DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE FIRST SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 19th June, 2012

The House met at 1430 hours

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MR SPEAKER

DEATH OF MR GEORGE KUNDA, SC., MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR MUCHINGA

Mr Speaker: I wish to acquaint the House with a fact which is already sadly known that the House lost one of its Members, namely Hon. George Kunda, SC., Member of Parliament for Muchinga Parliamentary Constituency and former Vice-President of the Republic of Zambia. The late hon. Member passed away on Monday, 16th April, 2012, at the University Teaching Hospital. 

The late Mr George Kunda, SC., MP, was put to rest at the Leopards Hill Memorial Park in Lusaka on Friday, 20th April, 2012, and the House was represented at the burial by the following hon. Members of Parliament:

Hon. M. D. Lungu, MP, Deputy Speaker, Head of the Delegation;
Mr E. M. Sing’ombe, MP;
Mrs M. C. Mazoka, MP;
Mr M. H. Malama, MP;
Mr L. Zimba, MP;
Dr E. Kazonga, MP;
Mr A. Mbewe, MP;
Mr M. Muteteka, MP;
Rev Lieutenant-General R. Shikapwasha, MP;
Mr M. Ndalamei, MP;
Mr B. Chanda, Assistant Chief Editor and Secretary to the Delegation; and
Mr R. Chalela, Sergeant.

Hon. Members, I conveyed, on your behalf, the condolences of the House to the bereaved family. May I now, therefore, request the House to rise and observe a minute of silence in honour of the memory of the late Hon. George Kunda, SC, MP.

Members of Parliamentstood in silence for one minute.

________

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

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

However, before I do that, let me begin by welcoming all hon. Members to this meeting which also marks the last meeting of the First Session of the Eleventh National Assembly. As hon. Members may be aware, the third meeting of the House is mostly dedicated to the adoption of annual reports from parliamentary oversight Committees.

Sir, I believe that all hon. Members, as in the past, are ready for more hard work in the next few weeks for us to meet the expectations of the people who elected us.

Sir, let me now turn to the business the House will consider this week. Today, Tuesday, 19th June, 2012, as indicated on the Order Paper, the Business of the House will consist of Questions only.

On Wednesday, 20th June, 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 consider Private Members’ Motions, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will consider the Motion to adopt the Report of the Committee on Communications, Transport, Works and Supply.

Mr Speaker, on Thursday, 21st June, 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. After that, the House will consider the Second Reading stage of the Persons with Disabilities Bill, N.A.B. No. 4 of 2012. Thereafter, the House will consider the Motion to adopt the Report of the Committee on Delegated Legislation.

Mr Speaker, on Friday, 22nd June, 2012, the Business of the House will commence with His Honour the Vice-President’s Question Time. This will be followed by Questions, if there will be any. The House will then deal with presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. After that, the House will consider the Motion to adopt the Report of the Committee on Labour, Youth and Sport. Then, the House will deal with any other issues that may be outstanding.

I thank you, Sir.

___________ 

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 

285.    Mr Chisala (Chilubi) asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a)    when the ministry would come up with an Information Communication Technology (ICT) policy to guide pupils and students at the different stages of education; and

(b)    when the ministry would set up a directorate responsible for ICT matters so as to accelerate the development of ICT among learners in Zambia.

The Deputy Minister of Education,Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (Mr Mabumba): Mr Speaker, the ministry has developed a draft ICT Policy for use in the ministry which is in the process of being finalised.

Secondly, the ministry has no intentions of setting up a directorate responsible for ICT matters because it has a directorate of planning and information which looks at ICT issues at the national level.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, I would like to know how far the draft policy is …

Mr Mwila: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, I stand on a very serious point of order which is procedural. Is the hon. Member of Parliament for Lunte, who is Leader of the Opposition, in order to continue holding this position when the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) does not meet the required number of fifty-three seats?

When we were elected, the MMD had fifty-five seats. After Mr Mwakalombe resigned as Member of Parliament for Chongwe, joined the Patriotic Front (PF) and contested the seat and won, the number reduced to fifty-four. The High Court nullified two MMD seats, namely Livingstone and Chama North. That brought the number to fifty-two. Mr Speaker, the former Vice-President, who was hon. Member of Parliament for Muchinga, died and the MMD number of seats has further reduced to fifty-one. 

Is the hon. Member for Lunte in order to continue holding this position when the party does not meet the required number of Members in the House?

I need your serious ruling, Sir.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: The hon. Member for Lunte is in order to continue in his position until I rule and direct otherwise. Hon. Members of Parliament may wish to note that I have taken into account the rather flux situation that is obtaining relating to the various by-elections. I will address this issue in due course. 

Hon. Chisala, you may proceed.

Hon Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, I would like to know how far the ICT Policy is from being concluded. This is because the hon. Deputy Minister has indicated that it is currently in draft form.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, as I indicated earlier, there are discussions going on and the policy will be presented to the people when the discussions have been completed. I want to assure the hon. Members in this House and the Zambian people that a lot of work has been done, and we will get back to them as soon as possible.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kazonga (Vubwi): Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister said that the draft policy is available. I want to know whether pedagogical requirements have been taken into consideration because implementation of the policy will depend on the pedagogical skills of the teachers …

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order!

The hon. Member seems to be very presumptuous about the vocabulary of all hon. Members of the House. Please, note that you may lose communication in the process.

Laughter

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I would like to assure the hon. Members of Parliament and, in particular, Hon. Kazonga that the pedagogical skills of the teachers will be taken into account. In fact, the Zambia Information Communication and Technology Authority (ZICTA), which is working with the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Childhood has taken that on board. It has stated distributing computers to schools. 

Yesterday, the hon. Minister and I inspected computers that have been given to Malcolm Moffat Teachers College. When we signed the memorandum of understanding with Microsoft last week, on Thursday, ZICTA indicated that it had taken the issue you have raised into consideration.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Bwalya (Lupososhi): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education whether the policy that is in draft form has taken into account the fact that most schools in Zambia do not have computer laboratories. Are the schools being constructed going to have computer laboratories?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the infrastructure being developed has addressed that issue. Existing schools will have to find space where to put the computers. This is because ZICTA is in the process of distributing computers to about 2,000 schools. 

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Dr Kalila (Lukulu East): Mr Speaker, is the hon. Deputy Minister aware that this policy has been in draft form for the last six years? Why is it taking long to implement?

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!
    
Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member has to appreciate the fact that this Government has only been in power for about eight months. Therefore, we are not to blame for this. The Patriotic Front Government is committed to completing this policy and presenting it to the Zambian people. 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu(Monze Central): Mr Speaker, if I heard the hon. Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education clearly, he said that a programme pertaining to ICT was launched in Serenje District. I would like to find out whether it is coincidence that he decided to launch this programme where a by-election is going to take place.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, it is not a question of coincidence. In my earlier statement, I did not say that we launched the programme. I said that during our visitation with the hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education, we passed through Malcolm Moffat Teachers College where we saw computers that had been given to the college by ZICTA.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
286 Mr Chisalaasked the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry whether the Government had any plans to set up manufacturing products for the following products as opposed to relying on imports:

(a)    television sets;
(b)    computer sets;
(c)    mobile phones; and 
(d)    motor cycles and motor vehicles.

The Deputy Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry (Mr Mukata): Mr Speaker, the Government has prioritised the manufacturing sector as one of the engines for economic growth. 

Firms undertaking activities, especially those of a value-addition nature in Zambia, qualify for special incentives as enshrined in the respective tax codes such as graduated tax holiday of up to ten years from the date of declaring profits, zero per cent duty on importation of capital equipment and inputs among others.

Sir, in addition, the Government is promoting the creation of multi-facility economic zones (MFEZs) in which value addition activities will be undertaken. These include the following:

(i)    Chambishi;

(ii)    Lusaka South;

(iii)    Lusaka East;

(iv)    Lumwana;

(v)    Roma Industrial Park; and

(vi)    Gemstone Industrial Park.

Mr Speaker, the Chambishi MFEZ is targeted at investors in the electronic and electrical sectors, which will include the assembling and manufacturing of television and computer sets, among others. Further, Kinglong Motors, the manufacturer of Higer Buses, for example, has expressed interest in establishing a bus assembling plant in the Lusaka South MFEZ. As regards the manufacturing of mobile phones, M-Mobile Telecommunications Zambia Limited is already assembling mobile phones in Lusaka. 

Sir, with revised and focused Government policies on investment, it is expected that more investors will be attracted into the manufacturing sector, in particular the electrical and electronics and motor assembling subsectors.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Deputy Minister implying that the setting up of manufacturing industries will not be extended to rural communities of the country, particularly the northern part which has a lot of potential?

Mr Mukata: Mr Speaker, in fact, the platform on which this Government is rolling out the IndustrialisationPolicy is that of creation of clusters and ensuring that there is value addition. For instance,the Government, through my ministry, has decided to set up industrial clusters in all the ten provinces. Really, the idea of value addition is intended to act as a catalyst for the creation of manufacturing industries in rural areas.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Kalima (Kasenengwa): Mr Speaker, that was a very lovely explanation which, however, does not match with the situation on the ground. Could the hon. Minister informthis House how much work has been done in these MFEZs, especially the Lumwana and Chambishi MFEZs where he said the assembling of buses would be done?

Mr Mukata: Mr Speaker, the MFEZS are platforms with attendant incentives to attract investment. For example, the Chambishi MFEZ, which is spearheaded by the Chinese, is rolling out a project to manufacture electric cables. That, in itself, is progress. 

Sir, like I said earlier, the setting up of the Lusaka South MFEZ, where buses are supposed to be assembled, is already in the process.Investors are getting there, but these are not things that can happen overnight like, perhaps, making a cup of tea.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Ntundu (Gwembe): Mr Speaker, if I heard the hon. Minister correctly (pointing at the hon. Minister), …

Mr Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member, you do not have to point at the hon. Minister.

Laughter

Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker,in case the hon. Minister did not get the question correctly, the question that has been asked is on manufacturing, not assembling. When is the manufacturing going to start? 

Mr Mukata: Mr Speaker, may I educate the hon. Member that the Government is not in the business of manufacturing things. We facilitate the creation of an environment for the private sector to drive the manufacturing sector. So, I can assure you that we are nowhere near engaging in manufacturing. That is for the private sector. I gave the Chambishi MFEZ,whereplants are set up to manufacture electric cables, as an example of value addition.

I thank you, Sir.
{mospagebreak}
Mrs Masebo (Chongwe): Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister help us with a little more information, if it is possible. In answering one of the questions, he indicated that the Government is setting up cluster industries. I thought I could use this opportunity to ask him to give us a little more information about that, particularly on Chongwe. Can he help me to understand what these industries are going to be like?

Mr Mukata: Mr Speaker, the strategy to take industries under these clusters to rural areas was born out of the realisation that for a long time, this country has had an import economy. We extract raw materials and export them, which then come back to this country as finished products. That has not translated into jobs for our people in the rural areas who grow cotton, for instance, and sell it as lint in its raw form. It goes to Zimbabwe or South Africa and comes back as clothes.

Sir, what we are trying to do in setting up these industrial clusters, is to create the value addition mechanism where we will have farmers, for instance in Chongwe, who are going to invest in ginneries so that after they grow the cotton, they can process it to the next level, yarn, or partner within their localities and process it further into cloth.

Mr Speaker, these processes of value addition can be across many products such as cassava which cannot only be sold as meal for our colleagues in Angola or Congo who like it, but is also a source of ethanol which is used in enriching fuels. Our people have never had the value for money and the advantage of the increase in job creation because there are no value chains that are created. The concept of industrial clusters is that people in rural areas must set up industries in the crops they grow rather than exporting them across borders, creating jobs in other countries.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kaingu (Mwandi): Mr Speaker, it is interesting to listen to the hon. Deputy Minister. Maybe, the people of Western Province will have industries. Have you designed a plan that you can circulate to hon. Members of Parliament, hon. Deputy Minister?

Mr Mukata: Mr Speaker, we do have an industrial strategy and a roadmap which was distributed by my ministry to the hon. Members of Parliament. This was intended to provide a platform for engagement with the hon. Members of Parliament who are on the ground. 

Sir, what we are trying to do in each province is to identify five core products, for example, cashew nut in the Western Province, which you call ndongoyasimbangala, hon. MP for Mwandi. We want to see industries set up across the country. I am sure the hon. Member received that form. We need your input so that we can revise the industrial strategy as we engage with the communities. Basically, that is all I can say. You have the document and the Government is rolling out this strategy. The one-stop-shops that we are taking outto the rural areas with the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) are supposed to provide the same platform that we need toestablish theclusters in the rural areas.

Therefore, Sir, the planis in place and, in the event that you do not have these documents, we can always avail you some of the documentation that we are working on.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Mr Speaker, as the industries are set up …

Ms Kalima: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Ms Kalima: Mr Speaker, is the PF Government going to continue misleading this nation by bringing imaginary plans? I am very concerned about the way the hon. Deputy Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry is talking, especially on the issue of MFEZs and clusters. The hon. Deputy Minister is talking about things that are not there. Is he in order to continue talking like that?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Order! 

My ruling is that the point of order is misconceived.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: The hon. Deputy Minister has offered an explanation and, if you think there are any shortcomings in his explanation, you are at liberty to follow it up with questions. 

The hon. Member may continue.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, as one of those who are not being misled, as I am following what the hon. Minister is saying very well, I would like to know what measures are put in place to ensure that as the industries take off, the issues of climate change are taken on board from inception because, as we know, all industrialised countries are struggling to deal with issues of climate change which they did not take into consideration when setting up the industries. What measures has the Government put in place to ensure that the impact of the industries on our environment is taken into account?

Mr Mukata: Mr Speaker, as a Government, we are sensitive to the issues of climate change and have institutions that monitor industries before they are set up to ensure that they abide by environmental protection obligations. The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) is one such institution but, unfortunately, it is not under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry. However, we still work very closely with it. Environmental issues are really taken care of. I would have given examples of industries that have been checked and given a clean bill of health on environmental impact or, otherwise, not been given a licence to proceed.Definitely, we take that into account when we are rolling out manufacturing activities.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ntunduinterjected.

Mr Speaker: The hon. Member for Gwembe is so close to me that he should not have any difficulties in catching my eye, but he likes to debate from the seat. I hope he will desist from doing that forthwith.

Laughter

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Mr Speaker, zones aside, ...

Laughter

Mr Miyutu: ... are we going to be pleased by decorative words such as ‘MFEZ’ when the people of Western Province have plenty of resources such as mangoes, cassava and cashew nuts that justgo to waste? Surely, do we still need to plan again to create these clusters and zones today? 

Hon. Member:Bulela!

Mr Miyutu: Sir, when, specifically, will this PF Government, which was voted for by the people of Zambia on the promise of improving employment levels in this country, going to give us industries for cashew nut, mangoes and cassava?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mukata: Mr Speaker, one thing that we need to take into consideration, even as we talk about the ‘Government’, is that even the questioners are party to the process of bringing development. We are all part of the Government, but in different wings. 

Mr Speaker, the ministry, in its consultative processes, sent a list of the five proposed products to hon. Members of Parliament but, to date, Kalabo has not responded to tell us where we can find those mangoes. However, as a Government, we have involved the private sector. We are working with the Zambia Association of Manufactures (ZAM), the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZCCI) and the Zambia Chambers of Small and Medium Business Association (ZCSMBA). These are associations with affiliates in far-flung places such as Kalabo and Mongu. We should remember that the industries that we want to set up will be owned by our people. Much as we would attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), our thrust is on ensuring that the growers of the cashew nut and mangoes are assisted in the value-addition processes so that they own the industries. We would appreciate it if we could be told which corner of Kalabo has the potential of setting up such industries.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Professor Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, can the hon. Deputy Minister come out very clearly. A concept like the one that he has articulated is not a policy. So far, we have not heard from him whether there is a policy on clusters in place in the ministry. Can he clearly inform the nation, through this House, whether there is a policy on clusters for industries in our rural areas?

Mr Mukata: Mr Speaker, under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Policy, the Commerce, the Trade and Industry Policy and the Sixth National Development Plan (SNDP) provide for the creation of clusters which, I think, was adopted by the previous Government. 

I thank you, Sir.

ULTRA-MODERN MARKET AT TANDABALE IN MAGOYE

287. Mr Mulomba (Magoye) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing when the Government would construct an ultra-modern market at Tandabale in Magoye Parliamentary Constituency.

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 and that due to the limited budgetary provisions for markets in the 2012 Budget, the Government does not have plans to construct new markets in Magoye in 2012. However, it is soliciting for funding from co-operating partners to assist in the construction of modern markets in all provincial centres.

I thank you, Sir.

MAGOYE BOARDING HIGH SCHOOL

288. Mr Mulomba asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a)    when construction of Magoye Boarding High School in Magoye Parliamentary Constituency would be completed;

(b)    what the estimated cost of the project was; and

(c)    how much money had been spent on the project as of February, 2012.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the construction of Magoye Boarding High School in Magoye Parliamentary Constituency is scheduled to be completed by next year. The estimated cost of the project is in the region of K30, 989,122,000. A total of K9, 892,732,392 has been spent on the project since its inception.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mulomba: Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister has just said that the construction of the school will be completed next year without stating the specific month. In which month, exactly, is the construction of the school going to be completed since a year starts in January and ends in December?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I would like to provide factual information to the hon. Members but, at the moment, I do not think that I can give him the specific month when the construction of the school will be completed. For now, I can only say that the construction of the school will be completed next year. The hon. Member should appreciate the fact that it is not just in Magoye where we are constructing a school. We are constructing about forty-five high schools across this country. In the indabas that we have held with the hon. Ministerof Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education, we have assured the Zambian people that most of these schools are going to be handed over to the various communities in 2013. Even though I am not in a position to state specifically when the construction of the school in Magoye will completed, I would still like to assure Hon. Mulomba that most of the schools will be handed over to the various communities in the first quarter of next year.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Ntundu: Sir, I know that there is a contract agreement and period for projects such as the construction of the school in question. Is there a contract period within which this project will be completed?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the construction mode of most high schools in Zambia is in two phases. However, I must state that some of them go through three phases. Phase I involves the construction of teachers’ houses, classrooms, dining halls and assembly halls. We do not proceed into the second phase without taking some documentation to the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA). In fact, documentation for most of the high schools, which are under construction,has already been submitted to the ZPPA for approval for the commencement of the second phase. I think that the ZPPA is in the process of granting its approval for the commencement of the second phase.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister has not come out clearly as to why some secondary schools, which have been completed and were supposed to be opened in January, 2012, have not been opened to date. What is the problem?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member should appreciate the fact which I stated earlier. We are only eight months old in Government. Even though we do not want to continue passing the buck for certain shortcomings, I think it is still important for me to state that the Movement for Multi-party Democracy(MMD) Government was not paying for the construction of the schools which we are talking about. When we came into Government, we started paying some of the contractors. How do you expect the contractors to have finished their work when the MMD Government was not paying them? The PF Government will continue investing in the high schools which are under construction. We will hand them over to the people next year.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, the hon.  Deputy Minister has indicated to this House that the contract documents are with the ZPPA. How can he assure this House and the nation that the works on the schools which are under construction will be completed next year when the contracts have not yet been awarded and signed?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the amount of works involved in the second phase which, of course, is going to include, in some schools, electrification, providing water reticulation facilities and paving are not as significant when compared to those in phase one. Thus, we are sure that if the ZPPA expedites the process of working on the documentation so that work can begin by either the end of this month or July, we can meet our targets. We are going to use the same contractors in Phase II who have been working on the school projects. Thus, there will be no mobilisation period because the contractors are already on site. That is why we expect to hand over most of the schools being constructed to the communities by next year.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Kalima (Kasenengwa): Mr Speaker, considering that this Government works with a plan, I would like to know how long it takes to move to the next phase after completing phase one. I am asking this question in light of the fact that the PF has been in office for eight months and it claims that it is a better Government because it plans its work.  I need to know how long it takes to move from one phase to another because there have been no works on Kasenengwa High School for over six months. When are you moving to the next phase at Kasenengwa High School?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I have already stated that before moving to Phase II, certain procedures have to be followed. We have already gone to the ZPPA so that it can process some documentation before we can go to the Ministry of Justice.  Let me repeat my assurance that these schools are going to be handed over to the people next year.

I thank you. Mr Speaker.

Mr Monde (Itezhi-tezhi): Mr Speaker, the PF Government’s stance to do away with basic schools from our education system has created a big deficit in the number of school places. What is the Government doing to ensure that this confusion, which has been caused by this deficit of school places in our constituencies, does not affect the schools which are under construction when they are complete? In fact, in my constituency, the school is almost complete. What plans is the Government going to put in place to ensure that we handle the deficit in school places following the expunging of basic schools from our education system? 

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament has asked about the phasing out of the basic schools from our education system and also the construction of new schools. I think that what he is talking about is new and not related to the initial question. He should come back to the House with another question regardless of whether it is about the phasing out of the basic schools from our education system or the completion of the new schools which I have already talked about.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

POLICE POSTS AT LUMANO AND MANVULE WARDS IN MWEMBESHI

289. Mr Milambo (Mapatizya) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

(a)    whether the ministry had any plans to construct police posts at Lumano and Manvule areas in Mwembeshi Parliamentary Constituency;

(b)    if so, when the construction of the police posts would commence; and

(c)    when the ministry would provide the Shibuyunji Police Station with a motor vehicle for operations.

The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Dr Simbyakula): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Ministry of Home Affairs has plans to construct police posts at Lumano and Manvule in Mwembeshi Parliamentary Constituency once funds are made available. Shibuyunji Police Station will be provided with a motor vehicle for operations once the ministry sources funds to purchase more vehicles.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

WESTERN WATER AND SEWERAGE COMPANY

290. Mr Sianga (Sesheke) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:

(a)    why the Western Water and Sewerage Company in Sesheke increased water tariffs without improving the service it rendered to the community;

(b)    what measures the Government had taken to ensure that there was a constant supply of water in Sesheke District; and 

(c)    when the company would provide additional water tanks in Sesheke to ensure consistent and sufficient water supply.

Mr Masumba: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that in 2011, the Western Province Water and Sewerage Company (WWSC) got approval from the National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO) for upward tariff adjustments for the years 2012, 2013 and 2014. The last tariff adjustment for the WWSC was granted in December, 2010, for implementation in 2011. It was intended to meet operational and maintenance costs coverage of 84 per cent by billing. The approved tariffs for the mentioned period were successfully implemented and the company managed to achieve coverage of about 86.7 per cent. 

Mr Speaker, the quality of the service to customers, however, has remained poor in some areas of jurisdiction of the WWSC due to a number of factors, among them, the dilapidated infrastructure and the inability by the company to cover its full costs to undertake major maintenance works. 

The objective of the tariff adjustment for 2012 was to move the company to a 100 per cent operational and maintenance cost coverage in 2012 and beyond in subsequent years. The utility company has thus proposed to increase tariffs by an average of 48 per cent, 30 per cent and 15 per cent in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. 

Mr Speaker, following complaints from customers, the WWSC got approval from NWASCO to defer the implementation of the fixed water tariffs for 2012. The fixed water charges will be implemented once the works to improve water supply are completed. This means that customers will continue to pay the fixed charge tariffs for 2011. 

Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Local Government and Housing has been providing financial support to the WWSC for the improvement of water supply in the company’s service areas. In Sesheke District, the WWSC is currently implementing the following projects:

(a)    the company is constructing a water supply scheme at Mwandi. The scope of works include raw water intake on the banks of the Zambezi River, putting in place transmission pipes, elevated glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) water tank and the development of a water distribution network. The cost of the project is about K2.79 billion and is expected to be completed by June, 2012. The project is expected to benefit a population of approximately 5,000 people;

(b)    in Sesheke Town, the WWSC will carry out the following works estimated at K752 million:

(i)    repair two leaking elevated steel tanks and upgrade a raw pontoon which will take two pumps at Sesheke Water Plant. This plant is on the banks of the Zambezi River;

(ii)    construct an elevated GRP tank at Katimamulilo Township;

(iii)    carry out pipe works at the Katimamulilo raw water intake so as to improve the reliability of the water processing activities of the company. The intake works are on the Zambezi River; and

(iv)    repair two motors for the booster station at Sesheke High School in order to improve water supply to the school. 
    
The contract was signed on 15th May, 2012 with Best Brand (Z) Limited. The procurement of materials for the works is ongoing. Works commenced on 21st May, 2012. 

Mr Speaker, the WWSC is working with the Ministry of Local Government and Housing to access funds that will be made available under the National Urban Water and Sanitation Programme (NUWSSP) for major rehabilitation works on the water supply system in Sesheke. 

In addition, the company is currently working on a project proposal for water supply improvement for Mc Lop area in Sesheke. The proposal will be submitted to the Devolution Trust Fund (DTF) for funding. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

Mr Sianga: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that the community in Sesheke has petitioned the company responsible for water supply regarding the erratic supply and leakages throughout the township?

The Minister of Local Government and Housing (Professor Luo): Mr Speaker, as a ministry, we do not have the information concerning the petition raised by the community in Sesheke. However, as a ministry, we are ready to receive the petition and to explain why there is an erratic supply of water in the area. 

In his response, the hon. Deputy Minister was very clear regarding the fact that the infrastructure for water that we have inherited is dilapidated. This is why the Government has taken steps to start correcting the statusquo.

Mr Speaker, I just want to inform the hon. Member of Parliament that Rome was not built in a day. We are working very hard to correct the situation. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
{mospagebreak}
Mr Habeenzu (Chikankanta): Mr Speaker, having heard about the water situation in Sesheke, is the hon. Minister still going to wait for the petition?

Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, it is always wonderful when people put on paper their petition. If the hon. Member of Parliament had given me the petition, I would, obviously, have responded to it. I will not respond to a mere statement from an hon. Member. 

I thank you, Sir. 

ZAMBIA NEWS AND INFORMATION SERVICES (ZANIS)

291. Mr Sianga asked the Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour:
    
(a)    when the Government would procure a motor vehicle for the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Sesheke District;

(b)    whether the Government was aware that ZANIS in Sesheke lacked equipment; and

(c)    whether the ministry had any plans to secure the release of the only ZANIS vehicle that was impounded by the police in 2011. 

The Deputy Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour (Mr Kapeya): Mr Speaker, Sesheke already has a vehicle which is currently in Mongu for repairs. The vehicle will be dispatched to Sesheke as soon as the repair works are completed.

Sir, early this year, the Government procured equipment for Sesheke. This included public address equipment, both indoor and outdoor, a computer and an internet modem. This brings the total number of computers to two. The major problem the office has is with the power generator which is in Mongu for repair.

Mr Speaker, the vehicle in question does not belong to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS), but the ministry headquarters. The vehicle has been released by the Zambia Police Force to the Controller of Government Transport in Livingstone and is yet to be surrendered to the ministry headquarters in Lusaka.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Sianga: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that there was no camera amongst the equipment that was taken to Sesheke? Is he also assuring this House that the vehicle will be taken back to Sesheke sooner than later?

Mr Kapeya: Mr Speaker, as I earlier indicated, immediately after the repairs are completed, the vehicle will be taken back to Sesheke.

With regard to the camera, I admit that most districts do not have cameras. Therefore, my ministry is doing everything possible to ensure that each district is equipped with a camera.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

EXPATRIATES IN ZAMBIA

292. Mr Chishimba (Kamfinsa) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

(a)    how many expatriates were in Zambia as of March, 2012, in fields in which:

(i)    there were no qualified Zambians; and
(ii)    there were qualified Zambians;

(b)    why the Government allowed expatriates into the country to take up positions in fields in which there were qualified Zambians;

(c)    whether the Government had any plans to reconstitute the technical committee that scrutinised the issuance of work permits; and

(d)    if so, when the committee would be reconstituted.

Dr Simbyakula: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that there were a total of 20,065 expatriates in Zambia as of March, 2012, in areas where there were no qualified Zambians.

The Immigration Department normally does not issue permits to expatriates in fields in which there are qualified Zambians, except in very rare cases.

Sir, the Government does not allow expatriates to take up positions in fields in which there are qualified Zambians except in sectors such as construction and mining projects where the Government has an interest. For example, expatriates were engaged in the construction of the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, in Ndola, which had a timeframe within which to be completed.

Mr Speaker, the technical committee that scrutinises the issuance of work permits is already in place and functional. The committee has representation from the Labour Department, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), Police Force; Office of the President (Special Branch) and Immigration Department.

Sir, since the committee is already in place, part (d) of the questionfalls away.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out the rationale behind the Government now turning round by allowing the company that is constructing a factory in Maamba to bring in 1,000 general workers when it was very opposed to unqualified labour from China.

Dr Simbyakula: Mr Speaker, that is a different question. 

Hon. Opposition Members:Aah!

Dr Simbyakula: Maybe, my learned friend can bring that as a separate question and we will deal with it appropriately.

I thank you, Mr Speaker. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Mr Speaker, if I heard the hon. Minister correctly, he said that the Immigration Department does not issue permits to foreigners in fields where there are Zambians who are qualified. Could he help me understand under which category he classifies foreigners such as traders in Zambia? Who issues them with permits in areas were Zambians qualify if the Immigration Department does not?

The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Sakeni): Mr Speaker, over a period of time, the immigration laws were flouted with impunity by our predecessors and to correct the situation is quite difficult. One should have very good reasons to actually refuse to renew a permit, especially if a person has lived in Zambia for over three years. It is normal for foreigners to be allowed to live in Zambia. We live in a global world and there is no way Zambia is going to have rigid laws whereby just because we do not want foreigners, they must leave. If they were initially allowed into the country, we have to allow them to stay for the duration of time they were given.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamudulu (Siavonga): Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that there are some companies in Zambia that are employing expatriates in jobs such as driving and sweeping the offices?

Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, I am not aware.

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Laughter

Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister do this House a favour by answering the question that has been asked by the hon. Member of Parliament for Dundumwezi. Hon. Minister, you are ‘mixing’ the House. Can you give us the correct position on the issuance of permits? What is the true position in the PF Government? You are ‘mixing’ the House.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: I really do not know how the House is mixed, but let us find out.

Laughter

Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, with regard to new applicants, we are actually following the procedure. If the positions can be taken up by Zambians, we do not employ expatriates. This is our policy asthe PF.

However, we took over a backlog of expatriates who already had existing work permits and cannot just declare them prohibited immigrants there and then. As I said earlier, we live in a global world.We took over the Government and must appreciate that the people who were there before us were also working. They used their discretion and we should not embarrass them by starting to withdraw work permits and deporting people. We cannot do that. At the moment, we are strictly trying to make sure that only those who qualify are issued with work permits.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

SOCIAL CASH TRANSFER SCHEME

293. Mr Bwalyaasked the Minister of Community Development, Mother and Child Health:

(a)    in how many districts the Social Cash Transfer Scheme was being implemented as of February, 2012;

(b)    how much money had been disbursed for the programme in Luwingu District in December, 2011, and January, 2012; and

(c)    how many beneficiaries were in Lupososhi Parliamentary Constituency as of February, 2012.

The Deputy Minister of Community Development, Mother and Child Health (Ms Kazunga): Mr Speaker, as of February, 2012, the Social Cash Transfer Scheme was implemented in ten districts, namely Kalomo, Kazungula, Monze, Chipata, Katete, Kalabo, Kaputa, Shang’ombo, Serenje and Luwingu. In Zambezi District, scale-up activities have also commenced.

Sir, the total amounts disbursed in Luwingu District in December, 2011, and January, 2012, were as follows:

Period    Amount (K)

December, 2011    193, 430,000

January, 2012    260, 000,000 

Total    453, 430,000

Mr Speaker, as of February, 2012, there were a total of 1,517 beneficiaries in Lupososhi Parliamentary Constituency. Out of this number, 345 were male-headed households while 1,172 were female-headed households.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Kalima: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Deputy Minister the criterion used in the selection of districts to benefit from the Social Cash Transfer Scheme and also that used to select the beneficiaries themselves.

Ms Kazunga: Mr Speaker, the criterion used is based on poverty levels. We look at the districts that have high levels of poverty in the provinces.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Bwalya: Mr Speaker, I am glad that 1, 517 beneficiaries came from Lupososhi Constituency. It is a good programme and, indeed, there are issues that we need to look at, among them sustainability and how well we need to manage this programme …

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member, please, proceed to ask your question.

Mr Bwalya: Mr Speaker, thank you. The question is: What plans does the ministry have to extend this beautiful scheme to other districts?

Ms Kazunga: Mr Speaker, the ministry has started to scale up the programme to include other districts. However, a decision has been made to engage a payment service provider such as a bank or financial institution to facilitate the payment of transfers to beneficiaries. This process has not yet been concluded. Once a bank is engaged, the scaling up will be done much faster.

Sir, some districts do not have banks and this is what has drawn the programme back. This puts both the money and pay point managers at risk because usually we use the teachers and health workers in those districts.

Mr Speaker, the decision to use financial service providers was arrived at due to the huge amount that the pay point managers handle which puts them at risk.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, I would like to remind the hon. Deputy Minister who has said that one of the criteria used was the poverty levels in some of these districts. In the Eastern Province, Chadiza is one of the poorest districts, but it was not considered for that programme. Katete and Chipata are the ones which were considered, and yet these are the …

Mr Speaker: What is the question, hon. Member?

Mr Mbewe: Would the hon. Deputy Minister mention the other criterion which was used other than that of poverty levels.

Laughter

Ms Kazunga: Mr Speaker, I do understand the concern of the hon. Member but, as I had already mentioned, this programme is now being scaled up. The hon. Member’s district has already been included as a beneficiary. So, the only thing left is for the banks to quickly respond to our request.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mutelo (Lukulu West): Mr Speaker,the poverty levels in Lukulu are at 83 per cent and this scheme is not there. In addition, there is also a bank there, the National Savings and Credit Bank (NATSAVE). Therefore, I do not understand why Lukulu was left out.

Ms Kazunga: Mr Speaker, our co-operating partners, the Department for International Development (DFID), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Irish Aid and the German Technical Co-operation (GTZ), which is a German company, had indicated to offer aid and we had selected about eleven pilot projects. The following were the districts:

(a)    Kalomo;
(b)    Kazungula;
(c)    Chipata;
(d)    Monze, 
(e)    Katete;
(f)    Kaputa; 
(g)    Shang’ombo;
(h)    Kalabo;
(i)    Luwingu;
(j)    Serenje; and
(k)    Zambezi.

Sir, this project has been well received and is serving the poorest of this country in a better way. That is why the ministry has decided to go flat out and introduce the project in all the districts in Zambia.

Mr Speaker, the only thing is that there is this negotiation with the banks to make payments on our behalf so that we do not put the lives of the pay point managers at risk.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Lubezhi (Namwala): Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister said that the criterion used was poverty levels. I would like to know the elements of poverty which were used as yardsticks in these districts?

Ms Kazunga: Mr Speaker, it was the United Nations (UN) food basket that was used. There are certain districts that are poorer than others and they were recognised as such. I think, as hon. Members of Parliament, we should give this programme a lot of support so that, at least, all the districts can benefit from this programme.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
{mospagebreak}

MULOBEZI BASIC SCHOOL

294. Mr Sililo (Mulobezi) asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a)    when teachers’ houses at Mulobezi Basic School would be renovated;

(b)    whether the Government had any plans to construct a boarding school in Mulobezi District; and

(c)    whether the Government had any plans to construct a secondary school at Bwina in Mulobezi District.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, teachers’ houses at Mulobezi Basic School will be renovated when funds are made available. 

The Government will construct a boarding school and a secondary school at Bwina in Mulobezi District when funds are made available.

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Sililo: Mr Speaker, when are the funds going to be made available? When? 

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: There is no need to repeat the question.

Laughter

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, what the hon. Member of Parliament should appreciate is that the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education will only embark on infrastructure development when funds are appropriated by this House. What I am saying is that there is no allocation in the 2012 Budget for the renovation of teachers’ house at the said basic school. When drawing up the ministry’s 2013 budget, we will probably take that into consideration.

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

KASABA BAY AIRPORT

295. Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:

(a)    when the construction of the Kasaba Bay Airport would be completed;

(b)    whether the ministry was aware that business associated with the opening of the airport had been affected by the delay in completing the construction works;

(c)    what the estimated cost of the project was;

(d)    how much money had so far been spent on the project; and

(e)    who the contractor of the project was.

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Dr Mwali): Mr Speaker, the contractor for the project is the Rural Roads Unit (RRU), which is under my ministry, and the supervising consultant is Ng’andu Consulting Limited. The project is estimated to cost about K96.5 billion. So far, a total of K50 billion has been spent on the project. Last month, K20 billion was released, leaving a balance of K26 billion.

Mr Speaker, the RRU is expected to complete the works this year when it mobilises its equipment on site. It is important to note that the project has been given a four month extension which shall take effect from the time the unit mobilises its equipment on site. 

Mr Speaker, the ministry is aware that business has been affected by the delay in completing the construction of the Kasaba Bay Airport.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

COMMERCIAL BANK AT MANYINGA IN KABOMPO

296. Mr Chingimbu (Kabompo East) asked the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry what plans the Government had to facilitate the establishment of a commercial bank at Manyinga in Kabompo East Parliamentary Constituency.

Mr Mukata: Mr Speaker, the Government is facilitating the establishment of commercial banks in all the constituencies in the Republic of Zambia, including Manyinga in Kabompo Parliamentary Constituency. To this end, …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

May the hon. Members on the left restrain themselves, please.

Mr Mukata: … my ministry is working closely with commercial banks to encourage them to take banking services to the remote and rural areas of Zambia. You may wish to know that, for example, Airtel Zambia Limited and Ecobank Zambia Limited are providing mobile banking services in rural areas. However, in terms of the physical banking services, my ministry, through the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), is facilitating the acquisition of land in rural areas for investment purposes, including the banking sector.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Zimba (KapiriMposhi): Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister educate me on what has been happening in this liberalised economy. Does the Government facilitate the establishment of commercial banks or it is up to the bank to open branches where they feel there is business?

Mr Mukata: Mr Speaker, I think it is a matter of semantics. The Government is playing the facilitative role …

Hon. Opposition Members: No!

Mr Mukata: … of providing an environment to attract banking services in rural areas. Obviously, we understand that commercial banks are in business. Therefore, we have to meet them halfway by providing the requisite atmosphere for them to move into those areas. That is basically what we are doing.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister give us an example of how a conducive environment that the Government facilitates is created.

Mr Mukata: Mr Speaker, I will certainly do that. Hon. Members of Parliament who, perhaps, have had the occasion to read in the press have heard that the African Development Bank (ADB) has initiated a fund for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Therefore, our engagement, as a Government, has been to facilitate the management of those funds by banks that are pro-rural. So, the banks that will be in the frontline in accessing those funds for SMEs are those that are pro-rural in nature. These are some of the incentives that we provide.

Thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Kalima: Mr Speaker, since the Government provides an environment to attract investment, could we be right to say that it does not want to attract investment in rural areas because, maybe, it looks down on those areas?

Mr Mukata: Mr Speaker, unfortunately, that is not a question because it is based on a conjecture by the hon. Member saying, “maybe.” I cannot answer questions based on ‘maybes’. If I could be asked a question that would be based on reality, I would gladly respond.

Thank you, Sir.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN LOCAL COUNCILS

297. DrChituwo (Mumbwa) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing how the ministry intended to promote economic development in local councils countrywide.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Tembo): Mr Speaker, local councils, as agents for the Commissioner of Lands, continue to prepare layout plans for various uses, surveying and servicing of land to allocate to successful developers by adhering to guidelines in the Land Circular No. 1 of 1985.
A provision has been made in the new proposed organisation structure to take on board the functions that will be devolved by some ministries and institutions under the National Decentralisation Policy for councils to have a Business and Investment Promotions Unit which will fall under the Directorate of Planning and Information. This directorate will be required to work closely with the ZDA and other public and private institutions for local councils to promote local economic development initiatives within their areas of jurisdiction to facilitate creation of investment and jobs for the benefit of local communities. The ZDA has already consulted my ministry on how best the agency can collaborate with local councils to promote local economic development in all districts across the country. For a start, my ministry is proposing to the agency to consider initially decentralising its programmes and activities by establishing offices in all the ten provincial centres in the country. 

Sir, local councils will be encouraged to promote and facilitate local economic development projects under the legal framework of the Private-Public-Partnership Act. The ministry has to provide policy guidance to local authorities to promote local economic development in their areas through the implementation of the Government Licensing Reforms whose objective is to reduce the cost of setting up and doing business.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, has the Government considered the development of integrated development plans as part of the tools for promoting local economic development?

Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, a Motion was moved by Hon. Mulusa and my response to this was that this is an issue that we had already started implementing. So, let me inform this House, once again, that the issue that Hon. Dr Kazonga has raised is already being attended to.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Chituwo: Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister inform the nation, through this House, what further assistance there is in terms of identifying natural resources that will be a basis for investment in our various local authorities.

Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, for me to itemise the resources that are in our councils or constituencies wouldprobably require a whole day’s discussion. This is because this country is endowed with a lot of resources. The two hon. Deputy Ministers and I have visited every council in this country andheld discussions.Wehave also had an opportunity to look at the abundant resources that we have. This country should not be where it is at the moment because we have abundant natural resources. Therefore, the ministry has challenged the councils to take stock of the resources we have, district by district, so that we can leverage and promote them in terms of exploitation and use. So, the hon. Member of Parliament is invited to my office so that we can give him a list of what resources obtain in Mumbwa, which is his area of interest.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mtolo (Chipata Central): Mr Speaker, would the hon. Minister be kind enough to guide this House and, indeed, the nation on the time frame of the devolution of authority to the district councils because the existence of the councils depends on a very clear policy on economic activity and survival. Could we have a time frame on the devolution of this authority because time is running out. We are almost one year into the five-year programme of the PF Government.

Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, before I answer the question, I would like to remind the hon. Member who has asked it that there is a difference between eight months and one year, and we have been in office for only eight months. This is just a matter of correction. 

Now, to answer his question, the hon. Member, actually, spent two days with me in Chipata where I clearly outlined our programme for the devolution of power. Just in case he did not understand what I said, I will repeat it. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Professor Luo: The PF Government is committed to decentralisation.We have put in place our first step of decentralisation which takes place in January, 2013. We have outlined, in our Devolution Programme, the first districts which will be part of a pilot project to learn lessons from so that any mistakes that will be made during this pilot will not be repeated. So, the time for the implementation of our pilot project is January, 2013. Currently, we are preparing our councils for this devolution. We have already started training councils in leadership and partnership brokering because this is key to the devolution of power. Some hon. Members know that our teams have already been to their districts.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, is there any policy pertaining to the instruction and policy that was in existence at the time the MMD came into power? At that time, our great leader, the President of the Republic of Zambia, was Minister of Local Government and Housing. A policy direction was given to stop councils from investing in all commercial ventures. As a result, the resource base for most councils was eroded. Has the policy direction pertaining to that now changed?

Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, I think the greatest thing that has ever happened to this country is that the current President of the Republic of Zambia was a Minister of Local Government and Housing and his works cannot be rewritten out of history. They are part of the history of Zambia because he ran local councils that were functional. The local councils that we have inherited have some success stories that can be attributed to him.Therefore, there is no change of policy in terms of how we are going to proceed. However, we are taking into consideration the world order andhave, therefore, decided to decentralise. We have a programme of decentralisation that is in tandem with the old order and the PF Government. For example, in the previous Government, chiefs were used as tools for campaign.

Hon. MMD Members: Question!

Professor Luo: However, under our Government, chiefs are part of the governance system.

Government Members: Hear, hear!

Professor Luo: Therefore, we are re-organising the policy to provide for the positioning of chiefs as part of the continuum of governance in this country. We are also including the headmen and councillors. Therefore, we are re-visitingthe Decentralisation Policy which was put in place by our colleagues in the last Government to achieve the PF dream of changing this country.

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

Dr Kalila: Mr Speaker, is the Government considering alternative development models for councils that are highly impoverished and where the traditional governance system is strong such as Lukulu which has no revenue base and workers have not been paid for six years?

Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, my travels around the country have revealed that there is no district that is impoverished. I have been informed that we need to re-orient our staff to think outside the box, be able to look around them and turn the resources that God gave them into money. For example, somebody talked about climate change. When you travel around the country, what you see are people cutting down trees. Not even one time do my staff in the councils ever realise that the tree that they were cutting down is a source of rubber, pencils, paper and rulers. Therefore, my ministry is re-orienting its staff to think outside the box so that we can start to look at our resource base. We should not think about alternatives, but use what we have for development.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, will the hon. Minister design a programme that focuses on territorial, instead of sectoral development? You are saying that we have enough resources in our rural areas,yet the areas are poor. Will you refocus your policies?

Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, this is why I am informing this House that we have gone council by council. You cannot sit in Lusaka and design a programme for a particular council or district. You need to get there, chat with the people and re-orient them to start thinking about development at the unit level. Therefore, what you are askingabout, hon. Member, is already in place.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1615 hours until 1630 hours.

[MR SPEAKERin the Chair]

POLICE CAMP AT NAMWALA DISTRICT CENTRE

298. Ms Lubezhi asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

(a)    whether the ministry had any plans to construct a police camp which would provide accommodation to all police officers at Namwala District Centre;

(b)    if so, when the construction would start; and

(c)    what the total number of police substations under the Namwala District Command was.

Dr Simbyakula:Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Home Affairs has developed an Infrastructure Development Plan under which we intend to construct police camps throughout the country. Namwala Police Camp is one of the camps earmarked for construction. This will ease the accommodation problems faced by police officers not only in Namwala District but also throughout the country.

Mr Speaker, earlier in the year, we informed the House that due to inadequate budgetary allocations, the Government was actively sourcing funds outside the Budget for the purpose of constructing housing units not only for the police but also other security wings under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Mr Speaker, I can now inform this House that these plans have reached an advanced stage. At an appropriate timethe hon. Minister of Home Affairs willinform the House when these funds will be made available.

Sir, Namwala District has only one police post called Nico Police Post.

I thank you, Sir.
{mospagebreak}

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Speaker, the police officers in Namwala get between K270,000 and K300,000 as housing allowance. However, rentals for a decent house in Namwala are between K800,000 and K1 million. Would you agree with me then that the conditions to which you have subjected the officers in Namwala are a good recipe for corruption?

Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, the police officers’ living conditions are literally the same as those for civil servants. That is why the ministry has embarked on infrastructure development. As we have said, plans are underway to provide better accommodation for police officers. We have realised that the issue of good accommodation is very important. Officers have to be motivated and that is what we are trying to do.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Moonde: Mr Speaker,from hon. Minister’s answer, I have notedthatNamwala has nothing to talk about. Is the hon. Minister also aware that Namwala Police does not even have a utility vehicle?

Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, although the question is outside the context of the principal question, the problem of accommodation and transport is widespread andwe are trying to address it. I can simply assure the hon. Member that Namwala, just like any other station, is faced with a critical shortage of transport. I can assure him that we are trying to do the best to resolve it. We will be able to provide transport sooner than later with whatever means we are working on locally. 

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Belemu (Mbabala): Mr Speaker, Namwala Police Station is a Grade A station with an establishment of forty-five officers. However, currently, there are only eighteen. Could the hon. Minister confirm that this variance is as a result of lack of accommodation?

Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, the problem has two dimensions. The police establishment is supposed to be 27,000 countrywide. Currently, there are only about 15,000 police officers. So, on the one hand, there is the shortage of manpower and, on the other, that of accommodation. This applies to most of our police stations, especially in the countryside.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamudulu: Mr Speaker, now that the hon. Minister has indicated that there is a shortage of manpower apart fromthe other shortages in terms of logistics, what plans has the Government put in place to mitigate the shortage of manpower in the Police Force?

Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, though this is a new question, I will give a bonus answer. This year alone, we are trying to recruit about 1,000 police officers. That is just a drop in the ocean because, since the last recruitment, we have lost 800 officers andour plan was to recruit 1,000. We are actually not even making any progress. Our future plans are to recruit, at least, an average of 1,500 officers per year so that we take care of the wastage in the process. 

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Zimba: Mr Speaker, in the hon. Minister’s answer, he mentioned that the Government would only construct the police post when funds are made available. I get worried when the Government says that “when funds are made available.” This is because this could mean next year or the other. When they come to the House, why can they not be precise with when they will construct the police post? 

Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament is aware that our budgetary allocation, as a ministry, is not enough for us to do that. That is why we said that we were sourcing money from outside the Budget. I think everybody appreciates that it will be for a good cause.

Sir, I cannot give you a definite date, but I can assure you that the plans have reached an advanced stage. Sooner than later, we will be able to tell the nation the plan of action we are going to take when the funds are made available through the arrangements we have embarked on. We will inform you when we kick-start the project. However, I cannot tell you before we conclude the negotiations. The Ministry of Finance and National Planning is doing that on our behalf and, once we are through, we will be able to tell this august House and the nation at large so that we proceed with our programme.

I thank you, Sir.

NEW VEHICLES FOR CHIEFS

299. Mr Chipungu (Rufunsa) asked the hon. Minister of Chiefs and traditional Affairs:

(a)    whether there were any plans to procure new vehicles for chiefs; and

(b)    if so, when the vehicles would be procured.

The Deputy Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs (MrsKawandami): Mr Speaker, ten vehicles have been provided forin the Budget for this year. 

Sir, the vehicles will be bought in the second quarter from the K1 billion that was allocated.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chipungu: Mr Speaker, ten vehicles is slightly on the lower side. When will the rest of the vehicles be procured?

MrsKawandami: Mr Speaker, as I stated earlier, only K1 billion was budgeted for. So, we can only afford to buy ten vehicles. I am sure thatmore vehicles will be procured in the next Budget.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Milambo: Mr Speaker, how are the ten vehicles going to be distributed?

MrsKawandami: Mr Speaker, although that is a new question, the ten vehicles will be given to senior chiefs.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma): Mr Speaker, are the chiefs who are getting vehicles on loan managing to pay back?

MrsKawandami: Mr Speaker, these vehicles are given as a grant. As such, the chiefs are supposed to repair the vehicles from their monthly wages.

I thank you, Sir.

UNEMPLOYMENT RATES

300. Dr Kaingu asked the hon. Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour why unemployment rates were high in the country, yet the rate of inflation had remained below 10 per cent for more than a year.

The Deputy Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour (Mr Mbulu): Mr Speaker, admittedly, there is an inverse relationship between the rate of unemployment and the rate of inflation. This basically means that the lower the rate of inflation, the lower the unemployment level and viceversa, in the long run.

Sir, with regard to Zambia, facts on the ground are that over the past several years, the country has recorded relatively low levels of inflation and achieved single-digit inflation in the period between 2009 to date, but with high unemployment levels. In other countries,targeting of low inflation has also resulted in slow growth, high interest rates and slow employment generation.

Mr Speaker, the inflation rate is a product of the Monetary Policy in our country. Over the past years, the main objective of Zambia’s Monetary Policy has been to keep inflation low and stable. In the long run, the Monetary Policy has not been known to affect unemployment.The reason is that inflation’s influence on unemployment is minimal because there are other factors such as prices of raw materials, intermediate goods, cost of capital/investment, worker productivity and others that influence it in a more direct and significant way.

Mr Speaker, whilst having low rates of inflation is desirable, unemployment is not automatically lowered upon achieving them. Low inflation is expected to stimulate demand for goods and services and generally economic activity which, in turn, is expected to spur investments, leading to job creation and lower unemployment rates. However, the inherent assumption is that the type of investments arising from high demand will be in activities with more potential for employment creation such as those that are labour intensive and those with multiple value addition stages. The current levels of unemployment in Zambia point to the fact that the scenario, which has been described, is not what has been happening over the past years. In this regard, the Government, in collaboration with partners such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has started the process of formulating a comprehensive and practical strategy for employment creation so that the country can take advantage of the foundation laid through improvements of the macroeconomic variables such as inflation.

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, inflation is calculated through a Philips Curve. What does the hon. Deputy Minister think would be the inflation rate for the Western Province where the unemployment rate is at 98 per cent?

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbulu: Mr Speaker, I would only have better answered the question by Hon. Kaingu if I had looked at the Philips Curve which he used to calculate the98 per cent from because there is totally no correlation between unemployment levels in the Western Province and the factors that we are talking about at the moment.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Kalima: Mr Speaker, what immediate job creation plans does the Government have, considering the fact that the country’s population growth has not been in proportion to the jobs which have been created for the Zambian people, especially the youth?

Mr Mbulu: Mr Speaker, I think this question was adequately answered by the hon. Deputy Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Mukata. As a Government, we have a multifaceted approach. On its own, the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Labour does not have the capacity to create employment. What we have in place is an inter-ministerial approach. Through this approach, we work together with other ministries such as the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry which is establishing industrial clusters and MFEZs which are all expected to create employment. A fortnight ago, we organised a national workshop for the purpose of brainstorming how Zambia can move from the developmental stage where it is today to another level. The workshop was attended by the youths, academia and people from all sectors of society. Through such initiatives, we hope to move Zambia forward.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

COMBINED MALE AND FEMAL ADMISSION WARDS

301. Mr Mwanza (Solwezi West) asked the Minister of Health:

(a)    whether any of the following health institutions had combined male and female admission wards for patients:

(i)    University Teaching Hospital;

(ii)    Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital;

(iii)    Ndola Central Hospital; 

(iv)    Kitwe Central Hospital; and

(b)    If so, what the reasons for admitting both male and female patients in the same wards were.
The Deputy Minister of Health (Dr Chikusu): Mr Speaker, the policy of the Government is to have separate male and female wards in all its hospitals. Therefore, we have no combined male and female wards at the University Teaching Hospital, Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital, Ndola Central Hospital and Kitwe Central Hospital except in the pediatric wards where the patients are children. Occasionally, male and female patients may be admitted in the same ward in cases of emergency and in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Mr Speaker, some of the situations which may lead to hospitals admitting male and female patients in the same ward include those whereby the patients are unconscious or are in a serious condition.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

ROADS ON THE COPPERBELT PROVINCE

302. Mr Chabala (Kankoyo) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication when the following roads on the Copperbelt Province would be rehabilitated:

(a)    Sabina/Mufulira; and

(b)    Mufulira/Ndola.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the Government of the Republic of Zambia is aware of the poor state of the Sabina/Mufulira Road. The Sabina/Mufulira Road is scheduled for rehabilitation this year. The works are going to be executed with funds from the Mopani Copper Mines Limited and the Government through the Road Development Agency (RDA).

Mr Speaker, funds from Mopani Copper Mines will be spent on the first stretch from Sabina to Kansuswa Bridge, which is a total length of 16 km. Theworks will involve the full rehabilitation of the stretch and will commence after the completion of the works on the Central Street/Mindolo/Chibuluma Road which is a by-pass road in Kitwe. The Mopani Copper Mines is also financing rehabilitation works on Central Street in Kitwe. Funds from the Government through the RDA, which are provided for under the 2012 Road Sector Annual Work Plan, will be spent on the last 9kmstretch from Kansuswa Bridge to Mufulira.  The works are currently under procurement. We envisage commencing these works in August, 2012.

Mr Speaker, the road from Ndola to Mufulira, which is about 65 km, is earmarked for a feasibility study and detailed engineering designs as provided for in the 2012 Road Sector Annual Work Plan. The procurement process for works on this road has reached an advanced stage. The contracting for the study is due in July this year. In the meantime, the RDA has continued to undertake holding maintenance by way of pothole patching until the contracts for works on the road are procured. The study is expected to run for six months and will be completed by January, 2013. We need to mention that the Government is committed to ensuring that the road is rehabilitated and will exhaust all efforts to secure funds for the exercise.

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

MINERAL EXPLORATION IN LUANGWA/RUFUNSA GAME MANAGEMENT AREAS

303. Mr P. Ngoma (Feira) asked the Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development when mineral exploration in the following areas in the Luangwa/Rufunsa Game Management Areas would commence:

(a)    Kavalamanja;

(b)    Mphuka/Nyankhongolo;

(c)    Chakwenga; and

(d)    the banks of the Luangwa and Zambezi rivers.

The Deputy Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development (Mr Musukwa): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development is mandated to conduct geological surveying and mapping in order to provide basic geological information to persons interested in conducting exploration activities and subsequently mining. Currently, the following companies have been licensed to conduct exploration in the afore-mentioned areas:  

(i)    Mukoti Resources which is exploring for copper, cobalt, iron and gold in the Kavalamanja area;

(ii)    Zambian Gold Mines which is exploring for rare earth elements in Mphuka/Yankhongolo area;

(iii)    Mwembeshi Resources is exploring for copper in Chakwenga area; and

(iv)    Mukoti Resources is exploring for copper, cobalt, iron and gold on the banks of Luangwa and Zambezi rivers.

Mr Speaker, the ministry is currently conducting an audit of all prospecting licences so as to establish the level of exploration activities being conducted countrywide. We will revoke the licences of those companies which have not carried out any serious works on their tenement. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr P. Ngoma: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out when the hon. Minister will visit the areas which I have identified so that he can know the urgency of this matter. 

Mr Musukwa: Mr Speaker, because I am getting an express request from a very serious hon. Member of Parliament, I will visit the areas next week. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Laughter

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister able to indicate how long this audit will take? Is it possible for him to indicate whether it will take a whole year or a few months?

Mr Musukwa: Mr Speaker, I want to state very clearly that we are, in fact, in the dying phase of the extended period. We were supposed to stop thirty-five days ago, but because we had to follow the provisions of the law, we extended it for two more months, till June month end. In short, the ministry moved into this direction so that there is no excuse from the people that have been holding onto these licences for speculative reasons. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I would like to know from the hon. Minister whether, this time around, his ministry will change how it will be issuing certificates to prospecting mining investments. In the past, licences were just being given to people who were not even properly assessed. This led to people who lacked the necessary capacity such as having the required equipment holding onto licences. 

I would like to know whether the ministry will seriously change how it will be assessing the prospecting mining investments. 

Mr Musukwa: Mr Speaker, the PF Government has put in place stringent measures to ensure that the procedures which have been in place for a long time, but were not being followed in the past, are adhered to, so as to ensure that only serious foreign and Zambian investors are given these licences. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.  

Mr M. B. Mwale (Malambo): Mr Speaker, what effort has the Government made to harmonise its interest in terms of maximising the benefits from mineral resources and that of environmentalists who oppose mineral exploration in game management areas(GMAs)? 

Mr Musukwa: Mr Speaker, the PF Government will ensure that at all times we have a win-win situation. 

Our efforts to enhance exploration works will not be at the expense of the environment.

I thank you, Sir. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Imenda (Luena): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out whether the hon. Minister is aware of the racketeering by the civil servants in his ministry over the issuance of licences. In his ministry, there is a department called Kadansa, cadastral or whatever ….

Laughter

Ms Imenda: Is he aware that there is this racketeering going on?

Is he also aware that PF cadres invaded a recent meeting of this department at which they demanded for the throwing away of certain files depending on the party the applicant belonged to? 

Mr Musukwa: Mr Speaker, I am tempted to say that I am not aware of what the hon. Member is talking about. However, I will try to be as objective as possible in my response. 

The Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development and the PF Government are aware of the dubious transactions that have been going on in the Cadastral Department. This is why the Government took the initiative of suspending the issuance of licences so that it could clean up the system. 

As I speak to you, we have lifted the moratorium because we are satisfied with the mechanism that we have put in place which will ensure that issues of perceived corruption and underhand methods are adequately dealt with. 

I wish to also state that it is not possible for PF cadres to get involved in the process of issuing prospecting licences because they belong to a disciplined party. Maybe, the MMD cadres might have been doing that in the past. 

Thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
{mospagebreak}

SINAZONGWE DISTRICT POLICE

304. Mr Siamunene (Sinazongwe) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

(a)    when reliable road transport would be allocated to the Sinazongwe District Police Station to enable officers combat crime in  the area; and 

(b)    when reliable water supply would be provided to the Sinazongwe District Police Camp to cater for increased demand.

Dr Simbyakula: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Government will provide road transport to Sinazongwe Police Station once funds to purchase operational vehicles are available. 

Sinazongwe District has no police camp at the moment. The Government, therefore, intends to construct a police camp in the district. 

Sir, as I indicated earlier when responding to the question by the hon. Member of Parliament for Namwala, plans to raise finances outside the budget for housing units for the police and other security wings, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, have reached an advanced stage. A reliable water reticulation system will also be provided once the station is completed.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mweetwa (Choma Central): Mr Speaker, arising from his answer, the hon. Minister has said that the Government will provide these services when funds are available. I would like to find out whether the PF Government has any plans to provide these requested services with time lines in accordance with the plans.

Dr Simbyakula: Mr Speaker, the answer is yes, we do have plans.

Laughter

Dr Simbyakula: For your own information, ...

Laughter

Mr Speaker: The hon. Minister is still on the Floor.

Dr Simbyakula: Thank you, Mr Speaker.

... the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and I have both been touring the provinces to see for ourselves the kind of challenges that our officers are facing in their work. These tours have revealed that they are, indeed, facing serious challenges. There is a lack of transport, accommodation, uniforms, manpower and equipment. Hence, our job, as a Government, is to find resources to address these challenges and that is what we are doing. We are not just idly sitting by. Therefore, my learned friend can rest assured that the PF Government has serious plans. 

The budget allocation may not be enough.So, we may have to go outside it. As such, at the moment, we are having discussions with friendly co-operating partners and trying to raise funds through the banks. All these are avenues we are exploring. So, we do, indeed, have plans.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, the song “When funds are made available” is the same one the MMD Government used to sing when it was seated where the PF Government is seated now.

Mr Mwila:Balipwa!

Interruptions

Mr Ntundu: Sir, can I hear from the PF Government, which was proclaiming that it would do everything for the people of Zambia within ninety days, …

Hon. Government Members:Aah!

Mr Ntundu: … but is now eight months old, and yet in so many stations, like Gwembe, the Police do not have vehicles whilst other stations are receiving police vehicles ...

Mr Speaker: Ask your question.

Mr Ntundu: Sir, the question is: …

Laughter

Mr Ntundu: … When will this Government stop singing the song which the other Government sang when it was in power? Do you have …

Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, I think the hon. Member of Parliament knows the difference between the PF and MMD.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sakeni: The PF is a serious Government.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbewe: Question!

Mr Sakeni: I can assure him that Gwembe will have transport very soon. We are trying to do everything possible. I know that our colleagues left a procurement procedure which is rather long, but we want to ensure that we do everything within the books, without engaging in single sourcing. Over vehicles be rest assured that you will get transport in Gwembe.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Hamudulu: Mr Speaker, now that we have been told that there is a plan, …

Laughter

Mr Hamudulu: … and in my understanding a plan is a well-laid down way of doing things, ...

Mr Mweetwa: Hear, hear!

Mr Hamudulu: ... is it possible for us to see a copy of that plan so that we can also follow the developments?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear! Yes!

Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, I think my colleague knows that when we say that we are a working Government, it means that documents at our offices are there for everybody to come and look at. However, there are certain documents that we cannot avail to you until we finalise the arrangements. How do we put in the public domain a contract which has not been signed? We cannot just do that.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, is it correct to say that the Government has plans, and yet Lukulu District had been allocated a truck with the words “Police −Lukulu” written on it and its registration number is ZP 3964, which has been in Mongu to-date? When is this vehicle going Lukulu?

Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, I have taken note of the concerns about the vehicle in Lukulu. I would humbly request the hon. Member to talk to our officers when he goes to his constituency in Mongu. They are there for the people and he can resolve such an issue.

I thank you, Sir.

SINAZEZE/MALIMA ROAD

305. Mr Siamunene asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication when bridges on Sinazeze/Malima Road would be repaired.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the local authority, Sinazongwe Council, has been requesting for repairs on these bridges for more than two to three years. It is regrettable that the works were not included in this year’s Annual Work Plan, but we have received a full report, through the Road Development Agency (RDA), and we are committed to securing funds for rehabilitation of these bridges. We are considering including them in the 2013 Road Sector Annual Work Plan (RSAWP).

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

2012 ZONE SIX YOUTH GAMES

306. Mr Matafwali (Bangweulu) asked the Minister of Youth and Sport how much progress the Government had made on the preparations for the 2012 Zone Six Youth Games.

The Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport (Mr Mubukwanu): Mr Speaker, in order for the Government to host this event, the following are required to be done: 

(a)    sign the Protocol Agreement with Zone VI Supreme Council for Sport in Africa (SCSA);

(b)    appoint the 2012 SCSA Zone VI under-twenty Youth Game Local Organising Committee; 

(c)    take our SCSA Zone VI Chairmanship from Swaziland;

(d)    construct and rehabilitate infrastructure for hosting the games; 

(e)    procure sports equipment; 

(f)    revise the sports rules and regulations;  and

(g)    send invitation letters to member countries in order to participate in the games and host them.

Mr Speaker, a protocol agreement was signed in May, 2011, between the Government of the Republic of Zambia and Zone Six Supreme Council for Sports in Africa (SCSA). A fifteen member local organising committee is in place, ably chaired by Mr Esau S. S. Nebwe. On 25th November, 2011, the hon. Minister of Youth and Sport took over the chairmanship of the games from Swaziland during the meeting of ministers held in Lusaka.

Mr Speaker, invitations have been sent to ten member states and all have since confirmed their participation. An amount of K3.5 billion was provided in the 2011 Budget for the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure and another K9.4 billion is in the 2012 Budget towards:

(a)    rehabilitation of the hostels and kitchen at the University of Zambia (UNZA), whose budget for the works is K1,808,000,000;

(b)    rehabilitation of the Olympic Swimming Pool at an estimated cost of K1,871,999,999;

(c)    putting up terraces at the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) at a cost of K1 billion;

(d)    rehabilitation of the National Sports Development Complex (NASDEC) at a cost of K3,450,000,000; and 

(e)    rehabilitation ofNkoloma Stadium in Lusaka, at a cost of K824,151,953.

While there has been progress towards preparations for hosting the games, the challenge on the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure still remains. However, progress has been attained, as the tender process has commenced and is near conclusion. It is important to state that the rehabilitation of the Olympic Swimming Pool has been the major challenge because many bidders failed to meet the criteria and this caused a bit of delay in the procurement process. Nevertheless, the Government remains committed to hosting the games as scheduled.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

KAOMA DISTRICT HOSPITAL

307. Mr Antonio (Kaoma Central) asked the Minister of Health when the Government would construct staff houses at the Kaoma District Hospital.

The Deputy Minister of Health (Dr Chikusu): Mr Speaker, the Government intends to commence construction of staff houses at Kaoma District Hospital, in 2013, near the full completion of the construction of the hospital.

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

WATER SUPPLY IN LUENA BARRACKS

308. Mr Antonio asked the Minister of Defence when the water supply in Luena Barracks, in Kaoma, would be improved to meet the growing demand.

The Deputy Minister of Defence (Mr Mwenya): Mr Speaker, indeed, the demand for improved water reticulation facilities in Luena Barracks has grown owing to the increase in the population. In view of this mismatch, the Zambia Army, under which Luena Barracks falls, has committed a budgetary allocation of K150 million to fund this project. This will be an interim effort to mitigate the situation.

The K150 million allocation will be used to lay galvanized pipes and establishment of common water points in two compounds and these are Chavula and Chisuzi. The Ministry of Defence, in this regard, will soon be undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the water reticulation works needed in order to establish the extent and actual cost of works in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, Communication, Works and Supply, Western Water and Sewerage Company and the Zambia Army.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Antonio: Mr Speaker, we have been told that an amount of K150 million has been allocated to this project, but I would like to know when this job will begin.

The Minister of Defence (Mr Mwamba): Mr Speaker, I think the works will commence as soon as possible since the funds are available.

Thank you, Sir.

Professor Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister’s response indicated that there is a disproportion between the population level and water supply in Luena Barracks. The question that still remains is: When is this disproportion going to be solved?

Mr Mwamba: Mr Speaker, it is quite interesting that this kind of assessment is coming from a former hon. Minister in the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) Government.

Interruptions

Mr Mwamba: In fact, this exercise should have been carried out during the previous Government’s reign.

I thank you, Sir.

Interruptions

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Mr Speaker, I think that since resources have already been secured, works should commence. Therefore, is there any plan …

Mr Mweetwa: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, my apologies to my brother, who was on the Floor. However, I seek your serious guidance and ruling. Is it in order for an hon. Minister to refuse to answer a question by an hon. Member of Parliament representing a particular constituency on the basis that such an hon. Member of this House once served as an hon. Minister? Why should the hon. Minister refuse to answer questions because the subject matter should have been done under the previous regime? Is this the Ruling Party’s plan of not answering questions?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: My ruling on this matter is that there is continuity in governance. Therefore, it is important that the Government of the day, as far as possible, takes full responsibility for the state of affairs. I hope that this will be taken heed of.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, now that great emphasis has been put on the need for the hon. Minister to respond to questions …

Laughter

Mr Miyutu: … can he give us an exact date when this project will start because a plan is already in place and the money is already secured.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwamba: Mr Speaker, I think the hon. Member …

Hon. Opposition Members: Wait to be given the Floor.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: I can see the urgency attached to this problem.

Mr Mwamba: Mr Speaker, I am sure that the hon. Member of Parliament realises that running a government is not like running a kantemba. You do not just wake up …

Interruptions

Mr Mwamba: … and decide that funds be sent to wherever they are supposed to be sent. However, as I said earlier on, the funds are available and once the tender procedures have been concluded, works will commence.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

HEALTH CENTRES IN KALABO

309. Mr Miyutu asked the Minister of Health when existing infrastructure at rural health centres in Kalabo will be expanded to cater for the increased population.

Dr Chikusu: Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Health has prioritised the need to increase access to quality health services through the expansion of primary health facilities. This programme has necessitated the Government to expand health facilities countrywide. This year, the ministry shall embark on the construction of 650 health posts through a loan secured from the Indian Government. In accordance with various pronouncements made on the construction of these health posts, Kalabo is expected to benefit a total of ten health posts. The construction of the health posts is expected to meet the ever growing need for health services in Kalabo District.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, my question still has not been answered. The population of Kalabo has increased since 1964. For example, Lukona Rural Health Centre was put up to service 7,000 households, but the number has increased to 11,000.

Mr Speaker: The question, therefore, …

Laughter

Hon. Member: Bulela!

Mr Miyutu: … is when will Lukona, Sihole and Lyumba Rural Health centresbe extended because the population in these areas has grown? I am not looking for new clinics.

The Minister of Health (Dr Kasonde): Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Kalabo Central for raising that question. I had the privilege of visiting the Western Province in April, 2012 and discussed some of these issues with the District Medical Officer. I very much appreciate the concern of the hon. Member but, I think, implicit in the answer given by the hon. Deputy Minister of Health is an indication that it is not the ministry’s intention to embark on an expansion programme for those health centres for the good reason that the intention is to redo the whole arrangement of what we are now calling district hospitals and health centres. The beginning point of this exercise is taking care of populations as close as possible to where they are. The health posts are not health centres deliberately because they mean the point of contact which is nearest to the individual or family. This exercise must precede any distribution and creation of higher centres. When we talk of a health centre, there is a very clear description which was included in a document called “Health Standards” published by the Health Professions Council. Therefore, to us in the health sector, a health centre has a number of requirements which must follow whenever we call it a health centre. We do not believe that, at this stage, those requirements should now go into those particular health centres.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ndalamei (Sikongo): Mr Speaker, as a beneficiary of the health posts, I would like to know when the Government is going to start constructing health posts.

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity to repeat what I have indicated before that, in welcoming the funds from India, we also adopt the normal and customary procedures of tender. I am sure that the hon. Member, in his reading of the literature and newspapers, will have come across our intention to have tenders submitted for that exercise. This is on the assumption that the hon. Member has maintained this level of literacy, but I have not been able, …

Laughter

Dr Kasonde: … before now, to put the statement again. However, as soon as the tender process has been established, the exercise shall commence. We have reason to believe that the exercise is expected to commence this year.

I thank you, Sir.

ZAMBIA CONSOLIDATED COPPER MINES (ZCCM) KONKOLA DIVISION

310. Mr Mutale (Kwacha) asked the Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development:

(a)    when Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM) Konkola Division was privatised;

(b)    what the value of the mine at the time was;

(c)    which company undertook the valuation exercise;

(d)    at what price the mine was sold; and

(e)    whether at the time of sale, the mine was making losses and, if not, why the mine was sold.

Mr Musukwa: Mr Speaker, ZCCM Konkola Division was privatised in 2000. The transaction was completed on 31st March, 2000.

As at 31st March, 1991, the audited book value of the mine wasin excess of K194,308 million (US$86.2 million).

The Government of the Republic of Zambia engaged N M Rothschild Charles and Sons Limited to provide financial advisory services on the privatisation of assets for ZCCM Limited.

Mr Speaker, the price at which ZCCM Konkola Division was sold comprised shares, cash and price participation income as follows:

(i)    share issue by the buyer to the seller of 20 per cent of the return interest share free from any encumbrance; 

(ii)    cash consideration at close of business at 31st March, 2000 was US$30 million;

(iii)    future cash payments of US$60 million payable in six equal installments commencing January, 2006; and

(iv)    future copper and cobalt price participation capped at US$125 million. It is payable over the life of the mine annually and only when a distribution occurs. 

Mr Speaker, at the time of privatisation, ZCCM was making huge losses. During the 1998/99 financial year, a net loss of K260,385 million (US$44.5 Million) was incurred. This was due to low metal prices coupled with high production costs. Consequently, the company needed both operational and financial assistance to meet all the huge obligations which were becoming unbearable for ZCCM.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, did I hear the hon. Minister talk about any liabilities at the time of sale compared to the ratio that he has been mentioning?

Mr Musukwa: Mr Speaker I did not get his question. However, I can discern that he is talking about the liabilities of the company then. Like I have rightly indicated, what necessitated the sale was the fact that ZCCM was sitting on huge liabilities. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kakoma (Zambezi West): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether the PF Government has any plans to renegotiate the sale price of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM).

Mr Musukwa: Mr Speaker, governments all over the world thrive on international agreements and the PF Government will not circumvent agreements that the previous Government took into effect. However, going forward, the PF Government wants to ensure that it increases its stakes in new mining investments.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

LOCAL COURT BUILDINGS AT LUETI AND MAALA IN SIKONGO

311.     Mr Ndalamei asked the Minister of Justice when local court buildings at Lueti and Maala in Sikongo Parliamentary Constituency, where court sessions were held under trees would be constructed.

The Deputy Minister of Justice (Mrs Mwamba): Mr Speaker, the construction of Lueti and Maala local courts was not budgeted for in 2012. However, both Lueti and Maala are being considered in the 2013 Budget.

Mr Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to inform the House that the PF Government, which is very committed to the enhancement of the delivery of justice, has embarked on an exercise to construct local court houses throughout the country starting this year in almost every district. 

Sir, the Ministry of Justice has gone around assessing the infrastructure that exists and discovered that most local court houses were constructed in the colonial days and are in a terrible state of disrepair. 

Mr Speaker, we have also seen that most of the courts do not even have furniture. Therefore, we plan to build courtrooms from this year onwards to 2015 in most of the areas where there are no court spaces and those that can be salvaged will be rehabilitated.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Professor Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, when are we going to be availed copies of the plans of your assessment …

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Professor Lungwangwa: … so that we know, for example, when Nalikwanda will benefit from the plans because we do not have any local courts?

The Minister of Justice (Mr S. S. Zulu, SC.): Mr Speaker, the exercise being undertaken by the hon. Deputy Minister is ongoing. She is going to visit every district in the country to assess the requirements with respect to the magistrates and local courts. What she has found in the districts she has been to so far is shocking. We shall make a report when she has completed the exercise some time this year.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL

312.    Mr Mwango (Kanchibiya) asked the Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour when the Government would present the Freedom of Information Bill to Parliament for enactment.

Mr Kapeya: Mr Speaker, the Government is committed to ensuring that the Freedom of Information Bill is enacted as quickly as possible. To this effect, a technical committee has been constituted to speed up the process. It is hoped that the process will be completed and the Bill tabled during the current sitting of the House.

Mr Speaker, furthermore, on Thursday this week, that is the day after tomorrow, the technical committee will launch the Draft Bill at Mulungushi International Conference Centre for public knowledge and consultation. 

You can see that the PF means business.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

DANGOTE INDUSTRIES LIMITED IN MASAITI

313. Mr Mwango asked the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry:

(a)    when the construction of the cement plant by Dangote Industries Limited in Masaiti District would begin;

(b)    how much money would be invested in the plant; and 

(c)    how many jobs would be created during construction of the factory and when the factory became operational. 

Mr Mukata: Mr Speaker, the construction works of the cement factory in Masaiti District commenced on 3rd January, 2012 following mobilisation by the contractor Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC). So far, 2.5 km² have been cleared and leveled with a 1.5 km² portion of the factory having been marked out while ten filling foundations have been sunk where the plant is expected to sit.

The amount of the pledged investment is $450 million. This value is expected to rise as the project progresses. So far, 50 per cent of the pledged investment has already been spent by way of payments to the contractors who was engaged, mobilisation, placement of full orders of the plant and equipment, and the actual importation of eight shiploads of construction materials.

Mr Speaker, the company has pledged to create 2,123 jobs. During the construction phase, a total of 1,600 jobs will be created.

Sir, when the factory becomes operational by 2014, 523 direct jobs will be created and most of the workers are expected to come from the surrounding community of Masaiti District, most whom would be those who are already working in the construction process.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chishiba (Kafulafuta): Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister clarify the report that came out in the print media at the beginning of this month that Dangote was denied the licence to continue with the construction.

Mr Mukata: Mr Speaker, I am not sure of the question, but there is no such licence that could have ever been issued or, rather, revoked from Dangote to stop the construction process. My hon. Minister has been to the site and the works are progressing.

Sir, the problem that Dangote has had, basically, has been the importation of materials because of the lead time. At times, the materials take long and it takes some time to have them cleared and such problems. However, these are just normal hurdles that any contractor or businessman would face.

I thank you, Sir.

TOWNSHIP ROADS IN KITWE

314. Mr Chishimbaasked the hon. Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:

(a)    whether the Government had any plans to rehabilitate township roads in Kitwe and the rest of the country, as was the case in Lusaka; and

(b)    if so, when the plans would be implemented.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Laughter

Dr Mwali: Sir, as this House is aware, the Government is currently undertaking the rehabilitation of approximately 34.85 km of urban roads on the Copperbelt Province. Due to the extension that was granted earlier in the year, these works should be completed by the end of this month.

Mr Speaker, as a continuation of the project, the Government requested the submission of roads to be worked on in Kitwe and other Copperbelt towns. To this effect, approximately 25 km of roads in Kitwe, 25 km of roads in Ndola and 20 km of roads covering Mufulira, Kalulushi, Chingola and Chililabombwe have been identified.

Sir, with regard to when implementation will commence, the Road Development Agency (RDA) has applied for the re-allocation of funds in the 2012 Annual Work Plan. This is meant to facilitate the continuation of works on urban roads on the Copperbelt Province.

Mr Speaker, this is a short process and works will soon commence upon approval of funds under the re-allocation request by the Secretary to the Treasury.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chishimba: Mr Speaker, the rate at which the RDA is implementing the road-works countrywide is worrying and I would like to concur with His Honour the Vice-President that there was a need to panel-beat the agency. What steps has the ministry started taking towards ensuring that the RDA implements the works as quickly as possible?

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, panel-beating is a continuous process. I think this House is aware of some of the measures that have already been undertaken. We will continue seeking improvements whenever we identify weaknesses.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kalaba (Bahati): Mr Speaker, in his answer, the hon. Minister said that roads had been identified. When are they going to start being worked on? What is the RDA, together with the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA), doing on the enhancement of the procurement of some of these works?

Mr Speaker: Order!

Could the hon. Minister respond to the first question?

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, essentially, my colleague was just repeating the same question in (b). I stated that the re-allocation of funds that we have asked for from the Secretary to the Treasury is a very short process. We can assure the House that, in the next few weeks, we are likely to get a response from the Treasury and works will commence. We are mindful that, soon, we will be entering the next rain season.

I thank you, Sir.

__________

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 1753 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 20th June, 2012.