent had to be stopped. That is one reason.

 

Madam, the second reason is that it is not in the Budget framework for this year. The hon. Member should be reminded that we are only five months old in Government and there is a lot of malaise that we found due to the former Government’s failure to respect budgets. I adore his sympathy for the people of Senanga, but just like the people of Mazabuka, the people of Senanga and all areas in the country where road projects were stopped must bear with this Government because we are not magical. We want to, first of all, clear all indebtedness and penalties that the former administration left before we can embark on signing new contracts.

 

Madam Speaker, kindly bear with us. We will get going as soon as we clear this debt mountain that was created by the hon. Member’s party.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mulaliki: Madam Speaker, I have two supplementary questions. Firstly, is the Government incurring any charges considering that the contractor’s equipment is still in Senanga? Secondly, the ten-year life that he is giving for the ministry seems rather too long for the wonderful people in Senanga. Could the hon. Minister be specific? Perhaps he could tell us that since the roads are not budgeted for in 2022, maybe we could budget for them in 2023?

 

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, any contract that is abrogated attracts penalties. The contract in Senanga actually expired. There will be no interests or penalties due to the contractor up to the date of expiry. However, from the date of abrogation of the contract terms up to the date of expiry, it is only logical and it just makes business sense that the contractor will charge this Government, unfortunately, the interests and penalties that are dictated in the contract in the case of any abrogation.

 

Madam, coming to the second question, yes indeed ten years is not a short time. It was on the Floor of this House where, when I was giving a statement about the feeder roads and made a comparison on the budgetary allocations on one hand and the approved interim payment certificates (IPCs) on the other hand, I said that it would take forty-two years to pay off that debt. It was me who said those words. So, when you compare forty-two years and ten years, I think we are doing a good job.

 

Madam Speaker, I need the hon. Member, brother and friend to bear with his party. When he has time he should come through to my office so that I can show him the exact situation as our colleagues left it in our ministry. He may just jump out of his skin.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

INTRODUCTION OF LITERACY PROGRAMMES FOR WOMEN IN

CHITAMBO DISTRICT

 

150. Mr Mutale (Chitambo) asked the Minister of Community Development and Social Services:

 

(a)        whether the Government has any plans to introduce literacy programmes for women in Chitambo District;

 

(b)        if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

 

(c)        if there are no such plans, why.

 

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts (Mr Nkandu) (on behalf of the Minister of Community Development and Social Services (Ms Mwamba)): Madam Speaker, the Government recognises the role that literacy plays in national development and, in collaboration with stakeholders through various initiatives, it has put in place measures to enhance the provision of literacy programmes.

 

Madam, the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services is particularly mandated to facilitate and promote functional literacy which aims at reducing levels of illiteracy among vulnerable girls, youth, women and men by teaching them reading, writing and simple arithmetic skills for sustainable development. In order to realise this, the Government trained community development assistants to deliver functional literacy programmes as well as develop the functional literacy curriculum and primers which were translated into the seven major local languages of Zambia.

 

Madam, however, the programme has not been implemented in most districts as funds have not been allocated to the programme over the past five years due to increased demand for other equally important programmes. Nonetheless, the Ministry through the Department of Community Development has been providing literacy skills to women through the women empowerment programmes conducted under the Supporting Women’s Livelihood (SWL) subcomponent of the Girl’s Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihood (GEWEL) Project. The objective of the programme is to improve women’s access to financial capital, but before women are provided with a productivity grant, they are trained in business and life skills, which include literacy, and are also supported with savings skills and mentorship, among other services.

 

Madam Speaker, I want to inform the House that my ministry is currently implementing the SWL Programme in Chitambo District. As such, the women enrolled in the programme in the district are being provided with literacy programmes. The department is using savings groups structures. These literacy classes are not restricted to the SWL beneficiaries but are open to all members of the community. Wards where the literacy programmes are being conducted through the SWL include, Chitambo, Mpelembe, Lusenga, Muchinka and Chililo Chipundu.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, has recognised that literacy forms a fundamental part of transformative learning, which is a requirement for realising more inclusive, just and sustainable communities.

 

Madam Speaker, in view of this, the Government has plans to enhance the functional literacy programme in all districts, by mainstreaming literacy programmes in all social protection programmes. In addition, the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services developed guidelines for literacy programmes, which once finalised, will inform the review of the functional literacy curriculum.

 

Madam Speaker, the third part of the question falls off as something is being done in Chitambo.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mrs Sabao (Chikankata): Madam Speaker, I want thank you for giving the people of Chikankata an opportunity to ask a question. What are the reasons of the low literacy rate in Chitambo Constituency among the women?

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, I may not able to tell why we have low levels of literacy in Chikankata. I think the question is very clear that if there are programmes that are being undertaken in Chitambo, we may have high levels of illiteracy in almost every district but the Government is trying to do something to make sure that illiteracy levels are reduced.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you

 

Mr Mutale: Madam Speaker, I am happy to note that the hon. Minister has equalised in terms of the programmes that are being taught to our women. It appears that there is segregation on who has to participate in these programmes because they are so particularly targeted to a number of women.

 

Madam Speaker, my question was looking at almost all the women that might need some kind of upgrading in terms of learning. When will the Government think about opening it up through, maybe, working together with the Ministry of Education to bring in some kind of learning in that aspect?

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you. That was a comment.

 

Mr Lubozha (Chifubu): Madam Speaker, considering the high levels of illiteracy among women in Chitambo Constituency, as acknowledged by the hon. Minister, I want to find out if the Government is considering bringing in cooperating partners such as civil society on board to supplement the literacy programmes that are being carried out in the constituency.

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, the ministry has plans to forge partners with intuitions providing services for vulnerable groups to facilitate for the incorporation of functional literacy in their programming.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mung’andu: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister in one of his responses to the hon. Member of Parliament for Chitambo, indicated that he was not aware of the reasons there is high illiteracy or lack of literacy in Chitambo Constituency. Therefore, is it right for us to conclude that since he does not know the reasons, he is also unlikely to provide solutions to this problem?

 

Madam Speaker: The question from the hon. Member of Parliament for Chitambo was whether the Government has plans to introduce literacy programmes for women in Chitambo District and not what were the reasons for the low literacy levels in Chitambo District. So, I believe the hon. Minister has been taken by surprise with that question. If you want to know more about why there is a low level of literacy, I suggest you put in a specific question to address that.

 

 Mr Mandandi (Sioma): Madam Speaker, I thank you very much for giving the good people of Sioma an opportunity to ask a question and greetings from the good people of Sioma. Let me also take this opportunity to congratulate my dear hon. Colleague and friend, Hon. Andrew Tayengwa for a well deserved victory. Hon. Colleagues from your left thought it was going to be business as usual unfortunately, njoko ye shutile mutai, meaning bad lack or hard lack.

 

STALLED TARRING OF THE SIOMA/SHANGOMBO ROAD IN SIOMA DISTRICT

 

151. Mr Mandandi asked the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development:

 

1. why the tarring of the Sioma/Shangombo Road in Sioma District has stalled;
2. when the project will resume;
3. what the cost of the project is; and
4. what the time frame for the completion of the project is.

 

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, the tarring of the Sioma/Shangombo Road in Sioma District stalled because the contractor terminated the works due to cash flow constraints on the project and the project will resume once funds have been secured and a new contractor procured.

 

Madam, the estimated cost of the project is K188,596,968.03. However the cost of the project will be reviewed once a new contractor is procured and the estimated project time frame for the completion of the project is eighteen calendar months from the date of commencement.

 

Mr Mandandi: Madam Speaker, we feel elated that the hon. Minister has given such a nice response though we are short of saying that the responses is not quite satisfying especially that we were assured that the project would be considered under Public Private Partnership (PPP), probably this year.  

 

Now, when we are told “when funds will be available” without seriously giving us a proper timeframe, we are left at sea. Can the hon. Minister do us a favour by giving us a proper assurance of when the works are likely to resume?

 

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, maybe let me provide some additional information. This project was given to China Geo-Engineering Corporation. The company was engaged to construct 38 km of the Sioma to Shang’ombo road in 2013 under the contract for construction and upgrading of the 38 km of the Sioma/Nangweshi Road, which is Road M10 in the Western Province.

 

Madam Speaker, he has asked a question on the Public Private Partnership (PPP) proposal. The answer I have given relates to the plans that the previous Government had and what was contracted and the difficulties that were experienced. When now we say “when funds are available”, there are many routes to finance availability, and indeed one of those is a possibility of a PPP. It is in the public domain because we have advertised it. This is one of the roads where we have received an unsolicited bid for a PPP together with other roads. As per procedure under the Public Private Partnership Act, we have now opened and advertised this so that everyone knows what is happening. The bidding contractor or investor has been given, as per procedure, a timeframe in which to reach financial closure. Financial closure will then indicate very clearly to everybody that there are funds available and that is when the Government can come and announce that this road has been given to this contractor and funds are available and it will take so long.

 

Madam Speaker, so until such time is reached on this road and others that have been announced, the answers of the Government will rely on the previous plans. When we reach financial closure of this prospective investor and contractors, then we shall come back to the House. The hon. Member should pray for us in the Government to ensure that we are able to reach financial closure as quickly as possible.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mumba (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, if I carefully heard the hon. Minister right, he said that the contractor de-mobilised due to funds or cash flow challenges. Obviously, the interim payment certificates (IPCs) were not being paid. The hon. Minister knows very well that when a contractor is going on site, the consultant usually is given or buys assets that are supposed to be used to ensure that as the road is being constructed, all the obligations in the contract are being met, and these funds are taxpayers’ money. Has the ministry investigated where some of these assets, particularly vehicles, are right now because they belong to the ministry or the Road Development Agency (RDA) as a unit, which is under the ministry, for us to start recovering some of these monies that we have lost?

 

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Kantanshi has raised his matter. He is concerned about the possibility of losing matters. We have taken on board his concerns. He is right; where assets were bought for a particular project and these assets are still in a useable state, which most vehicles are, if that contract is terminated, the Government has to make plans to recover those assets. So we take on board his suggestion.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Sampa (Matero): Madam Speaker, the Government has the right to terminate a contract when it deems fit and the contractor can also de-mobilise. How safe are we in terms of litigation where the contracts have been terminated or a new contractor has been sourced? Either way, can they sue us or can we sue them? How safe is this Government in terms of litigation? The cost of litigation could be much higher than what can be spent on redoing the road.

 

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, I think in my previous question which I answered this afternoon, I did indicate to the House that we are reviewing all these things. Some contracts will be terminated, where can terminate without increasing the liability of Government. Indeed, when a contract is signed, the contractor can terminate the contract, and there are conditions to terminating a contract. The employer, which in this case is the Government through the Road Development Agency (RDA), can also terminate a contract and there are also conditions which have to be followed. Our greatest responsibility as the Government is to limit the liability on the Government.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Munir Zulu: Madam Speaker, we know that the Public Private Partnership (PPP) proposals that the hon. Minister intends to implement mean well for this country. The cost of these projects not being terminated is posing a serious burden on the Treasury. Has he considered an option of terminating the contract with China Geo-Engineering Corporation in the immediate days to come?

 

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, thanks very much to the hon. Member for Lumezi for that very reasonable question.

 

Laughter

 

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, all options are taken into account, but where we refer to a specific contractor, I think it would not be right to mention what measures are being taken. We have to follow the process, discuss with the contractor, and find out what contingent liabilities might be there before we can reach that stage. As I said in my previous answer to the hon. Member for Matero in the previous question, these are measures that we are critically analysing right now and when we are ready, we will come to the House and indicate in which direction the Government will go.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mulebwa (Kafulafuta): Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to allow the people of Kafulafuta to add their voice to this debate.

 

Madam Speaker, in every contract there should be clauses that indicate the results that will come if any of the parties breach the contract. I am wondering how our contracts were drawn when the agreements were made with these contractors. Was there not anything to indicate that if a contractor breached the agreement then the contract would be terminated?

 

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, in this project which we are talking about, I have stated quite clearly that, first of all, the difficulties came from Government because we had funding challenges. As a result of those funding challenges, the contractor terminated the works. So, in a contract there are conditions that are put in and these will be followed. That is why I indicated that if this project will proceed under Government funding, a new contractor has to be found.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

COMMISSIONING OF SOME MINI-HOSPITALS IN MFUWE CONSTITUENCY

152. Ms Mabonga (Mfuwe) asked the Minister of Health:

 

1. when the following mini-hospitals in Mfuwe Parliamentary Constituency will be commissioned:

 

1. Mpumba; and

 

1. Chiundaponde;

 

        b. whether the Government has any plans to construct mortuaries at the mini-hospitals above; and 

 

        c. if so, when the plans will be implemented.

 

Mr Mtolo (on behalf of the Ms Masebo)): Madam Speaker, the mini-hospitals in Mpumba and Chiundaponde were made operational on the 21^st October 2021. However, the Government will commission the facilities at an appropriate time.

 

Madam, the Government has noted the absence of mortuaries at the mini-hospitals. However, it must also be noted that these were built under the NMS Infrastructure Limited loan funded project for the construction of 115 mini hospitals and five level 1 hospitals country wide in which mortuaries were not part of the contract.

 

Madam, as stated, the Government has no plans to construct mortuaries at mini hospitals.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Ms Mabonga: Madam Speaker, I am aware that the mini-hospitals are now operational. I am not sure if the hon. Minister is aware of the challenges that are there. Even if they are operational, we lacking staff. Where we are supposed to have a minimum of twelve, we only have one. I want to find out when staff will be allocated to the mini-hospitals?

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member of Parliament for Mfuwe, you are expanding your question. I believe the acting Minister of Health will be taken by surprise as that is falling out of the question that you asked.

 

Any further supplementary questions?

 

Ms Mabonga: No Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mulunda (Siavonga): Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to ask a question. However, before I do that may I congratulate my colleague, Hon. Tayengwa, for punishing the unrepentant Patriotic Front (PF).

 

CONSTRUCTION OF DAMS IN SIAVONGA DISTRICT

 

153. Mr Mulunda asked the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation:

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to construct dams in Siavonga District;
2. if so, when the plans will be implemented; and 
3. how many dams are earmarked for construction in the District.

 

The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation (Mr Mposha): Madam Speaker, yes, the Government has plans to construct a dam in Siavonga District.

 

Madam, the plan to construct a dam in the district will be implemented as and when funds are made available. Furthermore, we intend to construct one dam in Siavonga District.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Hon Member of Parliament for Siavonga do you any supplementary questions?

 

Mr Mulunda: No, Madam Speaker.

 

CONSEQUENCES OF SUSPENSION OF OPERATIONS AT KASENSELI GOLD MINE

 

154. Mr Mumba asked the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development:

 

1. whether the Government is aware that the suspension of operations at Kasenseli Gold Mine in Mwinilunga District will result in the Bank of Zambia (BoZ) not meeting its annual gold purchase target;
2. if so, what measures are being taken to ensure that BoZ meets its target so that the economy is not adversely affected; and 
3. when the operations at the Mine will resume.

 

The Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry (Mr Mulenga) (on behalf of the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr Kabuswe)): Madam Speaker, the Government is aware that the suspension of operations at Kasenseli will result in the Bank of Zambia not meeting its gold purchase target for 2021.

 

Madam, the Government through the Zambia Gold Mining Limited is implementing the following urgent measures to see to it that we cover up and recover the losses that we are about to incur this year, in the near future. These are:

 

1.  conducting detailed exploration to establish the gold reserves in the area;
2.  the installation of a 50-70 metric tonne per hour processing unit; and
3. procurement of additional earth moving equipment to increase mining activities.

 

Madam Speaker, the mine will resume production once the following are put in place.

 

1. we need to obtain a social license to operate through engagement of a local community and the traditional leadership by the company;
2. appointment of the manager to supervise, control and direct operations; and
3. addressing the safety and security concerns at the mining institution.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mumba: Madam Speaker, quite clearly, the mine is far from being opened and this economy is yearning for that gold for us to try and get out of recession and obviously just to start expanding our economy. From the hon. Minister’s responses, what is the Government doing currently to enhance the relationship on the social contract with the people of Mwinilunga because that is the starting point is. If the social licence is not there, obviously issues of security will come and companies will not be able to function.

 

Mr Mulenga: Madam Speaker, I thank the Hon. Member for Kantanshi for the good question. Kasenseli Gold Mine is a unique kind of mining operation and I need to make it clear from the outset that no exploration works at Kasenseli Mine have ever been done but only the mining system that has been done by the so-called illegal miners that led to the discovery of Kasenseli Gold Mine.

 

For this cause, Madam Speaker, it has been realised by the Government that the deposits may be far more available than what we already have. However, the community took Kasenseli Gold Mine deposits as their natural blessing from God and therefore, feel that engagement or interference by any Government official or mining authority is as interference to them.

 

Madam Speaker, however, we need to harmonise the activities of the community as well as the Government which has seen that gold is a game changer in the mining sector that will help revive the fortunes of our treasury. Therefore, the Government has to legalise the mining sector, make it safe and also give back to the community that is engaged. However, to avoid any entanglement between the Government and the community, we need to explain how fortunate the country at large is, and how the proceeds will benefit the community once mining takes place. So, the Government is deliberately continuously engaging the local chiefs, the community and companies that are willing to work and invest in Kasenseli Gold Mine. Once the harmonisation is done, then works will commence as well as putting in place other facilities that will harmonise the mining. 

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Menyani Zulu: Madam Speaker, I am a bit worried and very worried. This is a national asset.

 

Mr Nkombo: How can you be a bit worried and very worried?

 

Mr Menyani Zulu: Madam Speaker, I think, we all know the story about the gold mine in Mwinilunga. The Acting hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development is a well experienced miner who has been in the mining industry for over ten years and he understands this. Madam Speaker, I am just worried with our team on your right hand side and the Executive at large. This is money that we are talking about. We have gone to America to seek K1.3 billion while we have the money in Mwinilunga. Today we are saying we need to have a social contract with the locals. I think this is the area – Madam Speaker, does the hon. Acting Minister have any plan to come up with a local set up at the level of Ministers? Is the ministry coming up with any team to go and negotiate with His Royal Highnesses in that area so that we can start moving because we cannot take five months negotiating about this? It has been five months since the current Government took over power. Are they coming up with any plan in the next three months so that when presenting the next budget, they are not going to tell us that we have just been in office for the last one year?

 

Mr Mulenga: Madam Speaker, I must mention that the Government is responsible and definitely we have sent a team led by the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Hon. Paul Kabuswe, to negotiate and engage the community on how best we can benefit both the nation and the community involved. At this, Madam Speaker, to be proactive, the Government has even set up a company that we are calling the Zambia Gold Mining Limited, which, with time, we will find a way of how to legislate it and be responsible for the administration of gold deposits that are in the country so that more can been gotten out of it.

 

As I stand and speak, Madam Speaker, the Government has even given an exploration licence to a named company at Kasenseli that will conduct robust exploration activities to see the deposits of gold that we have at Kasenseli. That report will be made public and the fortunes that we are going to get out of there will be for the good of the country. So, the Government is committed to getting the most out of it in the soonest possible time. However, it cannot be done at the expense of engaging the community and having mining activities done in a peaceful manner.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mumba: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has mentioned a very important point, exploration, for us to know the actual value of the gold. Is the hon. Minister able to share with the House and the nation who is carrying out these exploration works, if at all they have started and if they have not started, when are they going to start? Is it the Government that is carrying out the explorations or is there a private company that has been identified?

 

Madam Speaker: I know that is expanding the question. Hon. Minister, I do not know if you have the information.

 

Mr Mulenga: Madam Speaker, we want to do things differently as a New Dawn Government. In the past when gold was discovered at Kasenseli, we saw a gold rush taking place and money being borrowed on behalf of the Government to exploit Kasenseli without even knowing how much deposit was there. Hon. Member, definitely, a licence has been given and the rightful hon. Minister will come and advise the House. Let me not be premature to speak about it but definitely a licence has been given and will be brought to public knowledge in due time by the hon. Minister himself when he comes to give a Ministerial Statement on the activities of Kasenseli Gold Mine. The Government will definitely be a major stakeholder in the running of all gold deposits in this country. The Government of Zambia, on behalf of the people of Zambia, will be a major player.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mukumbi (Solwezi West): Madam Speaker, we do appreciate the responses from the Acting Minister of Mines and Minerals Development. From the outset I want to commend the hon. Minister for giving part of the ‘Black Mountain’ on the Copperbelt to the citizens and co-operatives within the province.

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Solwezi West, we are talking about Kasenseli Gold Mine, I wonder if there is a ‘Black Mountain’ at Kasenseli. Is it already there?

 

Mr Mukumbi: I am coming to my question, Madam Speaker.

 

As the hon. Minister considers re-opening Kasenseli Gold Mine, does he have plans to take the same approach by allowing cooperatives within the North-Western Province to participate in mining once explorations are done, so that all those cooperatives and youth organisations within the province can be given a portion of Kasenseli Gold Mine for them to participate in the same?

 

Mr Mulenga: Madam Speaker, the model that we want to take with Kasenseli Mine is an approach that we have seen in Tanzania.

 

Madam Speaker, like I said earlier in my remarks, the gold deposits in Zambia are not located in single place in a large deposit as we have copper and other minerals. In addressing the social impediments that we have into a good social licence that we need or hope to see in Kasenseli, definitely, cooperatives will be empowered there so that there will be harmony in the activities that will be undertaken between  the Government and the communities in Solwezi. In summary, definitely cooperatives will be empowered.

 

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Lubozha: Madam Speaker, Kasenseli Gold Mine becomes an economic game changer for the economic recovery of our country. Considering the importance of this mine, we stand in waiting because this mine has been closed for almost three to five months now. We want to find out what the urgency attached to the re-opening of this mine is so that it does not affect our economy, but assists in helping the economy to recovery from the state where it is today. What is the urgency? The hon. Minister should give us the timeframe, if possible. We know there are issues to do with exploration, reconciliation with chiefs and whatever else, but he should give us the timeframe so that we remain hopeful and optimistic that the mine by such a time will be opened.

 

Mr Mulenga: Madam Speaker, definitely timeframe should be attached to any activity for planning activities that should take place. However, the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development will come and give a comprehensive ministerial statement to the House and the nation in this regard.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mung’andu: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the responses. Our law, the Lands Act and the Mines and Minerals Act state clearly that all minerals under the land are a property of the state. No individual owns this gold, copper or any other mineral that is found underground. Where then is the problem because the hon. Minister is saying that they are engaging the local traditional leadership, when the minerals are a property of the state? Then why engage traditional leadership and the local people when they are fully aware that those minerals belong to the state and not to individuals.

 

Madam Speaker: The Acting hon. Minister has indicated that the substantive hon. Minister is coming to give a statement, maybe you can reserve that question for him.

 

Mr Wamunyima (Nalolo): Madam Speaker, since it is indicated that the hon. Minister has been requested for to give a statement, we will take keen interest in asking the substantive office bearer.

 

Mr Mutelo (Mitete): Madam Speaker, this question is an adopted question for the Late Member of Parliament for Kabwata Constituency. In doing so, allow me to congratulate the hon. Member who has come to take over.

 

COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION OF FIRE STATION IN KABWATA CONSTITUENCY

 

155. Mr Mutelo asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development:

 

1. when the construction of the fire station in Kabwata Parliamentary Constituency will be completed;
2. what the cause of the delay in completing the project is; and
3. what the cost of the outstanding works is.

 

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, we want to inform this august House that the construction of the fire station in Kabwata Parliamentary Constituency will be completed at the end of 2022, subject to funds being available.

 

Madam Speaker, the delay was due to limited funding coupled with expiration of the contract which is in the process of being renewed.

 

The cost of outstanding works on the current contract stands at K2,713,659.18.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mutelo: Madam Speaker, the answer is clear and the new Member of Parliament will take it up from there.

 

Hon. Member: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development for the response on the fire office in Kabwata Constituency. Would it be safe to say that the hon. Minister’s response is true for all the other fire stations in the other six constituencies of Lusaka City, including Matero Constituency where there is Buseko Market?

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Matero Constituency that is expanding the question. I am sure the hon. Minister was not prepared for that question. So we do not want to take him by surprise.

 

Mr E Tembo (Feira): Madam Speaker, we have a new Colleague my brother, Hon. Tayengwa. Madam Speaker, I do not know whether to congratulate the United Party for National Development for winning the Kabwata seat or for rigging same. Indeed, before I proceed with my question, I will also join others in expressing the sincere condolences of the people of Feira to Hon. Jack Mwiimbu.

 

REVIVAL OF OPERATIONS AT KAUNGA FARMERS’ TRAINING CENTRE

 

156. Mr E Tembo asked the Minister of Agriculture:

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to revive the operations at Kaunga Farmers’ Training Centre to promote agricultural activities in Feira Parliamentary Constituency; and
2. if so, when the plans will be implemented.

 

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, The Government has no immediate plans to revive the operations at Kaunga Farmers Training Centre in Feira Parliamentary Constituency due to the tight budget that the Government is implementing. However, this could be considered in the 2023 Budget if the fiscal space will allow.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr E. Tembo: Madam Speaker, my follow-up question is whether the new Government understands the importance of the Kaunga Farmers Training Centre? This centre actually, sometimes back, used to be a place where all the farmers in gardening and many other aspects of agriculture were being trained. Indeed, when it went down, it also brought down agricultural production within the district.

 

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, I think the response to the hon. Member’s concern is that yes, the Government understands, but just like in many other projects, the hon. Member is aware that there is a constraint on funds. So, it will be considered next year.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mapani (Namwala): Madam Speaker, may I know when the institution was closed and why it was closed?

 

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, the institution has not been operational for what I can remember, in the last one complete year, close to two years and the reason is simple. The institution was closed because of funds. There have not been adequate funds to run the institution.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Before, we proceed. Hon. Member for Feira, you mentioned the word ‘rigging’ in your opening remarks, could you please withdraw it and substitute it with another word.

 

Mr E. Tembo: Madam Speaker, that was on a lighter note.

 

Laughter

 

Mr E. Tembo: I did not know whether to congratulate the United Party for National Development (UPND) for winning or whether the wining was rightly done.

 

Hon. Government Members: Withdraw!

 

Mr E. Tembo: I have replaced ‘rigging’ with ‘inappropriateness’.

 

Madam Speaker: I did not hear the withdrawal.

 

Laughter

 

Mr E. Tembo: Anyway, Madam Speaker, I withdraw the word ‘rigging’.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you, although you said, ‘anyway’, but your withdrawal has been taken note of.

 

Mr Mung’andu: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has heard that the people in Feira really relied on Kaunga Farmers Training Centre for various agricultural skills development and the livelihood of many of those is directly dependant on agriculture. The hon. Minister said that maybe it would be considered in the 2023 Budget. Is it his assurance that in 2023, which is next year, Kaunga Farmers Training Centre will be revamped or its operations will resume?

 

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, in my answer, I was very clear that we will try to consider. The term which I used was ‘consider.’ This could be considered in the 2023 Budget if the fiscal space allows. The situation at the centre is a bit sad because we only have one man, who is managing it, and four guards, and the fence was ripped. The place is quite insecure. We are going to work very hard to bring back this station to place. As the hon. Member said, this is where we were congregating people to learn how to look after goats and to learn on how to do a couple of agricultural activities. So, the importance cannot be down played, but the issue of resources should also be taken into account. Like many other things, we did not put attention to this when we were running the Government.

 

Madam Speaker: The hon. Member for Namwala had indicated to ask a supplementary question. Hon. Member for Namwala, would you still like to ask your supplementary question?

 

Mr Mapani: No, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mumba: Madam Speaker, I know that it is very difficult at the moment to guarantee the fiscal space for us to improve and do all these other things that we want to do. However, for this ministry, especially, that this Government has emphasised that agriculture will be seen as a business, is there any deliberate strategy the ministry is looking at so that some of these institution are protected? I know the Government has many training institutions which are facing similar challenges especially the Ministry of Agriculture which consumes tax payers’ money through big institutions such as the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) and all these training institutions we are talking about that are all supported by tax payers’ money. Yet, we still get very expensive farming produce. Is there anything the ministry is thinking of outside the challenge we have of funds not being available? If that institution today has all the challenges the hon. Minister has talked about, such as the fence being ripped off and so on and so forth, how will it be next year? So, is there anything that the ministry is thinking outside from the way things have always been done?

 

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, I am very grateful for that question because it uplifts the importance of what we are doing at the ministry. I want to assure the hon. Member, through you, that we have taken the route to talk to co-operating partners who are financing some of our projects to see if we can put funds in, as he put it, most agricultural training centers which were amazingly neglected to levels which the hon. Member cannot actually understand. So, we are going to try very hard to bring them back to the normal standard.

 

GOAT BREEDING CENTRE IN KANCHIBIYA DISTRICT

 

158. Mr Chanda (Kanchibiya) asked the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock:

 

(a)        whether the Goat Breeding Centre in Kanchibiya District is serving its intended purpose;

 

(b)        if so, how many people had benefitted from the centre as of October, 2021; and

 

(c)        if the centre is not serving its purpose, what measures are being taken to ensure that the centre serves its intended purpose.

 

The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock (Mr Chikote): Madam Speaker, the Goat Breeding and Multiplication Centre in Kanchibiya will be serving its intended purpose once it is fully operational. The centre has recently been operationalised and has goat houses, office blocks, perimeter fencing and two boreholes.

 

Madam, in May 2021, 155 goats were purchased for multiplication at the centre, which includes 150 females and five males. So far, no farmer has benefitted from the centre to date because the goats were procured in May, 2021 and it takes time to reproduce, taking into consideration their reproduction cycle. Most of the females are now pregnant and we expect them to have kids in the coming months.

 

Madam Speaker, the ministry is taking the following measures to ensure that the centre serves its intended purpose:

 

(a)        increasing production and productivity through improved nutrition and general husbandry, staffing levels and procurement of additional breeding stock; and

 

(b)        invest in animal breeding research and development which will also benefit Kanchibiya Goat Breeding Centre.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mrs Munashabantu (Mapatizya): Madam Speaker, Mapatizya is a farming or a ranching rural constituency. I want to believe that this goat breeding centre in Kanchibiya is not the only one of its kind and that there are probably many others in the district. We hope we will soon have one in Mapatizya. Is this breeding centre going to introduce exotic breeds or is it encouraging local breeding, considering the fact that goat breeding or rearing is one the most lucrative businesses in rural and urban areas because goats breed two or three times a year?

 

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, first of all, the breed that we are trying to enhance at Kanchibiya Breeding Centre is the local breed. We do is look at the conducive environment of these breeds and if they are capable of growing well in a particular area. Each centre across the country has a specific type of breed that is conducive to the type of environment of that breeding centre.

 

Madam, Kanchibiya is one of the centres where we are working hard, not only looking at the type of the breed but also to improve the nutrition for these animals to increase their production. If we want to enhance the production of these goats, we need to look at the nutritional value of the feed that we give them. That is one way we can increase the production to empower our communities because that is the vision that we have as the New Dawn Government.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Chanda: Madam Speaker, in thanking the hon. Minister for his response, allow me to extend an invitation to the hon. Minister to visit Kanchibiya. There is every need for him to be on the ground. He would probably need to crack the whip amongst his officers because some of the information he has been given for his report may not be the facts on the ground.

 

Madam, the contractor, for example, who was contracted to put up some infrastructure has abandoned the site –

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member for Kanchibiya, if you want to engage the hon. Minister on those lines, I suggest you pay him a visit, otherwise we are now dealing with supplementary questions. So, as ask your supplementary question.

 

Mr Chanda: Madam Speaker, regarding the plans for this breeding centre, what timeframe are we looking at?

 

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, I missed his question. What is the timeframe for? I did not get his question properly. Can he repeat?

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Kanchibiya, your question was not clear. The hon. Minister has not heard the question. Please repeat it.

 

Mr Chanda: Madam Speaker, a brief background to my question is that this project started in 2013 and the minister says that the Government is working very hard. I know that he is passionate about this ministry, but this project has stalled for a long time. When do we see this particular goat bulking centre in Kanchibiya becoming fully operational?

 

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, I know the hon. Member has a passion for this sector. I invite him to my office so that we can have a lengthy discussion concerning the livestock in Kanchibiya.

 

Madam, I stated that the ministry is working around the clock to ensure that we improve services at that centre by increasing the staffing level, which is one of the contributing factors that is making the centre not do very well. That is one area the ministry is going to address. I have also told him that nutrition matters are also one of the aspects. This comes into capacity building by having the experts at the centre. These are the areas the ministry is trying to address.

 

Madam Speaker, if he heard me clearly in my preamble, I stated that these centres were established in 2013 so there are many activities that we need to improve in these centres because these are ongoing programmes. I know it is not only the Kanchibiya Centre, but most of the centres in this country need us, who have got the vision for this sector, to change certain things that we feel are not in order. He has to be patient with us.

 

Madam Speaker, in addition to this, the hon. Member is aware that despite the centre failing to provide the necessary benefits, the ministry decided to empower the people of Kanchibiya community with 600 goats and 10,300 chickens whilst we are making the centre fully operational.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr J Chibuye: Madam Speaker, could the hon. Minister state as to whether the breeding that is taking place in Kanchibiya is solely of the local species or is the ministry importing he-goats of other species from other neighbouring countries into our country. What is the male-to-female goat ratio?

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: On the issue of the ratio, I think the hon. Minister is not prepared for that but the hon. Minister will attempt to answer the first question.

 

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, just for the information of the hon. Member, the ratio for a he-goat to the female goats is one he-goat to twenty.

 

Ms Mulenga: One to ten.

 

Laughter

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, in terms of importing other breeds from neighbouring countries, that programme is not yet on the table. The experts are trying to also look at what type of other breeds we can bring into the country. We do not just rush into getting these other breeds from neighbouring countries. There are certain things that we consider, such as whether the environment in this country is conducive for that breed.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Chanda: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister and also assure him that the people of Kanchibiya Constituency will give him the best of support so that he succeeds in his very important portfolio.

 

Madam Speaker, would the hon. Minister consider giving the mandate to the co-operatives at a later stage to run this facility?

 

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, in fact, one of the areas that this Government considers is to also bring private partners to these centres so that we can join hands and work together. However, before we do that, the first thing is that we have to make these centres more attractive to allow private partners to come on board. So, we are trying to make sure that all these centres are made attractive to other co-operating partners.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

STALLED CONSTRUCTION OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM IN KANYAMA CONSTITUENCY

 

159. Mr Chinkuli (Kanyama) asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development:

 

1. why the construction of the drainage system in Kanyama Parliamentary Constituency has stalled;
2. when the project will resume; and
3. whether the Government has any plans to expedite the works to avert flooding in the rainy seasons.

 

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, I inform this august House that the construction of the drainage system in Kanyama Parliamentary Constituency had stalled due to funding constraints.

 

Madam Speaker, the project has resumed having received some funding in the first quarter of this year, 2022. The Government is expediting the works to complete the project subject to the availability of more funding in order to avert the fears of the hon. Member of Parliament, for example, flooding.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, my question is in regard to the flooding in Kanyama especially, because the drainage in the question from Hon. Chinkuli is obviously due to flooding that happens every year. Let me be the first to accept that all the previous Governments, the United National Independence Party (UNIP), the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) and the Patriotic Front (PF), did not stop that traditional ceremony in Kanyama.

 

Madam Speaker, as the hon. Minister of the Local Government and Rural Development, what plans does he have to ensure that the flooding does not happen and that there will not be that traditional ceremony in Kanyama next year?

 

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, one of the main reasons there is flooding in Kanyama and most parts of our country is because of unplanned, and therefore, unauthorised settlements, which do not take into consideration water packs. So, if water is never given passage, it becomes an enemy to you.

 

Madam Speaker, part of what we are doing as the New Dawn Government, is to make sure that we broaden the existing drainages and also create order by making sure that all settlements are planned and authorised going into the future.

 

Madam Speaker, the example that I can give at the moment is that many people around our communities have built well fences for their immediate residences or places of business without putting due consideration to water flow. We are as an authority, I am now speaking for Lusaka City Council, making sure that we go into the community and ensuring that we create these water passages that will drop into the Bombay Drainage that was gifted to us by the the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) in order for us to circumvent any further flooding.

 

Madam Speaker, the second thing that has caused a lot of flooding in our communities is the issue of indiscriminate littering of garbage, especially plastics. We are intending to enforce the public nuisance law and through this platform, allow me to just state that we are making sure that anybody who is found by law enforcers indiscriminately littering garbage in all areas, other than the designated ones, will be faced with the full wrath of the law.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Chinkuli: Madam Speaker, the people of Kanyama are humbled and are very happy with the hon. Minister’s response. You will agree with me that Kanyama is –

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

 

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

Mr Chinkuli: Madam Speaker, before business was suspended, I was saying that the people of Kanyama are most humbled by the response that the hon. Minister has given. The issue of floods in Kanyama has been thorny to the people of Kanyama to the point that each time it is the rainy season, the song that is sung is about floods. Like one hon. Member has put it, flooding has become a ceremony of some kind, like the Kuomboka Ceremony.

 

Madam Speaker, is there any chance that these works will be completed before the next rainy season?

 

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, the question in its original form is addressing the drainage system in Kanyama, and in my responses, I indicated that there is a multiplicity of reasons there is flooding in Kanyama. So the scope of works that are detailed in this answer is specific to the works that had stalled and now have resumed. Having said so, it should be known here and now that this is just one part of Kanyama that will have relief, but the whole Kanyama is a victim of unplanned settlement. That is what I said in my earlier discourse, and because that is the case, I could never guarantee that flooding will no longer be a problem in Kanyama. So we will fix these things as we go.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mwambazi (Bwana Mkubwa): Madam Speaker, Kanyama has been flooded several times, but we also have floods in other places due to the issue of bad drainage systems in the country. As an example, Mapalo and Twashuka on the Copperbelt also experience flooding. Does the ministry have a plan for most of these settlements to ensure that drainage systems are worked on?

 

Madam Speaker: With regard to Kanyama, the hon. Minister has adequately answered that question, in my view. As for the other places that experience flooding, I suggest that another question be put to the hon. Minister. Otherwise, we will take the hon. Minister by surprise.

 

Mr J. Daka: Madam Speaker, for any meaningful drainage system to be achieved, there are three factors that have to be taken into account. The first is the hydrology, the second one is the topography, and the last one is the obstruction. I heard the hon. Minister deal with the issue of obstruction. Have the hydrology and topography been dealt with as well?

 

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, let me thank the hon. Member for Chadiza for his follow up question. I always benefit from his profession. He is a seasoned and qualified engineer.

 

Madam Speaker, as for now, the low-hanging fruit in this problem is that of obstruction. I can confirm that we have not put much time and effort to look at topography and hydrology. Him having mentioned this, I think it only goes without saying that I must go back to my experts in the ministry to also address the issue that he has raised.

 

Madam, maybe let me take advantage of this last opportunity, I hope, to answer, to say that those were just but a few examples of what the problem really is. The elephant in the room is what the world is facing now, that being the challenge associated with global warming and climate change and the erratic climatic behaviour in the whole country. Never have we seen, in a long time, the flooding that has happened in the last three weeks all over the country. So, we must be mindful that climate change is here to stay and it requires us to develop our resilience and adaptability to adverse weather conditions.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION OF KALUNGWISHI BOARDING SECONDARY SCHOOL IN CHIENGE DISTRICT

 

160. Rev. Katuta (Chienge) asked the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development:

 

1. when the construction of the Kalungwishi Boarding Secondary School in Chienge District will be completed; 
2. what the cause of the delay in completing the project is;
3. whether the contractor has been paid; and
4. if not, when the contractor will be paid.

 

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, the construction of the Kalungwishi Boarding Secondary School in Chienge District will be completed using a phased approach by targeting selected structures to facilitate the partial opening of the school. Phase I is scheduled to be completed in quarter one of 2022.

 

Madam Speaker, the delay was due to the Government’s policy to firstly, complete infrastructure at 80 per cent, and the Kalungwishi Boarding Secondary was at 50 per cent. However, due to the critical nature of the infrastructure, a phased approach has been decided upon in order to allow for partial opening of the school to learners.

 

Madam, the contractor has been paid for earlier works although he is being owed three certificates for recent works in phase I. However, the contractor will be paid at the end of quarter one of 2022.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Rev. Katuta: Madam Speaker, I want to find out from the hon. Minister that when he talks of opening the school, how is this going to be done because there are certain things that are not yet there because the supplier or the contractor has not yet been paid. How is it going to be done so that we can have water and electricity connected to the school and also to pay the contractor?

 

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, I think my earlier answer was that the contractor had been paid for earlier works. However, we also recognise that for three interim payment certificates (IPC’s) for the recent works already completed had not been paid and I did say that the contractor will be paid at the end of quarter one.

 

Madam, we understand the difficulties here and that is why the Government decided to approach it on a phase basis so that our children can have access to part of the infrastructure. When we finally complete it, there will thirteen classroom spaces that will be created to cater for more than 650 learners.

 

Madam Speaker, within Phase I, there are five staff houses, which are all complete at the moment. There are two 1 X 3 classroom blocks, which are complete and ready for use. The administration block is also complete. So, the substantial part of the infrastructure is completed and that is why we have decided to go for partial opening so that even as we wait for the whole project to be complete, the infrastructure can be used by our children at the school.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Rev. Katuta: Madam Speaker, I do understand when the hon. Minister talks of ‘quarter’. For the sake of those who are watching in Chienge, would the hon. Minister kindly explain to the people of Chienge what he means when he says quarterly?

 

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker does the hon. Member want me to use Bemba or what? However, first quarter is from 1^st January to 31^st March. So when we say it will be completed within the first quarter, it will be completed before 31^st March.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker

 

PRODUCTION OF ZAMBIA’S FIRST GEOLOGICAL MAP

 

161. Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) asked the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development:

 

1. when the first geological map of Zambia was produced;
2. when the map was last updated; 
3. how often the map is updated; and
4. whether the map is easily accessible to the public.

 

Mr Mulenga (on behalf of Mr Kabuswe)): Madam Speaker, the first geological map of Zambia was produced in 1961 and it was last updated in 1981. Further, it is not updated often.

 

Madam, geological maps are easily accessible to the public at the Geological Survey Department (GSD) ,map sales office and on the Zambian Mining Cadastre Portal, online.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Hon Member of Parliament for Kalabo do you have any supplementary questions?

 

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, I do not have any.

 

INCREMENT OF FISP BENEFICIARIES IN CHAMA SOUTH CONSTITUENCY

 

162. Mr Mung’andu asked the Minister of Agriculture:

 

1. whether there are any plans to increase the number of beneficiaries under the Farmer Input Support Programme in Chama South Parliamentary Constituency;
2. if so, when the plans will be implemented; and
3. if there are no such plans, why.

 

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) in its entirety is currently undergoing a comprehensive review to make it cost effective, better targeting, and equitable across all beneficiaries. So matters of numbers will be dealt with during the review.

 

Madam Speaker, I want to assure the hon. Member that it will be done this year. As we give the fertilizer this year for the coming season, we are going to use the new arrangement.

 

Madam Speaker, fortunately, for the hon. Member, the plans are there.

 

Mr Mung’andu: Madam Speaker, the people of Chama South want a definite response from the hon. Minister. Many of them are not on Farmers Input Support Programme (FISP) and they are struggling with both floods as well as animals particularly elephants that they share their maize crop with. Is the hon. Minister going to increase the beneficiaries or not because the response is not clear? The hon. Minister is saying comprehensive review, but in that review will he consider increasing the number of beneficiaries on FISP in Chama District, Chama South in particular?

 

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, currently the entire FISP is dealing with a million farmers. The chances are very high that we are going to increase the numbers, not only in Chama but for the whole country.

 

Rev. Katuta: Madam Speaker, I am glad that the hon. Minister has said the whole country. However, I want to know the number that they intend to increase by. What will be the number for Chama District now that he has mentioned the country? What numbers are we looking at in increasing the number of farmers who should be on Farmers Input Support Programme (FISP)?

 

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, a review is done by a whole group of technocrats. I would not be in a position to give you a number but what I can definitely say is that it will be more than the current number which is million. Once we are ready, we will come on the Floor of the House and give a Ministerial Statement so that all the hon. Members in the House are fully aware and are ready to go and explain to the electorates.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mtayachalo: Madam Speaker, I thank you for according me this opportunity to ask a question to the hon. Minister of Agriculture. The hon. Minister says that the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) is undergoing radical changes taking into account cost reflective matters. I want to find out from the hon. Minister whether that means that the contribution from the farmer is going to increase from K400 to, maybe, a higher figure?

 

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, I appreciate the anxiety that this can cause. However, in all honesty, right now there is a group of technocrats seated. It would be totally wrong for me to give things which are based on assumptions from my own thinking. I will come and give a statement when the review is done and that will be quite soon.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mung’andu: Madam Speaker, things to do with the FISP are policy matters. They are not matters that are left in the hands of technocrats.

 

Rev. Katuta: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mung’andu: We want the hon. Minister’s policy position. Is the Government going to maintain the current contribution from the farmers of K400 or in addition, they are going to segregate in terms of vulnerability because there are certain areas in our country like my constituency, Chama South, where people are really vulnerable so that such areas – I also know that if you go to areas like Kalongola or Namayenya in Senanga in the Western Province, those people in the low lying areas are really vulnerable. Is he going to leave such decision making to technocrats when they are supposed to be made by the Minister? Is he going to consider, if possible, reducing the contribution while increasing access to FISP by the people in most vulnerable areas of the country?

 

Madam Speaker: I think now we are going in circles, the hon. Minister has indicated that he is going to deliver a Ministerial Statement. I suggest we ask those questions when the Ministerial Statement is made.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mapani: Madam Speaker, I want to find out whether there is a deliberate intention by the Government to introduce what we would call ‘graduation system’ where farmers do not remain on the service in perpetuity.

 

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, from the word go, the FISP was supposed to be graduating people and no one should have been given fertilisers for more than three years consecutively. As it were, we will make sure that the new system identifies those who got fertilisers and take them out if they got fertilisers for three years continuously. So, yes, we are going to make sure that we correct this position.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

PROCUREMENT OF AMBULANCE FOR SENANGA GENERAL HOSPITAL

 

163. Mr Mulaliki asked the Minister of Health:

 

1. when the Government will procure an ambulance for Senanga General Hospital;
2. what the cause of the delay in procuring the ambulance is;
3. whether there are any plans to rehabilitate the infrastructure at the Hospital; and
4. if so, when the plans will be implemented.

 

Mr Mtolo (on behalf of Mrs Masebo)): Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to procure ambulances to cater for all the health facilities across the country including Senanga General Hospital and the procurement of ambulances will be implemented in a phased approach commencing in 2022.

 

Madam Speaker, the delay in procuring ambulances to cater for all the health facilities across the country is due to limited fiscal space.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to rehabilitate the infrastructure at Senanga General Hospital and the plans will be implemented in 2023.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mulaliki: Madam Speaker, I understand there are financial constraints, but as we speak now, Senanga does not have any ambulance and they are using an ordinary Land Cruiser to transfer patients from Senanga to Mongu. Considering that Senanga General Hospital is servicing Sioma and Shangombo districts, as a general hospital, we have had cases of patients dying because the vehicle does not have the facilities of an ambulance. I do not know in which quarter are we likely to have an ambulance procured since it is being done in phased approach?

 

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, I might not have the exact quarter but I will find out and immediately, maybe tomorrow, inform the hon. Member.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Maybe, it might be helpful if the hon. member for Senanga will approach the hon. Minister of Health because Nalolo was promised something from the answers that we go yesterday.

 

Rev. Katuta: Madam Speaker, Senanga is a very important district to me. The hon. Member is looking at me.

 

Laughter

 

Rev. Katuta: I must declare interest. Madam Speaker, I find it to be very unfortunate for the Government to say they are making plans when we have women who may be expecting or expectant mothers there. Can this caring New Dawn Government get money from that account they call the ‘Force Account’ to buy an emergency ambulance because one soul lost in this country affects all of us. So, I am appealing to the Government to do that. Can the hon. Minister kindly ask the Executive to get money from the Force Account to get just one ambulance for emergencies? That is why that account is there. Other things will follow. I hope I have put my question.

 

Madam Speaker: A suggestion there.

 

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, I think the suggestion is taken and it will be delivered appropriately to the Executive. I thank the hon. Member through you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mung’andu: Madam Speaker, I know the hon. Minister has been to Senanga. He should imagine the people of Litoya area, which is about 20km to 30km away from Senanga, and many other surrounding areas living without an ambulance. He should imagine the difficulties that our expectant mothers who may be carrying babies who are in a breech position face in order to give us life.

 

Madam, I am very confident, right now, if we were to go to the Western Province, we would find many Government ambulances. Some just lack components such as a hub, which are parked and people are ready to go and buy on auction. Can the Government not find an option of repairing those parked ambulances, which may be stationed in the province and send one or two to Senanga so that in case of emergencies, the lives of our mothers and our people in Senanga can be saved?

 

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for the passion in which he is debating and contributing. He is not the only who is bewildered and totally lost at the negligence that was with the previous Government.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mtolo: We are all totally aghast. I can assure you that from what the hon. Member and the other hon. Member from Chienge contributed and what he is saying, this caring Government will try its level best other than sleeping on money and playing with money, to try and buy a diff so that we can collect one vehicle and take it to Senanga.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, I am with the hon. Member and I thank him so much for the way in which he elucidated the matter.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

RECRUITMENT OF AGRICULTURAL OFFICERS COUNTRYWIDE

 

164. Mr Musonda (Lupososhi): asked the Minister of Agriculture how many agricultural officers are earmarked for recruitment, countrywide, from 2022 to 2026, year by year.

 

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, the recruitment of agricultural officers is centrally budgeted for by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, who informs the ministry on how many officers to recruit per year. However, actual numbers to be recruited depends on the availability of funds from the Treasury.

 

Madam Speaker, therefore, we will not be in a position to give year by year from 2022 to 2026. However, what I can inform the hon. Member is that we have currently more than 2,500 extension officers whereas we are suppose to have about 7,000 extension officers.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Musonda: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has just stated that backdating for the employment of agricultural officers is done centrally. May I know for the year 2022, if the Government has really provided for the employment of agricultural officers since the deficit he has just stated of about 5,000 shows that the agricultural policies that we intend to implement may be not realised because of under staffing. So, in simple terms, how many agricultural officers have they centrally budgeted to employ this year.

 

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, the only budget that is there is for replacement. We have not been given an indication on many people we can employ. I think we are all aware that we have been informed that the Government will employ teachers and people in the medical field. For agriculture, there is none, but we will be replacing if the vacancy is due to natural causes.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Musonda: Madam Speaker, I just want to commend the hon. Minister for being so truthful that there will be no agricultural officer that will be employed this year 2022, 2023 up to 2026. I thank you and that was just a comment.

 

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, the comment is noted, but just to correct the hon. Member because he extended that there will be no employment up to 2026. I did not say that. I said that we do not have a budget to employ this year.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

STALLED CONSTRUCTION OF LIMULUNGA DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION OFFICES AND AUXILIARY STRUCTURES

 

165. Mr Anakoka (Luena): asked the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development:

 

1. why the construction of the Limulunga District Administration offices and auxiliary structures has stalled;
2. when the project will resume;
3. what the cost of the project is; and
4. what the time frame for the completion of the project is.

 

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, the construction of the Limulunga District Administration offices and auxiliary structures had stalled due to the delays in payments on interim payment certificates (IPC’s) to the contractor on time and delayed power connection to the area. However, the contractor has since been paid all outstanding payments and has been instructed to complete the works in one month, save for power connection. To start using the facility, use of a generator set will be explored while connection to the main grid or rural electrification is awaited.

 

Madam, the contractor has procured the materials for the remaining works and will resume works in the first week of March 2022 and the total cost of the project is K7,360,850.10.

 

Madam Speaker, the timeframe for the completion of the project is one month subject, of course, to the place being connected to the power grid, as I said in one of the answers.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

_______

 

MOTION

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Minister of Defence and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House (Mr Lufuma): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

_______

 

The House adjourned at 1740 hours until 0900 hours on Friday, 18^th February, 2022.

 

____________

 

 WRITTEN REPLY TO QUESTION

 

INTRODUCTION OF A CONSUMER PRICE INDEX

 

157. Mr Samakayi (Mwinilunga) asked the Minister of Finance and National Planning:

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to introduce a consumer price index in order to curb over pricing of goods and services in public procurement;
2. if so, when the plans will be implemented; and
3. what other measures the Government is taking to reduce corruption in public procurement.

 

The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane): Madam Speaker, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has always been there from the time the Zambia Statistical Agency (ZAMSTAS) formerly Central Statistical Office (CSO) was established and it is still being used currently. It is there for the purpose of measuring inflation.

 

Madam Speaker, with regard to curbing over pricing of goods and services in public procurement, the Government through the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) has already introduced the Market Price Index (MPI). The MPI is contained under Section 12 of the Public Procure Act No. 8, 2020. It is now mandatory that Procurement Entities (PEs) procure goods and services using the MPI.

 

Madam Speaker, the implementation of the MPI took effect in October, 2021, while the CPI is published on a monthly basis by ZAMSTATS.

 

Madam Speaker, the Public Procurement Act No. 8, 2020 has taken a number of measures to curb corruption as follows:

 

1. Introduction of Electronic Government Procurement;

 

This is an important feature under Section 16 of the Public Procurement Act No. 8, 2020, which gives the provision requiring a procurement entity to use the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system. This will cover among others publication of bidding documents and publication of procurement contracts. This will have far-reaching benefits in safeguarding public resources as it makes all documents public, thus enhancing transparency and limits face-to-face interactions between procurement entities and bidders or supplier as well as between members of the evaluation committee.

 

b. Sections 19 of the procurement Act No. 2020 stipulates that “A person shall not engage or be involved in a corrupt, coercive, obstructive, collusive or fraudulent practice or conflict of interest in any procurement proceeding”.

 

c. Contract Variation;

 

Section 77 of the Public Procurement Act No. 8, 2020 has addressed contract variation by restricting amendments or variations to contracts to not more than 25 per cent of the initial or original contract amount. If cumulative variations exceed 25 per cent, the contract is automatically cancelled and the procurement re-tendered. This will induce accurate pricing at tender stages.

 

d. Offences;

 

The Public Procurement Act No. 8, 2020 has introduced offences. It will now be an offence for office holders to wilfully or negligently engage or be involved in a transaction in which standard goods services and works are procured at an inflated price. In this case, an office holder is liable to disciplinary action.

 

e. Perfect certification;

 

It will be an offence under the new Act to certify projects that are sub-standard or receipt goods and services not delivered or of substandard.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.