Friday, 24^th June, 2022

The House met at 0900 hours

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM SPEAKER

DELEGATION FROM THE PARLIAMENT OF TANZANIA

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to acquaint the House with the presence, in the Speaker’s Gallery, of the following hon. Members of the Ad-hoc Committee of the Parliamentary Service Commission from the Parliament of Tanzania:

Hon. Amb. Ombeni Sefue, Head of Delegation

Hon. Ludovick Utouh, Member

Hon. Rished Bade, Member

Hon. Japhet Sagasii, Member

Hon. Agnness Meena, Member

Mr Michael Kadebe, Secretariat

Ms Triphonia Mng’ongo, Secretariat

Mr Emmanuel Mpanda, Secretariat

Mr Mkuta Masoli, Secretariat

Hon. Members, I wish, on behalf of the National Assembly of Zambia, to receive our distinguished guests and warmly welcome them into our midst.

Thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

VOTE TAKEN BY THE HOUSE ON THE CDF GUIDELINES

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members will recall that on Wednesday, 15^thJune, 2022, the House took a vote on the Motion moved by the hon. Member of Parliament for Chama North Constituency, Mr Y. Mtayachalo, MP, urging the Government to amend the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Guidelines. The vote was conducted using the Electronic Chamber (e-Chamber) system and the following were the results that were announced:

Ayes                 54

Noes                 79

Abstention          0

Attendance      133

Hon. Members, following the announcement of the results, some hon. Members expressed concern about the credibility of the vote because their iPads had displayed different results. In view of this, my office conducted investigations to establish how different results were displayed on hon. Members’ gadgets.

The first finding was that some hon. Members’ iPads had a short display sleep time setting of two minutes. This meant that their iPads went into sleep mode every two minutes. When this happens, the e-Chamber application loses connectivity to the server. This loss of connectivity results in the iPad retaining and displaying outdated results. This is why the results on the iPads that went into sleep mode were different from those on the tablets that did not.

The second finding was that the results I had announced were different from the computer generated voting results. Details of the system generated results were as follows:

Ayes                  45

Noes                 70

Abstention          1

Attendance       134

Hon. Members, whereas the earlier results showed that one hundred and thirty-three hon. Members were present and voted, the system generated voting result details showed that 134 hon. Members were present for the vote, but only 116 voted. Therefore, eighteen hon. Members did not vote. In terms of political affiliation, those who did not vote were as follows:

UPND               9

PF                    8

Independent       1

Further investigations revealed that the discrepancy between the results I had announced and the computer generated voting result details were caused by a malfunction in the e-Chamber system during the taking of the vote. The malfunction resulted from the backend server hanging while the vote was in progress. The backend server is what stores information that has been entered on the e-Chamber system.

Consequently, at the time of announcing the earlier results, there were votes that had been cast which were visible on the e-Chamber application, but had not yet been stored on the backend server. However, when the server hung, those votes could not be stored. This is what led to a reduction in the number of votes cast from the 133, which displayed on the screen and which I announced in the House to the 116, recorded on the computer generated voting result details.

Additionally, the hanging of the system led to a delay in the closing of the vote after I had announced that the vote had closed. This is evident from the fact that the document I used to declare the results indicated that the vote closed at 1740 hours. The system generated voting result details, on the other hand, showed that the vote closed at 1745 hours. This meant that the vote remained open for an additional five minutes after I had announced that it had closed. This allowed one hon. Member to join and cast their vote, thus, increasing the abstentions from zero to one and the total number of hon. Members in attendance from 133 to 134.

Hon. Members, I have carefully considered the matter and concede that the results of the vote on the Motion were erroneous. However, I am persuaded to take the computer-generated results to be a near reflection of what, in effect, the result of the vote was.

In doing so, I have given the benefit of doubt to the eighteen hon. Members who were recorded as present, but did not vote. Even assuming that all the eighteen hon.Members voted with the ‘Ayes’ on the Motion, the ‘Noes’ would still have been in the majority and the result of the vote would, in effect, remain the same.

Hon. Members, the political leadership in the House were informed about the findings. In view of the above, I now direct the Clerk to amend the results of the vote in line with the computer-generated evidence as follows:

Ayes                  45

Noes                  70

Abstention            1

Attendance         134

I thank you.

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BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

The Acting Leader of Government Business in the House and Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security (Mr Mwiimbu): Madam Speaker, I rise to give the House an indication of the business it will consider next week.

Madam, on Tuesday, 28^th June, 2022, the Business of the House will begin with Questions for Oral Answer, if there will be any. That will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will debate the Motion to adopt the Report of the Committee on Legal Affairs, Human Rights and Governance.

Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, 29^th June, 2022, the Business of the House will start with Questions for Oral Answer, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will consider a Private Member’s Motion entitled: “Restrict Mining Rights for Precious Minerals to Zambians”, to be moved by Mr F. Kapyanga, hon. Member for Mpika Parliamentary Constituency. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. The House will then debate the Motion to adopt the Report of the Planning and Budgeting Committee.

Madam, on Thursday, 30^th June, 2022, the Business of the House will begin with Questions for Oral Answer, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will debate the Motion to adopt the Report of the Committee on Transport, Works and Supply.

Madam Speaker, on Friday, 1^st July, 2022, the Business of the House will commence with the Vice-President’s Question Time. Thereafter, the House will consider Questions for Oral Answer, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. The House will then debate the Motion to adopt the Report of the Parliamentary Reforms and Modernisation Committee.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

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MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

MEASURES TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO CREATE BALANCE BETWEEN ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES AND MINERS’ SAFETY AT SLAG DUMP 48

The Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr Kabuswe): Madam Speaker, I am here to make a ministerial statement on measures the Government is taking in creating a balance between economic activities, and safety of the miners at the slag dump, popularly known as the Black Mountain.

Madam, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to address the House and the nation at large, on the measures being taken to protect the lives of the people at the Nkana Slag Dump 48 in Kitwe, commonly known as the Black Mountain.

Madam Speaker, let me put it on record that there has not been any death of miners in the recent past as has been reported in some sectors of the media. Operations within the Black Mountain premises have been running safely since the commencement of the 30 per cent youth empowerment co-operative scheme four months ago. Safety measures have been implemented to safeguard personnel working in the highly mechanised mining method which involves benching from top to down. The mechanization has left the site with very minimal human activities which are mainly to supervise operations.

Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that the following safety measures have been taken in order to create a safe working environment:

     (a)    the license holders have contracted the mining company to execute all mining activities on their behalf;

     (b)   the contractor has appointed a competent and experienced mining engineer as mine manager to

           supervise, control and direct all the mining operations at the site;

     (c)  workers, who include fifteen excavator operators, forty spotters, ten relief operators, ten safety officers,

           ten site managers, and twenty logistic officers, undergo safety talks before operations conducted by the

           respective supervisors, which generally sensitise the workers on the safe manner in which to interact with

           heavy presence of machinery and moving trucks at a safe distance;

    (d)   workers, who include fifteen excavator operators, spotters, relief operators and safety officers, are

          prevented from getting close to a highwall which is not supported by putting a ribbon barricade or

          supervision;

    (e)   miners are required to be in full personal protective equipment (PPE) when inside the premises; and

    (f)    miners are inducted on how to conduct themselves in the mine.

Madam Speaker, according to safety records, the Nkana Slag Dump 48 has not recorded any fatal accident thus far, within the confines of the mining operations at the licensed area. However, it is sad and regrettable to record fatal accidents that have happened away from the slag dump premises by trucks delivering material to off-takers, which can categorically be described as road traffic accidents (RTAs).

Madam Speaker, the deaths have been brought about by youthful Kitwe residents with a tendency of illegally climbing on top of trucks in search of high-grade slag material, commonly known as chromium.

It is so unfortunate, Madam Speaker, to lose lives in this manner. Currently, measures of using a different route, which passes through Mopani Copper Mines Plc salvage yard, en-route to Kalulushi Road, which will not likely expose residents to loaded trucks for a long distance, is under consideration. As late as yesterday, there was actually a trial on that road.

Madam Speaker, the police, being the major stakeholder in terms of maintaining order and preventing criminal activities have been deployed to critical parts of the route to stop any attempts by the youths to get onto moving trucks as they deliver the material to the respective off-takers. The patrolling of the police along the vulnerable areas of the community will subsequently prevent any such road traffic accidents (RTAs) involving the moving trucks in future.

Madam Speaker, I wish to inform this august House, therefore, that the Government appreciates the economic activities and value being accrued from the slag dump. As such, safety of the miners at the slag dump is equally critical. Therefore, the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development will continue to ensure that there is continued order at the Black Mountain. In addition, the ministry will ensure that operations are running smoothly and that there is a competent, qualified and experienced mine manager overseeing the operations every time. This is in line with provisions of the Mines and Minerals Act No. 11 of 2015.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the ministerial statement given by the hon. Minister.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Madam Speaker, we appreciate the ministerial statement from the hon. Minister responsible for mines. Indeed, it has been a concern to all of us, looking at the number of incidents that have occurred. One of the reasons that has been cited for the compromised safety has been the way the national cake has been shared. There was a consent judgment between the Government and Nkana Alloy Smelting Company, in which the Government was given 30 per cent to allocate to the beneficiaries as follows: 10 per cent to the youths; 10 per cent to the women; and the other 10 per cent to the other interest groups around Kitwe. Can the hon. Minister share with this august House and the nation how that sharing was implemented? I am saying so because one of a few complaints that has influenced the youths to start running to that site is because they feel they were not included in the sharing of the dump site material.

Madam Speaker: Although the question appears like it is on the sharing, the matter of urgent public importance that was raised was in relation to the several deaths that – Maybe if the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu can be more specific.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, these youths who felt left out started going to the site without being managed and regulated, and that is what caused the commotion. We have seen a number of running battles of the police and ordinary people on the street. Even the hon. Member for Wusakile yesterday was on your television platform, Madam Speaker, confirming to the nation that there have been running battles and casualties have resulted out of that. So, it is a source of all these incidents, Madam Speaker. Therefore, I need clarification on this issue from the hon. Minister.

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, this is the third statement I am giving in this House on the Black Mountain. I have explained about the sharing and how it is structured. In terms of where people are having those fatalities, Madam Speaker, it is about 2 km or 3 km away from where the operations of the mine are taking place. The unfortunate deaths, and condolences to the families that have actually lost their loved ones, are caused by people who are conniving with the drivers that they climb on top of the trucks whilst they are moving. What has been happening is that when the truck hits a pothole or slides, a person falls and he or she is run over by the truck. That has got nothing to do with the way the Black Mountain is structured.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mushanga (Bwacha): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, and good morning. I thank the Hon. Minister for the ministerial statement on the safety measures put in place at the slag dump in Kitwe, commonly known as the Black Mountain. The hon. Minister’s statement has helped to clarify whether any deaths have occurred at the Black Mountain. What plans does his ministry have for a similar slag dump in Kabwe at a former mining site? Thank you, Madam Speaker, for according me an opportunity to pose a question on the subject matter on the Floor of the House.

Madam Speaker: Thank you. Hon. Member for Bwacha, the ministerial statement is only in relation to the Black Mountain in Kitwe and not in Bwacha, in Kabwe. So let us restrict ourselves to the ministerial statement and only ask questions on points of clarification on the statement as rendered by the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development.

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Madam Speaker, I would like to appreciate the hon. Minister for tendering a statement to the House and the nation. One of the reasons that is alleged to have weakened security at the Black Mountain thereby, causing deaths, is the allegation that there are several senior United Party for National Development (UPND) members, including hon. Ministers and Permanent Secretaries (PSs) who have deployed trucks ...

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr Kafwaya: ...at the Black Mountain. How many hon. Ministers and PSs have deployed trucks that arecausing this problem of security and deaths?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, I do not know whether our hon. Members have questions to ask because this issue, I have made it very clear. Madam Speaker, there is no death that has occurred at the Black Mountain during the operations at the mine. If, for example, Madam Speaker, a truck gets copper from Konkola Copper Mines Plc in Chililabombwe and 2 km away from the mine, people jump on the truck and they fall off and die, that accident has not happened at the mine. It is a road traffic accident (RTA). It has nothing to do with whether there is an hon. Minister, an hon. Member of Parliament or whoever is at the Black Mountain. Maybe, our hon. Member would be kind enough to list which hon. Ministers or hon. Members of Parliament are actually on the list of those benefiting from the Black Mountain.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr B. Mpundu (Nkana): Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am a very privileged person because both times there have been empowerment programmes, I have been in leadership. The last time it happened under the previous Government, I was District Commissioner (DC). Now, I am an hon. Member of Parliament, and therefore, I can provide guidance or advice –

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

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. We want clarifications from the hon. Minister. He has offered condolences to the families who lost their loved ones due to this operation. These trucks he is claiming people are falling off from are there because of these operations going on. These trucks they are jumping on are carrying material from the dump site. So, he cannot delink those incidents from the operations of the Black Mountain. What safety measures is he supposed to be sharing? Those who are moving trucks, whether they are his colleagues or not, what measures have they put in place in terms of safety? At Chilanga Cement Plc, when trucks are carrying stones from where they are quarried to where they are crushed, that is part of the operation. So, the hon. Minister cannot delink those issues.

Interruptions

Mr Kampyongo: We are talking about life and death of human beings. So, we need to be sincere and serious with each other. Madam Speaker, is he in order to delink those deaths from the operations at the Black Mountain? We want clear answers, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: From where I am sitting, I have heard the hon. Minister say that those accidents are happening away from dump site and that they are happening as road traffic accidents (RTAs), as he called them. So, in terms of taking measures to control the situation, I believe it is not only the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, who is supposed to do so, but the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security and the hon. Minister of Transport and Logistics as well. It is something that I am sure the hon. Members on my right have taken note of, and that measures will be taken to ensure that incidences of death on the road are reduced or controlled. The hon. Member for Nkana may proceed.

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, from my experience, it is true that there have been many safety measures employed at the Black Mountain and that there have been no death incidents recorded. Those incidents have been happening away from the Black Mountain but they are linked to it because the young people jump on those trucks to get chrome. I must state that it was decided that the young people must not go to the Black Mountain because materials were going to be picked from the Black Mountain, ferried and dumped outside for them to pick the chrome from there. That decision was made to prevent accidents but it was stopped. This now forced the young people to start following the trucks and jumping on them.

Madam Speaker, last time, there was an accident that killed many young people because of the same exercise at the Black Mountain. To prevent further accidents, it was decided that Saturday and Sunday be for benching, so that the young people could go to the mountain to pick chrome safely.

Madam Speaker, would it not be prudent to let our young people continue to survive by allowing them those two days? Besides, on Saturday and Sunday, there are no activities that happen with regard to materials being ferried. Why can we not do the same exercise on Saturday and Sunday? We could bench the mountain properly to allow these young people, who are now climbing on trucks to go to the mountain to pick chrome. We could avoid these fatalities which are caused by them climbing on trucks to earn a living.

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, that is the way to explain and ask a question that relates to what we are talking about.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kabuswe: Yes, we did what the hon. Member has talked about. We have been taking the material away so that our chrome pickers could pick, which we are still doing. If there are areas where this exercise has stopped, I need to do a one-on-one discussion with the hon. Member. However, as far as I know, that is being done.

Madam Speaker, as for the issue of picking chrome on Saturdays and Sundays, we tried to look at it and, according to our findings, it was one of the reasons that accident happened. Controlling a group of people on a mine is not easy. You will realise that we only have access to 30 per cent of that slag dump. However, with the way it is done, it is not very easy to demarcate and tell people not go to particular areas. What will happen is that people will still sneak to the other side and that may result into fatalities again.

Madam Speaker, if there are areas where we are not doing that for chrome pickers, then we have to revisit and check with the people that are doing the operations. Otherwise, whatever we have done is in the best interests of the young people.

Madam Speaker, I also want to emphasise that hon. Members must also get the ministerial statement that I have just issued because it highlights what we have done. I just mentioned in the statement that we have now decided not to make loaded trucks go through the road where chrome pickers strategically stand to jump onto trucks. As for now, loaded trucks will be re-routed into a road that passes through the Mopani Copper Mine, which is more secure. Only empty trucks will be passing through the normal route, and there will be no excitement for people to jump on the trucks.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mwambazi (Bwana Mkubwa): Madam Speaker, I have heard the submissions of the hon. Minister and that of the other hon. Members on the issue of chrome pickers. The issue of them going to pick chrome from the mountain has not worked out. They keep climbing on trucks which move around the central business district (CBD). What is the way forward because the way it looks, even if the trucks pass through the Mopani Copper Mine, these guys will still chase them because they want to eat? Has the ministry sat to look at the most feasible solution to ensure that our brothers can still pick something from somewhere so that we can avoid such fatalities?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, when we talk about trucks passing through the Mopani Copper Mine, it will be almost impossible for anyone to jump onto them because that place is very secure. Why we are using that route is to prevent such activities.

Madam Speaker, I sympathise with our youths. It is these fatalities that are happening, which we are not happy about. We also want our people to survive and earn a living, and that is why they elected us. Therefore, in as much as we can take as many safety measures as we can, people will always misbehave. What we need to do is to reduce these kinds of occurrences by doing the best that we can. We may not do it 100 per cent perfect. These occurrences may happen but we would have done what is best to make sure that such things do not occur again.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Allen Banda (Chimwemwe): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for those safety measures that have been put in place at the mine site. However, I do not think that these safety measures should only be confined to the mine site. They should actually be extended right up to the end of the trip, where the buyer is. Mopani Copper Mine is not a buyer and so, the trucks will only pass though Mopani to get to the final destination. Then, there will be a cost implication because it will be borne by the supplier.

Madam Speaker, it is not only the chrome pickers’ lives that are at risk as they jump on the trucks but also, the young school children because those trucks really drive at high speed causing unnecessary accidents. What plans does the Government have to ensure that safety measures are also implemented along the way by way of increasing the number of safety officers and paying them through the process?

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Chimwemwe, unfortunately, you were not very audible. I do not know if the hon. Minister heard anything.

Mr Kabuswe indicated dissent.

Madam Speaker: You could take off your face mask, maybe, you will be clearer.

Mr Allen Banda removed his face mask.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Please, ensure you repeat the same questions.

Mr Allen Banda: I thank you, Madam Speaker. We are in a cinema hall and it is quite terrible. I wish we could be moved.

Madam Speaker, I was saying that we need safety measures to be extended to routes all the way from the mine to the end users because it is not only the chrome pickers’ lives that are at risk. These trucks really drive at very high speed. So, we need safety officers all around. Maybe, they could also be escorting the trucks.

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, I think the hon. Member guided well when he said that safety measures be extended because the trucks move from the mine. At this stage, it involves other sector ministries to work with us because it is not only the material from the Black Mountain which is moved on the road. There are several trucks carrying mine material that are running around the roads in Kitwe. So, I think the hon. Member guided well. Indeed, it is the involvement of other sector ministries, the police, whom we have mentioned in the statement, and safety officers, of course. However, the job of safety officers ends the moment the trucks leave the mining areas. So, I think we will work as per the hon. Member’s guidance.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, my question has been overtaken by events.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chewe (Lubansenshi): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development for the ministerial statement which he has delivered. To begin with, the mining at the Black Mountain was initiated to try and help the people of Zambia, especially the youths and women. That directive really excited the youths and women, or may I say Zambians at large for them to start forming co-operatives and clubs. Now, we have the issue of safety at the Black Mountain where these youths, especially boys, are trying to get something because they feel they had been left out in terms of getting involved in empowerment programmes through co-operatives and clubs.

Madam, may I know from the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development how many co-operatives or clubs have been empowered. I am saying so because this could have prompted the youths to start following these trucks so that at the end of the day, they can get a share. What measures is the hon. Minister putting in place to ensure that, indeed, the intended youths and women benefit as well?

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Lubansenshi, whereas your question is important, it is trying to expand the ministerial statement. The hon. Minister did not address the issue of co-operatives and how many benefitted from the empowerment programmes. As the hon. Minister said previously, there have been so many statements on this matter. We keep on repeating the same questions. However, I will make a statement at the end of this.

Mr Twasa (Kasenengwa): Madam Speaker, thank you for allowing the people of Kasenengwa to seek some clarification from the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development. So many statements have been given, as hon. Madam Speaker has indicated. Unfortunately, the people of Zambia keep on getting false alarms. People dying at the Black Mountain every now and then are stories that come out on social media and we get agitated or affected. Personally, I have been one of the victims who has believed social media and I have been wondering why the hon. Minister has not been doing something about it. The hon. Member who spoke earlier indicated why there could have been deaths currently as opposed to the time when the previous Government was in power, when the Government opened up the dump site on weekends?

Mr Nkandu: Question!

Mr Twasa: Well, you may question, it is okay.

Laughter

Mr Twasa: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has stood his ground but false alarms keep on coming. We are talking about human life being lost. Even if the hon. Minister is contemplating changing the route for those trucks, is he assuring this House that there will be enough security since these deaths are linked to the Black Mountain, like the earlier speaker indicated? Could the hon. Minister assure us that these deaths will either be reduced or avoided even if they change the route from the current one to the one that he is suggesting that the Government may open to avoid deaths.

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, I do not know whether I should answer this question a hundred times, but I will answer.

Hon. UPND Members: Say yes!

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, when you talk about false alarms, the hon. Acting Leader of Government Business in the House, yesterday on the Floor of the House, made it very clear how we are tackling issues of false alarm. I think that as leaders, we need to take it upon ourselves, when a false alarm is posted on social media, to check the facts. The hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, and the hon. Member of Parliament for Nkana are there.  If there are false alarms around the Black Mountain, they should try and find out the truth.

Madam Speaker, we have done what we humanly can. Human beings cannot be controlled 100 per cent. They may find a way to get inside the mine. As we are talking, there are people who are going into the mines using whatever route to go and steal. So, we can put a 100 per cent security – Even in a home, Madam Speaker,  you can put all the cameras and guards, but somehow, thieves will find themselves in. So, these are things that happen in our lives. We, as human beings and as leaders, we need to find a way of making everything possible for certain things not to occur. If it occurs, it could be because it is an act of God.

Madam Speaker, as I finish the statement on the Black Mountain, I hope that it will be the last one because we need to talk about other mining activities in country.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I believe this issue of the Black Mountain has caused a lot of misapprehension amongst the members of the public. In addition, social media has also been escalating news, which sometimes, might not even be truthful. However, from where I am, I believe that this is an issue that needs to be addressed by all of us, be it the community, hon. Members of Parliament in those respective areas, and the Executive, working together. I think the problems are motivated by youths who are not even authorised to be at the Black Mountain, who are trying to take the law in their own hands to enrich themselves. Maybe they are motivated by the desire to get some livelihood out of it. However, I think if the community and hon. Members of Parliament in those respective areas engaging the Executive, we will be able to address this issue. It is an issue that needs to be addressed and addressed urgently.

That is my observation on the matter.

I thank you.

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MOTIONS

REPORT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SELECT COMMITTEE

Mr Kangombe (Sesheke): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this House do adopt the Report of the Parliamentary Select Committee appointed to scrutinise the Presidential appointment of Judge Prisca Matimba Nyambe (Rtd) and Mr Chad Himoonga Muleza to serve as Members of the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC), Mr Musa Mwenye, SC, Mrs Ireen Musonda Chongo Lamba, Dr Henry Bwanga Mbushi and Dr O’brien Kaaba to serve as Chairperson and Members of the Anti-Corruption Commission Board (ACC), respectively, and Mr Gilbert Andford Phiri, to serve as Director-General of the ACC, and Dr Pamela Towela Sambo, Rev Canon Emmanuel Yona Chikoya, Mr Tom Trevor Shamakamba, Ms Laura Mary Miti and Ms Christine Chama to serve as Vice Chairperson and members of the Human Rights Commission (HRC), respectively, for the First Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 22^nd June, 2022.

Madam Speaker: Is the Motion Seconded?

Ms S. Mwamba (Kasama Central): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

Mr Kangombe: Madam Speaker, thank you so much once again, for forgiving me this opportunity to present to you a very important report, arising from the Select Committee that was scrutinising the Presidential appointments.

Madam Speaker, would you please allow me to remove my facemask?

Madam Speaker: Although you are standing in close proximity with other hon. Members, it might – Are you vaccinated?

Mr Kangombe: Yes, Madam Speaker,

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Maybe temporally, you can remove it, but immediately you finish, please put it back on, although, this is now creating a precedent. Proceed.

Mr Kangombe: Madam Speaker, your Committee notes that all the appointments were made in accordance with the relevant laws.

Madam Speaker, the JCC, ACC and the HRC play a vital role in the administration and dispensation of justice, promotion of good governance, democracy, upholding the rule of law, human rights, and development.

Therefore, to ensure only suitably qualified persons with a high value level of integrity, ethics, professionalism and experience, were appointed to the positions, your Committee received submissions from various witnesses.

Madam, your Committee notes, with satisfaction, that all the state security agencies indicated that there were no adverse security reports against any of the nominees. Additionally, the other stakeholders generally submitted that all the nominees were suitably qualified and possessed the requisite experience to be appointed to their various positions.

Madam Speaker, after its interaction with the nominees, your Committee notes, with satisfaction that the appointments were made on merit and is confident that the nominees will discharge their duties professionally and impartially.

Madam Speaker, your Committee observes that the constitutional requirement in Article 259 of the Constitution, relating to gender balance and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in appointments, has been observed. In this regard, your Committee commends the appointing authority.

However, your Committee notes that Article 259(1)(c) regarding taking into account youth representation has not been adhered to. The committee therefore, urges the appointing authority to take this into consideration when making appointments in future.

Madam Speaker, your Committee, after due and thorough consideration, analysis and evaluation of the written and oral submissions presented to it by the witnesses and the interviews with the nominees, is of the view that all the nominees are suitably qualified and possess the requisite competences to serve in the positions to which they have been appointed. In view of this, Madam Speaker, your Committee recommends that this august House ratify their appointment.

Finally, the hon. Members of your Committee wish to place on record their gratitude to you, Madam Speaker, for appointing them to serve on this Select Committee. Your Committee is also thankful for the services and advice rendered to it by the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly during its deliberations. Your Committee further wishes to thank the State security and investigative agencies, professional bodies and other stakeholder institutions for their oral and written submissions which assisted your Committee in making an informed recommendation to the House.

Madam Speaker, it is now my pleasure to call upon the House to ratify the appointments before it.

Madam Speaker, I beg to move.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?

Ms S. Mwamba: Now, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I wish to thank you most sincerely for according me this opportunity to second this Motion. I also thank the mover for competently moving the Motion. The mover has adequately highlighted most of the notable points upon which your Committee supports the ratification of the nominees.

Madam Speaker, in seconding the Motion, I wish to reiterate your Committee’s observation that all the nominees possess the requisite competence and experience to serve in their respective positions.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms S. Mwamba: Madam Speaker, your Committee, however, observed that the practice by the Executive to publicly announce appointments before they have been ratified by the House had the potential to prejudice the ratification process and should be discouraged.

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, allow me to extend my gratitude to the Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Kangombe, for the adept and impartial manner in which he presided over the meetings and deliberations of your Committee.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms S. Mwamba: Madam Speaker, may I also extend my sincere gratitude to all the hon. Members of your Committee for their objectivity, professionalism and unity of purpose during your Committee’s deliberations.

With these few remarks, I beg to second the Motion.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang'andu): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to comment on the Motion that has been moved by Hon. Kangombe, to ratify nominees to three critical institutions, being the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC), the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Human Rights Commission (HRC).

Madam Speaker, we note that the combining and lumping together of these key institutions was convenient, but going forward, we would like to have enough time to deal with these institutions and the nominees who would be named to serve them.

Madam Speaker, indeed, the nominees have been described as eminently qualified and suitable for the appointments to these very critical institutions. I would like to look at some of the observations your Committee made.

Madam Speaker, on page 36, your Committee observes that Dr Henry Bwanga Mbushi, who has been nominated to serve on the board of the ACC is qualified, but some of the witnesses who appeared before your Committee expressed these concerns:

“The Committee notes that some of the witnesses expressed concerns that the nominee was part of the United Party for National Development (UPND) legal team. They were of a view that this was in conflict with paragraph 2 of the schedule to the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, which does not allow a person holding a position in a political party”

Madam Speaker, however, your Committee –

Interruptions

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, can the new hon. Members –

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

Mr Kampyongo: You cannot be promoted like that.

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Opposition Whip, please, speak through the Chair and leave the responsibility of disciplining hon. Members to me because once you start exchanging words, it will end up into something else.

Hon. Members, please, can we pay attention to the debate and also, allow your fellow hon. Members to debate. Indicate, if you have any issue to raise. Time allowing, you will be given an opportunity to also express your views through a debate. The hon. Opposition Whip may continue.

Mr Kafwaya: Eh ma ruling aya!

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, in as much as this has been clarified, it is a question of perception because these critical institutions must be seen to be impartial in the way they discharge their functions. So, we do not want to leave any iota of doubt. We expect that this nominee will put his past allegiance aside and ensures that he focuses on the institution he is going to serve.

Madam Speaker, it is the same with Mr Chad Muleza, who has been equally nominated to go and serve as a member of the JCC, who is mentioned on page 35 of your report. Under this nominee, your Committee had witnesses who also expressed similar views as those expressed on the earlier mentioned nominee. It is important that when people are given this opportunity, as we know that obviously, the Executive has already made up its mind on these nominees, it should be made clear to them that they have a nation to serve. Their allegiances should not sway them from discharging their functions to the expectation of Zambians.

Madam Speaker, the other critical one is the nominee to serve as Director-General at the ACC. He, too, has been described as eminently qualified, but similar views as those given to the earlier mentioned nominees have been shared. On page 37, you will note that the nominee, of course, has relinquished his representation of the UPND and his position on the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) to avoid appearing in conflict.

Madam Speaker, in as much as we appreciate that, we appeal to the incoming Director-General of the ACC to understand that he has a country to serve. Therefore, this familiarity, either with the appointing authority or the Ruling Party, must not compromise his stance because it will leave the public in doubt as to what will be happening at that institution.

Madam Speaker, we have seen that institution very vigorously dealing with issues of corruption, focusing on the past. The same vigour that is being given to cases that happened in the past should be given to current cases, that seem to appear in public as cases of corruption, such as soliciting for calendars. Here, where we are –

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Laughter

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, under this institution, through you, we are given –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Opposition Whip, on what page is the issue of calendar appearing?

Laughter

Hon. Member: Question!

Mr Kampyongo: Give me chance, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Proceed.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, this institution you belong to, gives us calendars of different sizes and diaries every year. Therefore, there is no need for someone to go and solicit for calendars which are written in Chinese from a private company.

Laughter

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Madam Speaker: Order!

Mr Kampyongo: So, the ACC should –

Madam Speaker: Order, order!

In order for us to be efficient in terms of time, let us stick to the report. Let us not bring in extraneous issues. The hon. Opposition Whip may proceed.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, my point is that this institution should pursue suspected corrupt activities, be it of the past and the present because it is very important. These institutions are created because we are all not angels. No one is an angel and that is why these institutions are created. They are created to make sure that people confine themselves to their responsibilities within the law. So, whether in the past or present, they should pursue these matters with the same vigour. That is what is expected of this very important institution.

Madam Speaker, we reluctantly –

Interruptions

Mr Kampyongo: The hon. Cabinet Minister should not behave like –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member, proceed.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, what I am saying is that we do not want any cloud of doubt on these institutions as a result of some of these reservations that have been observed by your Committee because these institutions are pillars of justice, and justice should not be seen to be served impartially. So, we, on your left, know that the Executive has made up its mind and decision and I can only reluctantly –

Madam Speaker, with these observations, I reluctantly support your Committee’s report because we are yet to see what is going to come out of these institutions. The JCC should be impartial as it deals with these matters. It should also cast out this issue of familiarity. We do not want the familiarity that the members of the JCC have with the appointing authority to influence the way they will discharge their functions.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Madam Speaker, I thank you very much for allowing me to join the Opposition Whip in reluctantly supporting your Select Committee’s report.

Madam Speaker, allow me to appreciate my hon. Colleague –

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Let us settle down and listen to the points that are being raised so that when the hon. Members are done with their debates, you will be able to respond sufficiently.

May the hon. Member for Lunte continue?

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, I was just appreciating my Colleague, Hon. Romeo Kangombe, the Member of Parliament for Sesheke Constituency, for the manner in which he moved this Motion, and the hon. Member of Parliament for Kasama Central, who seconded this Motion.

Madam Speaker, let me exemplify our sincerity in the manner we want to bring out issues. Yesterday, we supported the hon. Minister of Justice’s amendment to the Judges (Conditions of Service) Bill because that amendment was good, and this is not the first time this House is going to adopt a report on which reservations about the nominees have been raised. As I make my submission, I will demonstrate some of the things that have happened as a result of refusing to accept the wisdom of your Committee and appointing people who belong to political parties.

Madam Speaker, Mr Chad Himoonga Mulesa is being appointed to the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC), and your Committee’s report has expressed clear reservations on his being a member of the United Party for National Development (UPND) legal team.

Madam Speaker, members of the UPND have been appointed before, and we know what has happened to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and Mr Milingo Lungu. Again, when those people who were appointed, like it is being done in this report, reservations were expressed clearly. So, this wisdom contained in your Committee’s report must be heeded to avoid such issues as what happened to Milingo Lungu and the DPP because, obviously, the embarrassment is not on this side of the House. It is –

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

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Haimbe: Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order pursuant to Standing Order No. 65, concerning relevance and, with regard to the reference being made to Mr Milingo Lungu and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), those are matters before the court. Is it in order for the hon. Member for Lunte to debate about issues that are sub judice and, in any event, not relevant to the subject at hand?

I seek your guidance, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: I guided earlier that we should remain relevant and stick to the report of the Committee. We should not bring in extraneous issues. So, hon. Member for Lunte, as you debate, please, be guided accordingly. Stick to the report and avoid matters that are not before this House, and some of which are, in fact, before the courts of law. Otherwise, we will be going outside our mandate.

Hon. Member, you may continue as guided.

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, I always treasure your guidance because it is not only motherly, but also on point.

Madam Speaker, Dr Henry Bwanga Mbushi, who is being appointed to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Board, is a member of the UPND legal team, and the board is going to oversee the operations of the ACC, where Mr Gilbert Andford Phiri has been nominated to be Director-General. Mr Phiri has just relinquished his membership of the UPND in order to avoid this problem we are talking about.

Madam Speaker, if I relinquish my Patriotic Front (PF) membership now in order –

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Let us allow the hon. Member to debate.

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, thank you for your protection.

Madam Speaker, if I relinquished my PF membership now in order to become the Director-General at the ACC, would the UPND members feel safe, were I a lawyer who had filed in many petitions on behalf of the PF like Mr Phiri has prosecuted many of my hon. Colleagues here? Are they going to feel confident that this man will now be impartial on issues pertaining to the UPND?

Madam Speaker, this wisdom contains –

Interruptions

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

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Lunte!

Please, resume your seat.

Hon. Members on my right, please, can you listen carefully to the debates from my left so that you are able to respond sufficiently. If you make noise, how are you going to listen to the debates?

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

Madam Speaker: A point of order on whom?

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: May the hon. Member for Lunte continue uninterrupted.

Hon. PF Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, thank you very much. I feel free to speak now that I will not be interrupted.

Madam Speaker, I was just considering impartiality in terms of the nominee for the position of Director-General.

It is my sincere hope, Madam Speaker, that, as he has relinquished his membership of the UPND, he will be able to …

Interruptions

Mr Kafwaya: … he will be able to discharge his duties with impartiality and not consider some of the information he came across as he was prosecuting the hon. Colleagues of mine in the PF in UPND-instigated petitions.

  Madam Speaker, it is very important that we maintain a country that is resourced in terms of these organisational arrangements in a manner that promotes independence of performance by these institutions, so that our people can receive fair treatment. Even our judges, as they are taken to the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC), they can also be accorded treatment which is independent of influence from the Executive Arm of the Government. Let us quickly remember Madam Speaker, that not long ago, two judges were removed from offices very quickly because of some of these perceptions. Madam Speaker I wish to submit my discourse.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

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

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mwiimbu:  Madam Speaker, I would like you to take judicial notice that you just guided that hon. Members should not be in a position to continue commenting on matters that are in court. The hon. Member is aware that the matters pertaining to the two judges are in court hence, their sub judice. Is he in order to continue referring to matters that are in court, even after you having guided? 

Madam Speaker: The hon. Member for Lunte is saying that he was not aware and he has apologised. So, we will give him the benefit of doubt. Hon. Members, let us be serious. I am sorry to use the word “serious” but let us stick to the report. The matter that is before us is of national importance and it needs our strict attention as we are considering it.

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

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Katakwe: Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order pursuant to Standing Order No. 65(b), which states that a member who is debating shall ensure that information he or she provides to the House is factual and verifiable. Madam Speaker, the hon. Member debating is alleging that Mr Gilbert Andford Phiri is a member of the United Party for National Development (UPND), who has just relinquished that position. Madam Speaker, the hon. Member has not read the whole paragraph of the report that he is referring to. I ask the hon. Member to read the whole paragraph. Madam Speaker let him provide the fact that Mr Gilbert Andford Phiri is a member of the UPND. Does he have any facts, Madam Speaker?  I seek your serious ruling, Madam Speaker.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order! I think the hon. Members have been guided accordingly. Let us stick to factual statements and also, not debate or touch on matters that are before the courts of law. The hon. Member for Solwezi is in fact, a member of this Committee and I thought he would be the last person to say anything. Let us allow the other hon. Members who are not members of the Committee to raise issues.

Mr Wamunyima (Nalolo): Madam Speaker, I would like first of all, from the onset, to thank the mover of the Motion, the hon. Member for Sesheke and the seconder, the hon. Member for Kasama Central. Madam Speaker, I would out rightly say that I support these appointments and I will give my comments freely.

Madam Speaker, the appointees are competent and that becomes a sufficient basis for one to fulfill his or her functions. I will restrict my comments to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Madam Speaker, the report, on page 36, has clearly linked some of these appointees to the Ruling Party and this is not the first time that is happening. I must add that you will never find an appointment of a person without a political opinion. Everyone has a political opinion.

Madam Speaker, my concern is that the fight against corruption in current has been a problem for successive Governments. Now, I would like to urge these appointees that they should not have challenges in fighting corruption in current because the fight against corruption cannot remain to be restricted to the past. As such, their ties with the Ruling Party must not preclude their impartiality.

Madam Speaker, I do take note that I do know some of these appointees personally and I know their capacity and capability to execute their duties. Therefore, I restrict myself to the ACC because the links to the Ruling Party are both for members on the board and even at director level. That is a fundamental concern because the ugly face of corruption, Madam Speaker, has continued to deprive this country to extremes.

Madam Speaker, that is why we will take a keen eye that matters of lifestyle audits, which some of the members have talked about, must also be subjected to them as they take these positions. I am saying so because we have seen questionable lifestyle changes by previous office bearers of the ACC. That is why investigations undertaken by the ACC in the past have been subjected to laughter especially, where we had situations of deals of amnesty and cases of people being arrested without proper investigations.

Madam Speaker in supporting the report by your Committee, which states that these members are competent, we would like to plead with their conscious as they take up these offices, that the practicability of the fight against corruption cannot be overemphasised. If there is ever a time that corruption must be fought is now, when the country is in a debt stress and that the youths are unemployed. Therefore, as a representative of the good people of Nalolo personally, and as an hon. Member of Parliament, I will not take lightly a laissez-faire approach by the ACC in the fight against corruption. The song, “People are corrupt” was there. Now, let those people who were corrupt be arrested because change is based on the hope that there was a lot of theft and now, it will come to an end. As such, we have been waiting for this momentous time to ratify these competent individuals to take the mantle. So, we are expecting, Madam Speaker, …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Wamunyima: … that all these people whom we heard took public office in the past, got involved in corrupt practices, and also, stole or extorted public resources, to be prosecuted and arrested. We want these recourses, if they are still there, to be returned to the right owners, who are the Zambia People.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Wamunyima: Madam Speaker, I speak passionately because I see the poverty that is there. That is clear. It is as evident as day light. Now Madam Speaker, the narrative of “Corruption” without convictions will not be accepted. As such, the ACC has a gigantic task to pursue this agenda impartially, in the past, present and future.

Madam Speaker I support the report and the appointments of the various office bearers. I submit, Madam Speaker.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Munir Zulu (Lumezi): Thank you so very kind, Madam Speaker, for permitting the good people of Lumezi to make their submissions on this report. Madam Speaker, just like the hon. Member for Nalolo, I will limit my submissions on the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Madam Speaker, permit me to start with a quote from Kurt Cobain:

“The duty of youth is to challenge corruption.”

Madam Speaker, permit me to also quote the Russian President, Vladimir Putin:

“Those who fight corruption should be clean themselves.”

Madam Speaker, permit me to also quote Karl Krause:

“Corruption is worse than prostitution. The latter might endanger the morals of an individual, the former invariably endangers the morals of the entire country.”

Madam Speaker, indeed, if we go to page 19 of the report, we will see that the Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) had expressed reservations on the nominee for the position of Director General of the ACC we are about to ratify.

Madam Speaker, as I go to Lumezi this afternoon, I am going to inform the people that I have ratified a Director-General whom I am going to report to on the cancellation of hunting concessions in Lumezi on Wednesday. It is the wish of the people of Lumezi that the matter must be investigated, not after five or ten years. We do not want evidence to be destroyed because of having officers who wait for regime change to investigate matters.

Madam Speaker, the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) Vice-President, in his report, on page 20, said that as much as these people being appointed or ratified are perceived to have political inclinations, once appointed into public office, one must maintain neutrality. Indeed, we cannot deny people an opportunity to serve the Republic of Zambia based on their political affiliation because, at the end of it all, we are all Zambians. Equally, we cannot be firing people based on their political affiliation.

Madam Speaker, we must preserve the culture of Zambia first. We have seen professionals being dismissed because of being affiliated to certain political organisations. In here, we speak because we are Zambians and not because of our political affiliation.

Madam Speaker, in my submission to the incoming Director-General and State Counsel, Musa Mwenye, I must put it on record that what equally brings about corruption is the unprocedural way of summoning suspects. Madam Speaker, these organisations have a mandate to summon anyone of us in this country, to arrest and to investigate, but they do not have the mandate to abduct a suspect.

Madam Speaker, these officers cause alarm to a potential suspect, and in the process, a suspect is notified that “on this particular day, we are coming to arrest you from your house.” This is also a breeding ground for corruption. Let the culture of calling suspects through call-outs be inculcated at the ACC and any other relevant institution with the mandate to curb corruption from within the institution.

Madam Speaker, I make a passionate appeal because we have seen, not once, not twice, people saying, “I am not aware that suspects are being transported using Government vehicles to far-flung areas.” Someone is summoned at Lusaka Central Police through the ACC and is bundled into a van. On the way, people start bribing each other. I think, Director General, as I support your nomination, I must put it on record that I am coming to the ACC on Tuesday, next week when I come back from Lumezi, and I would want you to investigate the cancellation of hunting concessions in Chief Mwanya’s area.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Order!

I just wanted to guide that we stick to the report and not bring in other issues. Thank you very much for being efficient with your time also. 

Ms Lungu (Chawama): Madam Speaker, I also want to state that I support this report and that I will restrict myself to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Madam Speaker, on the nomination of Mr Gilbert Andford Phiri, the concern there is that it is in the public domain that he was the lawyer for the President for a very long time. He is also a lawyer who represented the United Party for National Development (UPND) in the Chawama petition. He also represented the UPND in the Milanzi case. I want to simply advise, as we support this report, that he should be impartial. These institutions are supposed to be independent. We also must manage the public perception because it is not only about being independent but also, about the public having confidence in the individuals. If the Director General of the ACC is a long-time friend of the President, ...

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Ms Lungu: ... what confidence will we then have, that he will serve with impartiality and the professionalism that is required for this position? It simply means that the gentleman is conflicted.

Interruptions

Ms Lungu: However, as has been argued before, we cannot rule out –

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, order!

Hon. Members, as we debate, let us allow her to debate. Hon. Member, as you debate, stick to the issues that are in the report. I do not know on what page the allegation that the appointee is a long-time friend of the President is appearing. So let us not bring in extraneous issues. Please proceed.

Ms Lungu: Thank you, Madam Speaker. That was on page 19, but I take your guidance. I want to simply say that the gentleman is conflicted, and we just want to make sure that he serves the people of Zambia and the interest of the people of Zambia as he goes into this position.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much. I hope you have not been intimidated by the noise. Please, especially for ladies, let us allow them and give them time to express themselves.

Mr E. Tembo (Feira): Madam Speaker, I also thank Hon. Kangombe and his team for the report. Having said that, let me just also add a few comments to what has already been said, briefly.

Madam Speaker, the independence of institutions of governance and judicial organs is very important. Indeed, it is also important to ensure that the people or the agents who occupy these positions function in a manner that adds value to those institutions.

Madam Speaker, it has been brought out in the report that Hon. Henry Bwanga Mbushi is actually a member of the United Party for National Development (UPND). We are now talking about the fight against corruption, and we want the fight against corruption to be independent. Clearly, I do not take this statement loosely, Madam Speaker. In my view, as said by other speakers, this is conflicting. Indeed, we cannot underestimate the personalities and what has happened.

Madam Speaker, in the case of Mr Gilbert Phiri, who is going to be the Director-General, or who has been proposed – Madam Speaker, from the outset, I do not support this report. My proposal, even as I will be concluding  is that certain people, for the sake of the country, should be able to choose between friends and the importance and value of the country. I do not think that –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1040 hours until 1100 hours.

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr E. Tembo: Madam Speaker, before business was suspended, I was just emphasising the importance of the independence of the various institutions of governance.

Madam Speaker, the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC) is one institution that provides oversight on judges. Therefore, it must be 100 per cent independent. It must enjoy its independence. The people who are part of the commission must not be partisan. Indeed, as it has been brought out, I think that we have to be fair to ourselves and know that, for instance, Mr Chad Muleza is, indeed, connected to the UPND. For me, he will not play his role in the interest of the nation, as we would like it to be.

Madam Speaker, let us not brush some of these important things aside. It is in the public domain that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) can be abused, and we would not like to see that situation. The President assured us of the character and nobility of the people who would be appointed to the institutions of governance and he urged us to wait and see.

Madam Speaker, I must indicate that some of the names that I am seeing are not impressive in view of the assurance which was made by the President.  To that effect, I want to justify my position that I am unable to support this report.

Madam Speaker, with regard to the Human Rights Commission, as we have even seen, there are many human right abuses. The recent one is the catastrophe effected on the innocent children by these soldiers  –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Feira, let us stick to the report of the Committee. Let us not bring in extraneous issues. The issue of soldiers is not in the report.

Proceed, as guided.

Mr E Tembo was inaudible.

Proceed, hon. Member, if you still want to debate. Are you still debating or you are done?

Mr E. Tembo: Madam Speaker, I am still debating.

Madam Speaker: Proceed.

Mr E. Tembo: Madam Speaker, I wanted to emphasise the importance of the Human Rights Commission (HRC). This commission ensures that human right abuses are reduced to zero. Indeed, the people who are a part of the commission must bring out these issues of abuse openly to the country without sitting down. They also must react to human right abuses immediately they are reported unlike what we have seen in the last weeks.

Madam Speaker, as I said, the nominees who have been brought for consideration, in my view, are not independent. The danger which we have in allowing the ratification of these nominations is that we are going to have a situation where the agenda for the country will not be perpetuated.  Instead, we will perpetuate the agenda for the UPND. Indeed, we cannot divorce the allegiance of these nominees from the Ruling Party.

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, I just want to urge my colleagues to look at these issues. We have said that people are being removed for being perceived Patriotic Front (PF) members, and we cannot replace with others who are also perceived to be UPND. Having said that, I appeal to my colleagues that, as a country and as legislatures, let us look at the interest of the country rather than the interest of individuals. At the end of the day, the Zambian people will be able to judge.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Anakoka (Luena): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Report of the Parliamentary Select Committee on the appointment of the nominees, as outlined in the report, whose details I will not repeat.

Madam Speaker, this report comes as music to the ears of many good willed Zambians. It is not surprising that hon. Members on your left, quiver inside when they hear the name Gilbert Phiri being proposed as a nominee to take charge of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for they know the kind of a man he is.

Madam Speaker, for the first time in a long time, Zambians were actually looking forward to the ratification of the names that are before us this morning, for they felt that the ACC had, for a long time, been used as a laundering machine, in the sense that the institution was being abused in the previous regime. People were being taken to court just to go through the motions so that, in future, they could claim double jeopardy when the matters were raised again. Those circumstances are now a thing of the past.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Anakoka: Madam Speaker, the ACC was established at a time when the country had relatively few cases of corruption. As a result, the arrangement which we have in the country, where the ACC investigates and makes recommendation to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for a decision on whether prosecution should go ahead or not, probably, it might be time that it is revisited, given the scale and scope of corruption in the country. Looking at the most recent trending report from Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), one can see that we are running behind the fight against corruption for it has become so wide spread.

Madam Speaker, so, in supporting the ratification of the nominees before this House, I would like to propose that, maybe, consideration be given to enable the ACC investigate and prosecute without reference to the DPP’s office because the extent of the need to fight corruption is speedily becoming urgent.

Madam Speaker, the law requires that the person appointed to the Office of the Director-General of the ACC must be fit to be appointed as a Judge of the High Court. Therefore, I feel it will be in order that such responsibilities, as proceeding with prosecutions, are given even on a limited scale to the ACC. I do understand that it will require amendment of the Constitution, but I am just putting it on the table in advance.

Madam Speaker, talking about other members who are being proposed for appointment to the board as well as on the HRC, who does not know Musa Mwenya, SC.? Who does not know Laura Miti? If the hon. members on the left wanted justice, these are the people they would want to appear before …

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Anakoka: … for they have one thing in common. They are fiercely independent minded individuals. The same applies for all the members who are being proposed for ratification today. Therefore, this is a panel befitting of appointment, as it is indicated in the report. However, let me say a little something on the issue of the HRC.

Madam Speaker, cases of human rights abuses have been increasing in the country. Year in and year out, people have called for a bit of powers to be given to the HRC either to mete out some limited sanctions or to make recommendations that would not be ignored or be set aside in a judicial process. In the past, the HRC has been reduced to just issuing statements condemning a particular type of abuse, and that is as far as it can go. So, maybe, it is time we lifted the bar as far as respect for the HRC is concerned by giving it some limited judicial powers in order to mete out some punishment.

Madam Speaker, this Government has already shown its desire to uphold human rights. It is for this reason that one of the things the Government did, through His Excellency the Republican President, was to direct that compliance with the law in granting people bail when they are arrested be strictly observed. Today, we have many of our friends who have faced very serious cases, but who did not have to spend a night or even hours in jail because of the new human rights culture that has dawned on the nation as a result of the New Dawn Government.

Madam Speaker, the people of Luena are familiar with the fact that the ACC is required not only to fight corruption where it rears its ugly head, but also prevent and also advise, and that it is supposed to be a leading agency in the fight against corruption. We have noted that various initiatives have been undertaken in the past, including the formation of integrity committees in a number of State institutions on which the ACC may be given a seat. However, these structures are not part of those organisations’ decision-making structures, which means that corrupt transactions can still be perpetuated by simply ignoring whatever recommendations are made by the committees. Therefore, we would like to encourage that there be recognition of the committee where preventive measures are put in place in any public body so that it plays a role in preventing corrupt transactions from actually going through other than reporting them when they have gone through.

In conclusion, Madam Speaker, the people of Zambia would like to see a new ACC. They do not want an ACC that will fail to discover a person who owns fifty plus houses when the records are there. Our colleagues who are opposing the adoption of this report know that this will not be the case under the directorship of Mr Gilbert Phiri.

Madam Speaker, with these few words, I would like to reiterate that we, the people of Luena, are in support of the ratification of the nominees proposed for ratification before this House this morning.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Nkombo): Madam Speaker, I thank you and I thank the Committee for a job well done. This is a segment of our work where the doctrine of doing unto others as you wish them to do unto you comes into play because the nominees that we are discussing here are not present to defend themselves.

Madam Speaker, firstly, I thank all the people who contributed to the debate on this report, save for what I thought were slightly harsh comments from the hon. Member for Feira. I take my hat completely off for Hon. Kampyongo, who said he was reluctantly supporting the report, because this is as it ought to be.

Madam Speaker, I want to pick just three of the nominees because they are the ones whose names became a little prominent in the discourse, and these are Counsel Chad Himoonga Muleza for the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC) nomination, Counsel Gilbert Phiri, the nominee for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and, I think, the third one, who was deemed to be a member of the United Party for National Development (UPND), …

Mr Nkandu: Bwanga!

Mr Nkombo: … Mr Bwanga. Yes.

Firstly, these appointments go to Zambians. It should be known as such. Only a dead person, I mean dead of having been certified by a competent medical doctor, has no feeling about their surroundings. Mr Gilbert Phiri, is an accomplished litigator, from P and P, who has represented many people, countless, in this country, including leaders of current Opposition political parties. Everyone has the right for representation.

In the last few years, Madam, it was very scary even for lawyers to exercise their right to represent people who were under defense.

Mr Nanjuwa: Correct!

Mr Nkombo: It was dangerous. This was a typical era where when the State was wrong, it was dangerous to be right. Mr Gilbert Phiri stood tall among many lawyers who, when it was very frightening to represent anybody in trouble, stood and represented those of us who were in trouble. Madam, I will give you a clear example of how brave and courageous Mr Gilbert Phiri is, as an individual. It was here in this Parliament when this Member of Parliament, brought in a Motion before the Speaker to impeach a sitting President. Among many lawyers who were there in this country, Gilbert was willing to say, “I am ready to represent you because we think you have a point why you must impeach the President.” We did this without feelings of who the President was at that time. We looked at what we thought were constitutional breaches. When we presented them before Mr Gilbert Phiri, he said, “I will help you with this assignment.” It does not make him a member of the UPND. Anybody who represents another does not become an affiliate of that other.

Mr Mabeta: Correct!

Mr Nkombo: The argument here has been that the nominees are UPND lawyers. It was under the last regime that the society was so divided …

Mr Mabeta: Yes!

Mr Nkombo: … that there were UPND teachers and …

Mr Mabeta: PF!

Mr Nkombo: … PF Teachers. UPND lawyers and PF lawyers.

Mr Kampyongo: Question!

Mr Nkombo: That is the way it was.

Interruptions

Mr Nkombo: Would it not be surprising …

Mr Kampyongo: Point of order, Madam Speaker.

Interruptions

Mr Nkombo: Would it not be surprising, Madam Speaker…

Mr Kampyongo: Point of order, Madam Speaker.

Mr Nkombo: … if today …

Mr Kampyongo: Point of order, Madam Speaker.

Mr Nkombo: … the President –

Mr Kampyongo: On a point order, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Opposition Whip, you cannot just stand. The hon. Minister is standing and you are raising a point of order. No matter how strongly you feel, it is better to wait until you are called upon.

A point of order is raised.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, I apologise for remaining standing.

Madam Speaker, we have a report of your Committee ...

Mr Nkandu interjected.

Mr Kampyongo: ... which is very clear, and it is what I was speaking to. Maybe the hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts was not listening. I quoted everything I debated from the report.

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Interruptions

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, you have guided. Maybe my colleagues do not read these things.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, order!

How many people are talking and how many have the Floor? Let us have some order. Allow the hon. Member to make his point and he will be given a response.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, you have guided, even during this meeting that we all stick to the report. Even when people were veering off the report, you kept guiding.

Madam Speaker, I urge my hon. Colleagues to pay attention to these reports because they are very important. We should not speak from nowhere. We follow the reports as they are tendered on the Floor.

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order to ignore the report and start making his own submissions against your guidance?

Madam Speaker, I seek your serious ruling.

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Members, as we debate, we also give examples, but let us not go outside the report. Let us make examples precise in order to justify our points precise. However, let us not bring matters that are completely outside the report because then, we will not complete this work.

Hon. Minister, as you give examples in relation to the report, please be precise.

You may proceed.

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, I just want to be reminded of the submissions that came, for instance, from the hon. Member of Parliament for Chawama, who went deep by saying that Mr Gilbert Phiri is a friend of the President. I am trying to separate the two. If I am in trouble and I go and hire, as an example, ‘Kampyongo and Company’, to represent me, ...

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkombo: ... it does not mean that Mr Kampyongo is my friend. It means I am entitled to legal representation. I am trying to say that in the midst of high adversity, this is the gentleman, Mr Gilbert Phiri, who stood and responded to society’s need for people to be represented. Therefore, he should not be labelled a United Party for National Development (UPND) Lawyer because there is nothing like a UPND Lawyer. He is a lawyer from PNP Legal Practioners where any citizen has a right to knock and say, “I am in trouble, I need representation.”

Madam Speaker, Mr Phiri is on record as having been the defender for Dr Chishimba Kambwili, who is my brother in law. Dr Chishimba Kambwili is a member of the Opposition; as a matter of fact, a member and founder of the Patriotic Front (PF).

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkombo: So, where is the argument here that Mr Gilbert Phiri is a biased person who may compromise the Office of the ACC? I am trying to water-down that argument which is trying to put Mr Gilbert Phiri on the wrong side of judgement.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, Mr Gilbert Phiri represented the current President in a frivolous and vexatious treason case. Everybody knew. Even a five-year old child knew that there was no treason committed. All the lawyers in the country were trembling because they were scared to represent him but Mr Gilbert Phiri stood tall among all the professional lawyers who were scared to seek justice. What more can you ask for from an individual who has been identified for his excellent performance in the legal fraternity? What more can you ask for?

Madam Speaker, let me now talk about Mr Chad Himoonga Muleza, as my time is limited. Mr Chad Himoonga Muleza is a lawyer of many years of experience. When I was a little boy and I went to the University of Zambia (UNZA) in 1984, he had been long gone from the university and admitted to the bar and serving. As a matter of fact, I cannot even go round and round. He was one of the founders of the UPND under Mr Anderson Mazoka. He was our Provincial Chairman for the Copperbelt, but hung his boots. He retired from active politics and pursued a legal career, which he is still doing now. So, honestly speaking, should it be an offence to belong? What happened to the right and freedom of association?

Madam Speaker, the seed that he sowed back in the years when Mr Mazoka was still alive bore fruit this year, twenty-three years later. So, why would anyone not think and say, okay, let us turn back and look at those who helped in the foundation of our party? In any case, these are watchdog institutions. The JCC is there to make sure that the wheels of justice in the Judiciary are spinning well. So, honestly, why would anyone be a little bit uncomfortable about a person who is above sixty years old, who wants to serve the country…

Mr Sing’ombe: Mupukunya matobo

Laughter

Mr Nkombo: …as Mr Chad Himoonga Muleza has been identified?

Madam Speaker, I want to render some little advice to ourselves. With this rich biography of these nominees, please be rest assured that the fear of retribution, which is what most of the submissions were laced with by questioning how he be partial, is a thing of the past. Fyakale! It went with the PF. There is no retribution whatsoever that will be experienced under the leadership of Mr Hakainde Hichilema and his team.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkombo:  Madam Speaker, we are going to rely on the principle of the assumption of innocence until one is proved guilty, in the case of the ACC.  Anybody here can be summoned to the ACC. It will be up to him or her to go clean himself or herself there by answering to the allegations or charges. So, hon. Members should be settled.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament for Feira should just come on board. He is the only one who is despising this report. Everyone else, reluctantly or otherwise, supports it.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Minister of Justice (Mr Haimbe): Madam Speaker, may I begin by thanking the hon. Members who have debated the Motion on the Floor of the House. These are the hon. PF Whip, the hon. Member of Parliament for Lunte, the hon. Member of Parliament for Nalolo, the hon. Member of Parliament for Lumezi, the hon. Member of Parliament for Chawama, the hon. Member of Parliament for Feira, the hon. Member of Parliament for Luena and, finally, the hon. Member of Parliament for Mazabuka Central and the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development. I am very grateful for their contribution to the Motion on the Floor of the House.

Madam Speaker, indeed, I could not have put it better myself than the hon. Member of Parliament for Mazabuka Central put it. He literally took most of the words out of my mouth.

Madam Speaker, allow me also to commend the work of the Select Committee appointed to scrutinise the Presidential appointments that are under consideration this morning. The respective presidential appointments have been made by taking into account Article 259 of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia and, further, the requisite qualifications of each individual nominee.

Madam Speaker, the House will also note that significant effort has been made to ensure that the appointments not only reflect the regional diversity of the people of Zambia, but also take into account persons with disabilities and gender, to the extent possible.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of his Excellency the President, I have taken note of the Committee’s observations as regards the nominations and appointments of more youths to public offices. 

Madam Speaker, you will note that the presidential appointment took into account, as I have already mentioned, the earlier factors alluded to, but, certainly, there is room for consideration of a more youthful reflection of the people of Zambia. In this regard, the appointing authority will endeavour to ensure that future appointments will take into account the appointment of more women, youth and persons with disabilities.

Madam, turning to some of the matters that have been put forward in the debate on the Floor of the House, I wish to begin by once again, bringing to the attention of the hon. Members that have previously debated the need for a holistic reading of reports that are before this honourable House for consideration. The tendency, which is quite negative, has been to pick specific words from the report and leave out others which contextualise what those making the report meant to put forward.

Madam, for instance, it has been suggested that it was a finding of your Committee that some of the nominees, in particular Mr Muleza, Dr Henry Mbushi and others were members of the UPND legal team. That is far from the truth as the drafters of the report made it clear in their own findings that this was not an issue affecting their determination of whether or not the individuals should be ratified.

Madam Speaker, to quote, in particular at page 35, your Committee had this to say in relation to the nominee, Mr Chad Muleza, and I quote:

“Some witnesses expressed concern that the nominee was part of the UPND legal team. The Committee, however, observes that this does not disqualify the nominee from appointment because his relationship with the party was a professional one based on the client and legal practitioner relationship. The Committee is, therefore, satisfied with the nominee’s credentials and supports his ratification as a member of the JCC”.

Madam, that is an apt example that clearly puts forward what your Committee found, which is that the relationships referred to were professional. We cannot be vilified for choosing to represent certain clients. That is not the way that professional relationships operate. In fact, as legal practitioners, we are required by law to distinguish or separate ourselves from the issues of our clients. That is a requirement. So, it is not correct to suggest that deciding to represent the UPND and persons sympathetic to the UPND makes these nominees members of the UPND.

Madam, in fact, there is no such thing as a UPND legal team other than elected officials who went to the convention and were then appointed as members of the legal committee. The rest are professional persons who provide services.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Haimbe: Let the people of Zambia take heed accordingly and not be swayed by arguments based on partial reading of the report.

Madam Speaker, aside from that, to further allay any fears of the people of Zambia as to the question of independence and impartiality of the part of these individuals, I wish to state that these individuals, in keeping with their professional standing and requirements, have previously represented various individuals. In other words, in the exercise of their functions and offices, they do not look at faces or persons, but only the law, facts and evidence. This is clear from the fact that Mr Phiri, for example, has previously represented persons who are now prominent in the Opposition. The likes of Mr Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba and Chishimba Kambwili have been defended, so, if we take the argument that there will be impartiality, it cannot apply because we do not look at faces.

Madam, in the same way Mr Phiri has prosecuted our very own Minister, Hon. Sylvia Masebo in his past life, where does that place him? It simply places him as an individual who looks at the law and facts and not at other persons’ faces.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Haimbe: So, the people of Zambia can be rest assured that these individuals who have shown character in the execution of their daily functions and duties as legal practitioners and other professionals have been chosen only for one reason, love for mother Zambia. Everything else is merit based and there is no question of their qualifications before this august House. Therefore, there can be no reason why anybody should doubt that they are worthy of ratification before this honourable House.

Madam, in this regard, as I conclude my debate, I wish to state that the Motion is one that ought to be properly supported by all hon. Members of this honourable House and pray that the individuals put forward for appointment in the various roles be ratified by this august House. They are only but deserving Zambians with a track record of proper service.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Haimbe: That should be the basis upon which they can be allowed to continue serving mother Zambia with the interest only of the people at heart.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kangombe: Madam Speaker, I thank all hon. Members who have ably debated this Motion. I thank Hon. Kampyongo who has wilfully supported this Motion. I also thank other Members who have not debated but are also in support of this Motion.

Madam, I am happy and pleased to have been given this task to chair your Committee in ensuring that together we harness and gather very important information that this House needs to ratify these people who are before us. I will pick the words of Hon. Nkombo and the hon. Minister of Justice that these members are but deserving well-qualified members who have a track record of executing their duties in line and in accordance with the law.

Madam Speaker, I wish to render my thankfulness as well to you and the Office of the Clerk, for according us this very important opportunity. I also wish to thank my Committee and the seconder of the Motion. I wish to sincerely ask this House to ratify the names that are before it.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Question put and agreed to.

REPORT OF THE ZAMBIAN DELEGATION TO THE 12^TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE PLENARY ASSEMBLY OF THE FORUM OF PARLIAMENTS OF MEMBER STATES OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE GREAT LAKES REGION (FP-ICGLR), HELD IN NAIROBI, KENYA,FROM 2^ND TO 6^TH APRIL, 2022:

Brig-Gen Sitwala (Kaoma Central): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this House do adopt the Report of the Zambian Delegation to the 12^th Ordinary Session of the Plenary Assembly of the Forum of Parliaments of the Member States of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR) held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 2^nd to 6^th April, 2022, for the First Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 16^th  June, 2022.

Madam Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

Mr Chaatila (Moomba): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

Brig-Gen Sitwala: Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order No. 146 of the National Assembly Standing Orders, 2021, I stand to give a statement on the proceedings of the 12^th Plenary Assembly of the Forum of Parliaments of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGRL), held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 2^nd to 6^th April, 2022.

Madam Speaker, the delegation of nine was led by no other than you, The Rt. Hon. Ms Nelly Mutti, MP, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia.

Madam Speaker, for the information of the House, the Forum of Parliaments of the Great Lakes Region was established on 4^thDecember, 2008 in Kigali, Republic of Rwanda, with the purpose of promoting, keeping and reinforcing peace and security in the Great Lakes Region, as expressed by the Heads of State and Governments in the Security, Stability and Development Pact of the Great Lakes Region, which was signed on 15^th December, 2006, in Nairobi, Republic of Kenya. This came into force on 21^st June, 2008.

The Speakers of Parliaments of the member states of the Great Lakes Region, mandated by their respective Parliaments, stressed the point that democratically elected Parliaments could play a major role in the promotion of peace, security, stability, mutual understanding and friendship, among the people of Africa, as well as solidarity, brotherhood and good neighbourliness, among the States of the region. Therefore, the major role of the forum is to make parliamentary contribution to peace by putting in place mechanisms for better implementation of the pact, protocol’s and programmes of action outlined in the pact.

Madam Speaker, the forum comprises twelve member-states, namely the Republic of Angola, the Republic of Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Rwanda, the Republic of South Sudan, and the Republic of the Sudan, the United Republic of Tanzania, the Republic of Uganda and the Republic of Zambia.

Madam Speaker, the theme for this year’s Plenary Assembly was, “The Role of Parliaments in Conflict Resolution.” Since its inception, the forum has been instrumental in spearheading discourse on peace, security and stability in the region, which has over the years, witnessed a number of bloody wars, starvation, economic and social inequalities, as well as religious strife and political turmoil. 

Madam Speaker, the conference was officially opened by Dr. Fred Matiang'i, Minister of Interior and Government Coordination of National Government, on behalf of His Excellency, Mr Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya. In his address, the President stated that the Assembly had the task of providing the twelve nations with a comprehensive and achievable roadmap to Parliaments, contributing more towards conflict resolution which he said would only be achieved if the 12^th Plenary Assembly was made into a questioning conference.

Madam Speaker, in that regard, he proposed a five-point questioning framework for the conference as follows:

           (a)   is the role of Parliament preventive or responsive after the pact;

           (b)   when Parliament intervenes, at what stage in the conflict cycle should it intervene and how;

           (c)   alive to the Latimer House Principles, how should Parliament's intervention role be exercised within

                  the context of the rule-of-law and the separation of powers and its roles;

          (d)   what collective and peer review mechanisms can Parliaments in the region adopt to both support and

                 also hold each other accountable; and

          (e)  how do we inculcate public participation by citizens, bringing in the civil society, international partners;

               regional, continental and global associations, and build in shared bonds into this conflict prevention

               and conflict resolution framework?

Madam Speaker, the five days of the conference were a learning experience for all member states. Members were fully apprised on governance issues in the region. The threats and impacts of insecurity were clearly elucidated, which enhanced the members’ appreciation of the situation in the region.

Madam Speaker, the conference received a presentation by Professor Olum, a PhD holder, on the role of Parliaments in conflict resolution, which revealed that Parliaments have the fundamental role of pre-empting and preventing conflicts by upholding the rule of law; addressing post-conflict recovery; and engaging in constructive partnerships, co-operation and reconciliation. Member states appreciated the forum’s initiative and efforts in undertaking fact-finding missions which assisted countries such as the Central African Republic (CAR), the DRC, and the Republic of Sudan, in finding amicable solutions and peaceful settlement to political instability in those countries.

The forum looks forward to future engagements with parties involved, with a view to addressing outstanding issues for lasting peace in the region. The forum pledged support to efforts towards resolving the conflict in South Sudan. The forum also resolved that Parliaments must be more assertive in addressing the root cause of instability.

Madam Speaker, at the close of the five days, the conference adopted the Nairobi Declaration, which among other matters, resolved to employ strategies to jump-start economies in the post-Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) era and enhance the Parliaments in conflict resolution in the Great Lakes Region.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?

Mr Chaatila: Now, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to second this important Motion. I also thank the mover of the Motion for the way he has tabled the matter.

Madam Speaker, before I start, I need to put it on record that this is a historic report in the sense that if I am not wrong, this is the first time such a report is coming to Parliament from a delegation to an international organisation meeting. So, it is quite important. I know that this was as a result of the hon. Members here who wanted to, at least, be appraised on some of these reports we undertake outside the country. For that, Madam Speaker, I am very grateful.

Madam Speaker, I will not take long. I will just look at a few issues. First and foremost, I will look at the objectives or the goals of this forum. The first goal is to serve as a framework for dialogue, experience sharing and also, to look at issues of conflict resolution for these member states.

Now a question that may arise is:“Why is Zambia part of this when seemingly, it is so peaceful?” Madam Speaker, it is important to bring to the attention of the hon. Members that Zambia is hosting quite a number of refugees from these countries which are in conflict with each other. I know they are aware of that. The second one is to build capacity of hon. Members of Parliament of these member countries of the Forum of Parliaments of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR) as it is commonly referred to. Also, this extends to the civil servants of these member states.

Madam Speaker, the third but not the least, is that we contribute to the United Nations (UN) resolutions in respect to the protection of the rights of women, children andthe vulnerable.

Madam Speaker, to attain these objectives and to also have effective achievements, we have a five-theme situation in terms of the Committees that are represented to look at how well we can achieve some of these goals. These, are represented by the hon. Members of Parliament. So, each theme has an hon. Member of Parliament who represents it on a permanent basis in terms of the Committees. In the case of Zambia, there are five hon. Members of Parliament who are Committee members of the ICGLR and I will mention them later on.

Madam Speaker, the following are the themes:

    (a)   peace and security;

    (b)  democracy and good governance;

    (c)  humanitarian and social issues;

    (d)  economic development, natural resources and regional integration; and

    (e) gender, children, and vulnerable persons issues.

Madam, in terms of the Zambian Parliament, currently, the hon. Members to these Committees are as follows:

The first one is Brig-Gen. M. Sitwala, MP, who just moved the Motion, and he is an Executive Committee Member and a member of the Committee on Peace and Security. Then the second one is Mr F. C. Chaatila, standing here, who is a member of the Committee on Economic Development, Natural Resources and Regional Integration. The third one is Ms S. K. Sefulo, whois a member of the Committee on Democracy and Good Governance. Then the fourth one is Ms Melesiana Phiri, who is a member of the Committee on Gender, Children and Vulnerable Persons. The fifth one, Madam Speaker, is Mr Anthony Kasandwe, who is the member of the Committee on Humanitarian and Social Issues.

Madam Speaker, during the meeting, our own hon. Madam Speaker gave a statement as a leader. Various representatives from the member states gave their statements. Our own Madam Speaker did present some issues and she thanked the other members of this ICGLR for being part of the August, 2021, General Election. They came here as observers, and we were grateful for that. The Secretary General of the ICGLR was in the country around November, 2021. The hon. Madam Speaker thanked him for coming to Zambia to pay her a courtesy call and also, to meet the Committee Members whom I just mentioned, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, the other issue is that for the ICGLR to function, each member state or each Parliament should contribute. In terms of funding, the funding comes from the member Parliaments. We were very proud that Zambia was one of the nations or the countries that was up to date in terms of the payments or subscriptions. We were proud of  that.

Madam Speaker, last but not the least, the hon. Madam Speaker offered to host the Ordinary Plenary Session which will be in 2024, all things being equal. She offered to host other countries here in Zambia, and we are most grateful.

Madam Speaker, with these few remarks, I beg to second the Motion.

I thank you, Madam.

The Acting Leader of Government Business in the House and the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security (Mr Mwiimbu): Madam Speaker, I want to appreciate the mover and the seconder of this very important procedural Motion. As the Government, we have taken note of the content of the report. We will study it and make necessary responses to it at an appropriate time.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Brig-Gen. Sitwala: Madam Speaker, I think I only remain with a simple task of thanking the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security for acknowledging our report. I just want to also urge the hon. Members of this House to take keen interest in what is happening in our region. Like the seconder said, it is very important, as Parliament, to know what is happening. Zambia indeed, gets affected. We are surrounded by many countries which are in conflict. From independence, we have been an oasis of peace which we should not take for granted.

Madam Speaker, with those few remarks, I thank you.

Question put and agreed to.

REPORTOF THE PLANNING AND BUDGETING COMMITTEE

Mr Chaatila (Moomba): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the House do adopt the Report of the Planning and Budget Committee on the Review of the First Quarter Performance of the 2022 Budget, for the First Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 16^thJune, 2022.

Madam Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

Mr Chaatila: Madam Speaker, the Planning and Budgeting Committee reviewed the first quarter performance of the 2022 Budget for selected ministries, provinces and spending agencies (MPSAs).Your Committee also interacted with the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, the Bank of Zambia and the Zambia Revenue Authority.

Madam, the House will recall that the 2022 Budget, which is themed “Growth, Jobs and Taking Development Closer to the People”, is anchored on economic transformation and improving the livelihoods of the people of Zambia.

Madam Speaker, let me remind the House that the macroeconomic framework for Zambia in 2022 was set to attain a real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of atleast 3.5 per cent, narrow the fiscal deficit to 6.7 per cent of GDP, increase domestic revenues to not less than 21 per cent of GDP, sustain inflation within the range of 6 to 8 per cent, reduce domestic borrowing to 5.2 per cent of GDP and limit international reserves to at least 3 months of import cover.

Madam Speaker, the 2022 Budget has been met with challenging domestic and external environments. Since the 2022 Budget Address in October 2021, the economic outlook remains positive but uncertain. This is due to challenges such as high debt levels and the slow economic recovery occasioned by the lingering risks associated with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) resurgence and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis. These challenges continue to negatively affect some key sectors of the economy.

Madam Speaker, allow me to state that the general picture of the performance of most key economic indicators in the first quarter was impressive. Particularly, theGovernment exhibited fiscal discipline as both revenue and expenditure outturns were broadly in line with the targets for the quarter. Unlike the perpetual trend of poor releases observed in the past, your Committee is pleased to report to the House that the Government released 100 per cent of what was targeted to ministries, provinces and spending agencies in the period under review.

Madam, allow me, at this juncture, to share some key highlights of your Committee’s findings and recommendations arising from the review of the performance of the first quarter of the 2022 Budget.

Fast-Track Implementation of Programmes under Constituency Development Fund

Madam Speaker, your Committee expresses great concern at the underperformance of programme outputs under the Local Governance and Rural Development Programmes in the period under review. This is despite the release by Central Government of funds under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) during the quarter. Your Committee is dismayed that structural challenges and other administrative processes are proving to be the major hindrances in the utilisation of the resources.

Madam Speaker, in light of this, your Committee strongly recommends that the Government should, as a matter of urgency, fast-track the implementation of projects in all constituencies if meaningful development is to be realised, especially in rural areas.  Unlike the current status, the committee urges the Government to authorise Provincial Local Government Officers to approve the CDF projects within a specified threshold in order to expedite project implementation. 

Expedite Procurement Processes

Madam Speaker, despite some delays in funding to a few ministries, provinces and spending agencies, especially for the month of March, all the institutions received funding in line with funding profiles. However, other than the delays in funding, your Committee observes with great concern, the amount of unspent funds, which are largely as a result of procurement challenges, including limitations of the Zambia Procurement Price Index.

Madam Speaker, in this regard, your Committee strongly urges the Government to, as a matter of urgency, address gaps in staffing levels, especially for procurement officers in order to fast-track the implementation of programmes. Given the rise in prices, your Committee further recommends that mechanisms must be devised to remove the bottlenecks being experienced by MPSAs in the procurement of goods whose prices are outside the price index.

Enhance Collection of Non-Tax Revenue

Madam Speaker, finally, despite having met the revenue target for the period under review, your Committee expresses concern at the poor performance of non-tax revenue which currently stands at 13.5 per cent below target. The underperformance of the non-tax revenue is a source of concern for your Committee as it is likely to affect the Budget performance and credibility if robust corresponding measures are not implemented.

Madam Speaker, in light of this, your Committee strongly recommends that the Government should implement and intensify measures to build capacity in collecting agencies in order to boost non-tax revenues.

Madam, in conclusion, I place on record sincere appreciation to the stakeholders who provided information to your Committee. Gratitude is also extended to the Office of the Clerk for the support rendered to your Committee.

Madam Speaker, I beg to move

Madam Speaker: Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?

Mr Mung’andu: Madam Speaker, I wish to speak now.

Madam Speaker, I rise to second the Motion on the Review of the First Quarter Performance of the 2022 Budget. As stated by the mover of the Motion, the performance of the Budget in the first quarter was generally impressive. Revenue targets were met and overall expenditure was as projected.

Madam Speaker, this is a commendable intervention by the Government. I am sure all hon. members here can agree that for the first time, your Committees travel, meaning that the Budget credibility is on target.

Madam Speaker, despite meeting the positive performance, your Committee made some observations which if not addressed, may affect the programme implementation.

 Enhance all Sources of Tax Revenue

Madam Speaker, despite the quarter revenue target having been met, your Committee observed that the Value Added Tax (VAT) and the Customs and Excise Duty underperformed in the first quarter of the year. This underperformance, Madam Speaker, raises concern especially in view of many tax concessions contained in the 2022 Budget, which will have an effect on revenue. Probably, Madam Speaker, on this, as your Committee, we are urging the Executive to ensure that if possible, certain tax concessions can be reviewed. We observed that in spite of putting certain tax concessions in the proposed 2022 National Budget with the aim of encouraging production, in certain sectors of the economy like the mining sector, production seems to be less than what is being projected.

In this regard, your Committee strongly recommends that the Government must strive to ensure that tax revenue is enhanced, including ensuring that targets are met by all sources of tax revenue, in order to adequately achieve a positive performance outcome.

Timely Reconciliation of External Figures

Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning reported to your Committee that the figures for the current stock of external debt for the period between September, 2021 and end of first quarter of 2022, was not available due to the reconciliation exercise being undertaken. The ministry indicated that the debt figure would be published before the end of the second quarter of 2022.

Madam Speaker, your Committee therefore, contends that this state of affairs reflects lack of transparency on the part of the Government on matters of debt contraction and obligation. In this regard, your Committee strongly urges the Government to expedite the presentation to Parliament a Bill to repeal the Loans and Guarantees (Authorisation) Act. This Act, Madam Speaker, will ensure that transparency is upheld in the debt contraction and mandate Parliament to scrutinise public debt before contraction pursuant to Article 207 of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016.

Madam Speaker, your Committee further recommends that the Government should provide up to date external debt stock without further delay.

Limit Government Borrowing from the Private Sector

Madam Speaker, the increased stock of Government securities recorded in the first quarter is a matter that needs intervention. Otherwise, if not mitigated, it has the potential to crowd out the private sector and this can eventually limit the private sector investment. Madam Speaker, your Committee is concerned about this issue. We are in a liberalised economy. If the Government overcrowds the private sector when it comes to borrowing or issuance of these Government securities – As you may be aware, Madam Speaker, the Government securities are usually the safest mode of investment. They attract many of these private investors. Firstly, they are secure and secondly, they guarantee the Government never to default in most cases. This crowds out most of the private individuals including firms that would want to borrow from the commercial banks. They also tend to drive interest rates upwards. This affects investments in our country. In this regard, Madam Speaker, your Committee strongly recommends that where possible, the Government should desist from borrowing from the local market in order to promote private sector expenditure and investment.

With these very few remarks, Madam Speaker, I beg to second.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Simushi (Sikongo): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for this opportunity granted to the good people of Sikongo to add a voice to the Motion on the Floor of this House in support of the Report by your Committee on the performance of the first quarter of the 2022 Budget.

Madam Speaker, from the onset, may I point out that I do support this report wholeheartedly and that I would like to congratulate your Committee, the Chairperson of the Committee as well as the seconder of the Motion for the able manner in which they have presented the report.

Madam Speaker, I am very happy to note that the New Dawn Administration right from the onset has demonstrated that it is here to deliver to the people of this country. I therefore, totally agree with your Committee’s report in its conclusion as it points out that the performance of the first quarter of the 2022 Budget has been satisfactory. However, personally, I will go ahead and say that the performance has been more than satisfactory in the sense that, in as much as the Report speaks to a number of macroeconomic fundamentals, there are certain other areas that were not brought out into the report due to what the report focused on.

Madam Speaker, the first quarter of 2022, saw a number of good things happening in this country such as the pronouncements of the recruitment of the 30,000 teachers, recruitment of the 11,200 health workers. We are now seeing these pronouncements coming to actualisation. We also saw the payment of retirees, and farmers who sold their produce to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA). We saw payments to people who were not paid their arrears like the Tanzania Zambia Railways (TAZARA) workers. We also saw payment of monies to local authorities. On top of this all, we saw the payment of monies towards the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from K1.6 million to K25.7 million, which was in itself, of course, unprecedented.

Madam Speaker, therefore, for a Government that inherited a nearly collapsed economy, to perform so well within the first quarter, I feel that is something that should be commended by every one of us here.

Madam Speaker, of course, as we commend the United Party for National Development (UPND) New Dawn Government, we should also commend the Head of State more for the bold steps he is taking to ensure that this country is back on track to perform for its citizens.

Madam Speaker, I would like to quickly point out that the Zambian people should be comforted. They need to be very happy to have the kind of leadership that they have under the New Dawn Administration. This is a leadership that wants to anchor the development of this country not only in one region, but across the four corners of this country. I, therefore, urge all the hon. Members of Parliament here present to give this Government the support that it deserves because it means well for mother Zambia.

Madam Speaker, in terms of some of the microeconomic fundamentals such as inflation, we have seen it drop from 16.4 per cent in December last year to almost 10.2 per cent currently. I think this is a positive indication that our economy is on the right track.

Madam Speaker, the exchange rate is also improving; the Kwacha is gaining in value. We are also seeing improvement in domestic revenue collections, but, of course, we still need to do much in this sector, especially where toll fees are concerned. In as much as we talk about domestic revenue collection which is anchored on fees we get from citizens, I urge the New Dawn Government to balance revenue collection from our people and also, the issue of giving them breathing space. There is still room for us to get more revenue from non-tax revenues if we bring in efficiency, transparency and accountability. There are several measures that have been proposed in the report, which I feel the Executive should seriously look into in order to improve the revenue base for our economy.

Madam Speaker, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), is a very important vehicle that we should use, as a country, to develop our economy, especially those of us who are coming from rural constituencies. We have an opportunity to now solve most of the problems that have been major challenges in the past due to the limited amounts that were being given to us under the CDF. So, I urge all hon. Members of Parliament to try to find means and ways of working around these issues so that we deliver the objectives of the CDF, instead of complaining about the structural and administrative challenges, and using them as hindrances which will make us not achieve the main objectives of the CDF, which is to bring about enhanced and accelerated development in our constituencies.

Madam Speaker, with these few words, I end by saying that the people of Sikongo are happy so far with the performance of the New Dawn Administration, as amplified by your Committee in its report. Therefore, the people of Sikongo stand here to support the Motion to adopt the report of your Committee in as far as the performance of the first quarter of the 2022 Budget is concerned.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, in the first place, the people of Chilubi support this very important report especially that it has to do with our economy. In economics, there is no partisanship. It is a meeting point for everybody. I think that as we debate economics, we should not put it at risk by bringing in partisan approach. I am saying so because there are no separate shops and economic centres for people belonging to different political parties.

Madam Speaker, having said that, let me bring to the attention of the House that the window of revenue collection, which is tabulated from page 6 to 12 of the report, which is made up of different Government ministries and agencies that collect revenue, is a matter of concern to the people of Chilubi, especially that, sometimes, these are subjected to red tape. Apart from being subjected to red tape, they make the economy suffer haemorrhage, in some way.

Madam Speaker, what the people of Chilubi mean in that line is that the Government, using this particular window, can collect more revenue. If we look at all those tabulated revenue windows that the Government is supposed to utilise, we could be talking about going beyond the target.

Madam Speaker, allow me also to address the issue of the absorption capacity of the funds that have been released, especially under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). I know that it sounds like a complaint when people talk about the CDF and its expenditure. As things stand, with the CDF guidelines that have been released, you find that we are supposed to be considering last year’s projects. According to the guidelines, people are supposed to apply this year in February for projects to be considered in the next year’s Budget. However, we must give the benefit of the doubt as there are teething problems whenever something is being started.

Madam Speaker, allow the people of Chilubi to go further and indicate that the capacity of local authorities has been limited by the Public Finance Management Act of 2015 in terms of the fiscal role that they are supposed to play. In this case, you find that there are limitations in some of the things that have been mentioned where, some things are supposed to be approved by the hon. Minister instead of the provincial local authority. Those things cause unnecessary bottlenecks in terms of the absorption of the Budget.

Madam Speaker, I know that, by and large, we have glorified the release of the money, but the people of Chilubi are still worried about two factors, which they like to put on the Table, which are the recruitment of teachers and health workers.

Madam Speaker, as far as the people of Chilubi are concerned, when the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning talked about the recruitment of 44,000 civil servants and not 41,000 civil servants, he did indicate that much of what would come forth would come from special drawing rights. I think that still hangs in the balance. However, we want to appreciate that the hon. Minister of Health, so far, has released K930 million, going by what is in the public domain, towards the recruitment of health workers. As for the Budget for the 30,000 teachers who are going to be recruited, the people of Chilubi are still in the dark about how much has possibly been released towards that end.

Madam Speaker, in as far as the people of Chilubi want to support the adoption of the report on the first quarter performance of the 2022 Budget, they are reluctant to do so because of the two items mentioned.

Madam Speaker, the people of Chilubi want to give an indication in line with the debt stock verses the Budget performance.

Madam Speaker, the people of Chilubi are not sure in which month the loan repayments will be done. They say the first cut is the deepest. We can therefore, come up with a lot of steam as we start the year, but the Budget can collapse in our faces if we are not sure how we will deal with the debt stock versus Budget performance in as far as loan repayment is concerned. This seemed to be a big burden for the nation and that is why the people of Chilubi did indicate earlier that issues of economics are a common denominator for all of us. When we raise these concerns, they should not be seen in any partisan lane. They should be seen in the manner they have been raised because we raise them as Zambians, since one of our roles as hon. Members of Parliament is to approve the Budget. What we approve should match what is being done out there.

Madam Speaker, the people of Chilubi want to put on record that in as much as the first quarter may attract a bit of excitement – I think we need to mark the words “a bit of excitement” – They are worried about the debt stock versus the 2022 Budget performance. We have started addressing the need to talk about the 2023 Budget. I have seen some of the adverts flying in national daily newspapers but we also need to address the issue of how we match the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) to the Budget. This one was amiss. We now have the 2023 Budget that we should be talking about because all these things correlate. We cannot debate these issues in the absence of the 8NDP. Otherwise, we would be shooting in the dark.

Madam, I would like to end by encouraging the Executive. I do not know whether it would be irregular to bring the 8NDP, which they have been talking about in different circles, to Parliament. That is still missing as far as the people of Chilubi are concerned.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Minister of Technology and Science (Mr Mutati): Madam Speaker, let me start by thanking the mover of the Motion, the hon. Member of Parliament for Moomba, and the seconder, the hon. Member of Parliament for Chama South.

Madam, I think it is quite clear from the mover and the seconder of the Motion that the performance of the first quarter was described as impressive as all the targets have been met. The Budget releases have been on time and the revenue targets for the first quarter have been met. This confirms that the principle of Budget credibility has been fully grounded. However, they raise some challenges with regards to the issue of the Loans and Guarantees Bill.

Madam, I want to assure this honourable House that this Bill is a major priority for the Government and will be dealt with this year. They raise concerns on the issue of non-tax revenue that is slowing down. I wish to assure the House, again, that appropriate measures to enhance non-tax revenue are being made.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Sikongo basically said the performance is satisfactory. He also indicated that good things are beginning to happen as elaborated by the recruitment of 30,000 teachers and nurses, the payment of retirement benefits and the release of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). He summarises that the economy is back. Indeed, we are working very hard to ensure that the commitments pronounced in the Budget are delivered to the people of Zambia in order to change our lives.

Madam, the hon. Member for Chilubi says he supports the Budget but raises concerns around the absorption capacity, particularly, of the CDF. You will recall that this matter was raised and a statement was made about the measures that are going to be taken in order to ensure that whatever bottlenecks are in the way of the absorption capacity of the CDF are dealt with. The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development did give a roadmap to articulate what we are going to do. Regarding the recruitment of the 30,000 teachers, the hon. Minister of Education also articulated in his ministerial statement the roadmap towards how this is going to be done.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Chilubi also raised the link between the Budget and the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP). I want to assure the hon. Member that the key pillars of the Budget and the 8NDP are actually consistent. The pillars that are both in the Budget and the 8NDP are:

    (a)        Pillar 1: Economic transformation and job creation;

    (b)        Pillar 2: Human development which, includes the recruitment of teachers, nurses and issues to do 

                with CDF;

    (c)        Pillar 3: Environmental sustainability; and

    (d)        Pillar 4: A good governance environment.

These pillars are consistent with what is in the Budget.

Madam Speaker, let me also indicate to the House that the plight of retirees has been addressed through the fund loading amounting to K2 billion in the first quarter of 2022, to clear everyone owed by 31^st December, 2021.

Madam, you may wish to know that the Ministry of Finance and National Planning released K400 million towards the dismantling of arrears owed to contractors and suppliers with amounts of K1 million or less and all these have been fully paid. This represents the dismantling of almost 70 per cent of the amounts owed to contractors and suppliers.

Madam Speaker, the Government remains committed to reaching an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). We reached the staff-level agreement with the fund in December, 2021 and we are happy to report that the Official Creditor Committee has since been formed. It held its first meeting on 16^th June, 2022 where Zambia presented its case. We remain hopeful that an agreement with the creditors will be reached quickly.

Madam, fiscal and monetary policy consolidation will not be undermined as the Government finances its Budget. The quality of Government expenditure will be anchored on the need to create a conducive business environment for the private sector through the injection of liquidity in the economy, dismantling arrears owed to suppliers, and contractors.

Madam Speaker, going forward, priority will not only be the creation of a conducive economic environment but also, to maximise the quality of expenditure, and to ensure that the budget is consistent with the pillars of the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).

Madam Speaker, the Government will enhance the prioritisation of social spending which includes provision of education for all, purchase of drugs and medical supplies, payment of retirees, social protection programmes such as the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) and the Food Security Pack, among others. This is evidenced in the continued release of funds which currently stands at K17.3 billion in line with the planned spending for these spending areas.

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, I thank your Committee and the stakeholders for their invaluable input on the Review of the First Quarter Performance of the 2022 Budget. This is essential in ensuring that we drive the national development agenda together as one.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Chaatila: Madam Speaker, I can only thank everyone for the support, including the hon. Minister for the closing remarks.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Question put and agreed to.

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BILL

REPORT STAGE

The Judges (Conditions of Service) (Amendment) Bill, 2022

Report adopted.

Third Reading on Tuesday, 28^th June 2022.

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ADJOURNMENT

The Acting Leader of Government Business in the House and the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security (Mr Mwiimbu): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

Question put and agreed to.

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The House adjourned at 1244 hours until 1430 hours on Tuesday, 28^th June, 2022.

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