Debates- Friday, 13th July, 2012

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DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE FIRST SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH ASSEMBLY

Friday, 13th July, 2012

The House met at 0900 hours

[MR DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

_______ 

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

The Vice-President (Dr Scott): Mr Speaker, I rise to acquaint this House with some idea of the business that will be considered next week. 

Sir, on Tuesday, 17th July, 2012, the Business of the House will commence with Questions, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. After that, the House will debate the Motion to adopt the Report of the Public Accounts Committee on the Report of the Auditor-General on the Accounts for the Year ended 31st December, 2010. 

On Wednesday, 18th July, 2012, the Business of the House will begin with Questions, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will consider Private Members’ Motions, if there will be any. The House will then debate the Motion to adopt the Report of the Parliamentary Reforms and Modernisation Committee. 

Sir, on Thursday, 19th July, 2012, the Business of the House will commence with Questions, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will any. Then the House will debate the Motion to adopt the Report of the Committee on Local Governance, Housing, Environment and Chiefs’ Affairs. 

Mr Speaker, on Friday, 20th July, 2012, the Business of the House will begin with His Honour the Vice-President’s Question Time. This will be followed by Questions to hon. Ministers, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will deal with the presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. After that, the House will debate the Motion to adopt the Report of the Public Accounts Committee on the Accounts of Parastatal Bodies for the Year ended 31st December, 2010. 

Sir, on this day, all things being as expected, I intend to move a Motion to suspend the relevant Standing Orders to enable the House to complete all the business on the Order Paper and, thereafter, adjourn sine die.

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

_______ 
 
HIS HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT’S QUESTION TIME

Mr Mbulakulima (Chembe): Mr Speaker, His Honour the Vice-President probably agrees with me that the Office of the Vice-President is one of the most highly respected offices in the land. However, when it comes to benefits, …

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member, we have to ask questions in a way that will allow other hon. Members to also have the opportunity to ask their questions. If you make your statements long, other hon. Members will not have the opportunity to ask their questions. 

You may continue, please. 

Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, when the President, the Speaker, the Chief Justice and Defence Chiefs leave office, they are taken care of by the Government. I want to find out from His Honour the Vice-President whether the Government has any intention, this time around, to enact a law that will help take care of those who leave the office of the Vice-President, instead of simply honouring them when they die. 

 Since we are already surrounded by some goodwill, is there any intention to bring to this House this Motion, which we can support? 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker that is a matter in which, obviously, I have an interest in. Thus, I cannot even begin to reply to that question. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Laughter

Mr Kalaba (Bahati): Mr Speaker, what happened to the money which was put in the Barotse Royal Treasury?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
    
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, when I was unable to answer this question on behalf of the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, I did say that I would conduct some research. I have made some progress in trying to get to the bottom of this mystery. 

Sir, I have, here, and I will lay it on the Table, a cutting from the Times of Zambia of 1964 which says that …

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

We are not listening. 

The Vice-President: …, Mr Sikota Wina, the then Minister of Local Government and Housing flew to Barotseland or Western Province. About ₤411,000 representing cash from the Barotse Royal Treasury was distributed to district councils for administrative purposes by the Government. 

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, on Wednesday, the hon. Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour issued a statutory instrument (SI) revising the minimum wage. As a result of the enactment of that particular instrument, there has been excitement and anxiety on the part of both the workers and employers. 

Mr Speaker, I would like to find out what measures the Government will put in place to ensure that the provisions in the SI are abided by and that there will be no job losses as a result of this particular instrument. 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, there are terms and conditions upon which people can lose their jobs. It is not the Government’s intention to force people to employ or not to do so. The workers will ensure that the provisions of the SI in question are adhered to by going to complain to the labour officers whenever they are circumvented. The labour officers will also be inspecting the work places as per usual practice. I do not think that anything else has changed apart from the numbers.

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Mr Speaker, I would like His Honour the Vice-President to shed more light on the chiefs’ hierarchy, particularly that concerning senior and paramount chiefs in the Western Province. As we have heard, there was some confusion …

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Is that a question?

Mr Kampyongo: … that arose …

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

This is question time not statement-making time. 

Mr Kampyongo: May I find out from His Honour the Vice-President the position of the Government on which chiefs should report to who, especially the senior chiefs and paramount chiefs, particularly in the Western Province. Are the Nkoya chiefs supposed to be reporting to the Litunga?

Interruptions{mospagebreak}

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I have, here, a copy of the Chiefs Act. I do not want to read all of it, obviously, but I do want to clarify the confusion which arose earlier this week concerning the status of senior chiefs such as Kahare and Mutondo, who are not Lozis, but are in the Western Province.

  Clause 3(1) of the Chiefs Act says: 

“Subject to the provisions of this section, the President may, by statutory order, recognise any person as being, within the area in Zambia specified as being the holder of –

(a)the office of Litunga of the Western Province or of any other chiefly office in
the Western Province specified in the order;

(b)the office of Paramount Chief, Senior Chief or Sub-Chief.

There is a rider to that in Clause (2) (b) which says:

“in the case of a chiefly office in the Western Province, other than the office of Litunga, the person to whom recognition is accorded is recognised by the Litunga and traditional council to be a member of a ruling family in the Western Province.”

That is the only condition. It says nothing to the effect that the chiefs in question are sub-chiefs of the Litunga in any way more than the chiefs of the Eastern Province are sub-chiefs of Paramount Chief Mpezeni or Bemba chiefs are sub-chiefs of Chitimukulu.

Obviously, when recognising any chief, the President takes cognisance of the family trees and the customs of the tribes concerned.

I would like to apologise to anyone who was upset by the slight misconstruing of the law regarding this subject. Of course, only the President can withdraw the recognition of a chief, if necessary, in the interest of peace, order and good governance. That is what the law says.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Namugala (Mafinga): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out whether the Government realises that the implementation of the new SI on the minimum wage will lead to higher levels of unemployment, as most employers will just reduce on their workforce.

Interruptions

Mr Ng’onga: Ta uleumfwa!

Mr Deputy Speaker: That question was answered, but I suppose His Honour the Vice-President can repeat the answer you gave earlier.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, if we were to follow that logic, we would reduce wages in order to increase the number of people employed. Maybe, the good lady will do that in her indigenous service stations in rural areas.

Laughter

The Vice-President: However, that is not the way things will be done under the Patriotic Front (PF) Government.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Hamudulu (Siavonga): Mr Speaker, planning is very important in whatever we do. May I know if the PF Government has ever considered the effect on our National Budget, of the spontaneous creation of districts and re-alignment of ministries.

Ms Lubezhi: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: The answer, Mr Speaker, is “yes”.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chilangwa (Kawambwa): Mr Speaker, I would like His Honour the Vice-President to comment on the appreciation of the kwacha in the last couple of weeks.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the kwacha has appreciated due to the sudden demand for it, pursuant to SI No. 33. I do not have a crystal ball which can help me to determine by how much the kwacha will gain in the near future.

Laughter

The Vice-President: However, I am sure it will remain within a healthy range.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamududu (Bweengwa): Mr Speaker, what plans does the PF Government have to deal with the pathetic road infrastructure in the rural areas of our country?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, there is something at the back of my mind telling me that I have answered that question before but, just as a bonus, I will assure the hon. Member that we are procuring, not only equipment, but also the necessary spare parts. We hope that the rural roads programme, which has been put in place will make an impact over the next year or two.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Professor Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, His Honour the Vice-President was quoted extensively in the media this week as having said that the Government was engaged in economic restructuring for the purpose of creating jobs.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Ask your question, please.

Professor Lungwangwa: What economic restructuring programme has been implemented so far which is leading to employment generation in this country? 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, there are a number of initiatives which we have put in place. For example, there is an on-going joint venture between one mining house and the Forest Department to retain Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) …

Hon. Opposition Member interjected.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Do not engage him in your debate.

The Vice-President: I do not know …

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

I have already instructed him not to engage you in his debate.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, sometimes, I think the vowels or consonants that we use in English depend on our tribe.

Laughter

The Vice-President: The KCM …

Laughter

Mr Kambwili: Hammered!

The Vice-President: … and the Forest Department are working towards restoring the situation whereby Zambia grew its own timber.

Mr Musukwa: Teshibe nefyo bamwebele!

The Vice-President: One of the greatest causes of job losses that we have had is that we rushed to become an import-based economy. This created a situation whereby all the raw materials or bits and pieces that go into mining and other high-level activities were bought from outside the country. We are putting an end to that, not just for timber, but also other things such as steel, mill bows and many other items.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Milambo (Mwembeshi): Mr Speaker, may I find out from His Honour the Vice-President what the Government is going to do to improve the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, there have been a number of changes directed towards the better policing of FISP, which had gone completely out of control under the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) Government. 

FISP is intended for vulnerable and small-scale, but viable farmers. It is not intended for senior civil servants, foreign smugglers or farmers, commercial farmers or anybody else. We are already putting in place better policing mechanisms. Amongst the devices, which will help us to monitor the FISP, is the introduction of the e-voucher system. The hon. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock will make a statement about that system soon.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kapyanga (Kabwe Central): Mr Speaker, what measures is the Government going to put in place to ensure that there is efficiency in responding to disasters?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, personally, I am very happy with the quick way the Disaster Management Mitigation Unit (DMMU), which is in my own office, responds to disasters. There are no special measures which have been put in place to enhance the efficiency of the DMMU.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Namulambe (Mpongwe): Mr Speaker, what is the Government doing to avoid deforestation as a result of charcoal burning following the installation of pre-paid metres by the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO)?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the installation of the pre-paid meters by ZESCO was an initiative by the Government. I would not like to blame the MMD for it, specifically. The issue on deforestation is being addressed, at the moment, by two pilot schemes that are looking to establish carbon credits for the maintenance of wild forests as well as plantations. The money from these projects should be available to better police this problem.

Sir, I know it has been very difficult to take some of these steps and I remember the former hon. Minister of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources being very insistent that there was a need to end the illegal movement of cattle from the Northern Province into Tanzania. However, the Government was unable to actually take the necessary steps. We sympathise and appreciate very much with the efforts that the MMD made.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Sianga (Sesheke): Mr Speaker, is His Honour the Vice-President aware that Yeta Hospital in Sesheke, is not providing beddings to its patients, forcing the patients to go with their own beddings?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I have just become aware of that now. It would have been wise for the hon. Member to slip me a note, a few hours before this question time, to enable me to check on that situation. It is very difficult to answer on the hoof when you receive a report.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mutelo (Lukulu West): Mr Speaker, may I know if the Litunga of Barotseland has no powers, as has been said.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the Litunga of the Western Province or of the Lozi people is a paramount chief like the three others in Zambia who are recognised as such, and he has the powers that he inherited from the traditional system that used to obtain. However, that has been modified by interaction with modern Government. Of course, he does not have powers that contradict those of the Central Government, but he has powers within the vacuum and space that is left to him by the Constitution.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kaingu (Mwandi): Mr Speaker, why does the PF Government derive pleasure from scorning, spiting, insulting and ridiculing His Majesty the King, the Litunga of Barotseland?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I was expecting the question about the relationship between colonialism and tourism. I had prepared a very elaborate answer to connect it to the question of culture. As things have turned out, it is one of those questions like, “Have you stopped beating your wife yet?” The prefix to the question is implying that we are ridiculing and insulting the Litunga, and I will deny that. I think it is absolutely off-the-mark.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, may His Honour the Vice-President inform this House and the nation when the Government will release the 2012 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) so that we can do a lot of work in our constituencies.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I have been in touch with the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning and I can guarantee you that the CDF will be released within four weeks.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}

Brigadier- General Dr Chituwo (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, what urgent plans does the Government have to empower native Zambians to join the business sector?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I presume this is the new word for indigenous that we are hearing now. The Government has plans to do two major things. One of them is to repair the disastrous interest rate and pay-back period and the architecture that the banks are operating at the moment.

Sir, interest rates, in Zambia, or the whole pay-back package are the highest in the world, in real terms. There may be some little island in the Caribbean, somewhere, where they are higher, but I certainly do not know of anywhere else. How do you compete with the Chinese if they are paying 6 per cent interest and you are paying 30 per cent and the two currencies are inflating at the same rate? It is not possible.

Mr Speaker, the task involves a simple macro-economics exercise of clipping the wings of the banks so as to bring the interest rates down to something plausible. We need to do things which are necessary to make that possible, such as ensuring that the courts enforce contracts with lending institutions to get rid of the kaloba that we are dealing with in this country.

Sir, secondly, if we can get the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) to work properly, it can help to get some Zambians into businesses. We will try and operate it properly, but it is difficult to do so, as the hon. Member who asked the question is aware, because of the extent to which patronage tends to come into things that are Government-owned. That, therefore, is the second arrow to the bow. The first is to get the general level of the cost of going into business down, and I am sorry if a few non-natives also get benefits because I am sure he will not care so long as the indigenous borrowers get more than the non-indigenous borrowers. I think he will be happy.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out whether the Government has intentions decentralising the Rural Roads Unit (RRU) to districts so as to enhance rural roads construction.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, in the long-term, yes.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chipungu (Rufunsa) Mr Speaker, the question that was earlier asked by Hon. Mbulakulima is very important. We have seen Vice-Presidents living in abject poverty. Therefore, why is His Honour the Vice-President refusing to answer that important question?

Mr Deputy Speaker: I find it difficult to sustain that question.

Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, our President, His Excellency Mr Michael Sata, left for a private visit to the United Kingdom yesterday. A few months ago, he went to India for a private visit. May His Honour the Vice-President enlighten the House on what constitutes a private visit for our Republican President.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, a private visit is a private visit. It is not a State function, where he carries out some function on behalf of the State. It is a very straight-forward definition. Therefore, I do not know how much I can explain it. Maybe, if you give me some time with the Oxford Dictionary, I can improve on that answer.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo West): Mr Speaker, recently, His Excellency the President, Mr Michael Sata, described the unemployment situation in the country as a time bomb.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Question?

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, the United Party for National Development (UPND) president described it as a bomb which has exploded. Could His Honour the Vice-President give the House a synopsis of the Government’s policy on employment.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, it is not from reluctance, but simply from the fact that repetition is forbidden in this House. I really would beg your indulgence to not let me attempt to answer that question beyond just simply reminding the questioner to recall what I said a little earlier and last week.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mtolo (Chipata Central): Mr Speaker, could His Honour the Vice-President give this House guidance on when the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) will commence crop purchasing.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I answered that question last week and the same answer still stands. It will be before the end of this month.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Zimba (Kapiri-Mposhi): Mr Speaker, the PF Government announced that rebased currency notes would be introduced by June this year but this is July. Did the Government mean next year and, if not, what is the current status on rebasing the kwacha?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the process is on-going and, before the end of the year, is our current estimate. Please, when it comes, do not bury it.

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter

Mr Katambo (Masaiti): Mr Speaker, there was a story in the Zambian Watchdog, yesterday, to the effect  that the hon. Deputy Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Keith Mukata, had resigned from his position. Can His Honour the Vice-President confirm the Government’s position on this matter.

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

It is a question and His Honour the Vice-President is going to answer.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, if you read the Zambian Watchdog regularly, you enter another universe or planet …

Laughter

The Vice-President: … where people are ejected from the House by the Hon. Mr Speaker when they are still seated here and are still seated in ministerial positions when they have supposedly resigned. I think my advice would be to give the Zambian Watchdog a break for a week or two so that the hon. Member can restore his grip on reality.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Laughter

Mr Taundi (Mangango): Mr Speaker, when will the construction of the Kaoma/Solwezi Road start?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I apologise to the honourable questioner but, without advance notice of that question, it is impossible to conduct research in an instant and give a truthful answer.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Pande (Kasempa): Mr Speaker, the successes of the PF Government could include the immediate constitution of commissions of inquiry but, to date, the reports of these commissions have not been made public. What difficulties is the Government facing? If there are no difficulties, when will these reports be published to the public, particularly the report of the Dr Rodger Chongwe Commission of Inquiry?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the reports have to be considered by the Cabinet before they are released. Whatever considerations there may be, I would plead that they are actually not in the public domain.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Simbao (Senga Hill): Mr Speaker, has the PF Government got plans to appoint a female Vice-President in its term of office?

Laughter 

Interruptions 

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the trouble is that if I give the honourable questioner a positive answer, it will come out in the Zambian Watchdog as ‘Guy Scott planning a sex change’.

Laughter

The Vice-President: I think it is just better we let that particular sleeping dog lie …

Laughter

The Vice-President: … until it wakes up by itself.

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter 

Mr Kakoma (Zambezi West): Mr Speaker, despite assurances by the hon. Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development that there is enough fuel in this country, the country continues to experience shortages of petrol. What, really, is the problem?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, there is sufficient fuel in the country.

I thank you, Sir.

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order, Order!

_________

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

UPGRADING OF ROADS

486. Mr Mwango (Kanchibiya) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:

(a)    when the upgrading of the following roads to bituminous standard would be completed: 

(i)    Pedicle Road;
(ii)Mporokoso/Kaputa Road; and
(iii)Nakonde/Mbala Road;

(b)    whether the contractors working on the roads at (a) above were carrying out the works in accordance with their contracts; and

(c)    what contribution, if any, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) had made towards the tarring of the Pedicle Road.

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Dr Mwali): Mr Speaker, …

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

The hon. Minister is answering. Let the excitement end.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, …

Interruptions 

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order! 

Hon. Members on my left, can you, please, listen.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the upgrading of the Pedicle Road to bituminous standard is expected to be completed by 26th October, 2013. The Mporokoso/Kaputa Road will be a subject of feasibility studies this year while the upgrading of the Nakonde/Mbala Road to bituminous standard is scheduled to be completed on 17th August, 2015, following the issuance of addendum No. 1 on the contract that works be executed within the US$27 million advance disbursed to the contractor.

Mr Speaker, all the contractors working on the two roads are executing their works according to the respective contracts. Lastly, the DRC has not made any contribution towards the tarring of the Pedicle Road.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.   

PRISONS

487. Mr Chisala (Chilubi) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

(a)    what the categories of prisons in Zambia were, as of 31st December, 2011; and

(b)    which category had the most and the least number of prisoners as of 31st March, 2011. 

The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Dr Simbyakula): Mr Speaker, the following are the official categories of prisons in Zambia, as of 31st December, 2011.

The first category is the maximum security prison. This is for long-term convicts, serving five years and above, including those on death-row and those serving life sentences. We have one maximum security prison in Zambia, which is in Kabwe, and is called the Mukobeko Maximum Security Prison. 

The second category is the medium security prison. This is meant for long-term prisoners who are about to be discharged. In other words, those who are …

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: The loud consultations on my left are worrisome. Can we, please, consult quietly.

You may continue, hon. Deputy Minister.

Dr Simbyakula: Mr Speaker, the third category is central or district prisons. These are for convicts who are not serving long terms and are found in provincial centres or districts.

The fourth category is remand prison. Remandees are persons who are undergoing trial, but have not yet been convicted. There are only three remand prisons in Zambia. These are Kamwala, Ndola and Mpima.

The fifth category is for female convicts. There are two prisons under this category. These are Kabwe Female Maximum Prison, for long-term convicts, and Kamfinsa Female Prison.

The sixth category is a reformatory school for juveniles aged between sixteen and twenty-one. There is only one reformatory school called Katombora.

The seventh category is the open air prison or farm prison. These are for low-risk convicts, especially those who are about to be discharged from prison.

Central or district prisons and, in particular, Kamfinsa Prison, had the most number of prisoners, as at 31st December, 2011, with 3,705 inmates. Female prisons, in particular, Kabwe Female Prison, had the least number of prisoners, with only sixty-two inmates.

I thank you, Sir.

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order! 

If there are any follow-up questions, please, indicate on time to avoid going forward and backwards.

Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, …

Mr Mwiimbu: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I rise on a very serious point of order, which borders on national interest. The hon. Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development came to this House and gave a ministerial statement and assurances to this House and the nation that we shall not experience any more fuel shortages in the country as a result of the measures that the Government had put in place. Alas, the fuel shortages have persisted. There is a serious shortage of fuel in the Eastern Province, Livingstone and other parts of Zambia. Is the hon. Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development in order to mislead this nation and the House on the fuel shortages, when he knows that fuel is the engine of development? Is he in order to remain quiet after misleading the nation?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Deputy Speaker: Can the hon. Minister come up with a ministerial statement before the House adjourns sine die.

Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, before the point of order was raised, I was about to ask the hon. Deputy Minister of Home Affairs the type of prisoners the parole system applies to.

Dr Simbyakula: Mr Speaker, the parole system applies to convicts who have served more than two years and are remaining with six months. The Zambia National Parole Board makes a recommendation to the commissioner for their release and the criteria are good behaviour, industry, length of service and the remaining period of service.

I thank you, Sir.

POLICE POST IN CHIEF NGABWE’S AREA

488. Mr Zimba (Kapiri-Mposhi) asked the Minister of Home Affairs when a police post in Chief Ngabwe’s area of Kapiri Mposhi Parliamentary Constituency would be constructed.

Dr Simbyakula: Mr Speaker, a police post in Chief Ngabwe’s area of Kapiri Mposhi Parliamentary Constituency will only be constructed when funds are made available.

I thank you, Sir.

TAX COLLECTED

489. Mr Ntundu (Gwembe) asked the Minister of Finance and National Planning how much money was collected by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) from 1st January, 2011 to 31st December, 2011 in the form of the following taxes:

(a)Excise Duty;

(b)Customs Duty;

(c)Value Added Tax;

(d)Pay-As-You-Earn; and

(e)Other taxes.

The Deputy Minister of Finance and National Planning (Mr Sampa):  Mr Speaker, the following amounts were collected by the ZRA from 1st January to 31st December, 2011:

Tax                         Amount Collected
                           Kb’n

 Excise Duty     185.07 

Customs Duty    700.14 

    Value Added Tax                3,979.99

    Pay-As-You-Earn    4,532.6 

Other taxes (such as corporate 
withholding and medical levy)    7,484.45 

Total        16,882.11 

Mr Speaker, the difficulty in reading some of these figures underscores the importance of the rebasing project that we are undertaking.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, let me thank the hon. Deputy Minister for giving an elaborate answer, for the first time.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order! 

Is that a follow-up question?

Mr Ntundu: It is not a follow-up question, but when …

Laughter

Mr Deputy Speaker: Then, ask your question.

Mr Ntundu:  Mr Speaker, looking at the many promises that the PF made to the Zambian people during the 2011 Tripartite Elections and the taxes that have been collected, can I find out from the hon. Deputy Minister whether the Government is going to fulfill the promises that were made during the campaigns.

Mr Sampa: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for not pointing a finger at me, for the first time, when speaking.

Laughter

Mr Sampa: That said, indeed, we will manage to deliver on the promises because, first of all, the PAYE has been reduced, but has been compensated for with the increase in the mineral royalty tax. Beyond that, as I said, yesterday, we have no choice, but to deliver on the promises. We need to go out and borrow some money for long-term expenditure. One of the things we are doing is to issue a sovereign bond of $500 million. We should be getting money off it in the next two months. Actually, there are many institutions which want to lend Zambia more than the amount that we are offering.

I thank you, Sir.

MILENGE MARKET

490. Mr Mbulakulima (Chembe) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing when the Government would modernise Milenge Market in Milenge District.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Masumba): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that the construction of modern markets requires high capital investment. Due to the limited budgetary provisions for the markets over the past years, including the 2012 Annual Budget, the Government does not have immediate plans for the modernisation of Milenge Market in Milenge District. However, the Government has continued soliciting for funding from co-operating partners to assist in the construction of modern markets and bus stations countrywide. These funds should also be used to rehabilitate and modernise existing markets. 

Furthermore, Mr Speaker, let me also take this opportunity to advise the hon. Member for Chembe that the people in Milenge District have been receiving the CDF. If he is in a hurry to build a market, the CDF could be the best alternative to constructing the market.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, I thank the man in the leather coat for that answer. Is the Government in a hurry to develop Milenge, or has it abandoned the area completely?

The Minister of Local Government and Housing (Professor Nkandu Luo): Mr Speaker, I do not want to sound arrogant. However, the hon. Member of Parliament who asked this question had an opportunity to do what he is talking about. We would like to be careful in the way we do things. We do not want to do things for the sake of doing them. We would like to establish good markets so that our people can trade in a conducive environment. Many of our markets do not have toilets and running water. This is why we are looking for good capital investment to establish state-of-the-art markets.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

491. Mr Kalaba (Bahati) asked the Minister of Youth and Sport whether the Government had any plans for youth development and, if so, what the plans were.

The Minister of Youth and Sport (Mr Kambwili): Mr Speaker, this Government has plans for youth development in the country. This is because we recognise the critical role that youths play in the social, political and economic development process. The goal of this Government is to integrate the youth in this development process. To achieve this goal, the Government will do the following:

(i)construct, at least, one vocational training centre in each district;

(ii)facilitate the construction of recreation centres in order to offer recreational facilities. This will help keep youths away from illicit activities;

(iii)consider establishing a micro-finance institution to provide affordable access to finance for the youths. This will help them engage in entrepreneurship. I emphasise that we are very serious about establishing a youth bank that is going to give low-interest loans to the youth;

(iv)integrate the youth in leadership and decision-making through the Youth Parliament;

(v)facilitate access to business through the Government procurement of goods and services. There will be certain exemptions in acquiring tenders exclusively for youth entrepreneurs. We want to establish a policy which, for instance, if the Government offers a job in the road sector, the small jobs, such as construction of drainages, will be given to youth entrepreneurs so that we can create employment for the youths; and

(vi)establish provincial youth farms, such as the Mpongwe Development Farm. Youths will be employees and shareholders at the same time. 

Mr Speaker, people, in this country, think that employment for the youths is only in the Public Service or the mining sector. We can create more employment for the youths in the agricultural sector. Zambia has a lot of arable land. We want the youth to be empowered in the agricultural sector for us to create jobs for this vulnerable group.

Mr Speaker, to demonstrate the Government’s commitment to youth development, K50 billion was provided for the Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF) in the 2012 Budget, whereas K30 billion was provided in the 2011 Budget. This money will be used to construct youth resource centres and facilitate youth training. We are also thinking of re-introducing mandatory youth service for all Grade 12 school leavers. This youth service will be specifically for skills training and not military training. We are going to train all the Grade 12 leavers. They are going to be tested at the zonal level to ensure that they have the survival skills when they leave the youth service. This will be an advantage for those who will go to university and other institutions. We want to create a situation where all the youth are given an opportunity to have survival skills and become entrepreneurs.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out whether the Ministry of Youth and Sport is working with other line ministries when integrating youths in the development process.

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, that is precisely what we are doing.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from my very good friend, the hon. Minister of Youth and Sport, whether he is considering using the abandoned modern market structures that are not used by the Ministry of Local Government and Housing in Kitwe, Nakadoli Market and City Centre Market, so that the stalls can be allocated to the youth since the adults do not want to use the markets for trading.

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, I thank my good friend, Jack, who will always be dear to me. Youth empowerment cuts across ministries. That is a very good suggestion. I will meet the hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing so that we can chart the way forward.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chipungu (Rufunsa): Mr Speaker, I want to thank the young man …

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

There is no young man in this House. Please, address him appropriately.

Laughter

Mr Chipungu: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank my successor for a good and elaborate answer. I am mostly interested in the creation of the youth bank. When will this be done, considering that we have K100 million allocated in this year’s Budget for this programme?

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, there is a Cabinet Memorandum in this regard that is just waiting for approval.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ndalamei (Sikongo): Mr Speaker, when will the skills training for school leavers start?

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, we envisage that the programme will be provided for in the 2013 Budget. If all goes well, the 2013 Grade 12 graduates will be the first ones to be trained.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Mr Speaker, going by the trend of activities in this country, which are always concentrated in the cities and towns, what assurances do the youth in rural areas have that they will be catered for? 

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, this Government will not look at the faces of people, their political affiliation or, indeed, the region from which they come as well as whether they are from rural or urban areas. For instance, this year, we have decided that the Youth Empowerment Fund will be distributed to all the ten provinces equally. It will be up to the provincial administrations and hon. Members of Parliament to get involved and make sure that their rural communities tap into that fund equally. Concerning these programmes, I must tell you that you are very lucky because you have a very proactive hon. Minister in this ministry.

Interruptions

Mr Kambwili: I assure you that I have never started a crusade and failed. So, we will make sure that everybody is, indeed, catered for.

I thank you, Sir.

Professor Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister stated that there would be a compulsory youth training scheme for skills development. Such kind of compulsory schemes are synonymous with dictatorship and totalitarianism.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Ask your question, hon. Member.

Professor Lungwangwa: How will that kind of programme be reconciled with the human rights perspective of life in a democratic environment like ours?

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, I do not expect that question to come from a professor.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kambwili: So, the fact that it comes from one is extremely disappointing. When you introduce primary and secondary schools, is that dictatorial? All we are introducing is a training programme for our children. We will introduce this curriculum through the Zambia National Service (ZNS). Do we need to ask the children whether they want to do this course or not? What we want to do is make sure that all the youths in the country are given an opportunity to, at least, have a trade. We know that the universities and colleges that we have in the country cannot absorb all the graduates from secondary school. At the end of the day, even people who come from the universities, sometimes, do not get jobs. So, we want to complement what they learn from other institutions by giving them skills so that they are able to start their own businesses. If the hon. Member has a problem with that, I doubt whether, indeed, he is a professor.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

I think that it is not fair for the hon. Minister to doubt the professor’s credentials. He is a professor and we should recognise him as such. 

Mr Mutelo (Lukulu West): Mr Speaker, I thank you for …

Interruptions

Mr Mutelo: … the good programme you intend to introduce for Grade 12 school leavers, even though Lukulu West has no Grade 12 schools. What special plans does the hon. Minister have for the Grade 9 and Grade 7 drop-outs in Lukulu West? 

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, in my earlier answer, I stated that we were also going to build, at least, one skills training centre in each district. So, the people of Lukulu will be catered for by those skills training centres.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Bwalya (Lupososhi): Mr Speaker, the YEF that was earlier mentioned in the hon. Minister’s answer has many regulations and tedious requirements. Do we see a revision and relaxation of the requirements so that even the uneducated youths are able to access the fund?

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, history has proved that many people who are rich in this country are not highly educated. Yesterday, Hon. Professor Lungwangwa or somebody else mentioned this fact in this House. If that is anything to go by, we should make these application forms easy for that kind of cadre to access the youth funds. My ministry is already in the process of making application procedures easy.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, the idea of setting up youth farms sounds very bright and it only shows the high …

Professor Lungwangwa: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Professor Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, in this House, we are supposed to exhibit the highest level of integrity because we are the leaders of this nation and, in whatever we do here, there is nothing personal. We do it on behalf of, and for, the development of our nation. Is the hon. Minister of Youth and Sport in order to refer to me in such a personal, demeaning, extremely derogative and non-factual manner? What he just said, a few minutes ago, is not correct. Yesterday, I never said that highly educated people do not have wealth. That statement is misleading, false and lacks integrity on the part of the hon. Cabinet Minister.  

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

One of the cardinal rules and procedures is that points of order must be raised precisely when they should. Now, you raised that point of order long after the hon. Minister had finished answering the question. You should have done it when the hon. Minister was on the Floor. Instead, you are raising it at the time when the hon. Member for Chilubi is asking his question. That notwithstanding, when he made reference insinuating that you were not a bonafide professor, I stated that it was not right for him to do so. I think that we should let this particular issue rest.

The hon. Member for Chilubi may continue.

Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, the idea of setting up youth farms highlighted by the hon. Minister of Youth and Sport sounds very bright. It exhibits how highly intelligent the hon. Minister is, and …

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

What is your question?

Mr Chisala: How soon do we expect the process of setting up the farms to begin?

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, in my earlier answer, I said that we have raised a Cabinet Memorandum because the procedure of coming up with a policy is that you raise a Cabinet Memorandum. The process will begin after the Cabinet deliberates on it and approves it. So, we have already started the process. The Ministry of Finance and National Planning has assured me that the money for this purpose is already there.

I thank you, Sir.

NAMPUNDWE/NALUBANDA ROAD

492. Mr Milambo (Mwembeshi) asked the hon. Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:

(a)whether the ministry had any plans to upgrade the Nampundwe/Nalubanda Road to bituminous standard;

(b)if so, when the project would begin; and

(c)if not, why.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the Government has no immediate plans to upgrade the Nampundwe/Nalubanda Road to a bituminous standard. 

Sir, the ministry is unable to give a date when the project will commence as it has not yet been planned for in the 2012 Annual Work Plan due to budgetary constraints. 

Mr Speaker, the Road Development Agency (RDA) regional office in Kabwe has surveyed and submitted the planned activities on this road to be considered in the 2013 Annual Work Plan. The proposed works will be periodic maintenance.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Milambo: Mr Speaker, does the hon. Minister appreciate the value of this road?

The Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Mr Mukanga): Mr Speaker, we appreciate the value of roads in every district. That is why the district councils and hon. Members are supposed to prioritise them. Once they do that, we will execute the works. As already mentioned, periodic maintenance works will be done next year.

I thank you, Sir.

LIVINGSTONE/SESHEKE ROAD

493. Mr Sianga (Sesheke) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:

(a)whether the Government had any plans to rehabilitate the Livingstone/Sesheke Road; and

(b)if so, when the exercise would commence.
Dr Mwali:  Mr Speaker, we have no plans to rehabilitate the Livingstone/Sesheke Road this year. In this year’s Budget, we have provided for periodic maintenance and the current status is that contract bids were received by the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) and clearance was given to the RDA to evaluate them. The documents are scheduled to be evaluated next week, between 16th and 20th July, after which a successful bidder or contractor will be appointed to start the works.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order! 

I want to guide the Executive. The answer to question (a) was, “There are no plans to rehabilitate the Livingstone/Sesheke Road this year.” Question (b) is, “If so, when will the exercise commence?” In this situation, the answer to question (b) falls away. The people answering these questions should be careful.  All the same, it is good you have given us additional information. 

Mr Sianga: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that the damage on the roads is due to the movement of earth-moving equipment that is being taken to the mines around this country?

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, I would like to clarify that the answer that was given by the hon. Deputy Minister was that, when it comes to rehabilitation, the Government did not have a plan. It only had a plan for periodic maintenance. What we are talking about is a matter of terminology. It is the major rehabilitations that we do not have tentative plans for. When it comes to periodic maintenance, something is being done and that is the answer that the hon. Deputy Minister gave. 

Sir, yes, we have many problems with too many trucks moving on Zambian roads. That is why we are looking at a plan to ensure that most of the goods coming by road find an alternative. On the Copperbelt and other places, I think that the railway line is the best alternative. We are trying to engage all the stakeholders so that they use the appropriate modes of transport to reduce the maintenance cost of these roads. I appreciate that question.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, I thank you for your guidance because I was lost too.

Laughter

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that there were no plans to rehabilitate that road this year. Does it mean that, even next year, or the other year, there will be no plans for this road?

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, I think that the answer that the hon. Member needs is that there is a plan for the periodic maintenance of the road. It is important for the district council to prioritise this road so that we can include it in the annual work plan for 2013. I think that it is very important for that to be done. If you see the need, prioritise the road and we will consider it.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, does the periodic maintenance that the hon. Minister has mentioned involve the application of gravel that is being done on the Lusaka/Mongu Road or will it need bitumen?

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, how do you put gravel on a bituminous road? It is important to realise that bituminous roads are maintained differently from gravel ones. We are considering a bituminous road and so appropriate interventions will be made.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Antonio (Kaoma Central): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister seemed to be surprised when he heard that some tarred roads such as the Kaoma/Mongu Road, are being patched up using gravel. What will be strange to see people doing the same on the Sesheke/Livingstone Road?

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, that type of maintenance is not in the books. I do not understand how we can be using sub-standard methods to maintain roads. We will try to use the standard methods. Help us so that we can do proper maintenance for us to have passable roads.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Taundi (Mangango): Mr Speaker, it is evident that the hon. Minister is not aware of what is happening on the Lusaka/Mongu Road. Starting from the Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ) offices, they are patching the road using gravel. Therefore, should these people stop the works?

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, the principal question is on the rehabilitation of the Livingstone/Sesheke Road. I do not know why we are talking about the Lusaka/Mongu Road. I will not answer a question that is not a proper follow-up to the question on the Order Paper.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

REQUIREMENTS FOR UPGRADING BASIC SCHOOL TO HIGH SCHOOL

494. Mr Chingimbu (Kabompo East) asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education what the minimum requirements for upgrading a basic school to a high school were.

Mr Mabumba(The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education): Mr Speaker, the minimum requirement for upgrading a basic school (primary school) into a high school or secondary school is that it has the following:

(a)specialised rooms;

(b)laboratories; and

(c)libraries.

Mr Speaker, like we have talked about consistently, on the Floor of this House, the position of the new Government is to phase out basic education and re-introduce primary and secondary school education.

I thank you, Sir.

BUNTUNGWA INDUSTRIAL ROAD

495. Mr Mushanga (Bwacha) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:

(a)    when Buntungwa Industrial Road in Kabwe, which links the town centre to Ngungu Compound, would be rehabilitated; and 

(b)    when the township roads in Bwacha Parliamentary Constituency which are in a deplorable state would be rehabilitated.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the 7.3 km of the Buntungwa Industrial Road in Kabwe is one of the twenty six roads earmarked for upgrading to bituminous standard under the Urban Road Rehabilitation Programme in Lot Six and is under the Kabwe and Kapiri- Mposhi Project.

Mr Speaker, however, the contract was terminated in September, 2011, due to poor performance and the submission of a fake bond by the contractor. The works were re-advertised and the tenders were evaluated.

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

I think there are loud consultations going on. Please, when somebody is giving an answer, it is only fair that we should consult quietly so that he or she can be heard. Please, let us consult quietly.

Dr Mwali: The commencement of issuing contracts is envisaged for early August, this year. 

Mr Speaker, we appreciate that most of the roads that were selected for Formula One works were skewed towards Kabwe Central with very few roads in Bwacha Constituency. An additional list of roads for Bwacha was submitted to the RDA for consideration. However, due to the fact that the tender has already been advertised, the additional list will only be considered as a variation to the new contract. The other roads will, therefore, be included in this variation order.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mushanga: Mr Speaker, between 2010 and 2011, we were told to wait for the rainy season to stop for our roads to be attended to. However, nothing has been done despite the people of Bwacha Constituency and Kabwe having been patiently waiting for the works to commence. In the next three months, we will see yet the start of another rainy season.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Bwacha, what is your question?

Mr Mushanga: May I know the measures that the ministry has put in place in order to speed up the process of working on the roads in Bwacha Constituency and Kabwe as a whole.

Mr Mutelo: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, according to the hon. Minister, the deadline for street vending in Lusaka was 10th July, 2012, but today is the 13th of July …

Mr Deputy Speaker: What is the point of order?

Mr Mutelo: Is the hon. Minister in order not to inform the people that the deadline for street vending had been indefinitely extended? 

Laughter

Mr Deputy Speaker: Let me seize this opportunity to explain that points of order should be made under the following circumstances: On a relevant matter of procedure and decorum. That point of order does not fall under any of these circumstances. I, therefore, cannot sustain it.

Mr Mushanga: Mr Speaker, I had finished asking my question.

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, we have been in constant communication with the ZPPA in order to ensure that the period of procuring tenders is shortened. We want to make sure that some works can commence in August. We shall be keenly following the work of the contractors to ensure that the jobs are done in accordance with what is stipulated in the contracts. The hon. Member of Parliament for Bwacha should not be worried because a good job will be done.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kapyanga (Kabwe Central): Mr Speaker, as I take advantage of the earlier question, may I know from the hon. Minister, specifically when the Formula One road rehabilitation programme for Kabwe Central will commence, as the year is soon coming to an end.

Mr Deputy Speaker: I will over-rule that question because the earlier one was not about Kabwe Central.

BLACK LEG DISEASE

496. Mr Miyutu asked the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock:

(a)    what the source of the Black Leg Disease which killed a lot of cattle in Kalabo District, was;

(b)    when the Government would provide drugs to contain the disease in the district; and 

(c)    when agricultural camps would be provided with staff.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and livestock (Mr Kazabu): Mr Speaker, the black leg disease is caused by a bacteria called Clostridium Chauvoei, which is found in the soil and can survive for long periods. This disease is endemic to Kalabo District in areas that include Ng’uma, Sihole, Lweti, Sikongo, Ngombe and parts of Kalabo Central.

Mr Speaker, diseases are mainly categorised in two groups, namely diseases of national economic importance and management diseases. For diseases of national economic importance, the Government provides the farmers with free vaccines that are necessary to prevent the disease. The Black Leg Disease is a management disease and, therefore, farmers are required to purchase the drugs needed to vaccinate their animals. The drugs are readily available in the country and cost between K30,000 and K60,000 for 100 doses

Mr Speaker, the ministry has an establishment of 1,757 camps, countrywide, of which 1,339 camps are currently manned. According tO Government procedure, before a Civil Service position can be filled, Treasury authority needs to be granted. Thereafter, Cabinet Office will grant the relevant ministry the authority to employ.

Mr Speaker, the ministry has already started the process of seeking authority to employ. Once the authority is granted, the unmanned agricultural camps, such as those in Kalabo District, will be provided with staff.

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that the dying animals are causing poverty in Kalabo District? Is the Government interested in the increasing of poverty due to the deaths of these animals?

The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Mr Chenda): Mr Speaker, the Government is definitely not interested in increasing the poverty of the poor farmers in Kalabo District.  

Sir, 100 doses of the black leg vaccine cost between K30,000 and K60,000. This means that a farmer can vaccinate 100 animals with that amount of money. Surely, for any animal farmer, this should be affordable. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Simfukwe (Mbala): Mr Speaker, does the Government feel capable of eliminating cattle diseases like their colleagues in Botswana have done?

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, the Government is doing everything possible to ensure that it contains such diseases. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Njeulu (Sinjembela): Mr Speaker, the vaccine which the hon. Minister talked about requires refrigeration before use on the animals. Will a poor farmer in Kalabo manage to afford a fridge to keep this vaccine refrigerated?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, there are fridges that operate on gas. I am sure that farmers can afford such fridges. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Hamudulu (Siavonga): Mr Speaker, does the hon. Minister now realise that the cost of this drug goes beyond the figures that he gave due to other requirements, such as refrigeration and transportation?

Hon. Government Member: Sell some animals!

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, indeed, I am aware of what Hon. Hamudulu has said. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out how soon veterinary officers will be sent to Kalabo. 

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, could the hon. Member repeat his question. 

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, there are no veterinary officers in Kalabo. I would like to know how soon the Government will send officers there.  

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, I am glad to report to the House that we have been given Treasury authority to employ 960 staff in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. As soon as the formalities are completed, we will employ and dispatch the officers to the needy districts.

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Siamunene (Sinazongwe): Mr Speaker, I want to find out from the hon. Minister where in Kalabo these poor farmers can buy the drugs. 

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, I am not sure whether these drugs are readily available in Kalabo. However, they should be available in Mongu and, certainly, in Lusaka and most parts of the country. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member for Nalikwanda who is a neighbour to the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock.

Laughter

Professor Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, since Clostridium Chauvoei has been identified as endemic to Kalabo soils, what steps is the ministry taking to flash out this disease from those soils?

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, the cure lies in vaccinating the animals. That is what the Government is promoting. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Lubezhi (Namwala): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that there are no agricultural officers in Kalabo. Are the farmers allowed to administer this vaccine themselves?

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, those with the technical know-how are allowed. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Mufalali (Senanga): Mr Speaker, in the quest to deliver livestock services in Kalabo, is the hon. Minister planning to put up a one-stop shop in order to support the farmers in Kalabo? 

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to put up one-stop livestock service centres in all the provincial centres. Kalabo District will be availed one of these one-stop livestock service centres. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Belemu (Mbabala): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that the disease was endemic to Kalabo. He also said that the vaccine was available in Mongu, Lusaka and other parts of the country. Does he think that it is viable to stock drugs in Lusaka when the disease is endemic in Kalabo?

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, this drug is not provided by the Government. It is provided by the private sector. For those who are looking for business opportunities, this is your chance to set up a business which can be providing this drug to farmers. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

ROAD TO NAMAFULU BORDER POST

497. Mr Siamunene asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication when the road to the new Namafulu Border Post in Sinazongwe District would be constructed. 

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, in this year’s annual work plan, the Rural Roads Unit (RRU) is expected to work on the road in question. The works will commence before the end of the year. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

Mr Siamunene: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether they are going to follow the existing route or open another. 

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, under the RRU, we will follow the existing route. 

I thank you, Sir. 

NJONJOLO ROAD

498. Mr Antonio asked the Minister of Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication when the Njonjolo Road, which leads to Chief Kahare’s Palace in Kaoma District, would be rehabilitated. 

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, this road is not part of the planned road works in the 2012 Road Sector Annual Work Plan. It may be considered and prioritised in the 2013 Annual Work Plan and beyond, depending on the individual local road authority’s needs, in this case, Kaoma District Council.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Antonio: Mr Speaker, may I get a concrete and clear answer from the hon. Minister. He has said, “may be”. Can I, therefore, get a clear answer whether it will be considered in next year’s Budget?

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, from his response, the hon. Deputy Minister said that if it is prioritised by the local roads authority, that is, the council, it will be considered in the 2013 Annual Work Plan. Therefore, prioritise it and it will be included.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Taundi: Mr Speaker, His Honour the Vice-President said that, in two weeks’ time, the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) is going to start buying maize. This area, Njonjolo, is a productive area.

Mr Deputy Speaker: What is your question, hon. Member?

Mr Taundi: The people there grow a lot of maize.

Mr Deputy Speaker: What is your question?

Mr Taundi: Sir, my question is: How, then, will the farmers transport their maize along this road, if it is not rehabilitated this year?

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, I think from that question which the hon. Member has asked, maybe, we need to send our engineers to check the exact status of that road.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

________

BILL

SECOND READING

THE CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY BILL, 2012

The Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Mr Mukanga): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the Bill be now read a second time.

Sir, the civil aviation sector in our country has been facing major challenges in the regulation and …

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order, order!

The people on my right, please, keep order.

The hon. Minister may continue, please.

Mr Mukanga: … provision of the safety oversight function to the civil aviation industry in accordance with international standards.

Traditionally, these functions have been provided by the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) in the ministry which is totally dependent on the Civil Service structures and funding processes. Using the bare resources allocated to it, it has been extremely difficult for the DCA to effectively and efficiently carry out its regulatory and safety oversight mandate under the current set-up.

Additionally, with lower funding levels, the DCA has been unable to attract adequate manpower through the years. It could hardly recruit, retain and develop a cadre of human resource which can transform and move the aviation industry to a higher level.

Mr Speaker, at independence, Zambia ratified the Chicago Convention on Civil Aviation of 1944, which made it mandatory for the Government to adhere to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and recommended practices.

Mr Speaker, as a fast-changing and highly technical field, the civil aviation industry needs to be structured in a way that may provide an environment which will support the effective delivery of services in terms of procedures on regulations and safety oversight functions.

Sir, early in 2009, an audit was conducted on our aviation industry by ICAO. Ninety-eight non-conformities or findings plus one significant safety concern was enough to prompt the European Union (EU) to place Zambia’s aviation sector on the EU ban list or blacklist. We had failed to comply with international standards and practices.

Sir, this ban meant or resulted in the following:

(i)Zambian registered aircrafts cannot be allowed to fly in the Eurozone;

(ii)any EU nationals destined to Zambia risked the loss of insurance when they flew into Zambia; and

(iii)if any of those nationals, whilst in Zambia, board any of the Zambian registered airlines, they lost their insurance.

Mr Speaker, this has greatly affected our revenue base from the tourism and transport sector. Our hospitality industry has continued to lose revenue annually. Despite our natural resources and parks being equal to none, we end up with a few tourists …

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1045 hours until 1100 hours.{mospagebreak}

[THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITEES in the Chair]

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, when business was suspended, I was saying that despite our natural resources and national parks being equal to none, we end up with a few tourists. Owing to the ban, only those who are willing to risk their lives come to this country. This need not continue. Being on the ban list is a serious impediment to development and revenue creation. It stands in the way of turning Zambia into a tourist hub.

Sir, this Bill intends to reverse this trend and is a major step in removing Zambia from the list. It also intends to bring us a step closer to conform with the standards and practices of the ICAO. It provides a vehicle that can effectively enforce compliance in the aviation sector, through regulation, in line with the Chicago Convention on Civil Aviation. 

The Bill will transfer the DCA responsibilities to a body that will be able to efficiently deliver the regulatory functions and responsibilities. The intended authority will be a regulator and not both regulator and operator, as is the case currently. It will regulate the industry in compliance with international standards. Compliance with the ICAO standards will help Zambia to come off the EU ban list quickly.

Mr Speaker, the new authority will be able to attract, recruit, retain and retrain appropriate, qualified and skilled professionals, to enable it to regulate and promote compliance with the ICAO standards in the sector in line with its mandate. This will definitely create a positive image of our aviation industry and will lead to an increase in tourists and revenue.

I, therefore, urge all hon. Members of this august House to support the proposed Civil Aviation Authority Bill, 2012.

Mr Speaker, I beg to move.

Mr Simbao (Senga Hill): Mr Speaker, in accordance with its terms of reference, as espoused in the Standing Orders on Wednesday, 20th June, 2012, your Committee was tasked to scrutinise the Civil Aviation Authority Bill, 2012.

Sir, I now wish to give the House a few highlights of your Committee’s report, laid on the Table of the House on 11th July, 2012.

Mr Speaker, in order to gain insight into the ramifications of the Bill, your Committee sought oral and written submissions from various stakeholders, which included the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ).

Sir, from the outset, I would like to indicate that all the stakeholders and your Committee …

Ms Lubezhi: On a point of order, Sir.

The Deputy Chairperson: A point of order is raised.

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Speaker, first and foremost, I would like to apologise to the hon. Member who was on the Floor. Are the Government officials in this House in order to absent themselves from this House? If you  look on your right, you will see that the Bench is empty and yet a very serious Bill is being read on the Floor of this House. 

I need your serious ruling.

Interruptions

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

The serious ruling is that, since we have a quorum, let us continue with business.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Simbao: … wants the Government to address the concerns raised by the ICAO audit of 2009 which led to Zambian-registered aircraft being banned from flying into the Eurozone.

Sir, your Committee was made to understand that the ban had adversely affected the tourism industry and the economy in general. This was so because, apart from Zambian-registered aircraft not being permitted to fly into Europe, it was risky for airlines to fly into the Zambian airspace because the country did not have a competent and independent civil aviation authority that could ensure that minimum aviation safety standards were in place.

Mr Speaker, your Committee was informed that the consequence of this was that insurance companies had hiked their premiums for airlines flying in and out of Zambia, and many have not been willing to pay them. Therefore, as soon as planes entered the Zambian airspace, there was no insurance for passengers on them and so, tourists who do not want to risk their lives and or property could not fly into Zambia.

Sir, notwithstanding, the stakeholders and your Committee’s support for the Bill, there were certain concerns that needed to be addressed. Consequently, your Committee sought audience with the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication who graciously consented to appear before your Committee and were magnanimous enough to concede to and address some of your Committee’s and stakeholders’ concerns. Let me now talk about some of the concerns.

Your Committee observed that Clause 5(4) empowers an hon. Minister to appoint the vice-chairperson of the board from amongst the members. Whereas your Committee has no issue with the hon. Minister appointing the chairperson, as provided for at Clause 5(1) (a), it is of the view that the vice-chairperson should be elected by the board from amongst members. This will help to reduce the perceived influence of the political hand in the management of the authority of the institution, thereby, guaranteeing it autonomy.

Mr Speaker, further, your Committee observed that the Bill gives the impression that the chairperson will be chosen from wherever as long as he or she has an understanding of the regulatory and oversight functions of the authority. Your Committee is of the view that it is not enough for the chairperson to just have an understanding of regulatory and oversight functions of the authority. Your Committee, therefore, recommends that in order to ensure that the chairperson has an understanding of not just the regulatory and oversight functions of the authority, but also of technical issues in the aviation industry, he or she must be appointed from amongst the board members, who will be representatives of the institutions related to aviation.

Sir, Clause 9 confers on the hon. Minister the powers to issue mandatory direction to the board, and that the board shall give effect to the directions given by the minister. Stakeholders were strongly opposed to this position contending that it compromises the autonomy of the board, especially that it says the board “shall” and not “may”. Your Committee recommends that the board be given some latitude to appeal to the President against such directives which the board considers not to be in the best interest of the civil aviation industry before effecting them.

Mr Speaker, this issue was brought to the attention of the hon. Minister, who maintained that it should remain the way it is due to security considerations relating to the aviation industry.

Sir, related to this matter is Clause 11(5) (a), which stipulates that, in the exercise of the powers and performance of the functions referred to in this Act, the Director-General shall be accountable, solely and directly, to the hon. Minister in respect of issues relating to civil aviation, security, safety and regulatory oversight function. Stakeholders were worried that this might run contrary to the requirements of the ICAO, which advocates for complete autonomy of the authority. However, in its interaction with the hon. Minister, your Committee was assured that, contrary to the stakeholders’ and Committee’s fears, it was the ICAO’s recommendation that it be so, considering that aviation security was a national issue.

Mr Speaker, your Committee, however, is of the view that it would be better if the Director-General was directly accountable to the board, which is, in turn, accountable to the hon. Minister. Other provisions that are of concern to stakeholders and your Committee are Sections 73, 74 and 75 (3) and (4) which provide for penalties. Stakeholders were of the view that penalties of one million and two million penalty units, which are equivalent to K180 million and K360 million, respectively, are excessive because they could ground operators. Your Committee, therefore, recommends that these penalties be revised downwards to make them commensurate with the offences. 

Sir, stakeholders also observed that there were so many pieces of legislation on the Statute Books dealing with civil aviation. These include:

Chapter 445:     Safety of Civil Aviation Act;
Chapter 447:     Carriage by Air Act;
Chapter 448:     Limitation of Viability Act;
Chapter 449:     Tokyo Convention Act; and 
Chapter 450:     Air Passenger Service Charge Act. 

Your Committee, therefore, recommends that, in order to avoid cross-regulation, these Acts should be harmonised.

Mr Speaker, your Committee observes that Clause 87, which empowers the authority to establish schools or acquire existing schools for the training of its employees, does not acknowledge the existence of the Zambia Air Services Training Institute (ZASTI), which, is currently, offering training in all areas of the aviation industry. The Bill does not, therefore, provide for the continued existence of ZASTI or its role in the aviation industry with the advent of the authority. Your Committee observes that this is, probably, so because, currently, ZASTI is under the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education.

It is the view of your Committee and other stakeholders that, whereas the institute provides education, generally, its services are specialised and specific to the aviation industry. In view of this, it would be helpful if the ministry in charge of the aviation industry superintended over it. Your Committee, therefore, strongly recommends that ZASTI be moved back to the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication.

In conclusion, I wish to record your Committee’s indebtedness and gratitude to you, Mr Speaker, for according it the opportunity to scrutinise the Civil Aviation Authority Bill, 2012. I also thank all the stakeholders that appeared before your Committee and contributed to the process of scrutinising the Bill. Gratitude also goes to the Clerk of the National Assembly and her staff for the services rendered to your Committee.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mooya (Moomba): Sir, I will make my contribution under two minutes because I am an hon. Member of your Committee that scrutinised this Bill. One concern that I think was not highlighted by the Chairperson of your Committee has to do with district and provincial aerodromes. When the hon. Minister appeared before your Committee, he assured your Committee that, after the Government’s transitional period of six months, district and provincial aerodromes would be under the National Airports Corporation (NAC). Before that, we were of the impression that the DCA would continue manning the aerodromes. However, when officials from NAC appeared before your Committee, they did not seem interested at all in manning the district and provincial aerodromes. So, my request is that this detail be looked into and worked on. You can take a horse to the river but, if it does not want to drink water, it will not.

Laughter

Mr Mooya: Therefore, I am requesting the hon. Minister to really look into this detail because NAC is not willing to take over the aerodromes, as they are not profitable.

I thank you, Sir.

Professor Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, I support this Bill because I think it is very important to take note of the role a regulatory authority in the civil aviation industry will undertake. Zambia has tremendous potential for the development of the civil aviation industry. By virtue of its centrality in the Southern African sub-region, Zambia is very attractive to various airlines in Europe, America, the Far East, Middle East and within the Continent of Africa. Our geo-political situation makes it very economical to fly to any destination in the world. 

With this potential that we have, it is important to pay close attention to the civil aviation industry. One of the problems that we have experienced is that we have not developed this industry. On the other hand, over the years, since independence, we have trained highly-qualified technical staff in the various areas of civil aviation to guarantee national security and safety in the industry. We had highly-qualified staff that was licensed to fly various aircraft and guarantee safety and security of passengers. However, with the economic problems affecting the country, especially, in terms of funding, that particular vantage point and progress we had achieved could not be sustained. That is the reason we have found ourselves in problems as far as adhering to international safety standards is concerned. The hon. Minister has pointed out that the EU has been very concerned about the safety and security status of the civil aviation industry in Zambia. That is true and it is the reason we were blacklisted a few years ago and could not fly into Europe. 

Sir, this Bill’s aim to establish a civil aviation authority, which will oversee the functioning and development of the civil aviation industry, is very progressive and in the interest of the nation. There is a need for such a body to ensure that, first of all, all those utilising the Zambian airspace are adhering to established regulations and procedures and operating at the highest international standards possible. That is why a regulatory body of this nature is important for the country. It is also important to ensure that we have staff with the highest level of training possible in order for it to oversee efficient and safe operations in this industry. 

The problem we have had, of course, was that the DCA has been competing for meagre resources with various Government departments. Hopefully, once a regulatory body like this one is in place, it should be able to get adequate funding from the Government, first and foremost. Secondly, it should be able to attract funding from elsewhere, which can be used for its efficient and effective operations. That is important for the country and that is why the establishment of this particular authority is welcome. 

In addition to that, many countries, even within Africa, are going along this route of establishing independent regulatory authorities for the civil aviation industry. We have been lagging behind over the years but, I think, it is time, now, to do what other countries are doing in compliance with international standards for the good of the civil aviation industry in our country, so that Zambia can have a competitive advantage in comparison with other countries, especially the neighbouring countries, so that our advantaged location can effectively contribute to Zambia becoming a civil aviation hub within the region. That, eventually, will impact positively on our economy in terms of having flights into and out of the country from different parts of the world. Indeed, I see that this development that has been embarked upon is important for our country and economy. That is why we should, as a House, support this Bill.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the chairperson of your Committee and all its members. I would also like to thank Hon. Mooya and Hon. Professor Lungwangwa for the constructive comments and concerns which they raised. The ministry will try and address some of the issues. Our desire is to ensure that ZASTI, which is a regional college, is provided with the necessary aviation direction in the region. We really appreciate the contributions of all the hon. Members.

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Question put and agreed to and the Bill read a second time.

Committeed to a committee of the Whole House.

Committee on Tuesday, 17th July, 2012.

_________

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

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 1128 hours until 1430 hours on Tuesday, 17th July, 2012.