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Debates- Tuesday, 17th July, 2012
DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE FIRST SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH ASSEMBLY
Tuesday, 17th July, 2012
The House met at 1430 hours
[MR DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]
NATIONAL ANTHEM
PRAYER
________
ANNOUNCEMENT BY MR DEPUTY SPEAKER
ENERGY REGULATION BOARD WORKSHOP
Mr Deputy Speaker: I wish to inform the House that the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) will hold a one-day workshop on energy issues on Wednesday, 18th July, 2012, at 0830 hours in the Amphitheatre at Parliament Buildings.
The ERB has organised the workshop to update hon. Members of Parliament on the current power shortage in the country and challenges in the supply of fuel in some parts of the country.
I urge hon. Members to attend this important workshop.
Thank you.
__________
RULING BY THE HON. MR DEPUTY SPEAKER ON THE POINT OF ORDER RAISED BY HON. J. J. MWIIMBU, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR MONZE CENTRAL PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY, REGARDING STATUTORY INSTRUMENT NO. 33 OF 2012 ISSUED BY THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING, HON. A. B. CHIKWANDA, MP.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members will recall that, on Thursday, 12th July, 2012, when the House was considering Question for Oral Answer No. 466, and the Member for Sinjembela, Hon. P. Njeulu, MP, was asking a follow-up question, the Member of Parliament for Monze Central, Hon. J. J. Mwiimbu, MP, raised a point of order relating to Statutory Instrument No. 33 of 2012 issued by the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning.
In his point of order, Hon. J. J. Mwiimbu, MP, stated, amongst other things, as follows:
“Mr Speaker, I would like to raise a serious constitutional point of order emanating from Article 62 of the Constitution of Zambia, as read with Article 80 of the Constitution of Zambia.
“Mr Speaker, arising from the provisions of the Constitution of Zambia, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning purportedly issued Statutory Instrument No. 33 of 2012. This particular instrument is purportedly issued under the existing Laws of the Republic of Zambia. Mr Speaker, the purported Statutory Instrument, which I will lay on the Table, reads:
“GOVERNMENT OF ZAMBIA
“STATUTORY INSTRUMENT No. 33 of 2012
“The Bank of Zambia Act 2012
“(Laws, Volume 20, Cap 360).”
“Mr Speaker, I was in this House when the Patriotic Front (PF) came into power and I am still here. I have never had sight of the Bank of Zambia Act, 2012. I want to state, without fear of any contradiction, that this House has not passed any law pertaining to the Bank of Zambia in 2012. This particular Statutory Instrument emanates from a non-existing law in this country. It, therefore, entails that this particular instrument is null and void for there is no authority, whatsoever, that confers authority on the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning to pass a Statutory Instrument based on a non-existing law.
“Mr Speaker, is the Government of the Republic of Zambia in order to enforce and implement a law that is illegal and not based on any law, which has been passed by this honourable House?”
Hon. Members in my immediate remarks, I stated that I would reserve my ruling to a later date. I have since studied the matter and now wish to rule accordingly.
Hon. Members, in his point of order, the hon. Member for Monze Central questions the legality of Statutory Instrument No. 33 of 2012, as its title shows that it was issued pursuant to the Bank of Zambia Act, 2012, which is a non-existent law.
Hon. Members, as correctly observed by Hon. J. J. Mwiimbu, MP, this House has not enacted any law relating to the Bank of Zambia, this year, 2012. The House may, however, wish to observe that, appearing beneath the name of the Act is the following citation:
“(Laws, Volume 20, Cap. 360)”
This citation indicates that the Statutory Instrument has been issued pursuant to Cap. 360 of the Laws of Zambia, which is the Bank of Zambia Act. In this regard, it is apparent that the addition of the year “2012” after the words “Bank of Zambia” in the title of the Act is a typographical error which occurred during the printing of the Statutory Instrument by the Government Printers.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Deputy Speaker: In that regard, hon. Members, the Ministry of Justice, through the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly, has confirmed this position.
Further, hon. Members may wish to be informed that errors of this kind are corrected by an office under the Ministry of Justice known as the Commissioner of Law Revision, without necessarily revoking the affected law pursuant to Section 4(1)(k) of the Laws of Zambia (Revised Edition) Act which provides:
“4(1) In the preparation of the Laws of Zambia, the Commissioner shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, have the following powers:
(k) to correct grammatical and typographical errors in any law, and for that purpose to make verbal additions, omissions or alterations not affecting the meaning of any law;”
Hon. Members, upon instruction from the Ministry of Justice to re-issue the Statutory Instrument, as was originally approved by the ministry, the Government Printers has since re-issued Statutory Instrument No. 33 of 2012 without the error.
Thus, hon. Members, my ruling on the point of order is that Statutory Instrument No. 33 of 2012 has been issued pursuant to the Bank of Zambia Act, Cap. 360 of the Laws of Zambia and is, therefore, legal.
Thank you.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
___________
MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS
THE CURRENT FUEL SUPPLY SITUATION IN THE COUNTRY
The Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development (Mr Yaluma): Mr Speaker, this statement is being made in order to provide clarification and comfort to the general public regarding the fuel supply situation in the country.
Sir, further to my earlier statement, in the House, on this subject matter, my ministry has continued to receive reports of fuel shortages in some parts of the country. We find this highly unacceptable, taking into account the fact that the country has sufficient stocks from its production and dispensing facilities at the Indeni Oil Refinery and Ndola Fuel Terminal, respectively.
Mr Speaker, in the last ten days, on average, the up use of fuel from the Ndola Fuel Terminal and the Oil Marketing Companies (OMC’s) were that 11.4 million litres of petrol and 25.1 million litres of diesel were uplifted.
Sir, at these consumption levels, there has been sufficient fuel supply to the market. In fact, for diesel, the supply of 2.5 million litres per day is more than the average daily consumption of 2 million litres. As of 16th July, 2012, the following were the available fuel stock levels:
(a) 8.8 million litres of petrol translating to eleven stock days; and
(b) 11.8 million litres of diesel, translating to seven stock days
Sir, with these levels of fuel stock, currently, available, we cannot accept the situation where filling stations, in some parts of the country, continue running out of fuel. To this effect, we have instituted investigations on this matter in order to have an in-depth understanding on what is causing these perceived fuel shortages.
Mr Speaker, preliminary results have revealed that the major causes of these shortages are mainly due to the failure by some OMCs to put in place effective logistics to deliver fuel to their filling stations around the country. We see such failure, on the part of some of these OMCs, as an abrogation of their commitment to efficient service, which is part of their licence conditions.
Mr Speaker, in light of these revelations, I have directed the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) to compile information regarding the specific uplifts of each OMC and associated deliveries to their filling stations. Those OMCs which are found to have uplifted stock and not delivered it to their respective filling stations will be penalised to the full extent of the law.
Sir, I have also directed Tanzania Zambia Mafuta (TAZAMA) Pipelines Limited to up-scale its operations and dispense as much fuel as, practically, is possible on a day-to-day basis to all the OMCs.
Mr Speaker, as indicated, in my earlier statement, I further wish to assure the nation, through this august House, that the country has sufficient fuel stocks and there is, therefore, no need to panic. All the contingent measures put in place by the Government to ensure fuel availability are yielding the desired results.
Sir, in conclusion, I take into account the fuel availability in the country and wish to request hon. Members of this august House and members of the public to avail the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development information regarding filling stations that do not have fuel so that appropriate action can be taken.
Mr Speaker, the Patriotic Front (PF) Government is committed to ensuring that fuel is available at all times. I would also like to urge hon. Members of this House to assist my ministry and I wherever they find that there are some fuel problems. We need ideas to help us contain this prevailing situation. So, give us your input on the perceived shortages of fuel so that we can take appropriate action.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the ministerial statement given by the hon. Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development.
Dr Musokotwane (Liuwa): Mr Speaker, fuel selling is a business just like one would order merchandise in a shop for resell. Is the hon. Minister’s explanation that these OMCs can just keep on uplifting fuel, stocking it and hiding it thereby leaving their money in stocks making any business sense?
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, I would first request the hon. Member of Parliament for Liuwa Constituency to avail us with data to the effect that there is no fuel at TAZAMA Pipeline and also make me understand if he has any specific place, in mind, where he thinks that fuel has not reached in the past ten days from 30th June, 2012. What, we, as the PF Government, are saying is that we have data, which I will avail to the hon. Member of Parliament if he wishes to just let him know what stocks we have had as of 30th June, 2012.
Sir, sometime in early June, this year, I informed the House that we had fuel shortages and I apologised for the inconveniences that had been caused. I would like to inform the House that such statements, as the one made by the hon. Member, are misleading to the nation because we have enough fuel. So, come up with solutions for the perceived shortages and I will be obliged to entertain your input in correcting the situation, should there be need to do so.
Mr Speaker, fuel is there. I have data and statistics to the effect that uplifting of fuel is being done by all the OMCs for each day that they have uplifted fuel. So, you can tell me where the fuel is going because I cannot.
Hon. Opposition Members: You tell us where the fuel is.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
Give him a chance to explain.
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, there are a lot of participants in the petroleum chain. Once we ensure that we have fuel, we also ensure that it is uplifted by the OMCs. It is now the responsibility of those OMCs to deliver that fuel to the retailers. Now, my question is: Where is this fuel going if what you are telling us is that it is not there? These OMCs have tanks in which they can store fuel for future use. So, if you know of any filling station which you think is empty, at the moment, let us know and we will pursue the OMC which is responsible for that retail pump.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Belemu (Mbabala): Sir, the hon. Minister has played around with words. In one breath he says that there are perceived shortages and in the other he says one of the reasons there are fuel shortages is that the OMCs are failing to put in place logistical arrangements for fuel. Why does the hon. Minister think the OMCs are failing to put in place logistical arrangements for fuel, now, unlike in the past or any other time?
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, it is simple. It is like the simple equation X times Y = XY and so on and so forth.
Laughter
Mr Yaluma: Now, we must understand …
Interruptions
Mr Yaluma: Listen, Hon. Minister. I mean hon. Member of Parliament, …
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Yaluma: He has just been elevated.
Mr Speaker, the OMCs collect fuel from the Indeni Fuel Depot in Ndola to be delivered to filling stations. There is no reason for us to think it will not reach the expected destination. However, this is not happening. Therefore, what would be the hon. Member’s suggestion regarding such a situation? The OMCs are to blame for fuel not reaching filling stations.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Mr Speaker, would it not be a fair admission of failure, on the part of the PF …
Hon. PF Members: Question!
Interruptions
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order, order!
Let him ask the question.
Mr Nkombo: Sir, would it not be fair for the hon. Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development and the PF Government to admit failure on their part, instead of continuing to come here to give us, in his own words, ‘comfort’ about a perception? What is the value of his statement if there is just a perceived shortage and there is fuel in the country? At Northmead’s Total Filling Station, there is no fuel and I can prove that to the hon. Minister.
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, first of all, I did highlight that we have fuel in the country and I would like to assure this House that I took an impromptu visit to the TAZAMA Pipeline Company Limited and Indeni Petroleum Refinery Company Limited accompanied by the press. We went round and found out that, for the past thirty days, there was no OMC that did not uplift fuel. If the hon. Member for Mazabuka Central is implying that we have fuel, but are not releasing it onto the market, that is something else. The perception of a shortage is there and insinuations like the one by the hon. Member are just taking this perception all over the country when there is fuel. Can anybody tell me where there is no fuel currently?
Hon. Opposition Members: In Northmead!
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, I do not want to respond to what hon. Members on your left are shouting out. I am trying to respond to the question asked by the hon. Member. I have had a meeting with all the main OMCs in the country and they have told me that they are delivering fuel to the required destinations across the country. I do not think that what the hon. Member for Mazabuka Central is trying to intimate is a serious concern nor is it true. There is fuel all around Lusaka at all key retailers managed by the main OMCs.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mbulakulima (Chembe): Mr Speaker, as my colleague said, I think the hon. Minister is playing around with words. However, following his statement in which he has actually accepted that there is a shortage of fuel …
Interruptions
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
We are not listening. Let us give the opportunity to the person asking to be heard.
Mr Mbulakulima: Give chance to a senior hon. Member of Parliament to ask questions, you chaps. Mwencushi, mwe.
Laughter
Mr Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member may continue.
Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, in his ministerial statement, the hon. Minister has admitted that there is a shortage of fuel in the country, although he calls it unacceptable. This goes to show that he knows that there is a shortage somewhere. I am one of those who experienced the effects of the shortage this morning …
Hon. PF Member interjected.
Mr Mbulakulima: Wencushi, we.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Just continue asking your question.
Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, taking into account the fact that the PF campaign’s promises were based on a better Zambia, but, today, there is a fuel shortage, does the Ruling Party not consider itself irrelevant in the equation of national development and should, therefore, step aside?
Laughter
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, I would request the hon. Member for Chembe to pay attention to detail. I ask him to listen when people speak and then he can talk.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, last week, the hon. Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development was quoted in the media saying that the shortages of fuel in the country were as a result of the connivance between the Opposition political parties and OMCs. Is he still insisting that there is that connivance?
Mr Yaluma stood up before he was given the Floor.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
I have not yet given you the Floor.
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, …
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Deputy Speaker gave the Floor to Mr Yaluma.
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member for Monze Central should know that some things speak for themselves.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Interruptions
Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, can the PF Government accept …
Mr Nkombo: On a point order, Sir.
Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Interruptions
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, I rise on a very serious procedural point of order. Is the hon. Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development in order to be rude to hon. Members of Parliament who ask …
Interruptions
Mr Nkombo: … questions on points of clarifications on his ministerial statement, which is beneficial to this country?
I need a serious ruling, Sir.
Interruptions
Mr Deputy Speaker: We, presiding officers, sometimes, listen to the statements very carefully. The hon. Member for Monze Central was asking a question about what the hon. Minister was reported to have said in the media and not on what he was saying in his ministerial statement. That is not to say that when we answer each other’s questions, we should be indifferent. I think it is important that we try to be as humane as possible, notwithstanding the fact that the question really should not have been asked because it had nothing to do with what the hon. Minister said in his ministerial statement.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister confirm to this House and the nation at large that the PF Government has failed to monitor and supervise the OMCs in Zambia and that is why he is asking hon. Members on your left to assist in monitoring the fuel situation in the country.
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, I have said this, and I am saying it again for the benefit of the hon. Member of Parliament for Chadiza. There is no fuel problem in the country, but the hon. Member is entitled to his own opinion.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Ntundu (Gwembe): Sir, keeping this bottle of water (holding up a bottle of water) in a fridge and serving it on a table for the people to consume are two different things. Therefore, has the hon. Minister taken time to go to filling stations and found out if fuel is available and it is being served to people? He has confirmed that fuel is being kept somewhere, but has he gone round to find out …
Hon. Government Members interjected.
Mr Ntundu: Can you listen. What is wrong with you?
Interruptions
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
There shall be order in the House, please. Have you finished your question?
Mr Ntundu: Sir, my question is very simple. I am asking the hon. Minister whether he has taken the trouble to find out if the people who are supposed to serve fuel to the public are doing so.
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, it is a highly combobulated question, but I will try to answer it the way I have understood it. I have said this before and I am still saying that there is fuel. I guess listening is an art. Having said that, I have personally taken time to go round to verify the availability of fuel at various filling stations.
If you wish to know, I took a trip on 8th July, which was this past Sunday, starting from the Kafue Roundabout and went to Bonjour Total, all the way to Chilanga, Mazabuka, Monze, Choma, Kalomo and Zimba then back again. I will give you the exact findings.
Mr Speaker, when I drove on that road, a colleague from the Opposition also did the same and found that there was fuel all over. So, when you talk about my not having experienced the effects of the fuel shortages, it because I have gone through all the filling stations and found that they have fuel. Even last weekend, I went up to Kabwe just for that purpose and back again. I did that just to appreciate what is going on there. I found that there was fuel.
Thank you, Sir.
Hon Opposition Members: Hear, Hear!
Lt-General Shikapwasha (Keembe): Mr Speaker, an hon. Member of Parliament from this side has said that there is no fuel in Northmead. Would it not be proper for the hon. Minister to go and check the facts before he can deny that there is fuel in Northmead?
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, I think …
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: Order!
The Hon Minister cannot be heard. I appeal to the hon. Members on my right to give him the opportunity to answer.
Can you continue, hon. Minister.
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, is this the way we are going to do business? I find it very strange that, out of the thousands of filling stations, the hon. Member should go and check if there is no fuel at one isolated filling station. If you claim that there is no fuel, at the moment, and by the time you go there, you find that there is fuel, what are you going to do?
Thank you, Sir.
Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Mr Speaker, I wanted to know which filling station the hon. Minister visited, in Zimba, where he found that there was fuel because there is no filling station in Zimba.
I thank you, Sir.
Laughter
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, with due respect to the hon. Minister, …
Laughter
Mr Yaluma: Anyway, he is a shadow Minister.
I meant hon. Member of Parliament for Dundumwezi. I said I turned back in Zimba.
Interruptions
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr Yaluma: I was on a fact-finding mission. I did not say that there is Total, Puma or Kobil in Zimba. I wonder where you heard me say that there is a filling station in Zimba.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Mr Speaker, less than thirty minutes ago, I bought low sulphur diesel at Northmead and I am surprised that it has now run out. What is the hon. Minister doing to ensure that the OMCs that are acting like saboteurs are dealt with so that we do not have these disruptions in the supply of fuel?
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, in fact, this morning, I had a meeting with the key OMCs in my office and they just resounded their commitment to supporting our efforts of trying to flood the market with fuel. They also highlighted that everything has been going very well and they have been distributing fuel to all the filling stations.
Thank you, Sir.
Brig-General Dr Chituwo (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, I have listened, very carefully, to the hon. Minister’s statement that says that, indeed, there is enough fuel at Indeni and the OMCs have been uplifting it.
Sir, is it not in the hon. Minister’s interest and that of the nation to look at these reports of shortages of fuel at the pump stations rather than stating that there is something unusual? Is it not in his interest to actually find out and inform the nation why, on one hand we have large stocks which are being uplifted while on the other, there are reports of shortages of fuel?
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, I really commend the hon. Member of Parliament for Mumbwa because what he has just said is what we are trying to do at the moment. In my statement, I did say that we have put up an investigation to find out exactly why there are these perceived shortages. I am not relying on the information …
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: Order!
Mr Yaluma: … which is being given from our source in Ndola. We are collecting information from all possible sources across the country. The ERB has been instructed to go in the industry to find out what is happening on the ground. I did highlight, in my statement, that the ERB should track the OMCs to see where they are delivering the fuel. That, we are doing. We are trailing whichever OMC collects fuel to see where they are taking it.
Thank you, Sir.
Mr Hamudulu (Siavonga): Mr Speaker, in answering the last question, the hon. Minister on one hand said that he is tracking the OMCs to find out exactly where they are taking the fuel and on the other, he is saying that there is fuel. Why are you investigating a situation which is not there?
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, hon. Member for Siavonga, allow me to repeat what I said in response to the question raised by the hon. Member for Chembe. Please, pay attention to details. I am saying we have fuel at our depots in Ndola. The OMCs pick up the fuel from Ndola and deliver it to their filling stations. So, we are tracking them from the source to the filling station.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Chilangwa (Kawambwa): Mr Speaker, how would the hon. Minister describe the very few isolated incidents of filling stations running dry compared to what the country was subjected to under the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) Government?
Laughter
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
These are the types of questions that, sometimes, compel presiding officers to overrule them. This question is accordingly overruled.
Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Interruptions
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr Miyutu: Does the hon. Minister realise that a lack of energy causes death? Mr Speaker, my question to the hon. Minister is this: …
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
I thought you had asked your question.
Laughter
Mr Miyutu: … Does the hon. Minister realise that this demand is because there is no fuel at filling stations from which the local people get it and not that it is not there at TAZAMA? Does he realise that the filling stations have no fuel? In this case, I am not referring to the fuel depots he is referring to.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
I am compelled, now, to give guidance. The Chair sees no contradiction in what is being said. The hon. Minister has said that there are adequate fuel stocks. The filling stations that do not have fuel will be monitored by the hon. Minister for him to find out why this is prevailing. So, I think, the same issue is being repeated.
Mr Simbao (Senga Hill): Mr Speaker, why did the hon. Minister go all the way to Zimba when there is no filling station there just to turn back?
Laughter
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
That question is equally overruled.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mweetwa (Choma Central): Mr Speaker, arising from the answer given by the hon. Minister, who normally performs very well on the Floor of this House, but not today, …
Interruptions
Mr Mweetwa: … is he not aware of where this fuel is going, as between …
Mr M. H. Malama: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr M. H. Malama: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Member for Choma Central, who is trying to ask a question, in order to attack the hon. Minister, instead of asking the question so that the hon. Minister pumps sense into him?
Laughter
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order, order!
From what is being said, it appears that the subject has been exhausted …
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Deputy Speaker: The things we are saying are not right. Can you, please, ask your question? It is not fair to say the hon. Minister always answers well, but not today, yet you still want to ask him a question.
The hon. Member can ask his question.
Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, thank you for your guidance. If the hon. Minister is not aware of what is transpiring between where the fuel is uplifted to the point of consumption, what is the basis of his assurance to this House and the nation for comfort given that the people of Choma, for instance, have been assured repeatedly, but have continually experienced fuel shortage?
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, there is fuel in Choma. However, having said that, all the hon. Members of this august House did not walk to come here, but drove. As such, it means that there is fuel which allowed them come here.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}
ACCIDENTS AND LOSS OF LIVES AND PROPERTY AS A RESULT OF ROAD CARNAGE
The Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication and Chief Whip (Mr Mukanga): Mr Speaker, thank you …
Interruptions
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr Mukanga: … for giving me this opportunity to deliver a ministerial statement on accidents and loss of lives and property as a result of road carnage.
Mr Speaker, I am greatly saddened by the increase in the number of road accidents in the recent past. The increase in the loss of lives, through road traffic accidents, needs to be addressed. The Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication and its agencies, the Road Development Agency (RDA) and the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), will continue to work with various stakeholders, such as the National Road Fund Agency (NRFA), local authorities, bus drivers associations, truckers associations and the Zambia Police Force, to try and find ...
Interruptions
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Minister!
Please, may I appeal to hon. Members to consult quietly so that the hon. Minister can make his statement uninterrupted.
You can continue.
Mr Mukanga: … solutions that will reduce the accidents and loss of lives on the roads. The Government believes that accidents do not just happen, but are caused.
Mr Speaker, the Government’s policy on road safety is to protect the lives of road users and their property, through the introduction of appropriate and effective enforceable road safety measures and regulations. In order to achieve this, the Government has used the following strategies:
(a) institution of safety engineering within the institutional structures in the roads sector;
(b) improvement of the reporting and analysis of road accidents data;
(c) strict enforcements, improved co-ordination between institutions involved in road safety activities at all levels to ensure effective and efficient enforcement of traffic regulations and laws;
(d) introduction of appropriate financing arrangements for road safety programmes; and ...
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
The hon. Members on my right are not listening. I know that some of the hon. Members on my left belong to the right, but I am talking of those who are seated on my right. Please, let us give the hon. Minister the opportunity to debate.
You can continue.
Mr Mukanga:
(e) directing the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication and also the Ministry of Home Affairs to:
(i) come up with a comprehensive and workable strategy by which the road carnage would be reduced; and
(ii) limit the time for operations for long distance public passenger transport.
Following this directive, Sir, a number of consultative meetings have been and are being held with various stakeholders and members of the public to devise some sustainable workable interventions. Two key areas of concern identified during the consultative meetings were fleet management and monitoring and crew deployment and driver fatigue management. Some of the recommendations to address the high road carnage in our country from the meetings were:
(a) use of global positioning system (GPS) on public service vehicles (PSV). It was clear that speed limitations on public service vehicles were not working; and
(b) regulate or limit the time drivers of some PSV may remain continuously on duty.
Sir, on 19th April, 2012, a Joint Road Traffic Enforcement Programme (JRTEP) was launched by the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and communications in collaboration with its key partners and agencies.
Sir, this programme has been tailored to enhance the presence of traffic rules enforcement officers on all key road sections across the country to encourage compliance with road safety requirements. The JRTEP, through highway, local street and public station traffic patrols, will focus on:
(a) removing those driving under the influence of alcohol;
(b) removing high-risk motor vehicles by encouraging smart behaviour;
(c) reporting benefits being achieved quarterly to the general public;
(d) increasing visibility of enforcement officers on public roads;
(e) ensuring that only registered vehicles are on the roads; and
(f) digitalising the system.
Mr Speaker, the Government is also aware that, to meet the demand for a good road network and reduce the number of accidents caused by road defects, infrastructure needs to be improved. Some of the measures being put in place include the following:
(a) reviewing design of roads to include more facilities for detours;
(b) improving signage on roads and markings;
(c) emergency repairs of potholes and other dangerous occurrences;
(d) routine maintenance works;
(e) upgrading of road junctions and widening of lanes;
(f) procuring breakdown facilities in order for us to remove obstacles on the road as this has been one of the major causes; and
(g) reviewing the legal framework, generally.
Mr Speaker, in the last five years, we have seen an increase in the vehicle population which, in 2007, was 230,332, but increased to 381,948, in 2011. Corresponding to this increase was an increase in the number of fatalities due to road accidents, from 1,277, in 2007, to 1,670, in 2011.
Sir, the PF Government is not happy to see even a single person die. I would like to assure the hon. Members of this august House and the general public that the Government is working on reducing the loss of life through road traffic accidents as we believe that accidents can be prevented because they are caused.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the ministerial statement given by the hon. Minister of Transport, works, Supply and Communication.
Mr Namulambe (Mpongwe): Mr Speaker, I appreciate the measures that have been put in place to reduce accidents. However, what is the Government doing about truck and bus drivers who move at night whilst drunk because these are the ones who are causing accidents in places that have clearly well-marked road signs? Can the Government consider banning the movement of trucks at night?
Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, although the hon. Member has asked more than one question, I will try to answer. One of the issues that came out of the consultative process was that we look at crew management and driver fatigue. We have instituted some measures to monitor this process, particularly drivers who are under the influence of alcohol. You will see a large number of RTSA personnel, especially in the night, starting from around 22 hours, carrying out breathalyser tests on drivers. If a driver is found to have an alcohol level above 0.38g per litre of breath, he will be taken to be driving under the influence of alcohol. The traffic officers will impound the vehicle or instruct another driver with him, if there is one, to take over while the one under the influence of alcohol will be detained until he is sober. The cells will be full of drunken drivers, which will be very embarrassing. It is, therefore, better that people know that they will be detained beforehand.
Mr Speaker, there is an increase of the presence of RTSA officers on the roads and we are trying to address the issue of the legal framework. At the moment, the law does not allow us to impose any restrictions on the movements of trucks and buses at night. That is why I said that there is a review of the legislation too.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa): Mr Speaker, my question has been overtaken by events.
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, the carnage on the road between Siavonga and Mazabuka is very high and is as a result of the poor state of the road. Is the hon. Minister taking any measures to ensure that that particular portion of the road is rehabilitated?
Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, I indicated that we are looking at improving the road network and the terrain. So, we are putting measures in place, across the country, to address those issues because some of the accidents are a result of potholes and we cannot continue with that arrangement. We will be looking at improving most of the sections of the roads.
I thank you, Sir.
Professor Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, two years ago, the Government, through RTSA, bought highway patrol vehicles for each province. How effective is the utilisation of these vehicles?
Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, those are the vehicles that this joint team is trying to use to increase the presence of traffic officers on the roads. I believe that, if there is an increase in the presence of traffic officers, there will be an increase in awareness. At least, we may reduce the number of accidents. The vehicles are very valuable and we appreciate that they were bought.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mucheleka (Lubansenshi): Mr Speaker, it is true that the portion of the road between Livingstone and Chililabombwe has the highest number of accidents. Is it not time the Government started thinking of carrying out a feasibility study with a view to constructing a dual-carriage way on this portion as a means of minimising the incidence of accidents?
Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, I am surprised that the hon. Member is referring to the road from Livingstone to Chililabombwe as a ‘portion’. However, one of the issues I mentioned was that we would institute safety engineering within the institutional structures in the road sector and coming up with a dual-carriage way is one of the options.
I thank you, Sir.
Brig-General Dr Chituwo: Mr Speaker, there is a silent epidemic. One of the important ingredients in this epidemic that the hon. Minister mentioned is the human element. Does the hon. Minister have any plans to monitor the skills attained from these driving schools or the functions of these schools in this country so that the standards are improved?
Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, one of the issues we are pursuing is to ensure that we improve the testing facilities for vehicles and the drivers. RTSA has invested in procuring equipment costing about K3 billion as well as in improving the operations at Mimosa. We want to replicate these improvements across the country. We also need to increase the human resource at RTSA so that we can be adequately checking on the operations of driving schools across the country. We are going to increase the human resource from the current 197 to 350 so that we can enforce the law and monitor the operations of various driving schools.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, I want to find out whether the PF Government does not see any value in the country having a Highway Code, because I did not hear the hon. Minister mention anything to do with it and how it can help to prevent accidents. This is despite the code containing rules and regulations that are important for motorists.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
Before the hon. Minister speaks, I would like to commend the manner in which the two previous questioners have put their questions. They put their questions through the Speaker and not to the hon. Minister. Asking questions directly to the hon. Minister is not allowed.
Laughter
Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, one of the issues I mentioned earlier is that we are going to enforce appropriate measures concerning road traffic laws. We shall ensure that the Highway Code is adhered to. I believe that the PF Government is committed to ensuring that the law is followed at all times. The regulations for motorists are contained in the Highway Code.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Simfukwe (Mbala): Mr Speaker, the Great North Road is one of the busiest highways we have. The carnage on this road is overwhelming. I want to find out from the hon. Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication whether he is aware that most of the accidents on this road are caused by poor traffic signs and the foreign trucks that break down and stay on this road for days. If he is aware, what action is he going to take in order to address this problem?
Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, one of the issues I mentioned earlier is that we are going to look into procuring break down towing facilities. We are also going to improve the signs and markings on our roads.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, ...
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Ntundu: ... there are six roadblocks manned by RTSA and the Zambia Police (ZP) between Monze to Lusaka. If you are driving from Gweembe, there are seven roadblocks. The distance between Monze and Lusaka is 193 km. On some day, I wasted about an hour and three minutes on check points as I was coming to Lusaka from Monze …
Laughter
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
Hon. Member for Gweembe, please, pose your question.
Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, most of the people who drive from Monze or Gweembe to Lusaka lose one hour at the check points on the road. As a result, they rush and cause accidents. I want to find out from the hon. Minister whether his ministry has any intention to reduce the number of roadblocks in order for people driving on this road to reduce their speed.
Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, when you talk about roadblocks, you are talking about the operations of the Zambia Police Force. RTSA only conducts vehicle inspections. I believe that the most important issue we need to realise is that life is precious and that the more we sensitise our people, the safer our roads will become. If people believe that they do not need sensitisation, we will continue having many accidents in which we shall be losing precious lives. We want to protect lives because we believe that every person’s life is important. The hon. Member should bear with us. We have put certain measures in place in order to protect our people.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mumba (Mambilima): Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that most of the vehicles that are taken for fitness tests are not tested? People just pay the fees for testing without the actual tests being conducted.
Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, we found a situation whereby vehicles were not being tested, but were still being issued with certificates of fitness. We are going to introduce new measures through which bad human elements will be removed from the vehicle testing system. Machines will used to test the vehicles. This will eliminate the issue of corruption from the system. We want to give Zambians a better service and it is important for people to support us on this issue.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Katambo (Masaiti): Mr Speaker, what measures has the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication put in place to help detect vehicles which do not have operational speed limiters because safety is not a game of chance?
Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, we realise that most vehicles have non-functional speed limiters. People who have vehicles such as buses connive with the people who install speed limiters so that they can do things the wrong way. We will no longer be using speed limiters. We will be moving to an era in which we will be using the GPS.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister mentioned that people who will be driving when they are drunk will be arrested. Now, what will be happening to people who force themselves to drive long distances, such as from Livingstone to Solwezi, when they are tired?
Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, since it is very difficult to tell whether a person is fatigued or not, we are simply trying to inculcate a sense of responsibility in the drivers. Of course, we can only do this with the support of the bus owners. We are trying to teach them to manage their drivers better. We are sensitising the operators so that they know how best they can help us to reduce the accidents on our roads.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Kakoma (Zambezi West): Mr Speaker, in some countries, they have empowered ordinary citizens to effect citizens’ arrests on traffic offenders. Given the limited capacity of the traffic officers in our country, is the hon. Minister considering empowering our ordinary citizens to be arresting traffic offenders?
Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, the PF Government would like to have order in this country. We believe that we are not going to go in the direction which has been suggested by Hon. Kakoma because we are trying to build the capacity of RTSA. With regards to the human resource levels, we are increasing the staff at RTSA from 197 to 350 so that we can deal with issues involving traffic offenders effectively.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr L. J. Ngoma (Sinda): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has indicated that the human resource level at RTSA will be increased from 197 to 350 and that recovery vehicles will be bought. I would like to find out when this will be done. Is it in this financial year or the year after?
Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, we have already started implementing the measures that I have talked about. The increase in personnel will be done this year. The procurement of break-down towing facilities will be considered in next year’s Budget.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Taundi (Mangango): Mr Speaker, when others ask the Government to tar the roads in their areas, their requests are attended, but for us, nobody listens to our pleas.
Laughter
Mr Taundi: Mr Speaker, the Katunda/Lukulu Road was recently graded. However, it is worse than it was before because it was graded without being compacted. There is now a lot of dust …
Mr Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, I allowed you to make a preface briefly. Now, go to your question. Do not continue making a statement.
Mr Taundi: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out whether the Government has plans to re-do the works on the road by, at least, watering and compacting it so that a lot of dust is not raised by the vehicles that use it. The raising of dust can lead to accidents occurring on this road.
Laughter
Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, I am surprised to hear that a road can be constructed through watering.
Laughter
Mr Mukanga: Sir, in all the years of my engineering career, I have never heard about such a process. The statement I gave is not just for a particular road. We are trying to look at all roads which have been giving us problems. We believe that we need to do as much as we can to improve the safety on our roads.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, has the ministry got any plans to liaise with the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education so that the subject on road safety is taught at an early stage and is included in the syllabi of our schools?
Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, I thank my cousin for that question.
Hon. Opposition Member: There are no cousins in this House.
Mr Mukanga: He is my cousin whether there are no cousins in this House.
When you talk about sensitisation, you must realise that for it to be effective, it must cut across all ages. We have been working with the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education in our programme of going round schools to explain road safety tips to the children. Under this programme, the children are provided with a safety guide.
I thank you, Sir.
____________
QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER
LUENA SUGAR PROJECT
499. Mr Chitotela (Pambashe) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock:
(a) when the Luena Sugar Project in Kawambwa would begin; and
(b) what the estimated time-frame for the completion of the project was.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Mr Banda): Mr Speaker, the Government, currently does not have any plans to undertake the Luena Sugar Project. However, there is the Luena Farm Block Development Programme, in Kawambwa District, in which a sugar project may be implemented, if potential investors decide on it. The development programme is expected to be operational by 2015.
Mr Speaker, the estimated completion time for the Luena Farm Block Development Programme is three and a half years.
I thank you, Sir.
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS IN ZAMBIA
500. Mr Chisala (Chilubi) asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:
(a) How many community schools:
(i) there were in Zambia as of February, 2012; and
(ii) had been taken over by the Government from January, 2010, to January, 2012; and
(b) how many community school teachers had been trained with the help of the Government from 2006 to 2011, and were later absorbed in the ministry on permanent and pensionable terms.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Vocational Training (Mr Mabumba): Mr Speaker, there were a total of 2,859 community schools as of February, 2012, broken down as follows:
School No. Of Schools
Primary Schools 2,851
Secondary Schools 8
Total 2,859
Mr Speaker, the ministry is, currently, developing modalities on how to take over community schools. These modalities will be effected through the infrastructure development plans (IDP) for 2013 and 2014.
Sir, from 2006 to 2001, the following is the total number of community school teachers that successfully completed their training and were deployed by the ministry in public schools:
Year Females Males Total
2006 0 0 0
2007 35 50 85
2008 16 41 57
2009 30 60 90
2010 142 273 415
Totals 223 424 647
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, having assessed the high levels of understaffing in community schools, is the ministry considering taking over the schools in the most quickest possible time as well as sending trained teachers there by January, next year?
The Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (Dr Phiri): Mr Speaker, these schools that are called community schools are not only understaffed, but are staffed with mostly untrained teachers. The ministry has begun sending teachers to these schools, but the process is rather slow. This is because there are other competing demands that the ministry must look at.
Although we are all anxious to upgrade these 2,859 community schools, we are also mindful that we have a responsibility to upgrade primary schools to fully fledged primary schools because, currently, they only offer grades 1 to 4 and these are mostly in rural Zambia. We also have a responsibility to continue constructing primary schools because we have not yet reached the maximum number required and that is besides our continued infrastructure demands to construct more secondary schools countrywide and also rehabilitate and expand existing secondary schools which were built in the 1960s and 1970s.
Mr Speaker, in short, the challenge is enormous and we can only do as much. However, I am hoping that, with increased funding to the educational sector, more will be done. For example, in today’s The Zambia Daily Mail newspaper and other papers, we have embarked on the recruitment of about 8000 teachers. From this number, 5000 teachers have been budgeted for in the current 2012 Budget while the remaining 3000 teachers will be recruited to fill in the gap created by those who have left the service.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, may the hon. Minister inform this House and, through this House, the nation the minimum benchmarks a community school is required to attain in order for it be upgraded to an ordinary government school.
Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, in our upgrading programme, we are considering building a 1 X 3 or 1 X 4 block of classrooms, a minimum of three teacher’s houses and also ventilated improved pit latrine (VIP) toilets suitable for the population of the children at that school.
Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa): Mr Speaker, 2,859 community schools is an enormous number. Therefore, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister if there is any programme that has been put in place in order to discourage other communities that may want to establish more community schools.
Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, this is a challenge for the Government since it has the responsibility to educate its citizens. Where communities come up to help the Government, they should not be discouraged at all. Instead, this should open the eyes of the Government and prompt it to do something positive in those communities because no child should be left behind. The Government must find resources to make the lives of these children better and this can only be done if they are allowed to go to school. However rudimentary the structures in which children learn, they must be afforded an opportunity to learn something. Therefore, we encourage communities to assist in this regard.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.{mospagebreak}
MPULUNGU AND NSAMA DISTRICTS’BOUNDARY
501. Mr Ng’onga asked the Vice-President why the boundary between Mpulungu and Nsama districts, in the Northern Province, does not follow the Lufubu River.
The Vice-President (Dr Scott): Mr Speaker the answer that I have says that it does. In other words, it should be noted that the boundary between Mpulungu and Nsama District, which is the former Chimbamilonga Constituency, in the Northern Province, actually does follow the Lufubu River, according to the description and narration of the new Nsama District. This proposed identity between the constituency boundary of Chimbamilonga and Nsama District was proposed at the full council meeting held on 9th February, 2012, in Kaputa. I will lay an exact copy of the minutes of the full council meeting that was held to discuss the district boundary on the Table. The narration of the district boundary indicates that it follows Lufubu River between the confluences of the Kamwinda and Chiteti streams.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
His Honour the Vice-President laid the paper on the Table.
Mr Ng’onga: Mr Speaker, I just wish to thank His Honour the Vice-President for bringing that information to my attention.
PRIMARY HEALTH POSTS IN RURAL AREAS
502. Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) asked the Minister of Health:
(a) why the Primary Health Posts (PHPs), which were very effective in service delivery in rural areas, were abandoned; and
(b) when the PHPs would be revived, especially in Kalabo.
The Deputy Minister of Health (Dr Chikusu): Mr Speaker the Government has not abandoned the PHPs. They were established to carry out 80 per cent or more of community primary health care services such as immunisations, community disease prevention measures and health education. This was meant to cater for the populations within 20 km radius and they were manned by Environmental Health Technicians. Due to long distances to health centres in many places, communities surrounding these health posts started seeking services that are supposed to be offered at the health centres from the PHPs. As such, there was a shift in the original concept of the PHPs in that they started to undertake curative functions which they are still doing to date.
Mr Speaker, the PHPs have not been abolished. The infrastructure and personnel are still there and are functional. What has changed is the concept and the original function of the PHPs.
Mr Speaker, the Government is enhancing the capacities of the PHPs through construction of health posts and training of community health assistants. Last week, the graduation of community health assistants took place and Kalabo is earmarked to receive eleven community health assistants to enable this primary health post be manned by trained staff.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, my question may have been misconceived.
Sir, four weeks ago, I was in my constituency. These PHPs …
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
Hon. Member for Kalabo Central, I want you to get used to asking questions. Do not start with an introduction or statement. Can you ask your follow-up question. There is a way you can bring in the issue of Kalabo in the question.
Laughter
Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, the answer given by the hon. Minister reflects that the PHPs have not been abandoned. If that is the case, why are they not delivering services to the people?
The Minister of Health (Dr Kasonde): Mr Speaker, I agree with the hon. Member that his question may have had an element subject to misconception ...
Laughter
Dr Kasonde: … and it is my duty to try and clarify the position. The function of the PHPs had to completely change to accommodate the different function of a health centre because of population dynamics and demands around the post.
Mr Speaker, sometimes, these centres are said not be functioning. However, we can only understand this if we place them in the context of what function is being talked about. In this case, it is that of a health centre even though this was not the intended practice.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Mufalali (Senanga): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister of Health why the provision of kits to the PHPs has since stopped.
Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, I am not very clear about the treatments that were discontinued. I need a clarification before I answer. Which kits are being referred to?
Mr Deputy Speaker: Can the hon. Member clarify.
Mr Mufalali: Mr Speaker, the PHPs were receiving kits mainly for malarial treatment.
Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, there has been no formal discontinuation of the supply of kits to the centres. However, we did go through a period, particularly at the end of last year, when there was a shortage. This applied to the Western Province and two other places, including Kalabo District.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Hamudulu (Siavonga): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that since Kalabo Primary Health Post graduated to a health centre, it is earmarked to receive eleven health assistants. I would like to know exactly when these assistants will be in Kalabo.
Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, I was privileged to officiate at the graduation of 307 community health assistants on 13th July, 2012. I think that it is reasonable for us to be allowed a period during which we shall carry out the necessary management functions to enable them to start. I cannot be exact in terms of date, but I can assure the hon. Member that these management functions will be complete within two months.
I thank you, Sir.
CONSTRUCTION, REHABILITATION AND UPGRADING OF SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE IN PEMBA
503. Mrs Mazoka (Pemba) asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:
(a) when Demu Basic school would be rehabilitated and upgraded to high school level;
(b) when Simudima and Chilundu Basic Schools would be rehabilitated; and
(c) whether the ministry was aware that Kazungula and Chinowa Community Schools, in Pemba, had no staff houses, and if so, when houses would be constructed.
Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that Demu Basic School will be rehabilitated when adequate funds are made available to the ministry.
Mr Speaker, we have consistently said, on the Floor of this House, that the ministry is not upgrading basic schools to high schools, given the position of the new Government to phase out basic education and re-introduce the primary and secondary education system.
Mr Speaker, Simudima and Chilundu basic schools will be rehabilitated when adequate funds are available. The consolation, however, is that the rehabilitation of a 1X2 classroom block at Simudima was completed in April, 2012, at a cost of K35,145,000.
Sir, the ministry is aware that Kazungula and Chinowa Community schools, like many other community schools in this country, have no houses. However, the ministry will consider construction of staff houses when adequate funds are made available to the ministry.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mazoka: Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister, at least, give me a time frame within which this will happen.
Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, I can only guess that the hon. Member is talking about Demu Basic School. If this is the case, let me report to this august House that Demu Basic School …
Mr Yaluma’s phone rang.
Laughter
Dr Phiri: … has about twelve classrooms which require rehabilitation.
Mr Speaker, the information available from the provincial office, in the Southern Province, is that instead of Demu, they would rather have Bulanda Basic, which has a central location, upgraded to high school level. Thus, in 2013, we will be focusing on pushing Bulanda Basic School to high school level and leaving the basic school infrastructure as it is. This is assuming that this august House gives us the money which we think it will.
I thank you, Sir.
FUEL STORAGE TANKS CONSTRUCTION
504. Mr Mwango (Kanchibiya) asked the Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development:
(a) how many fuel storage tanks were being constructed countrywide;
(b) what the total cost of the construction of the storage was; and
(c) what the economic benefit of putting up the tanks was.
The Deputy Minister of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection (Mr C. S. Zulu): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Government is, currently, constructing four fuel storage depots with a total of twenty-four tanks in Lusaka, Mpika, Solwezi and Mongu. Each province will have five tanks. The total cost of the construction of these tanks is K150 billion.
Mr Speaker, the economic benefits of putting up fuel tanks in provinces are as follows:
(a) security of supply of petroleum products at provincial level. This security of supply of petroleum products will cushion businesses from the adverse effects of fuel shortages and, thus, sustain productivity;
(b) the availability of storage space in provinces will allow for transportation of petroleum products in bulk and, therefore, help in reducing the cost of distributing petroleum products in rural areas;
(c) availability of stocks of fuel at the provincial level will give comfort to potential investors thereby creating an enabling environment for investment in outlying areas; and
(d) adequate storage capacity at the provincial level will improve implementation of the country’s uniform pricing programme which started in 2012.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Mwango: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out what the total storage capacity of the twenty-four tanks is?
The Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development (Mr Yaluma): Mr Speaker, the total capacity for the tanks in question is as follows:
Fuel Depot Capacity (m³)
Mpika 6,500
Mongu 6,500
Solwezi 15,500
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, what steps has the Government put in place with a view to protecting the rural communities in districts where there are no filling stations from being exploited by the fuel vendors who have been selling 20 litres of fuel at K200,000?
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, the ERB, in conjunction with the police, has just embarked on extensive policing, …
Interruptions
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order, order!
We are not listening!
Mr Yaluma: … confiscating the fuel and presenting dealers to the courts of law so that they can be tried and sentenced if they are found guilty.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Matafwali (Bangweulu): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out how the fuel tanks are going to be managed by the Government. Are they going to be leased out to the private sector or the Government will run them?
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, the tanks will be owned by the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development and will be managed by the ERB, on behalf of the Government, since it is a subsidiary of the ministry.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
MARKETS IN KAMFINSA PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY
505. Mr Chishimba (Kamfinsa) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:
(a) when Old Ndeke Market, in Bupe Ward, in Kamfinsa Parliamentary Constituency, would be opened to the public; and
(b) whether the Government had any plans to construct modern infrastructure at the following locations:
(i) Ndeke Market in Ndeke Ward; and
(ii) Kamfinsa Market in Kamfinsa Ward.
The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Masumba): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that Ndeke Market, in Bupe Ward, was constructed with funding from the Government and the European Union (EU). The beneficiary, of course, is Kitwe City Council. The market has already been handed over to the council. Therefore, the city council has to put in place measures to have the market opened to the public, as it is the council’s responsibility to manage markets within its jurisdiction.
The construction of modern markets requires high capital investment and …
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
Business was suspended from 1615 hours until 1630 hours.
[MR DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]
Mr Masumba: Mr Speaker, when business was suspended, I was saying that the market has already been constructed and handed over to the Kitwe City Council. The council is also putting up measures to ensure that it is now open to the public.
However, the construction of modern markets requires high capital investment. Due to the limited budget provisions for markets in the 2012 Budget, the Government does not have immediate plans for the construction of new markets in Ndeke and Kamfinsa wards during 2012.
Sir, the Government is also soliciting for funding from co-operating partners to assist in the construction of modern markets in various parts of the country.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether it is prudent for the Government to continue constructing markets in various localities in the country when they are not occupied by members of the public.
Mr Masumba: Mr Speaker, I am not aware that there are markets that are not occupied. The fact that hon. Members of Parliament are asking us whether more markets are going to be built is indicative enough that we need to build more markets because the existing ones are occupied. That, we will do as a Government because we move according to the needs of the nation.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Do not say much.
Interruptions
Ms Siliya (Petauke Central): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister who is telling the correct version of the story. Is it the hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing or the hon. Minister for Lusaka Province whom we saw on television, yesterday, telling the nation that an audit had been conducted and that there are 5,000 unoccupied places in markets? So, is he trying to mislead the nation or does he belong to another Government?
Mr Masumba: Mr Speaker, thank you for the question raised by Hon. Dora Siliya.
Hon. Government Member: Dora, fye.
Mr Masumba: Dollar, yes.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Masumba: Mr Speaker, I think we are not in a position to start responding to media reports. The answer that I have given is that, we will respond to the needs of our people because they voted for us.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Mr Speaker, thank you for allowing me to ask a follow-up question. Coherence is very important. Nakadoli Market, in Kitwe, was commissioned by the former Government and it is on record as not having been occupied fully. Vendors have moved out of the market to sell even as close as the Civic Centre of the respective district council.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Question?
Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, is there correlation between a responsible statement that was attributed to the hon. Minister of this great province, Lusaka, Hon. Colonel Gerry Chanda, and what the junior hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing is saying now?
Mr Masumba: Mr Speaker, we should not bring Hon. Colonel Gerry Chanda into this debate because he is the hon. Minister for Lusaka Province. The issue at hand is a market in Kitwe. So, let us restrict ourselves to Kitwe. Just as I have said, Ndeke Market has already been built and we have handed it over to the Kitwe City Council that will, in turn, open it to the public. So, I think hon. Ministers should not be made to argue amongst themselves.
I thank you, Sir.
Brig-General Dr Chituwo (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, I am wondering whether there is an acting hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing. We know that a lot of stalls in markets are empty. The question which requires a straightforward answer is: Why, then, should we still consider building more markets? Should we not find a solution to the question of markets being empty, yet people were trying to build …
Mr Katambo: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, I apologise to the senior Member of Parliament, Hon. Brig-General Dr Chituwo, for disturbing him as he was deliberating on the Floor. Is the hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing in order to tell us that his Government cannot comment on issues affecting the lives of people as reported in the media? I want to learn since I am a new hon. Member of Parliament.
Mr Deputy Speaker: He will take that point of order into account as he answers the next question raised by the hon. Member of Parliament for Mumbwa.
Brig-General Dr Chituwo: Mr Speaker, why should the Ministry of Local Government and Housing continue to consider building markets when traders actually prefer the streets rather than the markets?
Mr Masumba: Mr Speaker, I think this Government was elected by the people and they expect a lot of things. As a Government, we respond to people’s needs. Currently, we are debating what is in Kitwe and not elsewhere.
Sir, the hon. Members are saying that we have a lot of markets. The MMD Government was in power for more than twenty years, yet, in Mufumbwe Constituency, we do not have markets. If we start talking about things that are outside, …
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Nkombo: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, I actually hate to do this. Is the hon. Minister in order to discuss Mufumbwe when he is an hon. Minister representing the Government?
Interruptions
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
We should try as much as possible to answer questions. Let us not turn the House into a public rally, for lack of a better term. Please, let us answer questions.
With that said, next question.
STAFF HOUSES AND OFFICE BLOCKS FOR POLICE POSTS
506. Mr Njeulu (Sinjembela) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:
(a) when the Government would construct staff houses and office blocks for police posts at the following areas:
(i) Sioma; and
(ii) Natukoma; and
(b) when the Government would officially open Mutomena Police Post, in Shang’ombo District, since accommodation is available.
The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Dr Simbyakula): Mr Speaker, I would like to inform the House that the Government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, intends to construct staff houses and office blocks for both Sioma and Natukoma police posts once the ministry has sourced funds to build more police stations and posts.
Sir, with regard to Mutomena, for the Government to commission a community police post, certain criteria must be met in terms of infrastructure such as the availability of:
(a) office space;
(b) cells for males and females;
(c) toilets;
(d) decent accommodation; and
(e) water.
Mr Speaker, we have instructed the police force in the Western Province to carry out a physical inspection of the structures that the community has constructed in Mutomena to see whether they meet this criteria. If so, the police post will be opened.
I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}
HYDRO-POWER STATION ON THE LUAPULA RIVER
507. Mr Chilangwa (Kawambwa) asked the Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development what precautionary measures the Government had taken in developing a hydro-power station on the Luapula River considering that the Kalungwishi River Hydro-power Station project failed.
The Deputy Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development (Mr C. S. Zulu): Mr Speaker, I wish to dispel the notion that the Kalungwishi Project failed. This project is on schedule and will be developed by Lunzua Power Authority. This is an independent power producer, which is a subsidiary company of Olympic Milling in Kitwe. The company signed an implementation agreement with the Government on 22nd August, 2011, and has until December, 2012, to mobilise finances, complete environmental and social impact assessments, negotiate power-purchase agreements and sign a contract to build the power station.
Sir, Lunzua Power Authority is, currently, working towards achieving the above goals and reports to the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development as required. The project is designed in such a way that 247 MW will be generated from the two sites, namely, Kabwelume (96 MW) and Kabundika (151 MW). The company is working with world-class engineers, both Zambian and foreign, and financial and legal advisors in the hydro-power industry and we expect that the actual construction will start early 2013.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Chilangwa: Mr Speaker, when will the construction of the hydro-power station on the Luapula River take off?
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, the proposed power station projects on the Luapula River are, currently, undergoing feasibility assessments. As soon as these studies are completed, we will extend the documentation to the would-be investors for evaluation and see the way forward.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chitotela (Pambashe): Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that Luapula presently lags behind, in terms of development, because of the non-availability of electricity in the whole province?
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, yes, we are very much aware of that.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Nkombo: What advantages did Lunzua Power Authority have in the bidding process over the Lunsefwa Hydro-power Company, which was also a bidder? The latter has a very long reputation of building and operating hydro-power stations. What was the criterion behind getting a milling company to make a power project?
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, the information that was put forward, at the time of evaluation, was adequate to make the people involved in approving the bidder accept Lunzua Power Authority as being credible and viable through the parent holding company, which is mentioned by the hon. Deputy Minister as Olympic Milling. The company has also informed us that it has hired responsible people with a solid experience in putting up power stations. This has been verified.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Kalaba (Bahati): Mr Speaker, why has the development of the power station at ‘Lumangwe’ stalled?
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, I did not get the name of the site.
Interruptions
Mr Yaluma: Lumangwe is a heritage site and, as such, …
Interruptions
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
You are confusing the hon. Minister. Can you ask your question again?
Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, I was talking about the stagnation of the construction of the Kalungwishi Hydro-power Station. Why has work stalled?
Interruptions
MR Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, I do not think that the works on the Kalungwishi Project have stagnated because the implementation agreement was signed in August, last year, and we are just about to hit August, 2012. It is still on track.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mumba (Mambilima): Mr Speaker, what measure has the Government put in place to ensure that the project is not concessioned before money to develop it is found?
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, these projects are constantly being tracked, both for financial performance as well as the actual programme of implementation. So, we will ensure that all that is supposed to be obtained within the milestones is achieved.
I thank you, Sir.
SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION IN MANSA DISTRICT
508. Mr Kalaba asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education how many schools the ministry planned to construct, in 2012, in Mansa District and in which places.
Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the ministry plans to construct two primary schools at two green sites and fourteen additional classroom blocks at the following primary schools:
(a) Sparky;
(b) Chile;
(c) Mupofwe;
(d) Chisunka;
(e) Bahati; and
(f) Chansunsu.
Mr Speaker, however, I think that what will be more pleasing to the hon. Member, although his question was not straightforward, is the construction of Chimense Secondary School, which the ministry will undertake in the infrastructure development plan for 2012.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, from the outset, I must say that my question was straightforward. The rains are about to come; this is July.
Interruptions
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr Kalaba: In three months’ time, the rains will start falling. When, exactly, is the construction of Chimense Secondary School going to be done in Chief Chimense’s area?
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, Chimense Secondary School is in our infrastructure development plan and it will be constructed in 2012. If not completed, this year, we will move it to 2013, but the assurance is that this school will be built.
I thank you, Sir.
ELECTRIFICATION IN LUNDAZI
509. Dr Kazonga (Vubwi) asked the Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development when the following institutions, which were in close proximity to power supply lines in Lundazi Parliamentary Constituency, would be electrified:
(a) Kanele Basic School and teachers’ houses;
(b) Kapiri Basic School and teachers’ houses;
(c) Chijemu Basic School and teachers’ houses;
(d) Chijemu Health Post;
(e) Kamunyunga Basic School and teachers’ houses;
(f) Kapichila Basic School and teachers’ houses;
(g) Kapichila Health Post;
(h) Chilola Basic School and teachers’ houses;
(i) Msuzi Basic School and teachers’ houses; and
(j) Kakumba Basic School and teachers’ houses.
Mr C. S. Zulu: Mr Speaker, through you, Hon. Kazonga, my mulamu, ...
Laughther
Mr C. S. Zulu: ... the areas where these schools and health posts are allocated were electrified, through the implementation of the Mwase and Lumezi Rural Electrification Projects in 2007. So, these schools and health posts fall under that area.
Sir, Chijemu Basic School, Kapiri Basic School, Kapichila Basic School and Health Post are located within metres of the 28km long, 11kV, Mwase Power Line Project, while Msuzi and Kakumba basic schools are also located a few metres from the 32km, 33kV Lumezi Power line project.
Mr Speaker, these institutions should now work with the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) and the area Member of Parliament, ...
Interruptions
Mr C. S. Zulu: … Hon. Kazonga, …
Laughter
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr C. S. Zulu: … and use part of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to get connected to these power supply lines. What we are saying is that this area was already electrified by the Rural Electrification Authority (REA). So, REA can only go that far. The rest is done by individual schools and, maybe, ministries to get power into hostels, teachers’ houses and the like. Again, this area is already electrified.
Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, in his response, the Hon Deputy Minister indicated that we can use the CDF for electrification. Is he aware that, looking at the ten social delivery institutions infrastructure, the CDF is not enough and that this necessitates direct funding from the Treasury?
Mr Deputy Speaker: That is a very important question, which the hon. Minister must answer.
Laughter
Hon. Member: Boma!
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, the projects under the rural electrification are, basically, to extend grids to the areas where we do not have the network. So, when you get the network to the area and it is as close as possible to the school, the internal wiring of the schools is not REA’s responsibility. The service connection and internal wiring is supposed to be done by the school or any other funding institutions that can provide that.
Thank you, Sir.
Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, REA is charged with the responsibility of extending the power grid to most rural parts of our country. In the midst of the worst load-shedding in the history of this country, is there still justification to continue this extension of the national grid in the absence of adequate power at the moment.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Although the question seems to be outside the scope of the principal one, can the hon. Minister attempt to answer it.
Mr Yaluma: It is alright, Mr Speaker. I will answer.
Sir, we are trying to extend the grid to the areas as per plan in preparation for connections when we have an expanded generation capacity. We cannot stop because we are not going to re-direct that funding; that is a separate funding to extend the grid to these rural areas. For generation, we have got a separate project and it is on-going. So, I do not think that we should stop because, in future, we will need those extended networks to electrify those areas.
Thank you, Sir.
DIP-TANK CONSTRUCTION AND REHABILITATION
510 Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock when the Government would construct new dip-tanks and rehabilitate old ones in Nangoma Parliamentary Constituency.
The Deputy Minister of Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Mr N. Banda): Mr Speaker, Nangoma Parliamentary Constituency has six functional and six non-functioning dip-tanks. One communal dip-tank is under construction and is supported by Luwili Mine. Bills of quantities for the rehabilitation of non-functioning dip-tanks are, currently, being put together and costed for inclusion in the ministry’s 2013 budget.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, why has the Government opted to use a spray-race type of dipping when dip-tanks are the best and most accurate?
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Mr Kazabu): Mr Speaker, let me acknowledge that follow-up question by the Member of parliament for Nangoma, Hon. Boyd Hamusonde. The spray-race is a new innovation that we want to adopt in places where our people keep cattle. There are areas where the soils are very weak and, if you want to build a dip-tank, you need a very high level of skill to do that. It is in that context that, alongside the conventional dip-tanks, we will also introduce spray-races in areas where dip-tanks cannot easily be constructed.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Hon Government members: Hear, hear!
Mr Belemu (Mbabala): Mr Speaker, the ministry employees some of the highly qualified Zambians in this country. Why are there no skills to build dip-tanks, as he is suggesting?
Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, I did not imply that there are no skills in the ministry. The point I am making is that, if you went to some parts of this country, the soils are so weak that it becomes very difficult to build a dip-tank that would stand the test of time, and it is with that in mind that we are now going to fall back to this latest technology, the spray-race, in those areas where the soils are not amenable to the construction of dip-tanks.
Thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}
Professor Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister confirming, through this House, that places like the Western Province will never get any dip-tanks constructed because the soils are weak?
Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, I do not know whether I should explain in Lozi for the Professor to understand. The point I am making is that our people deserve this facility of dip-tanks and, wherever it is possible for us to build a dip-tank in the Western Province, we will do just that. However, in the case where the soil cannot sustain a dip-tank, we will use the new technology of a spray-race.
Thank you, Sir.
Mr Ndalamei (Sikongo): Mr Speaker, when are we going to have the new technology in the Western Province?
Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, as and when we will have budgeted for the spray-races.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Ms Kalima (Kasenengwa): Mr Speaker, what is the cost differential between skilled labour usage and the spray-race? This is because chemicals are spent each time a spray race is used unlike the usage of a dip tank.
Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, that is a new question. I will invite the hon. Member for Kasenengwa to send us an advance notice asking for that differential in cost terms.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Ntundu (Gwembe): Mr Speaker, can the hon. Deputy Minister elaborate more on the spray-race. Can the hon. Deputy Minister give the House some idea of whether there is any other area other than the Western Province which has weak soils?
Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, I thought I have already offered the best example. I do not wish to go fishing. The Western Province is the best example that can be given in terms of an area which has weak soils because we all know that there is sand in that part of the Republic of Zambia.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, can the hon. Deputy Minister confirm that the use of a spray-race is comparatively expensive to run than a dip tank?
Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, when deciding on what should be used, the guiding factor is that we need a facility which can be used by a community and not by an individual. Whenever the spray-races will be put, we expect them to be used by the community. This means that the community will operate them collectively. The ministry is considering whether it is possible in the scheme of things to find other ways of assisting the people, especially those who are in the countryside because they do not have the capacity in terms of finances.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Hamudulu: Mr Speaker, does the hon. Deputy Minister know that spray-racing is not a new initiative? It has been in existence for quite some time.
Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, these are matters which are historical. When I was analyzing issues, I was doing so against the background that a spray-race initially did not exist in this country. We had the conversional dip tanks. So, as we move along in the development process of our country, we will begin to put in place technologies such as a spray-race. It is true that when compared to how long the conversional dip tanks have been in existence, the spray-race can be said to be new technology. That is what I meant.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, first and foremost, I would like to congratulate the hon. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock on his ministry’s having produced an acting president of the Republic of Zambia. Is the hon. Deputy Minister aware that the spray-race actually works like a conversional dip tank because the water it uses is recycled? Nothing is lost.
Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, the ministry is aware of what the hon. Member has said. How I wish we could expose hon. Members to a workshop at which we can show them how the facility functions.
I thank you, Sir.
RADIO COMMUNICATION AT HEALTH CENTRES IN DUNDUMWEZI
511. Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi) asked the Minister of Health whether the following health centres in Dundumwezi Parliamentary Constituency had radio communication equipment in good working condition.
(a) Bbilili;
(b) Nkandazovu;
(c) Nameeto;
(d) Mubanga;
(e) Naluja;
(f) Siabunkululu;
(g) Habulile; and
(h) Mabombo.
Dr Chikusu: Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Health is aware of the problems that the rural health centres are facing with radio communication equipment countrywide. To this effect, the Government has engaged the Zambia Flying Doctor Service to ensure that radio communication is restored in most rural health centres.
As for rural health centres in Dundumwezi, at the moment, only Nameeto Rural Health Centre has functional radio communication equipment. The rest of the rural health centres, namely Bbilili, Nkandazovu, Mubanga, Naluja, Siabunkululu, Habulile and Mabombo have dysfunctional radio communication systems. The ministry, through the district office and our co-operating partner, the Boston University, under the Saving Mothers Giving Life Initiative, has done an assessment regarding the radio communication equipment. The Boston University has undertaken to procure spare parts and repair the systems with the help of the Zambia Flying Doctor Service. The radio communication facilities will be restored in Dundumwezi Parliamentary Constituency in the near future.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Sing’ombe: Mr Speaker, what measures or plans is the Government putting in place to ensure that lives are not lost as a result of lack of communication systems in the various rural health centres in Dundumwezi Parliamentary Constituency?
Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, we already have an arrangement in place which people use in areas where radio communication facilities are not functional. They may use, in particular, what is now a common form of communication, which is the mobile phone facility. However, I must emphasise that the intention of the ministry is to rapidly move to a stage where the entire communication system in rural areas is adequately supported and is functional.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I am aware that the Zambia Flying Doctor Service stopped flying to Luano Valley as a result of the failure by the authorities to provide security for its personnel. Arising from that scenario, I would like to find out what measures the Government is putting in place to ensure that these dedicated medical personnel are protected in their endeavours to provide services in the remote areas of Zambia?
Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, it is important that the Zambia Flying Doctor Service is resuscitated from a moribund state in which it has been for more than four years. The issue is not about what to do regarding its operations in one specific place, but in the entire country. For this reason, last Saturday, I was in Kitwe with a large group of technical working people designing a completely new strategic plan for …
Hon. Ntundu consulted Hon. Mweetwa
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
The question came from there. So, do not disturb, with your consultations, the person who is listening to his question being answered.
The hon. Minister may continue.
Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, last Saturday, I was in Kitwe with a working group designing a strategic plan for the resuscitation and repositioning of the Zambia Flying Doctor Service in our current arrangement for all mobile services. We intend to incorporate solutions to difficulties such as security in the new plan. It was identified in the preliminary analysis as something which is greatly needed.
I am confident that the question he likes raising will be a historical one very soon.
I thank you, Sir.
INCREASED ACCESS TO ELECTRICITY SUPPLY PROJECT
512. Mr Katuka (Mwinilunga) asked the Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development:
(a) when the Government entered into an agreement with the World Bank for the execution of the Increased Access to Electricity Supply Project;
(b) what the key components of the project and the targeted beneficiaries were; and
(c) what the duration of the project was.
Dr Chikusu: Mr Speaker, the Government of the Republic of Zambia entered into an agreement with the World Bank for the execution of the Increased Access to Electricity Services Project on 21st October, 2008, after the World Bank Board approved the project. However, the project was only declared effective on 19th February, 2009.
Mr Speaker, the key components of the project and the targeted beneficiaries are as follows:
(a) Efficiency Improvements
This component consists of grid reinforcement, intensification and energy efficiency/demand - side activities.
(b) Access Expansion
This component is comprised of grid extension, off-grid and renewable energy activities.
(c) Technical Assistance
This component is meant for capacity building for staff in the Ministry of Mines Energy and Water Development, Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) Limited and the Rural Electrification Authority (REA).
Mr Speaker, the targeted beneficiaries are as follows:
(a) under grid reinforcement, three major substations will be upgraded, in Lusaka, while a new substation will be constructed in Chibombo;
(b) under intensification, the townships that will benefit will be Garden, Kanyama, Misisi, Chelstone Extension and Vorna Valley, in Lusaka, Makululu, in Kabwe, Chipulukusu, in Ndola, New Kawama, in Kitwe, and Chibolya in Mufulira;
(c) under grid extension, the areas to benefit will be the Lukulu Farm Block, in Kasama, Ipusukilo, in Luwingu, Lukulu, in Mpika, Mangango, in Kaoma and Mukonchi Farm Block in Kabwe;
(d) implementation of these project activities will scale-up the impact of the project and increase the reliability of the electricity distribution network in the target areas. This will also result in a large number of law income customers getting connected.
Mr Speaker, the duration for the project is five years, beginning in 2009 and ending in 2013, next year. The project is expected to be completed by 31st December, 2013.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Katuka: Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister confirm that one of the components of this project was the construction of mini-hydro power stations? If so, which ones where identified and when will the construction begin since the project comes to an end next year?
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, yes, the hydro-power stations were included to allow the outlying areas to be supplied with electricity. Now, there are two categories of hydro-power stations which are being developed. There are some which were initiated by REA and some by ZESCO.
Mr Speaker, the funding for the REA ones is separate and part of it is included in the current Budget. REA is going ahead to ensure that those are done. Those which are under ZESCO, include the likes of the one at Shiwang’andu, which is already under construction and has almost been completed. So, the ones being developed under REA will be initiated completed before the funding is exhausted. The projects under ZESCO are still on-going. The project at Shiwang’andu is almost complete and if there are any other ones which need to be implemented, they will be initiated before 2013.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out whether Kasanjiko, in Mwinilunga, is one of the hydro-power stations that are under consideration by the Government for construction under this particular programme.
Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, I would like to request the hon. Deputy Minister …
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Yaluma: … to put together a written answer to that question because there is a need to consult the master plan when responding to it.
I thank you, Sir.
HAMULEYA RURAL HEALTH CENTRE PERSONNEL
513. Mrs Mazoka asked the Minister of Health whether the Government was aware that untrained personnel attended to patients at Hamuleya Rural Health Centre, in Pemba and, if so, what immediate measures the ministry intended to take to address the situation.
Mr Speaker, Hamuleya Health facility, in Pemba, is not a rural health centre, but a health post and there is one qualified member of staff, a Zambian Enrolled Midwife who attends to patients, whereas untrained personnel work as support staff and do not attend to patients.
Mr Speaker, the House may wish to note that the PF Government has adopted a phased approach in filling of positions to reduce the variance between the approved establishment and staff in all the public health facilities in the country, including Hamuleya Health Post in Pemba. The Government, through the Ministry of Health, recruits qualified health personnel, every year, based on funds made available in the National Budget for net recruitment. This is a way of addressing the critical shortage of health workers in Government health facilities countrywide.
I thank you, Sir.
Mrs Mazoka: Mr Speaker, does the hon. Minister know that this qualified midwife has retired and that she goes to work when she feels like it? Sometimes, she goes to Livingstone and Choma to pursue her terminal benefits and there is no one to attend to patients when she is away.
Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, we are aware of her retirement. However, I was not aware that she spends time off duty doing other activities. I am afraid that this practice has been reported elsewhere, not only among retirees who have been re-employed because they are still fit to work, but also among those who are young and energetic, but spending their energy on other pursuits. This is a serious problem that we intend to address and arrive at a conclusion.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Livune: Mr Speaker, how much attention is the Government attaching to this important task of filing the positions in the health posts? In many cases, in the rural areas, we have untrained males attending to our female colleagues and wives, especially during delivery.
Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, in terms of policy, we have not considered that gender should dictate function. However, we have considered that, in any given situation, consideration should be given to cultural tendencies and beliefs in order to cope with our society. The policy must remain the same; the practice must always be prepared to accommodate the culture.
I thank you, Sir.
Ms Lubezhi (Namwala): Mr Speaker, going by health standards, who is supposed to man a health post? Is it supposed to be a Zambian Enrolled Nurse?
Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member has raised an important question which I referred to earlier, namely the distinction between a health post and a health centre. In this case, let me repeat that, in the case of a health centre, there is a defined number – at present, seven – of the kind of staff who ought to be employed at those centres. Currently, in the health post, the Environmental Health Officer is concerned with the population and its general wellness. However, it has not always been possible to do this and, therefore, an enrolled nurse may have, in some cases, been asked to serve in that position. This is with the knowledge that his/her understanding was adequate for this purpose.
However, Mr Speaker, we intend to expand the health posts to the extent that we clearly define who will constitute the team at the health post. At present, our thinking is to enforce the Health Environmental Officer as an important member of that team. Secondly, as I mentioned earlier, we intend to have a Community Health Assistant who will be the link between the community and the formal system. A third position is being considered because, with the limited number, it becomes very important to be a little flexible. Therefore, I am not prepared to conclude on the third position. That is our intention.
I thank you, Sir.
_________________
MOTION
REPORT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY REFORMS AND MORDENISATION COMMITTEE
Mr Mwanza (Solwezi West): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that this House do adopt the Report of the Parliamentary Reforms and Modernisation Committee for the First Session of the Eleventh National Assembly laid on the Table of the House on 12th July, 2012.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?
Ms Lubezhi (Namwala): Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.
Mr Mwanza: Mr Speaker, your Committee was guided in all its deliberations by the relevant Standing Orders which set out its functions as follows:
(a) in addition to any other work placed upon it by the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, it shall be the duty of the Committee to examine and propose reforms to the powers, procedures and practices, organisations and facilities of the National Assembly, provided that, in proposing such reforms, your Committee shall bear in mind the balance of power among the respective constitutional responsibilities, roles of the National Assembly, the Government, and the duties of other Housekeeping Committees;
(b) the Committee shall have powers, when considered necessary, to adjourn and travel within and outside Zambia to solicit information and seek evidence on matters under examination and shall enjoy the powers, rights, privileges and immunities provided to the Committees of the House by the Standing Orders; and
(c) in its report to the House, the Committee shall include the recommendations of any reforms produced in such reports.
Mr Speaker, the programme of work of your Committee focused on inter alia, assessing the operations of the constituency offices since their establishment in 2003. This assessment was done by interacting with various stake holders such as District Commissioners, local authorities and civil society organisations. Your Committee also held public meetings in Chama, Lundazi, Chipata, Katete, Petauke and Nyimba.
Mr Speaker, from this assessment, your Committee made pertinent observations and recommendations which I wish to highlight below: ...
Interruptions
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
Hon. Members on my right, please, consult quietly.
You may continue.
Hon. Opposition Member: Mr Speaker, send them away.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
You are being disorderly.
Laughter
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
The hon. Member may continue.
Mr Mwanza: Mr Speaker, your Committee learnt that most members of the public are not aware of the existence of the constituency offices and why they were created. This became apparent in all the constituencies that we visited.
Mr Speaker, the constituency offices are important national offices, which represent the important institution of the National Assembly of Zambia in the constituencies countrywide. I am pleased to report that the awareness programmes on the establishment of constituency offices to the public are being carried out through the National Assembly Communications Strategy which is, currently, being implemented.
Through the communication strategy, Parliament hopes to disseminate programmes in Parliament proceedings to community radio stations. This will go a long way in bringing Parliament radio to as many people as possible.
Mr Speaker, it has been discovered, by your Committee, that staff in constituency offices are unable to undertake outreach work due to lack of adequate funding. Your Committee desires to see a situation where these members of staff are exposed to tangible outreach programmes like monitoring projects, reaching out to constituents in the villages, market places and schools, sensitising the communities on the operations of the constituency offices and collecting information on the constituency and activities, therein.
Mr Speaker, we wish to urge the Government to provide adequate funds to the National Assembly of Zambia to enable the constituency offices do this important work. Further, there is a need to provide adequate funding and transport to the constituency office. All the witnesses who reported on this matter recommended the provision of four wheel drive motor vehicles, particularly, for rural constituencies such as Solwezi West Constituency …
Mr Livune: And Kazungula!
Mr Mwanza: … and Kazungula, …
Laughter
Mr Mwanza: … as they realise that motor cycles being provided are not adequate in most areas.
Sir, the concern of staff welfare and improved conditions of service for constituency staff was a major issue discussed in nearly all the constituency offices we visited. Your Committee would like to urge the Government, once again, to provide adequate funding to enable the National Assembly of Zambia improve the salaries and other conditions of service for the constituency office staff. Your Committee wants to see a motivated cadre of staff in these constituency offices.
Mr Speaker, I will be failing in my duties if I do not report on the gesture of good will, which the National Assembly of Zambia is receiving from our co-operating partners, particularly those supporting the capacity building component of the Parliamentary Reform Programme (PRP), Phase III, namely, the Irish Aid (IA), Department of International Development (DID), European Commission (EU) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This component of the PRP III, which focuses on capacity building programmes for hon. Members of Parliament and staff of the National Assembly of Zambia, proceeded satisfactorily during the period under review. This programme, which was scheduled to run from 2008 to 2011, was extended at no cost, whatsoever, to December, 2012, to enable the National Assembly of Zambia complete all outstanding activities.
Sir, in conclusion, your Committee wants to put it on record that it is indebted to you for the guidance rendered to it throughout its deliberations in the period under review. Additionally, your Committee wishes to express its gratitude to all witnesses that submitted memoranda and appeared before it.
Mr Speaker, last, but not the least, your Committee also wishes to express its appreciation to the Clerk of the National Assembly and her staff for the services rendered to it throughout its deliberations. In the spirit of a man of few words, I beg to move.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}
Mr Deputy Speaker: Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?
Ms Lubezhi: Now, Mr Speaker.
Sir, in seconding the Motion, which has ably been moved by the Chairperson of your Committee, allow me to highlight a few pertinent observations.
Mr Speaker, the establishment and existence of the constituency office has played a very important role in the good governance of the country. Why do I say so? Firstly, the constituency offices have made it possible for hon. Members of Parliament to interact with the electorate in their constituencies. Through that interaction, hon. Members of Parliament are able to know the different development challenges and needs facing various localities and communities in their constituencies.
Sir, secondly, the constituency office ensures that there is always a physical site for meetings, a definite site where constituents bring forth issues and their concerns to the attention of the area hon. Member of Parliament. It is in this respect that your Committee is happy to report that the construction of five constituency offices has been completed at Katombola, Lukasha, Lukulu West, Pambashe and Zambezi East. They are pending handover.
Mr Speaker, the total number of constituency offices constructed, so far, is now nine. The first four constructed and completed constituency office buildings are Mwembeshi, Rufunsa, Masaiti and Chasefu. In the Fifth Session of the Tenth National Assembly, the House adopted your Committee’s recommendation that the construction of another six offices commence in 2011. The six offices were to be constructed at Chifunabuli, Chongwe, Dundumwezi, Lufwanyama, Nangoma and Sinda. These works could not commence as the contractor was still working on the five offices earlier mentioned. It is expected that the tender process for these works be completed within the course of 2012 so that construction of the identified six offices could commence.
Mr Speaker, there is a need for all the 150 Constituency offices to have permanent modern offices constructed by the National Assembly of Zambia. The issue of renting buildings and constituency offices, whether private or institutional, is providing unsustainable because of the cost involved.
Mr Speaker, in interacting with the witnesses and the public during the meetings and public hearing sessions, respectively, your Committee ventured to explain the roles of the hon. Member of Parliament to the public. Most people think that hon. Members of Parliament are there to deal with personal requests or individual problems. Once the public is fully aware of the hon. Member of Parliament’s role and that of the constituency office, the use of the constituency office will be positively maximized.
Interruptions
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order, on my right, please!
Interruptions
Mr Deputy Speaker: I have said, “Order, on my right.” Please, let us observe order.
Ms Lubezhi: This is coupled with adequate funding. The office could play a key role in developmental issues.
Sir, while your Committee was touring the constituency offices, it observed that the national flag was missing and so were the portraits of the current and former speakers. These are important symbols. Your Committee, therefore, recommends that all parliamentary constituency offices be made to hoist the National Assembly Flag side by side with the Zambia National Flag. Further, it is being recommended that it should become mandatory for all constituency offices to display portraits of the current and the former speakers.
Mr Speaker, a lot has been achieved under the capacity building component, as reported by the mover. This has enhanced the oversight role of Parliament as both hon. Members of Parliament and staff have been equipped with knowledge and skills to perform their work better.
Mr Speaker, I promised to highlight a few pertinent observations when I started to second the Motion on the Floor, which I feel I have done to the letter. Therefore, allow me to stop now and allow other hon. Members, who would wish to debate your Committee’s Report, to take the Floor.
Mr Speaker, I beg to second.
Thank you, Sir.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Is that where you sit? Anyway, I understand you are in the right place.
Ms Imenda (Luena): Mr Speaker, I am glad that you have noticed that I have been misplaced because I feel the same. I was complaining that it is like …
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order, order!
The Chair was wondering whether you were in the right place. I was not saying that you were misplaced, for you are in the right place.
Laughter
Ms Imenda: Mr Speaker, in seconding the Motion, I would like to make a few comments on the issue of constituency offices.
Mr Deputy Speaker: On a point of correction, you are supporting the Motion and the seconder is the person who spoke before you.
Ms Imenda: Sorry, Sir, I meant supporting. In supporting the Motion, I would like to make a few observations, especially with regard to the constituency offices. I will start with the issue of transport. I note that the constituency offices have been given a mode of transport which is like a one-size-fits-all without any consideration of the type of terrain. Let me give an example of Luena where a motorbike that has been given. Considering the terrain in the Western Province, the motor bike is not appropriate for the sandy soils in Luena. The officer who, despite undergoing training on how to use the motorbike, does not use it anymore because the first time she used it, she injured herself. Since that experience, she has not made an effort to ride it. Therefore, I would like to implore those responsible for transport to find the ideal mode of transport for a particular area. If they insist that a motorbike should be used in the area, they should, instead purchase motorbikes with four wheels which can be used in sandy areas. Otherwise, I would like to support the mover who mentioned that some motor vehicles, especially the 4x4 …
Mr Mweetwa: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, I rise on a very serious point of order which has to do with giving factual information. Is the hon. Member on the Floor of the House, who comes from a very sandy constituency, in order to give false information to this august House that a person who may have fallen off a motorbike in an area such as Luena can be injured? I need a serious ruling.
Laughter
Mr Deputy Speaker: May the hon. Member take into account the point of order that has been raised as she debates.
Ms Imenda: Mr Speaker, I still feel a person can be injured actually.
Laughter
Ms Imenda: So, I would like to state that the issue of transport should be addressed. The other issue that I would like to debate on is staffing. I am glad that the mover of the Motion mentioned that there is a need to increase the staffing levels. For example, in Luena …
Interruptions
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
There are too many people talking on my left. Please, give chance to the hon. Member on the Floor to debate clearly.
Ms Imenda: … Constituency, some staff, to be specific, some security officers, came to complain to me about working from 0600 hours to 1800 hours everyday. I feel those are not good labour practices and this issue should be addressed. Considering the fact that there is a need to create jobs, I feel there is no harm in recruiting more personnel in the 150 constituency offices. This would really give a plus to the Government in power in terms of creating jobs. However, for them to do that, they have to ensure that the National Assembly of Zambia is adequately funded to cater for that suggested increased number of staff.
With these few remarks, I would like to support the Motion.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Zimba (Chama North): Mr Speaker, I wish to support the Motion, as I take this opportunity to deliver my maiden speech.
Hon Members: Hear, hear!
Mr J. Zimba: Let me join my colleagues in this House and the Zambian citizens at large in congratulating His Excellency the President, Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, …
Hon Members: Hear, hear!
Mr J. Zimba: … on emerging victorious in the 20th September Tripartite Elections contested under very competitive circumstances. I also wish to congratulate the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) for accepting defeat as a symbol of upholding democratic principles which is unique in our African politics.
Sir, I also wish to congratulate you, the Deputy Speaker, and the Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House on your election to your esteemed positions.
Mr Speaker, I now wish to thank my wife, by the name of Mildred Musaka who is Tonga by tribe, and I love her very much, and all my biological children by the names of Elizabeth Zimba, Eness Zimba, Lydia Zimba, John Zimba, Loveness Zimba and Taonga Zimba.
Hon Members: Hear, hear!
Laughter
Mr J. Zimba: I would also like to thank the entire family for the spiritual and financial support they rendered to me during the campaign.
Sir, allow me to thank my party, the PF, under the leadership of the Republican President, Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, for adopting me as a candidate in the just ended by-election.
Hon Members: Hear, hear!
Mr J. Zimba: Mr Speaker, may I also convey my great thanks to the campaign manager, hon. Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Edgar Lungu, and his strong team for the job well done during the campaign despite some financial constraints. This also goes to the various hon. Ministers and hon. Members of Parliament who came on board.
Mr J. Zimba: Sir, allow me to thank the people of Chama North for voting me into office. This is a sign of the confidence they have in me and the PF Government.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr J. Zimba: The campaign was conducted in the midst of peace and dignity, devoid of any insults or violence.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr J. Zimba: Mr Speaker, once more, they deserve great thanks.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr J. Zimba: Mr Speaker, …
Ms Kalima: Order!
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
I know the enthusiasm with which the hon. Members are taking this speech. However, the people out there should also hear what the hon. Member is talking about. Therefore, please, do not drown him. You can say “Hear, hear!” in a low tone so that he can be heard.
The hon. Member may continue.
Laughter
Mr J. Zimba: Mr Speaker, allow me now to briefly address this august House on the various issues that affect Chama North Constituency and which deserve the urgent attention of the Government.
Road Network
Mr Speaker, since Independence, in 1964, Chama has been overlooked in the area of road infrastructure. There are two roads connecting Chama and they are both gravel. These roads are in a deplorable state. The first road is the Lundazi/Chama in the Eastern Province. The other is the Isoka/Chama Road in Muchinga Province. The third road, which is also gravel, but is impassable, is the famous Matumbo Road that connects Chama to Chinsali. The state of this road has subjected the people of Chama North to a lot of economic losses. Investment opportunities such as those we see in urban parts of the nation with good road infrastructure have failed to reach the people of Chama.
Mr Speaker, this has been a major setback in fostering development in my constituency. I, however, wish to thank the PF Government for approving the construction of the famous Matumbo Road as well as the …
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr J. Zimba: … Isoka/Chama Road.
This has cheered the people of Chama North. I believe that this is the beginning of new things, as highlighted in the PF Manifesto, to connect Zambia with a good road infrastructure.
Water and Sanitation
Mr Speaker, this is a great worry for the people of Chama North, more especially at the village level where people have been subjected to drinking dirty water from wells dug by the villagers and from rivers during the rainy season. After the rainy season, rivers dry up fast and it becomes difficult to access water. There are a few boreholes which were dug by the previous Government …
Hon. MMD Members: Hear, hear!
Mr J. Zimba: … which only cater for a handful of people.
Since water is life, I believe this has caused a lot of torture to the majority of our people. I have hope and trust that, in accordance with the PF Manifesto which wants people to have access to clean water, the Government will drill boreholes at nearly every village, as a way of responding to the people’s cries.
Health
Mr Speaker, health centres are in a terrible state in Chama North. They do not even qualify to be called health centres. The infrastructure is that of a village house, lacking all sorts of necessary equipment and medicine. They are also located far apart, which makes it difficult to attend to cases of an urgent nature. This has caused unnecessary deaths on several occasions.
Sir, I wish to urge the Government to stick to its manifesto to construct health posts at a radius of 5 km from each other.
Education
Mr Speaker, education is the greatest tool to economic development. If people are literate in a nation, it becomes easy to understand and participate in driving the economy forward. People in Chama North have been denied access to proper education due to lack of proper schools. The school infrastructure is in a deplorable state and schools are understaffed.
Sir, I believe that this will be a thing of the past because this Government has a clear programme of building new schools and upgrading lower and community schools into fully-fledged schools so as to reduce illiteracy levels in the area.
Farming
Mr Speaker, most of the people in Chama North depend on subsistence farming ...
Hon. MMD Members: Hold on!
Hon Government Members: Go on!
Mr J. Zimba: … as a source of income. They mainly concentrate on growing crops such as cotton, for sell.
Hon. MMD Members: Hear, hear!
Mr J. Zimba: This type of farming has contributed to the increased levels of hunger since it does not provid them with food security.
Sir, I have faith that, with the programme of embarking on proper road infrastructure by this Government, more investment will be attracted to this constituency, which will result in more job opportunities …
Interruptions
Mr J. Zimba: … and other sources of income.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
Please, we are interfering with the speech.
The hon. Member may continue.
Mr J. Zimba: Mr Speaker, I thank you for your protection.
Sir, this, in turn, will help the people start growing crops both for consumption and for sell so that poverty levels can be alleviated.
I would also like to urge the Government to continue with the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), which was started by the previous Government, …
Hon. MMD Members: Hear, hear!
Mr J. Zimba: … to sustain the poor farmers in their farming programmes.
Mr Speaker, with these few issues mentioned, I once more wish to state that the present Government, formed on very good policies, as outlined in the party manifesto, shall, with due urgency, respond to the cries of the people.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr J. Zimba: Sir, I have all the confidence that it will not fall in the same trap as the previous Government, …
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr J. Zimba: … but will be able to correct the mistakes and, indeed, continue building on other good programmes left by the previous Government.
Mr Speaker, with these few remarks, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mtolo (Chipata Central): Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to debate the report on the Floor of the House. First and foremost, allow me to welcome our brother to the House.
Mr Mushanga: Which brother?
Mr Mtolo: Mr January Zimba.
Laughter
Mr Mtolo: You are most welcome. Actually, Darius Mumba used to sit here.
Laughter
Mr Mtolo: It was a pleasure working with him. I am sure that we will enjoy working with you too. May you use that powerful voice to push us through to get the DF, probably at the end of this month, so that we can dig boreholes in Chama.
Hon. MMD Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mtolo: I welcome you.
Mr Speaker, in supporting the debate on the Floor, I wish to point out that the Committee should consider adding the fact that constituency officers, …
Interruptions
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order! order!
Let us consult quietly.
Mr Mtolo: … especially Professional Assistants (PAs), should, probably, be given a tenure of five years. I say so because, in my constituency and many others, we have PAs who have compromised their status by becoming partisan, thus, making it very difficult to work with them.
Mr Mucheleka: Hear, hear!
Mr Mtolo: Sir, I took time to find out from the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly whether we could have new ones, but I was told that it is simply not in order to curtail the contracts of these officers. In this light, no one would like to disturb the life of a fellow Zambian. It is only prudent that the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly considers that the employment of PAs be aligned with the term of a serving hon. Member of Parliament. If such a PA is found not to have compromised himself, he or she could have the contract renewed. On this matter, I am not speaking for myself alone, but for, at least, ten other hon. Members of Parliament, who are not using their offices because of that fact.
Mr Speaker, I will not speak much more on this issue because, when you speak less, the point is taken more clearly.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Mr Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to also support your report.
Sir, I would like, also, to take this opportunity to officially welcome my dear brother, January, who is just my neighbour in the constituency. The way we are seated, here, is the way our constituencies are joined. Your coming has made the work between Hon. Mulenga and I very easy ...
Mr Mulenga: Hear, hear!
Mr Kampyongo: … because we have been covering that constituency between the two of us, which has been very difficult.
Interruptions
Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I also take this opportunity to recognise and thank your office and that of the Clerk of the National Assembly and the members of staff for the role they have played in ensuring that the reforms that this institution embarked on start bearing fruit. Indeed, you have done a commendable job, although we need to do more.
Sir, the establishment of constituency offices is a positive move and we all understand that it is through these offices that we build linkages between the hon. Members of Parliament and their constituents. So, it is very important that we improve on these offices.
Mr Speaker, most of the offices that we are using are rented. Speaking for Hon. Mulenga and myself, in Chinsali, the two offices are very small and lack confidentiality. You sit the three of you; with the PA and the assistant administrator in a small office. So, every time people want to bring something before the hon. Member of Parliament, …
Laughter
Mr Mwiimbu: Money!
Mr Kampyongo: … these two officers have to go and sit outside.
Laughter
Mr Livune: What do they bring that requires the officers to sit outside?
Mr Kampyongo: No, when constituents bring their concerns …
Mr Mwiimbu: Ooh!
Mr Kampyongo: … to the area hon. Member of Parliament.
Mr Livune: Issues? Receive what?
Interruptions
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order! order!
Mr Kampyongo: In fact, as I speak, now, we have even failed to mount our new furniture procured by the Clerk’s office because it cannot fit. There is no space.
Hon. Member: Bring them to Kalabo.
Mr Kampyongo: It is very important that, as we are waiting for the construction of these offices, and we know the issue of constructing offices is not an easy undertaking, please, consider looking for offices that could accommodate three people.
Mr Speaker, I totally agree with the recommendations of your Committee regarding the issue of capacity building. I think that Hon. Imenda said something very important on this and I would like to concur with her. Like our colleagues in Kenya, who actually take charge of funds that are meant for their people, although in a different way, we would also like to have capacity built in our offices. We can have workers who can disburse these funds so that we cut down on the bureaucratic challenges that we are facing in that area. Most of the time, you cannot disburse these funds as an area hon. Member of Parliament, who knows the challenges that are in the constituency, because you are dealing with officers who just sit at the district offices and do not understand the urgency of some of the requirements in the constituencies. So, we would like you to build capacity in these offices so that we can have our own members of staff who are able to disburse these funds and discharge some of these duties.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Kampyongo: The other issue I would like to talk about is the welfare of the staff attached to these offices. I am sure that, if you looked at the performance of the members of staff at this institution, you can agree that they do their work professionally and this is as a result of the capacity that has been built in them. So, we would like the same to be extended to our officers so that the services that we enjoy, here, can be the same at these offices. So, please, consider sending our officers for training so that they can also be equipped with relevant skills.
Sir, I would also like to take note of the Media Visitors’ Centre, which is also a product of the reforms. It is, indeed, a positive development. Please, launch it so that people can start accessing information and interact with Parliament using that facility.
Sir, on page 11, your report addresses the issue of the effectiveness of the support staff. Indeed, we agree that this institution is a shining example of how well public workers can perform. I wish that other institutions could come here and learn from how you and the Clerk of the National Assembly have achieved this.
On the issue of radio transmission, Mr Speaker, try and see how you can speed up this programme so that our people in the rural areas, as well as other districts where they are currently unable to listen to the live debates, can also start enjoying the privilege of listening to their representatives.
Mr Speaker, with these few remarks, I support your report.
Thank you, Sir.
Mr Mutelo (Lukulu West): Mr Speaker, thank you for according me this chance to debate. Of course, we would love to welcome Hon. January Zimba, who campaigned in June and delivered his maiden speech in July.
Laughter
Mr Mutelo: You are welcome.
Laughter
Hon. MMD Member: Hammer, hon. Member!
Laughter
Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, the need to have these offices for hon. Members of Parliament is very important. I would like to thank you, the Clerk of the National Assembly and the members of staff for letting me be one of those hon. Members who have an office under construction. Thank you very much.
Interruptions
Mr Mutelo: Sir, the starting of construction of these offices in rural areas has made some hon. Members of Parliament in urban areas complain, but how many projects are being implemented in urban areas which are not there in the rural areas?
Ms Imenda: Hear, hear!
Hon. Member: Watopa!
Mr Mutelo: How many times are we going to …
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!
Business was suspended from 1815 hours until 1830 hours.{mospagebreak}
[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]
Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, I really feel blessed and honoured to have you back. You are welcome.
Laughter
Mr Speaker: Thank you.
Mr Mutelo: I was just welcoming JJJ.
Mr Speaker, before business was suspended, I was commenting on how we, in rural areas, need and want the facilities found in urban areas. I would like to recommend that constituencies in rural areas continue receiving these constituency offices first. In urban areas, we have where to rent from, whether small or big, while, in rural areas, there are no places being rented out. These constituencies include Zambezi West, Sinjembela and Kaputa.
Sir, the constituency office in Lukulu West is more or less the Boma for that area and we have many challenges. However, we are thankful for the motor bikes that we were given, although they will only be operational for not more than six months.
Mr Speaker, in areas that get flooded, speed boats would be very helpful, although my greatest desire is for each constituency to be given a vehicle. When hon. Members of Parliament visit their constituencies, they, sometimes, move with people from their constituencies and these vehicles would really make these movements a lot easier.
Sir, I would also like to see the CDF given to the constituency staff.
Laughter
Mr Mutelo: The need to continuously orient the staff in constituency offices is very vital. The same way hon. Members of Parliament are treated, here, is the way they should be treated in their respective constituencies.
Mr Speaker, with those few remarks, I beg to support the Motion.
Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Mr Speaker, thank you very much for this opportunity to add my voice to those in support of your Committee’s Report on Parliamentary Reforms and Modernisation. The subject that your Committee focused on …
Mr Mtolo: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Mtolo: Mr Speaker, my sincere apologies to my very good colleague, Hon. Nkombo, for the disturbance on his debate. On 16th March, 2012, there was a question raised, on the Floor of this House, to the hon. Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication on whether the Government was considering introducing compulsory registration of cellular phone subscriber identification module (sim) cards in order to guard against criminal activities.
Sir, in his able answer, the hon. Minister said that it would be done beginning June, 2012. It is now July, but there has been no position given to the House regarding the progress against this device, which is continuously being used for criminal activities in this country.
Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication in order not to inform the nation on the progress made so far?
Mr Speaker: Well, the point has been noted and I will request that the relevant hon. Minister responds to that issue before we rise. As you are all aware, we are rising this Friday.
You may continue, hon. Member for Mazabuka Central.
Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, I was in the process of building my debate by, first of all, recognising the fact that your Committee decided to concentrate on the efficacy of the constituency office in making our institution modernised and reformed.
Sir, indeed, the report contains many factual details as regards the ramifications of the introduction of constituency offices, back in 2003. It is true that the constituency office forms an integral part of this House and serves the very important purpose of taking this institution closer to the people. It is also true that Parliament is the only institution that can be claimed by our citizens as truly theirs and, because of that, there is a serious need to continuously demystify its structure.
Sir, many a time, when people are elected to this House, they get distanced from those people whose interests and aspirations they sought to represent in this House. It is also true that, for as long as a nation survives, the institution of Parliament will always be there and, as such, the development and establishment of constituency offices becomes a very necessary ingredient in achieving the closeness between the owners of the institution and the institution itself.
Sir, bearing in mind the fact that human beings come and go and institutions remain, it is important that those of us who are blessed to be part and parcel of this institution − and we shall soon go − do our best to make sure that this institution is strengthened. Strengthening the National Assembly of Zambia should not end at just establishing constituency offices. I am trying to say that every hon. Member worth their sort must, actually, strive to ensure that the separation of powers within the three arms of the Government is achieved.
Mr Speaker, as you clearly see from where you are, the hon. Members on your far left hand side were that side (pointing at Government benches) not too long ago and those on your right were on this side. Therefore, it is true that, in many jurisdictions, the Executive wing of the Government is normally overbearing and stronger than the other two wings, which are the Judiciary and Legislature. So, I think it is incumbent upon hon. Members of Parliament, who belong to the legislative wing of Government, to thrive by reforming and modernising the institution.
Sir, it is also correct to indicate that the development of constituency offices serves the purposes of enhancing representation, transparency, accessibility for the people whose interests and aspirations we represent, accountability and effectiveness. In his deliberations, the chairperson of your Committee clearly indicated that some of the deficiencies that have caused modernisation and reformation efforts fail to move at a pace which is desirable are budgetary constraints. He talked about the lack of funds. In many parliaments worldwide, it is true that the institution of parliament, actually, determines its own budget. Since Parliament is a peoples’ institution, there should be no qualms or doubts about the fact that hon. Members of Parliament must determine their own budget.
Sir, I have heard hon. Members who have said that, since 2003, we have only managed to put together nine constituency offices, which belong to the institution and the rest are being rented. I think that performance is below par. I think that once we agree that this is how we want to drive our own processes, we must put money where our mouths are. Since we are building these offices for the people to bring Parliament as close to them as possible, there should be no reason for budgetary constraints in our efforts to put in place decent office accommodation in the constituencies. That is what I think because many people have no privilege to even have sight of this institution.
Mr Speaker, although I do not see it in your Committee’s recommendations, it is important that, as we go forward, the Committee indicates that we move away from the current dispensation of the National Assembly of Zambia depending, by and large, on the Executive and hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning determining its budget, for specific purposes of strengthening the institution. It is a fact that we shall all leave this House one day. It is for this reason that I think that when posterity comes to judge us, we should be the group of hon. Members of Parliament who fortified and strengthened the institution of Parliament. One way to do that is for the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning to have a relaxed arm when trying to meet the budgetary requirements for this institution. 150 constituencies against nine offices is performance way below par, over a period of nine years, in my view. That is what I think and stand to be corrected.
Sir, alongside the implementation of programmes to modernise our activities, we need to continuously assess our efforts. As we continue to deliberate, we have to make sure that there are no impediments, whatsoever, blocking the citizens of this country to come and hear our deliberations here in this House. It is unfortunate that we have been clogged by the Westminster style of doing things. For example, you can only come in this Chamber if you are in a tie and suit. That rule was not made during the time of Adam in the Bible. We have taken the British colonial legacy of making sure that if you come to this Parliament, you must be dressed in a certain way. Now, some citizens do not have suits, but would still like to come and see how we do business here. I would suggest to the chairperson of the Parliamentary Reforms and Modernisation Committee that part of this institution’s reforms should include allowing people to come in a culturally acceptable way of dress to this House because we have a culture. That way, Parliament will be more accessible to our citizens.
Sir, we also have to open our doors to civil society organisations (CSOs) as we deliberate. I know that we have discussed the issue of community radio stations in the report. It is true that community radio stations are important information disseminators. However, we must also remember that, sometimes, media organisations have their own interests to pursue. My take on this matter of getting closer to the people is that we should use a dedicated Parliament Radio. We should extend its tentacles to all the corners of this country. We can even move towards providing uncensored live broadcasts on television of parliamentary proceedings so that people in the constituency that I am privileged to represent can know that I do not just come here to sit and drink tea. That is one way of demystifying the work that we do. We need to put in place deliberate plans to ensure that, at every stage of the way, no matter how acceptable or unacceptable, whatever any hon. Member has to say is heard by the people out there.
Mr Speaker, as you can see, we all come from different disciplines here. Some are eloquent while others are not. Some are smart while others are not. Some speak well while others do not. We come from different persuasions and, as such, people have to take us as we are. We need to remove the mystic that when you become an hon. Member of Parliament, you stop taking care of the interests and aspirations of those people who sent you to this House.
Mr Speaker, I want to conclude by saying that I do support the report of your Committee, but with an emphasis that this House, in pursuit of its autonomy, should be able to call itself to a session. In the quest for separation of powers, the National Assembly should not always wait for the President to convene its sessions. If, let us say a certain percentage, depending on what the country agrees to provide in the Constitution, feels there is a need for the nation to assemble, that should be allowed. There are many important national occurrences which may require the House to meet when it might be on recess.
I think that it is only fair that, as we move towards modernisation, a certain number of hon. Members, say one third or half, should be able to petition the hon. Mr Speaker and give reasons which make them feel that a sitting should be convened. What I am saying is being recorded. Going into the future, I am hopeful that, one day, this assembly of the republic shall be able to drive its own agenda and calendar as it seeks to deal with the interests and aspirations of the people who voted for us to come to this House.
Mr Speaker, I would like to end by supporting this report.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Thank you, Mr Speaker. I also wish to thank your Committee for a well thought out report regarding parliamentary reforms and modernisation.
Mr Speaker, in supporting the Motion, I would like to add to what my brother, Hon. Nkombo, said regarding the traditions of this House. I tend to think that it is high time some of the traditions which are obtaining in the Parliament of the Republic of Zambia are done away with. I believe that some traditions should not be practiced.
Mr Speaker, Hon. Katuka has been complaining quietly to me here that in the long period that he has been an hon. Member of Parliament, he has never seen the Speaker of the Parliament of Zambia attend a funeral of an hon. Member of Parliament. That is a very strange and archaic tradition which should not be allowed to continue.
Mr Speaker, the President of the Republic of Zambia attends funerals for those who used to belong to his Cabinet and other senior members of the public. The Chief Justice attends funerals of those who used to be his subordinates in the Judiciary and lawyers. However, that is not what is obtaining, here, at Parliament. That is one practice which, I think, is archaic and should not be allowed to continue.
Mr Speaker, I would like now to dwell on what is on page 10 of your Committee’s report regarding its recommendations for an improved committee system. The committee system in this country is very weak. The Committees of Parliament have been failing to play their oversight role over the Executive due to the weak legal provisions that are obtaining. I am of the view that the Parliamentary Reforms and Modernisation Committee should take a lot of time to find ways of ensuring that the oversight role of Parliament is appreciated by members of the public. As the situation obtains, now, most of the reports of your Committee are merely lamentations. The resolutions and recommendations of your Committee are not bidding on the Executive. The Executive can decide to ignore the reports of your Committees completely. Fortunately, we are in the process of coming up with a new Constitution which maybe will assist us to enhance the status of Parliament. Parliament is the weakest link in the governance system of this country. I hope that all of us who are parliamentarians will support any measures which are intended to ensure that the oversight powers of Parliament are enhanced in order in order for us to properly represent the interests of our people.
Mr Speaker, this is one of the rare occasions when your hon. Members of Parliament, through this House are able to debate themselves.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I would like to refer you to your Committee’s report on page 19, under 10(ii), where it states that the National Assembly of Zambia is being urged to develop a budget line for hon. Members of Parliament’s outreach and visitation programmes involving their constituency offices for, at least, four times in a year for a period of two weeks for each visitation.
I am aware, Mr Speaker, that a number of parliamentarians have been failing to visit their constituencies due to financial constraints. It has been very difficult for a number of colleagues who have no other source of income other than the income they get from Parliament to carry out their duties diligently, as hon. Members of Parliament, due to various constraints. I would like to urge your Office, Mr Speaker, and the Office of the Vice-President to ensure that hon. Members of Parliament are helped to properly play their oversight role.
Mr Speaker, without fear of any contradiction, I tend to think that this is one of the very few parliaments where an hon. Member of Parliament is made to borrow money and buy a vehicle to do Government work. This is one of the few jurisdictions in the world where this is done.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, we are here representing the interests of the people of Zambia. Thus, the Government must facilitate the visits to our constituencies so that we can properly get the complaints of the electorates. If the Government does not facilitate the visitations, it will be difficult for a number of parliamentarians to come back to this House in 2016. This will be not as a result of a fault of their own, but because of the of the failure by the Government to facilitate the visitations which I am talking about.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I am also aware that a number of colleagues, when they are elected into office as parliamentarians, fail to stay in their various constituencies because they are not accorded an opportunity to have residential accommodation in their areas. Even when visitors from outside the country come to visit, they cannot go and visit some hon. Members of Parliament because they do not have accommodation their various constituencies. It is my view, and the view of my colleagues seated near me, that this is one of the issues which we should consider seriously for the sake of helping hon. Members from various constituencies do their work well.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, it is not unusual and unheard of to find an hon. Member of Parliament who served in a previous session of Parliament without any accommodation wallowing in destitution …
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: … as a result of the collective failure of the Executive and parliamentarians to do things better. We must find a way to ensure that the leadership in this country is appreciated by the electorate. We can only do this by supporting the initiatives being put in place by the Parliamentary Reforms and Modernisation Committee.
Mr Speaker, most of issues contained in the report by your Committee have been talked about by my colleagues. I think that some of my colleagues were shy to say that we must be provided with the vehicles in our constituencies. I think that is what we are all crying for.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: With those few remarks, Mr Speaker, …
Hon. Members: No.
Interruptions
Mr Mwiimbu: … I want to thank you.
Mr Speaker: The hon. Member has decided on his own volition to stop talking. So, you must respect his freedom to do so.
Mr Speaker: I think that we now need to close the debate. I must say that it is one of those reports that are very tempting for the Speaker to debate. However, I am constrained by the rules of debate, …
Laughter
Mr Speaker: … otherwise, I might be put to order.
Laughter
Mr Speaker: It is also a peculiar report in the sense that it is our report and, to that extent, I will not invite the mover, but only urge the Executive, in general, and the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, in particular, to take note of the various issues that have been raised, especially the one relating to the constituency offices ...
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Speaker: … and incidental matters.
Laughter
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mushanga: Long live Chair!
Mr Speaker: I think that they are very central issues and earnestly hope that, as we march on, we should address them. As I mentioned, I would want to ensure that I am not tempted to debate further than this.
With that observation, I will invite the Clerk of the National Assembly to read the Order of the Day. Sorry, before then, we need to adopt the report. It seems so obvious because of the unanimity of the house on the subject. However, we still have to go through the rigmarole.
Question put and agreed to.
_________
BILLS
HOUSE IN COMMITTEE
[THE CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the
Chair]
THE CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY BILL, 2012
Clauses 1, 2, 3 and 4 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
CLAUSE 5 – (Constitution of Board)
Mr Mukanga: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 5, on page 19 in lines 1 to 3 by the deletion of sub-clause “(4) The Vice-Chairperson shall be elected by the members from amongst themselves.”
Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.
Clause 5, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clauses 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93 and 94 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Schedule, ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Title agreed to.
__________
HOUSE RESUMED
[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]
The following Bill was reported to the House as having passed through Committee with amendment:
The Civil Aviation Authority Bill
Report stage, on Wednesday, 18th July, 2012.
__________
MOTION
ADJOUNMENT
The Vice-President (Dr Scott): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.
Question put and agreed to.
__________
The House adjourned at 1921 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 18th July, 2012.