Friday, 23rd September, 2022

Printer Friendly and PDF

           Friday, 23rd September, 2022

The House met at 0900 hours

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

_______

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MADAM SPEAKER

APPOINTMENT OF MR ROY NGULUBE AS ACTING CLERK OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to inform the House that Mrs Cecilia N. Mbewe, retired as Clerk of the National Assembly, on 9th August, 2022.  Mr Roy Ngulube, Deputy Clerk (Administration), was appointed to act as Clerk of the National Assembly, with effect from 9th August, 2022, for administrative convenience only.

I thank you.

______

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

The Minister of Defence and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House (Mr Lufuma): Madam Speaker, let me acquaint the House with the business it will consider next week.

Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, 27th September, 2022, the Business of the House will begin with Questions for Oral Answer. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will continue with the debate on the Motion of Thanks to His Excellency the President’s Address.

Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, 28th September, 2022, the Business of the House will start with Questions for Oral Answer. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will consider a Private Member’s Motion entitled: “Extend the Loan Scheme to Students of Private Universities.” This will be moved by Mr C. Kang’ombe, hon. Member of Parliament for Kamfinsa Constituency. The House will then conclude the debate on the Motion of Thanks to His Excellency the President’s Address, which was delivered to the House on Friday, 9th September, 2022.

Madam Speaker, on Thursday, 29th September, 2022, the Business of the House will commence with the debate on the Motion to suspend relevant Standing Orders to enable the House to sit in the afternoon on Friday, 30th September, 2022, to allow the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning to present the 2023 National Budget. This will be followed by Questions for Oral Answer. Thereafter, the House will consider presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any.

Madam Speaker, on Friday, 30th September, 2022, as already indicated, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning will present the 2023 National Budget starting at 1415 hours. We urge all the hon. Members to be punctual.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Interruptions

Mr Lufuma: Just a correction, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Before we go to the ministerial statement, the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House would like to say something.

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity. I am told I misled the House by saying that the schedule for the presentation of the National Budget will at 1515 hours. It is supposed to be 1415 hours on Friday.

Hon. Members: That is what you said.

Madam Speaker: I heard 1415 hours.

Hon. Government Members: Yes!

Mr Lufuma: Okay then.

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: The hon. Members wanted to have the Vice-President’s Question Time.

Hon. Opposition Members: Yes!

Laughter

______

MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

HUMAN-ANIMAL CONFLICT INCIDENTS IN ZAMBIA

The Minister of Tourism (Mr Sikumba): Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the privilege to stand before the House to deliver a ministerial statement on the recent human-animal conflict incidents that occurred in Chama, Kasenengwa, Itezhi-tezhi, and other parts of the country. Let me from the outset, state that the loss of human life and property caused by human-wildlife incidents is not only sad but indeed, regrettable. The Government would like to take this opportunity to convey its sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.

Madam Speaker, my statement will cover information of the incidents that occurred in Chama, Kasenengwa, and Itezhi-tezhi and then, give a general impression of human-animal incidents in other parts of the country. I will conclude my statement by highlighting the measures that have been put in place to mitigate the human-animal conflict.

Chama District

Madam Speaker, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), popularly known as Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA), received a report through the Tembwe Community Resource Board, on 18th September, 2022, at 1100 hours. The report indicated that a male person by the name of Lafi Zimba, aged seventy-five, of Chizikiza Village, Chief Tembwe, Chama District, who was coming from fishing on the Luangwa River, was found dead in the bush in Mulondola area, away from the villages on Saturday, 17th September, 2022, by members of the community. Officers from the DNPW, the Zambia Police and members of the community rushed to the scene and collected the body and took it to Chama District Hospital mortuary. The deceased was put to rest in his home village. Officers from the department are on the ground monitoring the situation, and it is suspected that the victim was trampled by an elephant which was not found at on the scene.

Kasenengwa District

Madam Speaker, the DNPW received the last report on human-wildlife conflict from Kasenengwa in June, 2022. The incident involved a buffalo that was posing a threat on human life, which was attended to by the DNPW, Chipata Office. The department is not in receipt of any other incident on the same.

Itezhi-tezhi District

Madam Speaker, a report was received from the community members that a male person, Francis Mulilo, aged fifty-seven of Chief Kaingu, was heard crying for help by two women, who were going to draw water from the Kafue on 16th September, 2022, around 1600 hours. Rescuers found him lying in a pool of blood and suspected to have been attacked by a hippo. The victim was rushed to Itezhi-tezhi Hospital, and later evacuated to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) for further medical attention.

General Perspective of Human-Wildlife Conflict in Other Parts of the Country

Madam Speaker, the Human-Wildlife Conflict situation in Zambia has become a matter of great concern lately, and seems to be on the increase in comparison to the situation in the previous years. From January, 2022 to date, the Ministry of Tourism, through the DNPW has received a total of 6,068 problem animal reports, ranging from injuries and loss of human lives to destruction of property, food and in some instances, killing of livestock. The problem of human-wildlife conflict is common in all provinces in Zambia but prevalent in Muchinga, the Southern, the Western, Lusaka, Central, the Eastern and Luapula provinces. The increase in human-wildlife conflict which is currently being experienced is largely attributed to the expansion of human settlements in protected areas through encroachment, blockage of wildlife corridors, introduction of livestock in game management areas (GMAs) and an increase in wildlife in some protected areas.

Madam Speaker, the bad practice such as timber logging, charcoal burning, and unsustainable land use in GMAs is affecting foliage, which is food for wildlife, especially elephants. As such, elephants are forced to wonder into nearby villages in search of food and in the process, cause human-wildlife conflicts. Therefore, the long term solution is to educate our people as we introduce the programme for alternative livelihoods in the affected communities.

Madam Speaker, in addition, where logging is permitted, the Government will ensure that it is done in a manner that does not adversely affect the echo system, forest foliage and trees which animals will survive on.

Madam Speaker, for other species such as lions and leopards which could be wondering around trying to find safe haven away from the dominant male species, our officers from the DNPW will continue to monitor reported incidents so as to avert any damage of human life and property.

Madam Speaker, to put things in perspective, out of the 6,068 reports received, a total of 5,600 reports were attended to. Some of the reports were not attended to due to the delay in the reporting by complainants, inadequate manpower and transport. However, the DNPW has deployed officers on the ground including community scouts, to attend to the recent reports received from Chama, Kasenengwa, Itezhi-tezhi, Luangwa and Isoka districts.

Madam Speaker, regrettably, a total of fifty-nine people have killed by problem animals countrywide, especially by elephants, hippos and crocodiles, whilst the number of people injured by the problem animals still stands at eighteen. The number of livestock killed/caught by problem animals stands at eighty-three. Eighty-six problem animals have since been controlled in the first and second quarter of 2022.

Madam Speaker, the DNPW has employed various human-wildlife conflict interventions or mitigation measures to include sensitisation of communities living in wildlife areas such as fencing of fields, scaring of animals, and in extreme cases, resorted to controlling or killing animals responsible for causing the injury or loss of human life.

Madam Speaker, human-wildlife conflict remains one of the most challenging conservation issue not only in Zambia but across the sub-region. The Ministry of Tourist will be exploring long-term measures aimed at reducing incidents or mitigating conflicts which include but not limited to the following:

  1. improving law enforcement and wildlife habitat protection. In this regard, my ministry is actively engaging the Civil Service Commission (CSC) so as to expedite the recruitment and the deployment of 340 wildlife police officers. The Ministry of Finance and National Planning has already granted Treasury authority to employ the wildlife police officers.
  2. improving community-based wildlife management (CBWM) across the country. In this respect, my ministry advertised to engage honorary wildlife police officers from members of the general public including, hon. Members of Parliament in constituencies with GMAs. All this is an effort to effectively involve communities including hon. Members of Parliament in the management of human-wildlife conflicts across the country. So far, ninety-one applications have been received. We are yet to determine the number of hon. Members of Parliament who have applied to be honorary wildlife police officers.
  3. strengthening planning and developing implementation general management plans and tourism development area plans. This will ensure that human activity in protected areas is undertaken in a manner which mitigates human-wildlife conflicts.
  4. improving the policy and legislative landscape to provide the necessary anchor for sustainable wildlife management.

Madam Speaker, further, at the strategic level, Government has continued to promote consistence in the development and implementation of General Management Plans (GMP). The GMPs, as we would like to call them, set forth basic management and development philosophy for the protected areas and provide land use strategies for addressing problems to achieving identified management objects over a set period of time. This is key to preventing trespassing and encroachment of all kinds.

Madam Speaker, in order for us to have active early warning systems, the Government has continued to conduct regular monitoring of animal population and movement coupled with early notification of communities and control to ensure animal densities stay within their recommended stocking rates. For effectiveness, the use of Global Position System (GPS) satellite callers and area surveillance for animal tracking will need to be scaled-up.

Madam Speaker, before I conclude, I want to bring to your attention that there are a number of GMAs dealing in carbon trading across the country. These include Rufunsa GMA, in Rufunsa District, West Petauke GMA in Nyimba and Petauke districts, Sandwe GMA in Musanzala and Petauke districts, Lupande GMA in Mambwe District and Lumimba GMA in Lumezi District.

Madam Speaker, substantial revenues are being realised from carbon trading in these particular areas. Hence, it is the ministry’s view that such revenues should be channelled towards mitigating human-wildlife conflict including resettling affected communities so as to enable them engage in alternative livelihoods. We are confident that the implementation of these integrated approaches to combat human-wildlife conflict will go a long way in preserving the lives and safeguarding crops and domestic animals. These measures will result in a peaceful co-existence of human and wildlife in one place.

Madam Speaker, the DNPW remains indefatigable in ensuring that human-wildlife conflict incidents are kept to the barest minimum.

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 of Tourism.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Madam Speaker, we appreciate the hon. Minister’s ministerial statement, which is timely.

Madam Speaker, in his statement, the hon. Minister has informed the House and the nation that the Government is going to recruit wildlife police officers to help in dealing with the perennial problem of human-animal conflict. However, looking at the number of cases, which he has cited in his statistics, what interim measures are being put in place to curb the escalating incidents of human-animal conflict that occur on a daily basis as we have heard from the hon. Members of Parliament? If no interim measures are put in place until such a time when wildlife police officers are recruited, we may end up with a scenario, which we could have avoided because people are now looking at the Government as if it is prioritising animals over human beings. This is a very critical matter and we need urgent solutions. So, what interim measures are being put in place to safe guard the lives of our people living near Game Management Areas (GMA)?

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, indeed, in my statement, I mentioned of the recruitment of wildlife police officers, which we are actively pursuing. The exercise should be done before the end of the year. However, to respond to the question regarding the urgency of the matter, my ministry took it seriously to employ what I would like to call, “honorary wildlife police officers.” For the purpose of the House, honorary wildlife police officers are not indeed, employees of the ministry. They are just volunteers and that is why we are targeting hon. Members of Parliament whose constituencies are near Game Management Areas (GMAs) to be part of the conservation team that will assist the (DNPW) to protect our citizens.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kamondo (Mufumbwe): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the statement he has given.

Madam Speaker, the little experience that some of us who grew up near these game reserves have is that, most of the time, the problem is the over population of elephants especially in Mufumbwe. The measures that were applied those days were to crop those animals. I want to find out from the hon. Minister whether the animals have increased in number or not. Is it the reason they are killing human beings? If so, does the hon. Minister not think that cropping is the only way we can try to minimise human-animal conflict?

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Mufumbwe for that timely question. Indeed, I can confirm with him that the population of elephants within the region has increased over the years. Some of them are coming back to Zambia owing to the fact that the United Party for National Development (UPND) is in the Government.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, in any case, we are in discussion with our colleagues across the region. The region I am talking about is the Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) region, which is popularly known as the rain states. KAZA involves Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola and Namibia. So, the discussion that we are having within the region is to first ascertain the number of elephants that are within the region before we get into cropping them. By virtue of these elephants being migratory, it is very difficult for Zambia to make a unilateral decision of cropping. The cropping decision will have to be done by member states within the KAZA region. That issue is actively on our radar and within a shortest possible time. Most likely, within the year, we should be able to come back to the House to advise the nation on how many elephants are going to be cropped after having made a decision through the KAZA Secretariat.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr E. Tembo (Feira): Madam Speaker, indeed, there is an impression created out there that the United Party for National Development (UPND) actually favours animals to the detriment of human life. I want the hon. Minister to confirm what the position is, between human life and wildlife. Which one is more important to the Government?

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I think it is no brainer that the UPND Government in its fabric, does value human life more than an animal. So, I am not sure how one would actually suggest that this Government favours animals as opposed to humans when actually humans are the ones who elected us to run this Government.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Opposition Member: Animal Farm!

Madam Speaker: Order!

Please, remember the homework on Standing Order 204.

Eng. Mabenga (Mulobezi): Madam Speaker, I just want to find out from the hon. Minister whether there are plans to compensate the people who have lost their relatives through human-animal conflict. If so, when is that compensation going to be done?

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, our current dispensation does not have any compensation law on human-wildlife conflict per se. However, as the Government and the Ministry of Tourism, we are not sitting idle. We already have a team from the DNPW that is doing a baseline study within the region with regards to what is obtaining in the region in terms of compensation.

Madam, we have gone further, to engage Her Honour the Vice-President’s Office through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) to see how we can create legislation that will speak to compensation with regard to human-wildlife conflict. There are a number of issues that need to be interrogated. Obviously, first things first, we need to look at the Treasury to see if we have enough resources to compensate. We also need to look at avenues on how we are going to identify people who will be legally compensated in the event that there is human-wildlife conflict. That indeed, is on our cards and we will definitely get back to the hon. Member as soon as we conclude.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has indicated in his statement that on one hand, there is human encroachment in Game Management Areas (GMAs) and game parks. On the other hand, animals are evading human sentiments. The hon. Minister has confirmed that the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government respects human beings more than animals. How does the Government intend to create a balance between the two poles in terms of population increase of human beings and that of animals? To clarify my question, does the Government intend to possibly degazette areas where human population has increased or depopulate the population of animals either by taking them somewhere else to provide space for human beings?

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, firstly, if the hon. Member paid attention to my ministerial statement, I said that one reason these animals are leaving their habitats and going into the villages is purely because our citizens have incessantly cut down trees in that natural habitat. A classic case is that of Chama in North Luangwa, where we have seen incredible logging. These elephants like to eat from the trees, but if there are no trees in those GMAs, they will definitely go to the areas where people are living. The hon. Members in North Luangwa should encourage their people to stop logging.

Madam, secondly, in terms of degazetting, the Government is not considering degazetting any GMA. However, like I mentioned in the ministerial statement, we have other avenues in which money can be made. We have records of a lot of money that is being given in these particular GMAs but it seems not to be cascaded to the very communities that need to receive it. So, my ministry is in the process of doing an extensive audit, especially on the GMAs which are collecting carbon.

Madam Speaker, we heard, it is on record and it is factual that certain GMAs are collecting in excess of K10 million every year on carbon trading, but we are not seeing where that money is going. That is the reason we want to move in and make sure that the K10 million that is received in those GMAs goes to equip those communities so that they find other alternative sources of livelihood other than growing crops.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Andeleki (Katombola): Madam Speaker, in my constituency, on average, I lose two or three people in Mukuni area every year, particularly to elephants. Does this Government have any plans to fence these Game Management Areas (GMAs) like the Serengeti National Park in Kenya?

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Katombola, my Siamese twin. Unfortunately, the Ministry of Tourism is not considering fencing any of these particular GMAs. What we want to be seeing in most of these GMAs is the free flow of animals from one end to another, looking for water and food, and some of them for hunting. However, we want to keep our national parks as pristine as we possibly can.

Madam, the examples that he has cited of certain countries that I will not rename have become like a theme park. As such, that is how we are going to differentiate our wildlife in the region with respect to having a park that will have wild animals rather than being in a fenced area which will look like a zoo. What we have in Zambia is pristine or a national park, and not a theme park. We are very careful about having to fence off any area around it.

Madam Speaker, the only fencing we can allow is for individuals who can create game parks or rather, what we call game farms. I know a number of hon. Members of Parliament in here who have game farms. I will not name them but I think it is something we would like to encourage so that we will be able to get some of the animals in the park and put them on their game farms.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Stop the clock.

Hon. Members, when I said there is marking, it is actually serious. We are doing a continuous assessment. As you may be aware, there is an award under the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) for the most inspiring hon. Member of Parliament. So, as you conduct yourselves in this House, just be aware that there is that consideration.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North): Madam Speaker, indeed, human-animal conflict has been on the rise both in Chama North and Chama South, and also in all Game Management Areas (GMA) throughout the country. We have lost a lot of people and crops. There is a perception from the local community that the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) has not been responding promptly when cases of human-animal conflict have been reported but when they hear a story that someone has killed an animal, they respond at the speed of lightning, which is very unfortunate.

Madam, the hon. Minister has indicated that they were will employ 340 wildlife officers. We are happy with that but the concern from the people of Chama is that the people who have been helping the wildlife officers are volunteers and they may not have Grade 12 certificates or the five O-levels. What is the Government doing to ensure that even those who do not have Grade 12 school certificates are considered because some have been working for more than fifteen years?

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, indeed, we are going to recruit wildlife police officers before the end of the year, like I mentioned in the ministerial statement. Further, I just want to put it on record that our recruitment would give preference to those who have been working as community scouts in those particular regions where we are going to employ from, purely because it will save us a lot of time in terms of training for us to get new people from one end to the other.

Madam, however, that does not meant we are also going to recruit other people who are not part of the community scouts in the sense that along the way – We have discovered that a number of our wildlife police officers in the department have reached an advanced age and are due for retirement. So, that in itself, will create more opportunities for people to be promoted as well as more space for other people to be employed.

Madam, to answer his question regarding qualifications, the Public Service Management Division (PSMD) will have to guide on how we can waive certain qualifications for those people on account of experience. It is something that can be discussed.

Madam Speaker, I would like to use this opportunity to encourage your hon. Members under the Zambia Parliamentary Conservation Caucus (ZPCC) to be very agile with respect to us having to employ these people. We have deliberately singled out ZPCC in this House to make sure that as we employ our wildlife police officers, the Members of ZPCC are also spearheading conservation within those protected areas that seem to be a bit of a challenge at the moment.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mutinta (Itezhi-tezhi): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the assurances on how we are going manage the challenges we are facing in our communities.

Madam, my question will be around the village scouts. I just want to be educated. What are the boundaries for the village scouts? Are they supposed to go in the national parks or they are just supposed to be around protecting the people in the community? If they go in the national park and a scout be killed, do their families qualify to be compensated? The contract that I have for one of them here, shows that there is no provision for any compensation. They are just supposed to be working in the community and not in the national parks. I want that clarified.

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, let me use this opportunity to enlighten the House that the village scouts are not recruited by the Ministry of Tourism via the DNPW. The village scouts are recruited under the Community Resource Boards (CRBs) in those respective GMAs that we have. The contract between the village scouts and the CRB is what is legal, unlike what has been perceived, where people feel the DNPW employs the village scouts.

The only thing that the DNPW does is to facilitate for training for those particular village scouts who are brought to our attention to be trained.

Madam Speaker, the House will agree with me that wildlife management is a specialised skill. So, we need to train people on how to handle firearms. We need to train people on how to run away from a lion, leopard, elephant, warthog and hippo. So, it is very important that my team trains those village scouts.

Madam Speaker, in terms of compensation, I may not be privy to the details of the contracts that the village scouts and the CRB signed but, we will be able superintend over the training of those particular village scouts.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mutale (Chitambo): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister had invited hon. Members of Parliament to apply as honorary wildlife police officers. He brought forms and we filled them in. Unfortunately, from the time we filled in those forms, the hon. Minister has gone quiet. May he kindly explain to us, who are very much interested in doing this work, when the ministry is going to conduct training? Can the hon. Minister also put a clear roadmap so that we know what is happening. These things are happening everyday and I do not want to bring in issues of Chitambo, in Kasanka National Park, where people are fighting with elephants every day.

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I just want to mention that two days ago, Hon. Tambatamba and I were in Chitambo District to check on the development that is going on in that area. It was not really pleasing what we found there. However, in any case, we will support the area Member of Parliament for Chitambo to see that Kasanka National Park and indeed, the GMA around it are supported. 

Madam Speaker, to answer the question regarding when they will be given a road map, my office has actually indicated and formally written to the Zambian Parliamentary Conservation Caucus (ZPCC) for a meeting with the ministry so that they come and get oriented on how to become honorary wildlife police officers. We have received ninety-one applications so far. The date of this big meeting is 5th October, 2022, where I am going to meet all the Parliamentarians, who have opted to join this noble cause of wildlife conservation, to be oriented. Yes, we will give them uniforms and firearms.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, we are just hoping that the firearms we are going to give them will not be used for other illegal issues.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Rev. Katuta: On a point of Order, Madam

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised

Rev. Katuta: Madam Speaker, I am sorry, I left my tablet at home. That is why I am using the Bosch.

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister of Tourism in order to mention that he is going to give firearms to the hon. Members of Parliament who will become honorary wildlife police officers without checking their mental status?

Madam Speaker, I would like to know.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Order!

Is the hon. Member of Parliament for Chienge suggesting that there are hon. Members who need to be checked? I am sure there is a procedure that will be followed. The only worry is if we will be substituting poachers. Otherwise, there will be a procedure that will be followed.

I believe the hon. Member of Parliament for Chitambo was complaining that the hon. Minister visited his constituency but he did not invite him. Please, next time, when you do, invite hon. Members of Parliament so that they become part and parcel of the process.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Order! Let us make progress.

POLITICAL VIOLENCE DURING THE LUANGWA COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON BY-ELECTIONS

The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security (Mr Mwiimbu): Madam Speaker, let me thank you for giving me an opportunity to make a ministerial statement on the matter of urgent public importance raised by the hon. Member of Parliament for Chama South, Mr Davison Mung’andu, regarding the political violence allegedly perpetuated by political party cadres before, during and after the Luangwa Council Chairperson by- elections.

Madam Speaker, let me being by reiterating that the position of the New Dawn Administration on violence has reminded the some, and will not change. The New Dawn Administration, under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia abhors violence. Regardless of the sources and form, violence is a vice which should be condemned by all peace loving Zambians. Through violence properties are destroyed, innocent lives are lost, and citizens are robed of an opportunity to enjoy freedoms and liberties.

Madam Speaker, the Government has noted with great concern that during the just ended by- elections in Luangwa, cases of violence allegedly instigated by political party cadres were recorded in some parts of the district. Let me address the specific incidences of violence recorded in Luangwa District during the recently held Local Government by-elections.

Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, 14th September, 2022, the night before the day of the council by-elections, Luangwa Police Station received a report of malicious damage to property from the United Party for National Development (UPND), District Youth Chairperson in which suspected Socialist Party cadres maliciously damaged a Ford Ranger motor vehicle, Registration Number BAA 2217. The damage was estimated at K55,000. The incident occurred on Wednesday 14th September, 2022, at around 2100 hours in Mphwazi Ward in Luangwa District.

Madam Speaker, the brief facts of the matter are that suspected Socialist Party cadres were using a Land Cruiser, Registration Number ALT 3929 and a Toyota Prado, Registration Number AJD 8777, maliciously malicious damage the Ford Ranger motor vehicle, Registration Number BAA 2217. The police instituted investigations and have since arrested six suspects and impounded the two motor vehicles allegedly used by the suspects. The suspect have all been charged for the offence of causing malicious damage to property and placed on police bond. They will appear in court soon.

Madam Speaker, on Thursday, 15th September, 2002, Luangwa Police Station received reports of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and malicious damage to property from Hon. Emmanuel Tembo, Member of Parliament for Feira Constituency, who reported that suspected UPND cadres had assaulted him using fists and iron bars, causing him to sustain a painful neck, headache and general body pains.    

Hon. Emmanuel Tembo also reported that the same suspected UPND cadres maliciously damaged two windows of his motor vehicle valued at K20,000. The incidences occurred on Thursday, 15th September, 2022 around 1400 hours at Limbikani Village in Katondwe, Luangwa District. The Zambia Police Service has since instituted investigations into the matter, but no arrests have been made so far.

Madam Speaker, in another incident, on Friday, 16th September, 2022, Luangwa Police Station received a report of endangering life of a person travelling on a motor vehicle, in which a female victim aged nineteen of Soweto Compound in Luangwa, reported that she sustained a cut on the head after she was hit with a stone whilst on board a moving vehicle. The incident occurred on Friday, 16th September, 2022 around 1830 hours along Great East Road. The brief facts are that the victim, who is a Patriotic Front (PF) sympathiser, was on a moving lorry celebrating the election victory with other PF members, when suspected UPND cadres from a Toyota minibus started throwing stones at them at Luangwa Secondary School. One stone hit the victim on the head, causing her to sustain a cut on the head. The Zambia Police Service has since instituted investigations into the matter, but no arrests have been made.

Madam Speaker, we all know that since independence, Zambia has enjoyed peace and tranquillity. Our country has never had a civil war and is viewed as a beacon of peace on the continent of Africa. Zambia has avoided the kind of political violence that has inundated many countries in Africa. The safety and security of all citizens across the country is a priority for the New Dawn Administration, and all forms of violence cannot be condoned. We shall ensure that we continue exploring all avenues to ensure that there is good governance. Without peace and order being a precondition for national development, our social, economic and political ambitions would become illusive and impossible to accomplish. The peace that Zambia is enjoying cannot be taken for granted.

Madam Speaker, to prevent political violence, especially before, during, and after elections, the Zambia Police Service is implementing the following measures:

  1. encouraging interest groups and political parties to participate in the electoral conflict management committee meetings;
  2. enhancing cooperation and understanding among members of the public, leaders of political parties as well as their party cadres;
  3. enhancing crowd management control particularly during by-elections;
  4. discouraging political parties from ferrying cadres to areas where there are by-elections;
  5. engaging and encouraging stakeholders on the importance of unity regardless of political, religious, and ethnic grouping to avoid loss of life and damage to property; and
  6. sensitising the general public on the importance of upholding law and order.

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, let me remind all political party players that the democracy Zambia is enjoying today comes with a high sense of responsibility prescribed in our statutes. It is, therefore, important that individuals, various interest groups, and political parties are peaceful and tolerant to different opinions and above all, respect the rule of law. The bedrock of democracy is the competition of different ideologies but not physical confrontations. I urge all political players to compete on ideas to contribute towards the development of our beloved country.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

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

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Madam Speaker, I want to appreciate the hon. Minister for that statement and obviously, I like his tone, and I think that his Government needs to be supported to maintain peace in this our beloved country.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister may recall that when the Patriotic Front (PF) party was in the Government, every violent activity, whether it was political or otherwise, the PF leadership was blamed for causing the violence, and President Edgar Lungu then, was cast in bad light. If it is indeed, true that leadership is to blame for political violence, given the number of violent activities the hon. Minister has highlighted in only one by-election, to what extent does he blame the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government and its leadership for failing to maintain peace in the Luangwa, is it mayoral by-election?

Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Speaker, unlike the Patriotic Front (PF) Government at the time when it was managing the affairs of the nation, where it allowed with impunity, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisations (NATO) and American Forces, and forces that have descriptions of anarchy in this country, we as the UPND have not condoned such vices. They may have noted that from the time we assumed authority, a number of our cadres who were accused of being violent have been caged and they are serving their sentences, unlike during the days of the PF when members of the public were being maimed with impunity and the perpetrators were being allowed even to feature on the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) to threaten individuals, and nothing was done.

Hon Government Members: Shame!

Mr Mwiimbu: For us, we have taken the lead, and here it is. On the Floor of this House, I have mentioned without being shy that there are allegations that our members were involved in the violence in Luangwa, unlike in the past. In the past, you would not have done that. You would have been accusing the victims that they were the ones who were perpetrating violence. So, we are not doing that. I am not going to blame the UPND Government because we have taken measures to ensure that peace and tranquillity remain.

Madam Speaker, I want to mention that prior to these isolated incidents in Luangwa, the entire period of campaigns in Luangwa was peaceful. The whole trend of violence was occasioned by the first attacks on the UPND as I indicated. Then, there was a chain reaction which we should not allow to happen.

Mr Sampa: It was the other way round.

Mr Mwiimbu: No! I have indicated here.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Matero, do we need to repeat ourselves? Please, comply with Standing Order No. 204. You cannot debate while you are seated.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Madam Speaker, thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to pose a question to the hon. Minister. I stand here as his predecessor and if there is one issue that goes in my regret box, is that one matter of violence. The hon. Minster will recall that I had to reduce myself to go to their Secretariat to have a cup of coffee with the youths. They had to come to –

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Please, what I have said about Standing Orders No. 204 applies to both sides of the House (right and left). Let us comply. Hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, you may proceed.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, we had those exchange visits between the two parties to try and deal with matters of violence. If there is an area I would have done more, is this one area. The measures the hon. Minister has spoken to are the same measures I spoke to here. This is a matter that does not require a blame game. The report we had and the report he should have is that the first incident of violence was an attack of the Socialist Party members whose vehicle, Registration Number BAB 9843, was damaged in the night. The following day, there was a reiteration from the Socialist Party on the United Party for National Development (UPND) camp. However, like I have said, this is a matter that does not require a blame game. We have seen a group of youths from his party who are gathering – If you go the platforms and the –

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, please, ask your question. This is not the time to rebut what the hon. Minister –

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, I am not rebutting. I had a privilege to serve in the same office the hon. Minister is serving and when I say these things, I want us to find a lasting solution.

Madam Speaker: Order!

If the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu is serious about bringing a lasting solution to this matter, he should engage the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security than to try to rebut what he was saying. This is a time when we are asking points of clarifications not to debate. May the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, who is supposed to be sitting now as I am talking, ask a point of clarification. May he continue.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, we had similar incidents which were reported when the campaigns began in Ndola. What measures is the hon. Minister putting in place to ensure that the incidents we recorded in Luangwa do not replicate themselves in the two pending by-elections on the Copperbelt?

Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu heard me very clearly that as a party in the Government, we do not condone violence of any nature. I did mention that we will not allow violence during, after, or even before elections. We shall ensure that there is no violence on the Copperbelt when we will have the by-elections in Kwacha and Kabushi constituencies.

Madam Speaker, I will further request that all the players in those particular by-elections co-operate and ensure that there is no violence. There is a benefit on the part of the country if there is no violence in all the by-elections. As I indicated, in the previous by-elections, we lost lives and properties were destroyed. We will not want that to continue. We will not want violence to tarnish the good image of the country. It is the responsibility of all of us here to ensure that we cage our cadres so that they do not engage in violence.

Madam Speaker, I did mention that as a party in Government, we have not just merely made pronouncement but we have also caged some of our own members who have been involved in violence. I also want to state that political party cadres mutate. Those who were in the Patriotic Front (PF) causing violence during its reign have now changed colour. They have now joined us (UPND). There are some of those who were causing unwarranted disturbances in the party. Some have moved. We note that even the Socialist Party was involved in the violence in Luangwa. It is because their numbers are dwindling; they are joining the Socialist Party and are causing violence in that political party. So, we should all be responsible and ensure that there is no violence in these by-elections.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kamondo (Mufumbwe): Madam Speaker, sometimes, I tend to wonder. As hon. Members in this honourable House, we argue and differ, but at no time do we tend to fight.

Madam Speaker, does the hon. Minister not think that hon. Members in this House need to do more in terms of talking to cadres because they belong to their constituencies? What measures is the hon. Minister going to put in place to make sure that cadres who move from certain areas to those where by-elections are being held are controlled by hon. Members of Parliament? I feel that hon. Members of Parliament have a lot to do as well.

Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Speaker, I want to state that one of the major contributing facts pertaining to violence in our political parties is the failure on the part of political parties to instil disciple in their members.

Madam Speaker, I can assure you that very few hon. Members of Parliament here can control their cadres. If we do not control cadres, we will reach a situation where the cadres will reign supreme and rack havoc in this country. Indiscipline is very rife in a number of political parties. It is therefore, incumbent upon the political party leadership to instil discipline. It is not unusual where one will hear a leader of a political party making a pronouncement pertaining to the indiscipline in a political party and cadres will raise against that political party leader. That is very common.

Madam Speaker, unless we do something about it, we will lose control. I agree, we need to do something more. I hope that all of us have agreed that we have a responsibility to ensure that there is discipline in our political party ranks.

Madam Speaker, at one time, I do recall, without embarrassing my hon. Colleague, the former hon. Minister of Home Affairs that he made a statement condemning violence, and an hour later, his party cadres had a press briefing ...

Mr Nkandu: Imagine!

Laughter

Mr Mwiimbu:  ... and they condemned him. They made pronouncements that they will ensure that his life will be made difficult and it happened. They made his life difficult. That is the indiscipline we are talking about.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Rev. Katuta (Chienge): Madam Speaker, if we were in court, I would use the term “without prejudice”. The hon. Minister has done well just like his predecessor.  When it comes to work, he is non-partisan. Well-done!

Madam Speaker, recently, one of the leaders in the Ruling Party made a political statement on the Copperbelt and said, “We will unleash violence on Bowman, if he comes to stand”. The Zambians would like to know what the stance of the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security is on that statement.

Madam Speaker: The hon. Minister will now have to repeat himself.

Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Speaker, I did indicate that as the Government, we abhor violence and we shall not condone anyone who will be condoning violence in any form in this country. Whether one is a leader in the Government or party, we shall not allow one to perpetuate violence. That is the statement I have made. As for the specific comment that she has raised, I am not aware of it.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mumba (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, indeed, in the 21st Century, we cannot have behaviours of violence that threaten economic development and the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The issue of violence always occurs in these by-elections and the hon. Minister has outlined measures that the Government has taken in the last one year and, indeed, we have seen improvements.

Madam Speaker, cadres do not just wake up and start doing all those things that cause this violence. How well-equipped is the ministry to identify when these thoughts and plans are starting to take place, so that we totally avoid this violence? As I have said, this violence has the potential of sending away investors and causing our economy not to grow.

Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Speaker, as I indicated earlier, the police alone cannot manage to control violence before, during, and after by-elections. It is the responsibility of all of us as leaders to ensure that there is peace and tranquillity before, during, and after by-elections.

Further, Madam Speaker, the police has no capacity at the moment to monitor all areas where there are by-elections due to limited resources. Madam Speaker, you will recall that on a number of occasions, I have made pronouncements on the Floor of this House that we need support to ensure that we buy vehicles for all constituencies. This will enable our officers to police, not just by-elections, but general situations that obtain in our constituencies. Once we have the requisite resources, we shall ensure that we monitor criminal elements and activities in the constituencies and all the areas of our jurisdiction.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Madam Speaker, I was in Luangwa and I observed that if violence is unleashed, you automatically lose that election. I want to tell the House that maybe, 80 per cent of the Patriotic Front (PF)’s loss during the General Election was attributed to violence.

Hon. UPND Members: Correct!

Interruptions

Mr Mung’andu: It is unfortunate that you want to take that route. I want to advise you to stop the violence immediately.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Chama South, what is the point of clarification?

Mr Mung’andu: My point of clarification is that the people who were involved in violence in Luangwa are those who came from Lusaka. They are well-known individuals and people reported them to the police in Luangwa. When are those investigations being concluded, so that the Ruling Party members who were involved are arrested? That is the only way the people will see the difference.

Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Speaker, there are no UPND cadres who were involved. There are only those who were alleged to be UPND members. There is a difference. There was a report that was made alleging that UPND members were involved. It has not been proved. So, even in my report, I am not saying that the Socialist Party or PF members were involved. I am saying alleged Socialist Party members were involved because it has not been proved in a court of law.

Therefore, Madam Speaker, I cannot stand here and say UPND members were involved. I did mention that cadres mutate and we know that in these by-elections, if you want to cause violence and you are UPND, you wear PF regalia. If you are PF, you wear UPND regalia ...

Mr Lufuma: Correct.

Mr Mwiimbu: ... so that it is the other political party that is blamed.

Madam Speaker, in this case, there is no proof that UPND was involved. There is no proof that the Socialist Party was involved. There are only allegations. Even those individuals he is mentioning, as far as I am concerned, I do not know them. This is the official report I am giving.

Madam Speaker, if there are members of the public who have got specific names and allegations, they should report the matters to the police As far as I am concerned, however, there has not been any report of named individuals being involved in the violence in Luangwa, apart from the allegations that have been made.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: I am adding five more minutes, but, hon. Members, please let us not repeat the questions. Let us be precise and to the point when asking the points of clarification.

Mr Munsanje (Mbabala): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security for the wonderful statement.

Madam Speaker, the United Party for National Development (UPND) has upped the game on ensuring democracy, diversity and tolerance in this country as witnessed by the various tours of His Excellency the President, where he is even posing with Patriotic Front (PF) cadres and nothing happens to them. Taking a comparative analysis, we saw that in Kabushi, it was all peaceful. There was no violence –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member, be precise to the point. You are taking almost one minute to ask a question.

Mr Munsanje: Madam Speaker, my question is: Following the admission by Hon. Mung’andu here about the violence of PF, could the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security confirm that the presence of PF in Luangwa was the cause of this violence?

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Speaker, well, I will not confirm that. All I can say is that PF members were participants in the elections. If they participated in the violence, I cannot confirm that.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

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

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Lunte, you have a point of order. What is the point of order? However, we wanted to give hon. Members as much time as possible to ask questions. You have asked your question, so we will do away with your point of order. I am sure it is something that we can live with.

Mr Chitotela (Pambashe): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister clearly stated that the police moved swiftly and arrested the alleged Socialist Party members. However, why are the police dragging their feet to arrest the alleged United Party for National Development (UPND) Members?

Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Speaker, the police have not arrested any alleged UPND members because they were not identified and that is why we are still investigating.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Tayengwa (Kabwata): Madam Speaker, I thank you for giving the good people of Kabwata a chance to ask a question. As I stand here, I can testify that I was a victim of violence in 2016. I was almost killed by the Patriotic Front (PF) thugs who came and attacked our camp right in Kabwata.

Madam Speaker, I just want to find out from the hon. Minister whether he is in a position to give us statistics of how many people could have been injured during the violence that happened between the period of 2016 and 2021, and the people who could have died due to the political violence that was perpetrated around that time.

Interruptions 

Madam Speaker: That question is too wide, I do not think the hon. Minister will be in a position to answer the question. You can put a specific question in that regard.

Mr Sampa (Matero): Madam Speaker, you are very kind. The hon. Minister’s statement was good. The truth hon. Minister, is that we had a “Boko Haram” situation. I am a survivor of that political violence. There were three vehicles there and one of them was a 4 x 4 with tinted windows and an unknown number plate which was being driven around. At the back, there were youths. We had to pack our cars and use taxis.

Madam Speaker: Ask your point of clarification, hon. Member.

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, on our way back, we saw these vehicles with Government Republic of Zambia (GRZ) number plates. I am a survivor of political violence because I was stabbed in Matero. It is just that I cannot put myself as evidence on the Table. Otherwise, I have a big cut behind. The people who did this were arrested, taken to court but that matter died a natural death a year later. What guarantee is the hon. Minister going to give us that the people who were arrested in Luangwa, will be taken to court until the matter is concluded? 

The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security (Mr Mwiimbu): Madam Speaker, I neither have the jurisdiction over the Judiciary, nor do I have the jurisdiction over the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP)’s office, which has the mandate to prosecute. Our responsibility is to investigate and take matters to court. Once the matter is taken to court, we become witnesses in those matters.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: The hon. Member for Lundazi will give a bonus question.

Mr E. Tembo rose.

Madam Speaker: Order! Hon. Member for Feira, I did not recognise you. I called on the hon. Member for Lundazi.

Ms Nyirenda (Lundazi): Madam Speaker, I thank you for giving the people of Lundazi a chance to ask the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, this important question.

Madam Speaker, behaviour is only likely to repeat itself if it is rewarding. None of our children have ever been cited to for violence and yet, we are here and we are hon. Members and there are mayors out there. Can we not come up with a law to ensure that those people who are participating in the by-elections, if there is violence in that by-election, then their seats will be nullified and they will never to appear on the ballot again?

Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Speaker, I am very happy that the hon. Member of Parliament for Lundazi has raised this issue. You are aware that this issue is topical, where members of the public have been questioning us as a nation as to why we are allowing people who have been condemned in court for having caused violence in by-elections, and their by-elections were nullified, to stand again.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Speaker, it is a moral and legal issue.  It is incubate upon us to ensure that we come up with laws that are very clear that those who are found wanting in terms of corruption during by-elections, should not stand. We should not be rewarding anyone who is found wanting during by-elections. Your election is nullified because you were violent and then you are allowed to stand so that you can continue with your violence, ...

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: ...we should not allow that.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

We can only call so many hon. Members to ask questions but when hon. Members ask long-winded questions, others will not have that opportunity. Hon. Member for Feira, you were complaining that you are the one who asked this question –

Mr E. Tembo rose.

Madam Speaker: No, I have not called upon you. It was the hon. Member for Chama South who brought up this matter. You were given an opportunity hon. Member for Feira, to ask a question. Each hon. Member is entitled to ask one question only. Unfortunately, we have run out of time. Let us make progress.

Mr E. Tembo rose.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Let us hear him. Just ask a point of clarification. No giving evidence or an account of what happened.

Mr E. Tembo: Madam Speaker, I thank you for your understanding. Indeed, I thank the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security for the assurances that he has made.

Madam Speaker, firstly, I want to state that the United Party for National Development (UPND) culprits who perpetrate violence are well-known. There are over ten incidents that have occurred and the names of the culprits are there. They have said that them being in Government, the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security is protecting them, and true to their word, they have not been arrested. There is the District Chairman for Luangwa and the Provincial Youth Chairman –

Madam Speaker: Now, you are giving evidence, hon. Member. What is your point of clarification?

Mr E. Tembo: Can the hon. Minister confirm whether it is true or not that he is actually protecting these perpetrators of violence as it has been alleged? He is in here, and for his own information, the people who attacked me are known and the names are with the police but the police are scared of moving because the hon. Minister is protecting them as they allege.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Speaker, the rules of this House are very clear. When you have an interest to serve, you must declare it, but the hon. Member did not declare it. Now, I am going to respond. The hon. Colleague is a suspect ...

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: ... in the violence in Luangwa.

Hon. Government Members: Shame!

Mr Mwiimbu: Investigations are going on and I will have no right to protect him or anyone who is involved in this matter because he is a suspect. He has brought his reputation in question here. He should not have brought that issue here.

Interruptions

Mr E. Tembo rose and started responding to the Hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security.

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Feira! That is unbecoming of you as a hon. Member of Parliament. Hon. Member for Feira, I will not take that from you. Please, observe the rules and the standing orders. You will not stand there and start exchanging words with the hon. Minister when you have asked your question. He is answering your question. Let us have order. For that reason, I am moving on because I am not going to have this. That is why I wanted to move on earlier. If a subject is going to cause anarchy in the House, I will not allow it. There will be no points of order.

_______

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

INTRODUCTION OF MONTHLY SALARIES FOR COUNCILORS

38.  Mr P. Phiri (Mkaika): Asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development:

  1. whether the Government has any plans to introduce monthly salaries for       councilors; 
  2. if so, when the plans will be implemented; and
  3. if there are no such plans, why.        

       The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Nkombo): Madam Speaker, allow me to compose myself from the trauma that I have just suffered arising from the expressions from the hon. Member of Parliament for Feira.

Hon. PF Members: Ah!

Mr Nkombo: I will do my best to answer the question from Hon. P. Phiri, Member of Parliament for Mkaika Constituency.

Mr E. Tembo left the Assembly Chamber.

Madam Speaker: Order!

Where is the hon. Member for Mkaika going? After I said “order” and guided the House, he is walking out of the House?

Mr P. Phiri: I am here, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Sorry, not Mkaika but Feira.

Interruptions

Hon. Government Member: Let him go; he is a suspect.

Madam Speaker: May the hon. Minister continue.

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, probably, you are also traumatised by the behaviour of the man who just walked out.

Madam Speaker: Definitely! That is why I had to move on because ...

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: ... that kind of behaviour –

Mr Nkombo: To mistake a decent human being from Mkaika for the one who exhibited traits of violence just now –

Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Government has no immediate plans to introduce salaries for councillors.

Madam Speaker, as alluded to at part (a) of the answer, that the Government has no plans to introduce salaries for councillors. It therefore, goes without saying that part (b) of the question falls off.

Madam Speaker, councillors have a part-time role in civic leadership. Therefore, they are not entitled to getting a salary in accordance with Section 28 of the Local Government Act, No.2 of 2019, which reads:

         “A councillor shall be paid allowances as determined by the Emoluments Commission”.

Therefore, it goes without saying, Madam Speaker, that until such a time that the law changes, it will be against the existing law to introduce salaries for our colleagues, the councillors.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mung’andu: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mung’andu: Madam Speaker, indeed, I have a serious point of order in pursuant to our Standing Order No. 65, which says that the information provided on the Floor of this House should not only be factual but verifiable as well.

Madam Speaker, I am very saddened by what has happened in the House. I am raising this point of order on the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, whom we expect to ...

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member –

Mr Mung’andu: ... provide leadership.

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Chama South.

Let me just curtail you. That item has already been closed because of its emotive nature.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: May you resume your seat.

Mr Mung’andu resumed his seat.

Mr Munsanje: Sit down!

Madam Speaker: Due to the nature of emotions that erupted after I allowed the hon. Member for Feira to ask a question, I decided to move on and close that item. So, no point of order can arise after I have closed the matter. Actually, the hon. Member for Feira will need to apologise to this honourable House for the outburst that he made after I used my discretion to allow him ask a question. I guided him not to give evidence but to ask a question on a point of clarification. Now, it shows who is a violent person in this circumstance, with that kind of behaviour.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Yes! So, he should come and apologise to this hon. House. We do not tolerate emotions here. We all have emotions but we have to control and check them.

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has said that according to the law, councillors can only receive allowances and that the Emoluments Commission has been operationalised through the Emoluments Commission Act. Is the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development considering increasing the volume of allowances that councillors receive from the current K3,000 to something higher, especially that price of commodities are now high? Councillors are human beings who live in the same Zambia where we have challenges in essential commodity prices. So, within the parameters of the law, is the ministry considering increasing the current allowance, since it is not a salary, by using the Emoluments Commission?

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, I wish the hon. Member would cite the law that he is referring to as the parameters of the law that allows for revision of an allowance for the councillors, the way I quoted the law that provides for councillors to get allowances. I think, in my view, I was absolutely clear that we need to come here and change the law in order to provide for what the intention of the hon. Member of Parliament for Mkaika may have been. The issue of the volumes of how much the councillors are getting, I want to confirm here and now that this has been an ongoing conversation with the councillors through their representation from the Local Government Association of Zambia which, by the way, is chaired by my own Mayor for Mazabuka, hon. Vincent Lilanda. We have been talking although we have not cast any figures into concrete.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Wamunyima (Nalolo): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for his answer. Has the ministry done any benchmarking with regards to councillors in other jurisdictions? When the hon. Minister talks about it as a part time job, does he have any immediate intention to bring to this House proposals to amend that law? I say this because councillors, other than sitting in the council where they pass by-laws, have a permanent responsibility to be representatives of people in their respective wards. In summarising my question, does the hon. Minister have a specific intention to amend this law considering that other jurisdictions in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region consider these people as full time representatives of their people?

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, yes, I can confirm that we have done some benchmarking exercise to do comparisons of what other councillors in other jurisdictions are entitled to. What I said earlier on is that the current situation is bound into a statute. It is in the law. This House is charged with the responsibility of changing the law, safe to say that any change into the law that has monetary implications is something that must come through the Cabinet. As we are in the process of normalising the economy that was left in a serious malaise by those who were there before us, unfortunately, the fiscal space may be a bit too limited to venture into that at this present moment. However, the intention is there because we do realise that the cost of living sometimes gets a bit unbearable. Unbearable as it may be, it would have been nice for the hon. Member of Parliament for Nalolo to also understand what I said in my maiden answer that, by definition of the law, the role of a councillor is a part-time engagement.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1040 hours until 1100 hours.

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr P. Phiri: Madam Speaker, before Business was suspended, I wanted to know if the hon. Minister was aware that before the allowance for councilors was raised to K3,000 by the Patriotic Front (PF), councilors were getting about K300 to K400. Precedence was set and the hon. Minister can do the same by adjusting the amount for the councilors. These people really do face a lot of challenges and they are on the ground all the time. Does the hon. Minister not think that something can be done to up their dues?

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, let me thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Mkaika for asking that very important question and also, for citing the increment that was done by our colleagues in Patriotic Front (PF), from a paltry K300 to K3,000 per month, which was a commendable thing to do. I want to confirm here again that we have an ongoing conversation with the Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ), a structured body that looks at the interest of our representatives, who are the councilors. Let me also give the hon. Member of Parliament for Mkaika a bit more comfort. I have been advised by colleagues from PF that we should try as much as possible to move on and forget about the issue of PF. We wish we can forget about the issue of PF, but now that the hon. Member has raised it, let me just go through the motions. Yes, like the PF have done before, of over committing on expenditure, there are many times and instances where, even this K3,000 which they introduced, they failed to pay, and it is on record.

Madam Speaker, this Government is organised and it wants to work according to the appropriation of finances as approved by this House. I want to assure the House that once we log in the emolument for the councilors, we shall not fail to pay. The PF was failing to even meet the Local Authority Equalization Fund (LAEF). I want to put it to the hon. Member that ever since we took office, not a single month has gone past without us meeting the obligation of paying the LAEF.

Madam Speaker, let me give an example of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to the hon. Member of Parliament for Mkaika. It was only a paltry amount of K1.6 million but we went for two years, in certain cases, three years, for those of us who were in the Opposition without seeing that K1.6 million CDF. We have broadened it by size, extent and everything to K25.7 million and we have not defaulted not even by K1. That goes to show the hon. Member that when the President of this Republic, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, talks about the issue of being methodical and systematical, we do not want to look back and say we are failing to deliver what we committed. So, my massage to our colleagues, the councilors, who I am in constant contact with by virtue of the job that I was awarded, I want to tell them to give us time. In due course, when we stabilise this economy that was damaged by those who increased it and failed to pay, we shall all be good together.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chitotela (Pambashe): Madam Speaker, at the beginning of the answer, the hon. Minister said that councilors are part time civic leaders according to the law, to which we agree. Is the hon. Minister confirming that councilors are allowed by law to get permanent and pensionable employment, regardless of who the employer maybe?

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, that is another important question from our colleague from Pambashe. I must make a quick confession here that I am not very certain about the Government workers but I am very certain that those who are working in industry can double the role of being a councilor as well as an employee. I come from a constituency which has a big industry and I have two councilors who work for Zambia Sugar Ltd, and there is no conflict there. Where I think there may lie a conflict when we get a civil servant doubling into the role of a councilor, nurse, teacher or any Government paying job is that by its nature, a councilor is elected on a political ticket. This therefore goes without saying that there may be areas of conflict of interest in the execution of their duty, if they are employed in Government. That is my rational thinking but it is subject to be checked. I hope that my colleague has got my answer very clearly.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Munir Zulu (Lumezi): Madam Speaker, in his earlier answer, the hon. Minister cited the law. On the other hand, when it comes to the Constituency development Fund (CDF), the hon. Minister has decided to buy land cruisers against the wishes of the people and the law. Why can the hon. Minister not do the same with the councilors?

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, I actually must confess that I like this hon. Member of Parliament very much because he always creates a platform to provide some clarity.

Laughter

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, although this question is in the periphery, or maybe, he used it as an example, I will ride on the example that he has given to say that it is completely malicious for people to create a narrative that is related to the question that hon. Member of Parliament for Lumezi has asked. Since society can easily be gullible, people may want to ride on a balloon with hot air. Here is the fact. We are not about to abrogate the law where councilors are concerned, and we have not abrogated any law where the acquisition of these motor vehicles is concerned.

This hon. Minister who is on the Floor, Madam Speaker, was a witness summoned to the Committee that was constituted by you, and it was called an Ad Hoc Committee, which was charged with the responsibility of looking at streamlining and profiling the utilisation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). It was this Committee, in its wisdom, that represented all of us here with the exception of none, including Hon. Chilangwa, whom I am told raised a point of order on this subject yesterday, while I was in the village. It is this Committee that said that in the monitoring and evaluation of CDF projects, the office of the hon. Member of Parliament requires a brand new 4 × 4 motor vehicle.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, in the report that was read by the Chairman of the Committee, the Member of Parliament for Shiwang’andu, Hon. Steven Kampyongo, it was very clear and succinct that it was the desire of the representatives of the people through that Committee that communities needed to have the monitoring and evaluation equipment in the name of a motor vehicle.

Madam Speaker, part of the Committee’s request was that it wanted this motor vehicle to be stationed at the office of the hon. Member of Parliament. It also wanted the office of the Member of Parliament to be drawing a salary for a driver from the CDF. That came from the Committee that represented all of us. We took all that into consideration and I presented that matter before Cabinet.

Madam, anything coming from some of these distinguished Members, is the view, requirement, and desire of the people who voted for them. Therefore, it goes without saying that this was a community requirement. So, there was no law that was contrary to what some people have been coquetting out there in the media that Nkombo is buying vehicles. I am not buying no vehicle. So, there is no law that has been abrogated.

Madam Speaker, all the Cabinet did, and also, through the wisdom of His Excellence the President, by the way, was to say that hon. Members of Parliament are entitled to a motor vehicle loan, which they must pay back. The ordinary person on the street may not understand that that is a loan. To give an hon. Member of Parliament a second vehicle, which the ordinary person on the street would think that now, hon. Members of Parliament are entitled to two vehicles, will create animosity between society and the hon. Members of Parliament. As Cabinet, we agreed that the President was actually right. I came back to the Committee and explained that unfortunately, we could not have this vehicle stationed at the office of the Member of Parliament. It would instead go to the council which is the implementing agency or the secretariat of the Constituency Development Fund Committee.

Madam Speaker, as supplementary information, we also said that the way the PF was conducting itself in employing everyone and anyone, we also had many drivers in the councils who where just idling who were on the payroll. So, we said, where there were drivers, we could then second someone from the Council to be using that car. The hon. Members of Parliament through that Committee actually wanted to be driving those cars themselves, a matter, which would have caused consternation among our citizens.

So, there is a fundamental difference between the issue of the emoluments for the Councillors and the example that the hon. Member for Lumezi tried to bring in as an annexes to the situation at hand. The bottom line is that we are not about to abrogate any law. We shall not break any law, but I thank him for an oversight role because that is how it ought to be.

I thank you, Madam.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much. I can confirm that that is the position. Hon. Members wanted to buy motor vehicles and I think the only point of departure is who takes charge of those motor vehicles. I think that is where the problem is. However, in terms of hon. Members wanting those vehicles, I can confirm that they want them. They made presentations to me and I have been talking on their behalf.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Let us make progress

FUEL RESERVES COUNTRYWIDE

39. Ms Kasune (Keembe) (on behalf of Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central)) asked the Minister of Energy:

  1. how much fuel reserves the country had, as of February, 2022;
  2. whether there are any plans to increase the reserves at any given time; and
  3. if so, when the plans will be implemented.

The Minister of Energy (Mr Kapala): Madam Speaker, as at 28th February, 2022, the country had the following stocks in fuel reserves:

Product                      Quantities (litres)

Petrol                            1,200,000

Diesel                         23,000,000

Kerosene                        116,000

Jet Al                               27,000

Madam Speaker, yes, the Government has plans to increase fuel reserves and stocks in the country. In this regard, the Government has embarked on a program to construct bulk provincial fuel depots in order to increase in-country strategic petroleum reserves. So far, the Government has constructed the 6.5 million litre, Mansa Fuel Depot, 7 million litre, Chipata Fuel Depot and is currently constructing the 102 million litre, Lusaka Fuel Depot.

Madam Speaker, the plans are ongoing. I recently commissioned the strategic Chipata Fuel Depot and I anticipate commissioning the new Lusaka Fuel Depot in March 2023.

Madam Speaker, allow me to further, give additional information that is relevant to these questions.

Madam, the Government aims to maintain fuel reserves amounting to thirty stock days so as to satisfy the envisioned growth in demand given the projected increase in economic activities. The Government will require that all oil-marketing companies (OMCs) that will import petroleum products should hold inventory, as strategic reserve for a period of thirty days so as to ensure security of supply. The target is to build strategic reserves amounting to 99 million litres for diesel, 42 million litres of petrol, 3.6 million litres of kerosene and 2.5 million litres of Jet Al. By international standards, the recommended fuel reserve cover is six to ninety days, but Zambia is currently averaging around five to ten days.

Madam Speaker, the Government is currently constrained and unable to boost the reserves as it has focused on dismantling the over US$600 million debt owed to suppliers of fuel. It is our hope that as the macro-economic situation improves, and once we settle this debt, the Government will be able to increase the strategic fuel reserves to at least thirty days.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has indicated in his statement about constructing provincial fuel reserves for petroleum products. Does the Government have plans to build such fuel reserves, especially in rural areas that have problems with petroleum products, especially at district level?

Mr Kapala: Madam, I have stated that the Government is currently constrained. We need to dismantle this over US$600 million debt owed to OMCs. We will start looking at additional storage when this debt is cleared.

Madam, let me state this. When you look at the world trend now, electric cars are coming. So, it would not be prudent for this Government to invest more into storage tanks that might be defunct in the next twenty years.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, is it the new policy of the Government to abandon the construction of storage reserve tanks?

Madam Speaker: I do not know if the question is related. We are talking about fuel reserves and the hon. Minister has said that the Government plans on building some provincial bulk depots. So, I do not know if your question falls in this question that is being considered.

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister just stated that there are new electric vehicles coming on board and that there is in need to construct tanks which will have no use in the next twenty years. My question is very clear. Is it the policy of the Government that it will no longer construct reserve tanks as a result of that response which has been provided by the hon. Minister in charge of energy in the Republic of Zambia?

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, I think the hon. Member did not follow my statement correctly. What I said is that we would look at additional storage bearing in mind that soon, electric vehicles will be on the market and the consumption of these petroleum products would have reduced drastically. So, we do not see any prudence in spending more money in investing in structures that will be defunct within twenty years.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: I will allow to more questions so that we make progress.

Rev. Katuta (Chienge): Madam Speaker, since we have been reserving fuel in our country, why is it that the prices of fuel have been going up and down, when we have the fuel which was bought at a particular price?

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, I should mention that the Government has moved away from procuring petroleum products. All these petroleum products that are coming into the country are from the private sector. A few of it is contracted from Government contracted suppliers and as such, these prices tend to fluctuate depending on the international market. So, if you lose in one month, you might gain in the following month because you have already bought the product probably at a higher price.

Mr Mufalali (Nominated): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has just indicated that the reserves are between six to ten days. What strategic moves is he making in order to ensure that he meets the sixty days internationally accepted reserves, bearing in mind that he is saying the debt burden of US$600 million is what is hampering this progress? How is he bringing in the private sector?

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, the issue at hand here is the US$600 million. How do we increase reserves when we are constrained to spend on these storage facilities? If the Government restructured or refinanced this debt, then, we could be able to increase the storage facility to the thirty days that is required.

CONSTRUCTION OF CHAMA GENERAL HOSPITAL

40.  Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North) asked the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development:

(a)     why works on Phase III of the construction of Chama General Hospital have stalled;

(b)      when the works will resume;

(c)      what the cost of the outstanding works is; and

(d)     what the timeframe for the completion of the project is.

The Minister of Health (Mrs Masebo) (on behalf of the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development (Eng. Milupi)): The construction of Chama District Hospital Phase III has stalled due to the termination of the contract and also, inadequate funding.

Madam Speaker, the project will resume once the financial resources are made available by the Treasury. The works, to that effect, will be re-advertised for tender from which the best evaluated-bidder will be picked to complete the remaining works. The total cost of the outstanding works at the moment is K4.5 million. The time frame for completion is estimated between eight to twelve months.

I thank you, Madam.

Mr Mtayachalo: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has indicated that the contract was terminated and that the project has stalled due to inadequate funds. I want to bring to the attention of the hon. Minister that this project was commenced in the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) Government, during Dr Levy Mwanawasa’s Government. Under Phase III, there were supposed to be ten staff houses to be constructed, a children’s ward, water reticulation and landscaping.

Madam Speaker, I want to find out from the hon. Minister whether she has made a provision in the 2023 National Budget, so that this matter is sorted out as quickly as possible because it has taken too long for this project to be completed.

Mrs Masebo: Madam Speaker, indeed, it is correct to say this project has taken a long time considering that it commenced in January, 2013. You will note that this year, the Government gave a directive that it would only budget for projects that were at 80 per cent complete. This particular project, unfortunately, is at 70 per cent completion.

However, for 2023, depending on the policy that will be given by the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning when he articulates his Budget, end of September, we hope that this particular project will be considered and a new contractor will be engaged.

Madam Speaker, considering that at the time this project was terminated, it was at forty-two weeks, we are looking at the outstanding works which include the completion of the children’s ward  and paving. However, I wish to say that the contract had to be terminated because of none performance by the contractor. So, yes, we hope that in 2023, we will complete it.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

AMBULANCE FOR MWINILUNGA DISTRCIT HOSPITAL

41.  Mr Samakayi (Mwinilunga) asked the Minister of Health when an ambulance will be procured for Mwinilunga District Hospital to enhance its operations.

The Minister of Health (Masebo): Madam Speaker, the Government has started the process of procuring 100 ambulances under the 2022 National Budget. Once the procurement is done, we will first start by allocating ambulances to those who have none. We will also take into account those who may have one but have bigger districts. That is how we have planned as a ministry. So, all I can say is that we can wait until the process for procurement is completed.

Madam Speaker, I also want to state that it is the intention of the Government through our ministry to continue with this process because we have noted that a number of districts are not doing very well when it comes to referrals. We are losing lives just on account of referrals because of lack of transport.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Samakayi: Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the answers that the hon. Minister has provided. We are a methodical Government and therefore, we would require some kind of time frame in which the process could be completed. I think I will be very happy if I am given that information.

Mrs Masebo: Madam Speaker, I note that the procurement was done through an open national tender. I have been told that the deadline will be 27th September, 2022. Once the supplier is picked, we can add on three months for transportation.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

WATER RETICULATION SYSTEM AT KALE ISLAND IN KANCHIBIYA

42.  Mr Chanda (Kanchibiya) asked the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation:

  1. whether the Government has any plans to construct a water reticulation system at Kale Island in Kabinga Chiefdom in Kanchibiya Parliamentary Constituency; and
  2. if so, when the plans will be implemented. 

The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation (Mr Mposha): Madam Speaker, yes, the Government has plans to construct a water reticulation system at Kale Island in Kanchibiya Parliamentary Constituency. The construction of the water reticulation system will commence once feasibility studies are conducted and funds are made available.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Chanda: Madam Speaker, let me thank the hon. minister for that assurance to the people of Kate under Chief Kabinga’s Chiefdom in Kanchibiya Constituency.

Madam, would the hon. Minister be able to give an indication of when the feasibility study is likely to start and how long it will take.  

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, I want to confirm that the feasibility study should be undertaken within the last quarter of 2022.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, the project that has been referred to by the hon. Member of Parliament for Kanchibiya is a very important one, which will obviously benefit the people in that catchment area. 

Madam Speaker, the response from the hon. Minister is that once a feasibility study is done, that will form a decision that the Government will take.

Madam Speaker, we have traditional institutions that have supported the Government over the years in the water sector, like the Africa Development Bank and other different institutes.  Has the Government identified a partner or an institution that will be able to support the feasibility study since it is a very critical stage before a project is actually undertaken.

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, our plan is to work with our provincial team in the province. We will also work with the local authority but we will be supported by the ministry. So, we will be able to support the studies from the ministry in terms of technical support. We will attach some members of staff to go and assist the provincial team.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

_______

MOTIONS

MOTION OF THANKS

(Debate resumed)

Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Madam Speaker, before business was suspended yesterday, I was driving my point to the fact that the hon. Minister of Health is up to the task to ensure that even Dundumwezi gets a health posts which it was not given in the past eleven years.

Madam Speaker, allow me to also quickly talk about roads in Dundumwezi. I want to bring it to your attention that the Dundumwezi/Kalomo Road was last rehabilitated in 1996 and since then, nothing has been done.

We tried to plan through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), but as I indicated yesterday, the CDF was not released to our constituencies. I want to say thank you to the hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, who has indicated that the Dundumwezi/Kalomo Road will be attended to soon. I think these are the things that the people of Dundumwezi are saying they want.

Madam Speaker, the speech by the President was good and promising. I want to state that just last week, when the hon. Minister of Agriculture was giving a statement, we heard some of our hon. Colleagues questioning him as to whether he was going to manage to ensure that inputs were distributed, bearing in mind that the contracts were cancelled. However, here we are. Two or three days ago, the hon. Minister of Agriculture flagged-off the distribution of inputs. This means that these Cabinet hon. Ministers mean well for this country.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sing’ombe: If I see a borehole in Kanchibiya, then I know that even mine is coming because this Government is not selective in the way it does things.

So, Madam Speaker –

Madam Speaker: Order!

The hon. Member’s time expired

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, as you are aware, today is dedicated to hon. Ministers to respond, but I have seen that we have a number of hon. Members of Parliament who have indicated to speak. Of course, we are short of time. I think when we started the debate, we were very slow, but we can only allow so many to debate at any particular time. So, under the circumstances, I will allow only one Patriotic Front (PF) hon. Member and one United Party for National Development (UPND) hon. Member to debate, and then we go to hon. Ministers. Now, the problem is who to choose, but from the PF, I will pick the hon. Member for Kanchibiya. Sorry, hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, I know you indicated.

Mr Kampyongo: I am supposed to conclude on behalf of –

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: If you are concluding, then you may debate. Sorry, hon. Member for Kanchibiya.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Thank you so much, Madam Speaker, for giving me this opportunity, although I would have loved a few hon. Members to speak to the speech. I think through you, Madam Speaker, we must appeal to Clerk that when we have a motion such as this one, we lessen the other business and give priority to the main motion because it builds into the Budget presentation. So, let us take note of that as we go forward.

Madam Speaker, I will speak to a few issues and pronouncements that were made in the speech. As you know, a speech of pronouncements only becomes what you would describe it when the implementation of those pronouncements begins.

Madam Speaker, the President spoke to legal reforms, and I think it is important that we embark on legal reforms in a number of areas, but I have got a concern. While it is important that the President wants the Penal Code to be repealed so that we can deal with elements of the death penalty, we need to sequence the amendments to these pieces of legislation in a manner that does not pose a challenge in future. The hon. Minister of Justice knows that this matter of the death penalty is a constitutional matter under Part III of the old Constitution, which was not dealt with due to the failed referendum. We need to follow the, “first things first” approach. Let us deal with the supreme provisions of the old Constitution before we can come to subsidiary legislation such as the one being proposed by the President. That way, it will be neat and logical in the way we deal with this matter.

Madam Speaker, the issue of amending the Public Order Act is a very interesting and welcome idea. However, my caution to the Government is that there is a lot of work that was done to try and amend this piece of legislation.

Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, 20th September, 2022, when we were launching the research week, the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) confirmed that it played a role as a stakeholder in the consultations that took place before the Bill of 2019 was developed. I must commend Madam Justice Roydah Kaoma, who was heading the Zambia Law Development Commission then for the work they did. For that purpose, I will make sure that I make a copy available of the Public Order Act Bill No. 19, to help the hon. Minister of Justice and the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security save resources because there is a lot of work that went into this Bill, where they can start from. I am doing that so that they understand that we also meant well when we were sitting on your right hand side in so far as ...

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr Kampyongo: ... the Public Order Act was concerned.

Madam Speaker, surprisingly, the ones who are questioning were here when this Bill came. This is the insincerity that we need to deal with.

Madam Speaker, this is a very important piece of law which manages the tension that exists between order and freedom. Yes, freedom is a must have just as order is a must have. Where there is only one of the two, consequences are very well-known. Where there is only order and no freedom, one would expect a totalitarian society. Where there is only freedom and no order, one would expect anarchy. So, this law is very important, and our hon. Colleagues should know even with what is obtaining now. They have seen their own members running around and making all sorts of pronouncements. We need to manage the society through the pieces of legislation.

Madam Speaker, we support the amendment just as we did when we were in the Government. The reason we have this Bill, which I will lay on the Table when I finish my discourse, is for that very important reason. 

Madam Speaker, the President spoke passionately about the health sector. On page 26 of his speech, he made certain pronouncements that got my attention. He said:

“To ensure steady supply and availability of essential drugs and medicines, the Government has procured a year’s supply of essential medicines and medical supplies, while promoting local manufacturing of pharmaceutical products and other medical supplies.”

What is shocking, Madam Speaker, is that whilst the President made this pronouncement, our people are still going to health facilities where they are given prescriptions. Where are these medicines that the President spoke about? This morning we had headlines of the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) threatening to cancel contracts of suppliers. So who is telling what? These are matters of life and death. All of us here as hon. Members of Parliament know what is obtaining in our health facilities. So, it is important that those who are charged with the responsibility of making medicines available in our health facilities do their job. Our people should not be dying when the Government is in place.

Briefly, Madam Speaker, on the energy sector, I do not know whether the President was happy to share with the nation that Indeni Petroleum Refinery Company Limited was going to be closed and that its mode of business was going to be changed. Our forefathers who put up that strategic infrastructure, Indeni Petroleum Refinery Company Limited and the Tanzania-Zambia Mafuta (TAZAMA) pipeline, which is 1,750 km, knew why they did that. Certainly, if we are going to say we start dealing with finished products, we should not even entertain the idea that we can transport finished products using a pipeline that long. That has caused anarchy in other countries, and the entire continent. Nigeria is a classic example. The people who are moving fuel products from the other side will not allow that to happen because we cannot do it any other way, apart from the same way we have done with the TAZAMA pipeline.

Madam Speaker, we want to have a clear cut policy on how we are going to deal with issues of fuel. I heard the hon. Member talk about the batteries. Those are for the future, but for now, we need to do the right thing and this is to ensure that our people are safeguarded. We cannot depend on the finished products. I know they are talking to Angola, but are they going to be buying finished products from Angola? They are suppose to be thinking of getting different feed stock because that is where they can safe guide yourselves.

Madam Speaker, we would want to see the Government settle and start doing the job. There is only an amount to which they can blame their predecessors, but it is time for them to be in charge.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: On my right side, there are two hon. Members who have indicated to speak, but I can only one person unless, if they are willing to yield four minutes time to each other. If that is the case, then I will recognise both of them. I will start with the hon. Member for Bweengwa. Four minutes only.

Laughter

Mr Michelo (Bweengwa): Madam Speaker, thank you for allowing me to debate the President’s Speech whose theme, if I do remember quite well is: Working Together towards Social Economic Transformation: Stimulating Economic Growth for Improved Livelihoods.

Madam Speaker, I think most of the well meaning Zambians who listened to the President’s Speech that Friday, when he came on the Floor of this House, were very much impressed and inspired by it. That was very encouraging.

Madam Speaker, the President also mentioned that the United Party for National Development (UPND) inherited a broken economy. The people of Zambia are very much aware that the Patriotic Front (PF) destroyed this country. From 2011, when PF took over the Government, it only specialised in destroying the economy. It was also specialised in watering corruption, which was its daily meal. Being in that situation, it was very difficult for us to live in this country. We are just coming out of the field of sinners.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Michelo: Madam Speaker, before he became the President, Mr Hichilema indicated that the moment he was going to be announced the winner or the Republican President, the Kwacha would appreciate. The moment he was announced the winner or the President of this country, the Kwacha appreciated to about K17 to a Dollar. However, during the time of the PF, the Kwacha was almost deprecating on a daily basis, sometimes every minute. This is what we experienced under the PF regime.

Madam Speaker, during the PF era, when we were ruled by tyrant dictators, Mr Hichilema said that when we (the UPND) form the Government, it would improve education. This is what the President has done. The President, even in his last speech, promised to introduce free education and this is what is there in this country. We now have free education which we did not have under the PF regime. The President promised to increase the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from K1.6 million and this is what we are seeing in this country.

Madam Speaker, the President is now focusing on bringing down the elephant in the room, which is the debt which was accumulated by the PF. This time around, the PF members are even busy jumping from here and there, saying that they constructed roads and houses when all the things that they built, it is the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government, and President Mr Hakainde Hichilema who will pay back the debt.

Madam Speaker, under the PF rule, our children found it difficult to get National Registration Cards (NRCs). In Bweengwa alone, for people to get NRCs, they would take about one, three to four months, when in other places, people would manage to get their NRCs within five to ten days.

Madam Speaker, even people under aged could get NRCs. This is a situation where we are coming from. We are coming from a swimming pool of heavy sinners. Those are the people who ruled us. It was very difficult to live in this country –

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

I think the issue of using sinners is not – Can you withdraw the word, “sinners.”

Mr Michelo: Madam Speaker, I thank you, let me not use the word, “sinners.”

Madam Speaker: Withdraw and your time is up. 

Mr Michelo: Madam Speaker, let me withdraw the word “sinners.” My time is up and I apologise for indicating that criminals are sinners. They are just criminals.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member, even the use of the word, “criminals.”

Mr Michelo: Madam Speaker, I withdraw the word, “criminals.” 

Madam Speaker: Next time, I will not call on you.

Laughter

Mr Mufalali (Nominated): Madam Speaker, I was pleading maybe, I could yield my four minutes to my young brother, the hon. Member for Sesheke, since you have only picked two hon. Members to debate.

Mr Kangombe (Sesheke): Madam Speaker, I thank the mover of the Motion. I extend my thankfulness to the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, for having proved to the whole world and not just Zambia, that he is indeed, a leader the people of Zambia deserve to have.

Madam Speaker, in his address to this country, the President touched a lot of aspects that are boarding on the welfare of this country as well as the livelihoods of our people and the inclusiveness that this country so much desires in terms of governances.

Madam Speaker, the President in his address talked about the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and the prudent use of resources, which we have seen from the little part of the CDF that has been realised so far. Speaking for myself, in my constituency, we have managed to bridge the gap in terms of infrastructure under the education and health sectors.

Madam Speaker, the New Dawn Administration has not just brought freedom, but good environment to our people in as much as free expression of oneself, belonging to any Opposition party of one’s choice, and cladding in any party regalia without being beaten by perceived cadres of any party, are concerned. This is what the people of Zambia fought for and wanted. 

Madam Speaker, we have seen in the past where elasticity financial flaws were orders of the day to an extent that we even defaulted to pay the loans we accrued as the nation. The United Party for National Development (UPND) Administration under the able Leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema in one year, has proved not just to the people of Zambia, but globally that indeed, Zambia is in the champions league.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kangombe: Madam Speaker, President Hakainde Hichilema has managed to negotiate with the creditors as well as meeting the International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions to an extent that today, we can feel the warmth of living in an environment where livelihood is enabling.

Madam Speaker, the cost of living is going down. Today, the Zambia Kwacha is rated one of the strongest currencies in this country in less than a year.

Madam Speaker, this is the kind of leadership that the people of Zambia should have had for a very long time, but it is unfortunate that when God is preparing you for greatness, he makes you pass through difficult times like the difficult times that we passed through during the Patriotic Front (PF) regime. However, today we are happy that we can have a kind of environment where the cost of living and exchange rate have gone done.

Madam Speaker, the inclusiveness in terms of development and scattering of resources in the country can be exhibited in the manner in which the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has been disbursed. We have not been selective. President Hakainde Hichilema has not been selective. He has given CDF to all corners of this country –

Madam Speaker: Order!

The hon. Member’s time expired.

Madam Speaker: The independent hon. Members feel left out and they are asking for four minutes. One Independent hon. Member to wind up debate. Hon. Member for Bwana Mkubwa. 

Mr Mwambazi (Bwana Mkubwa): Madam Speaker, thank you for allowing us (Independent Members) to also just comment on the President’s Speech. Let me thank the mover of the Motion. I will just touch on two things quickly. Let me look at the issue of the debt crisis as well as the issue of the broken economy, which the President mentioned.

Madam Speaker, to run a financial sector, there are certain accounting fundamentals which need to be in place to ensure that the economy thrives. It is not rocket science that the economy is performing well. I think it is a notorious fact that we can see all of us that inflation has gone down and our Kwacha is performing well. You do not need to be told, but you need to see, and this is what we are seeing. So, that is the propensity which is making sure that this economy is moving forward.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning has put in certain fundamentals, which have even lead to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approving our bailout package. The IMF director did appear before our Committee and she told us one fundamental principle that we are in debt distress and as a country, we need to bring or dig ourselves out. How do you achieve that? It is by putting in place certain fundamentals to ensure we achieve that. This is because as a country, to achieve that bailout package, we need to be on a going concern. That means we are able to come out of that situation. This is where we are at. We are on a trajectory of coming out of that situation. That is why you have seen the IMF come to our aid.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwambazi: Madam Speaker, this is not a small achievement. I think we need to be truthful to ourselves and give credit where it is due.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwambazi: This is because we are able to see what is happening. It is important even ourselves as lawmakers to speak and speak what we are seeing.

Madam Speaker, let me move out of that sector and go to the debt crisis. Even at the household level, you cannot borrow more than you are able to pay. It is important that these two are equated. Even at the detriment of development, you need to ensure that you are afloat. This is because if your assets and revenue cannot support your credit or liability, then you are dire distress. So, it is important that those fundamentals are looked at.

Madam Speaker, let me quickly comment on the restructuring of the petroleum sub-sector. I come from an area where Indeni Petroleum Refinery Limited is. It is in my constituency. It is important also to balance. If an asset is not making profit, even it is a national asset, we need to re-evaluate and ensure that we move at a trajectory where we can make profit. The importing of feed, which is crude oil, to be refined at Indeni Petroleum Refinery Limited, the Government has been making losses. This has not started happening now, but is from inception and the past years. Do we still need to push in money there at the detriment of the Zambian people? We can change the business model. What is important is ensure that our people do not lose jobs and are taken care of.

Madam Speaker, I am, therefore, urging the New Dawn Government, even with the new business model, that our people can be accorded that –

Madam Speaker: Order!

The hon. Member’s time expired.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Unfortunately, that is how far we can go with the hon. Members of the Backbench. Now, we have to move to the Frontbench, starting with the hon. Minister for Copperbelt Province.

The Minister for Copperbelt Province (Mr Matambo): Madam Speaker, as His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, stated, his speech came off the backdrop of the first anniversary of the New Dawn Administration. On behalf of the people of the Copperbelt Province, I am, therefore, grateful for the unflinching support given to our leadership by the Zambian people during our successful first year in office.

Madam Speaker, the theme for my address today, just like in the President’s Address is: “Working Together Towards Socio-Economic Transformation: Stimulating Economic Growth for Improved Livelihoods”.

Mining in the Province

Madam Speaker, I wish to assure this House and the nation that as a province, working with the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development and other relevant departments, we are deeply concerned with the welfare of our miners, whom we found in uncertain circumstances due to the manner the previous Administration handled Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) and Konkola Copper Mines (KCM).

Madam Speaker, as you are aware, the Government recently appointed a receiver for KCM to enhance the prudent management of the mine, which was liquidated. Soon, this matter will be resolved. This will further enhance and leverage investor confidence, which was lost due to mismanagement and recklessness by the previous Government.

Implementation of Constituency Development Fund

Madam Speaker, the people of the Copperbelt Province are delighted with the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from a paltry K1.6 million to K25.7 million per constituency by the New Dawn Administration within one year of being in office. This is not a minor achievement. Without segregation, these funds have been disbursed to all constituencies without exception, unlike in the past where constituencies held by Opposition hon. Members of Parliament were marginalised by the previous regime.

Madam Speaker, as a result of this increase in the CDF, the scope of programmes and projects has also increased, thereby, benefiting various co-operatives, youth groups, women groups and students, through empowerment funds and bursaries. All these activities are intended to bring about unity and, thereafter, stimulate economic growth.

Madam Speaker, as a province, therefore, we are grateful for the efforts of His Excellency the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema.

Law and Order, Peace and Stability

Madam Speaker, not long ago, violence in our markets and bus stations was not only a norm and culture, our youths were handsomely rewarded by the previous Government to unleash terror on their fellow citizens merely for belonging to different political parties. As a result, members of the Opposition political parties were injured, maimed, shot at, beaten and some, to date, have continued nursing their physical and emotional wounds while others, unfortunately, died leaving children orphaned. Gassing was the order of the day.

Hon. Nkandu: Hear, hear!

Mr Matambo: Madam Speaker, in addition, law enforcement agencies were abused to achieve the political objectives of the previous regime, leaving communities divided and the civil service polarised. This reduced investor confidence and severely dented the image of our country at home and abroad.

Madam Speaker, however, on the same day that President Hakainde Hichilema was declared winner of the 12th August, 20221 General Elections, and reinforced by his consistent message of peace and unity, there is law and order throughout the country. For the first time, competing parties are campaigning freely in by-elections. Our women and youths are trading peacefully in markets and there are no cadres in bus stations.

Recruitment of Teachers and Medical Personnel

Madam Speaker, in order to stimulate economic growth, creation of employment is cardinal. For this reason, the New Dawn administration has already implemented measures to achieve this objective.

Madam Speaker, I am talking about unprecedented recruitment of 30,000 teachers and 11,000 medical personnel, country wide.

Payment of Retires and Personnel Emoluments to Retired and Serving Civil Servants

Madam Speaker, the plight of retirees and civil servants in terms of their personnel and related emoluments has been in the heart of His Excellency the President. For this reason, the Government disbursed K13.4 million which has resulted in the Copperbelt Province Administration paying K607,000 serving and retired civil servants all the outstanding arrears. The few cases that are yet to be paid are attributed to minor administrative issues that will soon be sorted out.

Madam Speaker, our Government will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the vision of the President is not only fulfilled but actualised to benefit all Zambians regardless of their political affiliations and boundaries.

Madam Speaker, the pronouncement of completion of Kafulafuta Water Supply and Sanitation Project and Nkana Water Supplyand Sanitation Project has also elated the people of the Copperbelt because that will sort out the issue of water blues in the four districts, namely; Mpongwe, Masaiti, Luanshya as well as Ndola. Our Government is committed to leveraging the peace and tranquillity that currently exists in our country to maximise the full potential of our population in not only making Zambia an economic success story but a fountain of peace, unity and prosperity.

Madam Speaker, His Excellency the President has always emphasised that what divides us must never be allowed to suppress what unites us.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Matambo: Madam Speaker, I know in the hearts of hearts of our colleagues in the Opposition, even if they cannot say it, a President like His Excellency the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, who has been walking the talk since he was sworn in, is a President worth to be praised and supported by all well-meaning hon. Members of Parliament in this House. However, I know that intrinsically, in their hearts of hearts, they are clapping for President Hakainde Hichilema for his achievements.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Matambo: Madam Speaker, His Excellency the President has always emphasised that it is important to start pulling in the same direction.

Madam Speaker, the people of the Copperbelt Province are delighted with the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) which was increased from a paltry K1.6 million to K25.7 million. I want to mention here that, for the past few months, we sent not less than 3,000 youths to go and train in different fields such as carpentry and other skills. This is a President who every Zambian should give total support.

Madam Speaker, I also want to talk about morality. The President has been preaching moral ethics to everybody. I want to say that we need to stand up and support President Hakainde Hichilema because of the achievements and the walking of his talk in the past few months. The United States Dollar which was K24 is now at K15.50. The growth rate of the economy which was taken back to negative 2.8 per cent is now trading around 3 per cent. The inflation which was about 24 per cent is now at about 9 per cent.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Matambo: Madam Speaker, the prices for essential commodities such as cooking oil, mealie meal, sugar, salt and several other things are going down every moment. What more do we need? This will prove that our President will be one of the best Presidents this country this country will ever produce.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister for North-Western Province (Mr Lihefu): Madam Speaker, I am pleased to be accorded an opportunity on behalf of the good people of the North-Western Province, to add a voice on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Speech on the Official Opening of the Second Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, delivered to this august House on Friday, 9th September, 2022, by His Excellency the President of this country of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema. 

Madam Speaker, the speech by the President gave confidence to the people of Zambia, and the North-Western Province in particular. No doubt, the New Dawn Administration has worked hard and scored numerous successes in various sectors within the short time it has been in power.

Madam Speaker, allow me to thank His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, for clearly articulating issues in his speech. The Government has restored investor confidence ...

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lihefu: … as can be seen by the many investors coming in to our country. The North-Western Province in particular, has seen of First Quantum Minerals (FQM) approving US$1.25 billion towards investment in the Kansanshi Mine for the S3 expansion, which was neglected for many years, and US$1 million investment in the enterprise of nickel project in Kalumbila. This investment is a clear demonstration of the New Dawn Administration’s clear plan to the investment world that Zambia is open for business and that it is back in the champion’s league.

Madam Speaker, as you are aware, Zambia has got five big mines and three of them are situated in the North-Western Province. The North-Western Province has been unlocked. Therefore, I want to assure my colleagues on the Copperbelt Province that this Government is doing things methodically and very soon, the Copperbelt will be unlocked as well.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lihefu: These two big mines, Mopani Copper Mine and Konkola Copper Mine (KCM) will be unlocked. Just in one year, the President has unlocked three big mines in the North-Western Province.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lihefu: Madam Speaker, the President explained in his speech the significant role that the expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has continued to play in the lives of our people. The North-Western Province has seen a number of students benefiting from skills development training and secondary school bursaries. Those who were unable to attend school due to lack of tuition fees are now able to attend school. This is because the New Dawn Government wants to see its citizens educated regardless of their tribe or political affiliation.

Madam Speaker, the Government is working hard to facilitate trade including the smooth clearance of goods through improvement and modernisation of border infrastructure and transforming them into one-stop border posts. For the North-Western Province, Kambimba and Kipushi border posts are earmarked for urgent modernisation.

Madam Speaker, the President expounded the need to ensure that no school going child sits on the floor by the end of 2023. The Government has embarked on an ambitious exercise to leverage the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to locally source desks for schools, so that the local people can take full ownership for this immensely important exercise.

Madam Speaker, for the North-Western Province, the Government launched the 2,000 desks project which is being spearheaded by Solwezi Trades Training Institute. This project is meant to produce desks and at the same time, build capacity and competences amongst our local artisans to produce school furniture.

Madam Speaker, this project has so far seen thirty students enrolled in metal fabrication, and thirty other students in carpentry and joinery. This is a clear demonstration of visionary leadership. We are determined to ensure that by 2023, no pupil in Kasenseli, Kashinakazhi, Chinyama Litapi and indeed in Katontu, will be sitting on the floor while attending school.

Madam Speaker, previously, in 2016-2021, in Manyinga Constituency, we used to see only one teacher in a school. This time around this Government has recruited 30,000 plus teacher and are already on site. So, the people of Manyinga and the North-Western Province are grateful with what this Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr Hakainde Hichilema is doing.

Madam Speaker, with these few words, let me once again, thank the President and the entire New Dawn Government Administration for the successes recorded so far. It is plain for everyone to see.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Minister of Green Economy and Environment (Eng. Nzovu): Madam Speaker, thank you for according me this opportunity to render my thoughts on the speech delivered by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, on Friday 9th September, 2022, whose theme was: “Working Together Towards Social-Economic Transformation: Stimulating Economic Growth for Improved Livelihoods.”

Madam Speaker, the address by his Excellency set the tone of what is to be done to actualise national aspirations in line with the Vision 2030, of transforming our country into a prosperous middle-income nation. This entails inclusiveness in the social economic growth trajectory with a positive impact on all the citizens of the country.

Madam Speaker, the question is: How can this be achieved? The answer lies in the President's speech to this august House.

Debt Restructuring

Madam, once debt is restructured, it will pave way for investment in green technologies that support environmental sustainability. This is the only way our economy will be transitioned on a green growth pathway for improved livelihoods. In addition, this will lower the cost of capital thus creating investment opportunities in areas such as smart agriculture, clean and renewable energy, and value addition to timber and other forest products. Value addition may require joint ventures to set up manufacturing industries for processing timber and other forest products including, manufacturing of desks in support of the free education policy that the New Dawn Government mooted and is so proud of.

Madam Speaker, this honourable House may recall how passionately the President spoke about environmental sustainability to ensure inclusive and sustainable development. I therefore wish, to re-echo the statement given by the President regarding the urgency to reverse forest and land degradation. Land comprises a range of biophysical components such as soil, water, flora, and fauna, embedded in a landscape shaped by its geomorphology and subjected to a climate that is often under different forms of anthropogenic manipulation. The aforesaid natural land attributes, are generated over time and if negative human endeavours remain unchecked, we risk losing natural habitats.

Madam Speaker, in order to build resilience, my ministry, working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, continues to promote smart agriculture and sustainable livestock management. Further, my ministry will continue to support agriculture, energy, and water sectors by providing accurate weather and climate information to facilitate decision-making, just like we did yesterday.

Madam Speaker, we will also continue with the existing partnership, in support by encouraging small-scale farmers to interplant with nitrogen fixing plants that also prevent soil erosion and improve crop yields to ensure food security at household level. This will facilitate the reversal of the impact of climate change and promote resilient agricultural practices.

Madam Speaker, some of these efforts to reverse and halt forest and land degradation, are  being done in partnership with the world bank under such projects as Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development in Zambia (TRALARD) project and the ecosystem-based adaptation programme, among others.

Madam Speaker, in recognition of the challenges of the various drivers of deforestation, my ministry is promoting restoration of forests through tree planting in deforested areas, afforesting new areas and natural regeneration in degraded areas, while conserving the existing forests. This is being achieved through various stakeholders including community-based approaches. This will ensure that efforts in strengthening climate change adaptation and mitigation are not negated to the periphery.

Madam Speaker, the Government will continue to engage and cooperate with various stakeholders to ensure sustainable management of the environment to forestall and reverse land degradation and reduce pollution of air, water and land, including Electronic Waste (e-Waste).

Madam Speaker, to avert deforestation through charcoal production, my ministry is promoting bee keeping and sustainable use of other forest products such as mushrooms. In addition, carbon trading is another avenue that will ensure preservation of forests, as there is a greater benefit in leaving the trees standing than cutting them for charcoal and wood fuel.

Madam, in order to facilitate environmental repair, the Government is supporting the recycling of waste. The private sector is specially invited to take its rightful chair in this green field. The promotion of a circular economy will help in environmental repair as it will facilitate among others, reduction in the use of non-renewable resources; lowering of the carbon footprint, general reduction of waste and creation of new job opportunities across the country.

Madam Speaker, to support all these activities, the Government is in the process of reviewing and enacting various pieces of legislation to facilitate effective management of natural resources and reduce the negative effects of climate change such as severe weather conditions, meaning frequent droughts and floods.

In this vein, the Government is reviewing the National Climate Change Policy of 2016, the National Forests Policy of 2014, the National Policy on Environment of 2017, and the Meteorology Policy of 2013.

Madam Speaker, what are the strategies? The communication and advocacy strategy on climate change has been developed and translated in many different languages. Yesterday, I called upon the hon. Members of Parliament to study so that they help us disseminate this information. There is also the development of the green growth strategy, which will ensure that we mainstream the green growth pathways in the entire economy and the development of a sustainable charcoal production and consumption strategy.

Madam Speaker, on the legislation front, we are reviewing the Environmental Management Act of 2017 and, basically, in there, we will ensure that polluters pay penalties which will deter them from polluting further and would be repeat offenders may even be jailed. This is a clear warning to those who pollute recklessly that we will go after them. Also, the review of the Forest Act of 2015 will ensure that the timber industry is better regulated.

Madam, once the revised legal framework is in place, citizens are expected to play a cardinal role in preserving the protected areas and sustainable management of the environment. It is, therefore, incumbent upon each one of us to take an active role in the fight against climate change by ensuring sustainable utilisation of our natural endowment. I, therefore, call upon all hon. Members of this august House to be champions of sustainable management of natural resources in our various constituencies in order to achieve the aspirations of Vision 2030 and meet the Sustainable Development Goals of conserving our natural resources. This will result in uplifting the living standards of our people.

Madam Speaker, I call upon my fellow hon. Members of Parliament to take issues of environmental sustainability, pollution and land degradation seriously because we face a crisis which may result in greater food, water and energy insecurity. This is very important.

Madam, President Hakainde Hichilema’s speech was, indeed, inspirational as he further gave a clear direction of how Zambia will be developed.

Madam Speaker, on the economic front, the economy was not running. It had contracted 9 percentage points. It was on oxygen. Look at where the economy is now. The exchange rate has improved and medicines are being bought after they left an empty coffer of medicines. This is as it should be. The President nailed the speech. We can only rally behind him to ensure that this country is developed. He means well.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr Kabuswe): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for allowing me to contribute to the Motion of the Speech by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, which was delivered before this House during the Official Opening of the Second Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly on Friday, 9th August, 2022.

Madam Speaker, at the onset, I want to join all progressive hon. Colleagues, who have applauded the speech which was delivered by His Excellency the President, a speech which was so inspiring, which continues to set the path on which we want to ride in terms of delivering development to the people of Zambia. The President demonstrated to this House and indeed, to all the people that our Government, his Government, is committed to transforming the economic fortunes of this country by prioritising development in all spheres.

Madam Speaker, that is why the President, like one who is rebuilding a house that was broken down, will start with the fundamentals to make sure that the pillars are standing strong, the pillars on which the economy can be improved. One of them is bringing inflation down which was sky rocketing and also, stabilising the currency of the country so that both those in formal and informal jobs can be able to plan properly.

Madam Speaker, his speech also emphasised the acceleration of the implementation of the socio-economic interventions which are aimed at stabilising, repairing and reviving the country’s economy. Despite the new Government inheriting the ailing economy, it has within a year managed to put the economy back on track and it is projected to grow at an average of 4 per cent. Like I said, inflation has also been contained, putting it on course to the targeted 6 to 8 per cent range. 

Madam Speaker, these and other main interventions are being undertaken by the Government to ensure that people of Zambia receive attention in their quest to meet the aspirations of improved livelihoods.

Madam Speaker, I want to dwell on the mining sector, being privileged to be at the helm of this ministry. The President stressed that the mining sector is and shall continue to be the hub of the country’s economic transformation agenda and the New Dawn Government is well alive of the importance of the mining sector. Therefore, the Government is already working on putting in place a conducive policy, legislative, and institutional frameworks aimed at fast tracking the attainments of some of the following:

Madam Speaker, Zambia is basically lees than 50 per cent mapped and explored. As the Government, we have set ourselves on a path to explore this country up to 100 per cent. So, we have put in place a robust programme, an expensive programme, I must say. We are determined not to be deterred by the fact that this is an expensive undertaking because we realise as the Government that for us to make money, we have to spend money. Therefore, we have done this robust programme, which we will begin to roll-out immediate Cabinet approves.

Madam Speaker, one other important aspect that we doing is the formalisation of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM). This intervention will firmly support the re-organisation of the sector in ensuring improved access to markets, technology and capital, among others. I want to announce that our ministry has already put in place a committee of technocrats that has already done a report awaiting Cabinet approval on how the formalisation is going to be done both for gold and manganese.

We realise that this move will actually create many jobs, both formally and informally. We as a ministry have also set ourselves on a path to regulate the mining sector. I want to announce to the nation that the concept of the mining commission, which is going to be a regulator in the mining industry, is almost done and awaits being taken to Cabinet for approval. This is an important undertaking because it will ensure that the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development will be almost present everywhere where mining activities are taking place. It is also going to help increase compliance in terms of taxes and reduction of illegal mining activities.

Madam Speaker, the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) announced that out of the 2,000 licences, only a handful are actually compliant, but when the commission comes into place, it is going to increase levels of compliance and subsequently, it is going to increase revenue to the Treasury and also, increase job opportunities for our people.

Madam Speaker, also, the mining policy of 2022 is almost done and awaiting Cabinet approval. We have revised the mining policy because it has to answer to the vision of the New Dawn Government in terms of how the mining sector should contribute to the economy.

Madam Speaker, other interventions by the New Dawn Government, under the leadership of the President, aimed at bringing life to the once vibrant sector include, enhancing transparency and accountability in terms of issuance of licences. That is why our Government decided to shut down issuance of licences, and I want to announce to the nation that immediately the report is approved by Cabinet, we shall be opening the Mining Cadastre Department so that we begin transparently issuing licences and our focus is benefit to the Zambian people. That will be the focus of the New Dawn Government.

Madam Speaker, there are assertions that the New Dawn Government is talking a lot. Yes, we have to talk so that we set the path for how we want to roll-out development. I remember that the previous Government, one of the reasons it was chucked out is because one President was not talking to Zambians, but now we have a President who from time to time, communicates with us, and also, tells us ...

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kabuswe: ... how the country should move. A parent must always be instructive to the family. Sometimes, he has to shout at the family; sometimes, he has to talk nicely to the family so that we know where this country is going.

Madam Speaker, I want to applaud His Excellency the President for such a wonderful presentation to Parliament and to us as hon. Ministers and hon. Members of Parliament. That statement on how we should work in terms of rolling-out the development agenda for the New Dawn Government was instrument.

Madam Speaker, I know that my other hon. Colleagues have talked about Mopani Copper Mines Plc and Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM). The statements that they have made are in tandem with what I would have said. So, people should wait and watch the space as the mining sector lifts the economy of Zambia.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Order!

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to

______

The House adjourned at 1245 hours until 1430 hours on Tuesday, 27th September, 2022.

___________