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Debates- Friday, 23rd March, 2012
DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE FIRST SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH ASSEMBLY
Friday, 23rd March, 2012
The House met at 0900 hours
[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]
NATIONAL ANTHEM
PRAYER
_____
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
The Vice-President (Dr Scott): Mr Speaker, I rise to give the House some idea of the business it will consider next week.
On Tuesday, 27th March, 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. The House will then consider the Second Reading stage of the following Bills:
(i) The Anti-Corruption Bill, 2012; and
(ii) The Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2012.
Mr Speaker, on Wednesday, the 28th of March, 2012, the Business of the House will begin with Questions, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will consider a Private Member’s Motion, if there will be any.
Sir, it is my intention on this day to suspend the relevant Standing Orders to enable the House to complete all business on the Order Paper and, thereafter, adjourn sine die.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
________
HIS HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT’S QUESTION TIME
Mr Chishimba (Kamfinsa): Mr Speaker, in order to dispel speculations, can His Honour the Vice-President explain the circumstances in which the President left the country for India.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I was aware of this trip about a week ago. It is a planned private visit. It would be surprising for any speculations to be raised, considering that every time I travel outside Zambia, I have a medical check up and not treatment. Considering that none of us is getting any younger, it would not be surprising if the President took the opportunity to have a medical check up. However, I do not know the exact details of the trip. Therefore, I am not in a position to give a definite answer with regard to the purpose of the trip. None of this nonsense that we have in the watchdog …
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President: … which is hopeful speculation by unpleasantly-oriented people is true.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Speaker: Please, His Honour the Vice-President, note that the word ‘nonsense’ is unparliamentary.
Mr L. J. Ngoma (Sinda): Mr Speaker, following Zambia’s lifting of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Trophy for 2012, may I find out the amount which is to be paid to the Chipolopolo Boys via the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and the nation as the top prize? Is it true that Ivory Coast will be paid the same amount with Zambia as hinted by FAZ?
Mr Speaker: Hon. Members are reminded, once again, to restrict themselves to one question. We have only got thirty minutes for the whole House.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, if Ivory Coast will be paid the same amount of money as Zambia, it will be very unfair. I should again reiterate that if I can be given just a little bit of notice with regard to questions which concern sums of money and figures, I can do some research in advance so that I can be in a position to provide better answers. Unfortunately, I cannot do the research while on the Floor of this House.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Milambo (Mwembeshi): Mr Speaker, may His Honour the Vice-President inform this House and the nation as a whole how the Government intends to handle the huge problem of unemployment in this country. May his response be in relation to the government’s job creation strategy and benchmarks for 2012.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, if this were a one-hour session, I would happily answer that question exhaustively. For now, what I would rather do is give an assurance that one of the hon. Ministers responsible for economic affairs either commerce or finance, will make a statement on this subject at the beginning of the next session. There have already been some conceivable amounts of piecemeal discussions of things like, for example, the high interest rates that are holding domestic Zambian investment down. They need to be brought down. We are in the process of bringing them down.
However, that is just a piecemeal answer, Mr Speaker, because I really cannot answer such a broad question without depriving some hon. Members of the time to ask their questions. I would not wish to deprive hon. Members such as Hon. Mwiimbu, who is smiling enigmatically, of the opportunity to ask questions.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Antonio (Kaoma Central): Mr Speaker, I was assured, on the Floor of this august House, that a contractor to work on the stretch of the Lusaka/Mongu Road between Nkeyema and Katunda that is in a poor condition had been found. May I know when the contractor will go on site.
The Vice-President: Again, Mr Speaker, it would help for me to be given time to do some research in advance before being asked such questions on the Floor of this House.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Mukanga: Hear, hear!
Mr Kazabu (Nkana): Mr Speaker, could His Honour the Vice-President inform the nation who the sponsor of the documentary Stand up for Zambia by Chanda Chimba III, …
Mr Kalaba: Chimbwi!
Mr Kazabu: … aired on the Zambia national television every week before the Tripartite Elections held on 20th September, 2011, was.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President: Sir, I think common sense would tend to imply that the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD), with its control of the Government and propensity to use public resources, was behind that programme and Chanda Chimba III was merely the so-called professional doing the gobo’s job.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Simbao (Senga Hill): Mr Speaker, we have been told that there will only be a minimal salary increment for civil servants. Why is the Patriotic Front (PF) Government doing this to the Zambian people when it promised more money in their pockets? Is this as a result of not introducing windfall tax?
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, there are on-going negotiations on salary increments. Therefore, it is not appropriate for me to comment on whether a minimal or maximum amount of increase will be given because it may affect the course of the negotiations, which are completely free discussions between the unions and the other parties involved. The unions know the rates of inflation and the Government revenue. I hope that by the end of the month, next week or the week after, we will have the final answer.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Professor Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, according to the Zambia Daily Mail of this morning, the World Bank has cautioned Zambia that the success of the US$700 million bond on the international market will be dependent on a number of factors, among them are strengthening economic policies, strengthening budgetary governance and, of course, attention to the Euro Crisis. Can His Honour the Vice-President enlighten the nation on how these factors are being addressed by the Government.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, they are being addressed as a matter of routine management. The Euro Crisis is being observed carefully by the Bank of Zambia (BOZ), the Ministry of Finance and National Planning and the Vice-President’s Office. I think governance-related aspects are being addressed constantly since the management of our economy is prudent. The hon. Member is inviting what are called motherhood statements to be given as answers. I mean, who can argue regarding the values of motherhood and the apple pie? Nobody. We are attending to all the things that need to be attended to. I am sure the hon. Member and World Bank are aware of all this.
I thank you, Sir.
Ms Namugala (Mafinga): Mr Speaker, almost all the District Commissioners (DCs) who have been appointed by the PF Government are party cadres in their localities.
Interruptions
Ms Namugala: Since these are party cadres of the PF, can it be correct to say that this is the only qualification being considered? Is there a separation between the PF and Government?
Interruptions
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the MMD party cadre for that question.
Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!
Laughter
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I will answer it as a PF party cadre, which is that it is possible that some of the DCs may be strong supporters of the PF or ...
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: Let us have some order, please!
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I would take a cadre, in the Zambian usage, to imply a party official of the PF. Otherwise the hon. Member may just be referring to people’s political preferences which may not be expressed or documented in any way, but merely alleged. I would deny that all or the vast majority of the DCs are PF cadres in that sense or in any other substantive sense. Maybe, one or two have slipped through the net, but it is unlikely that many of them are incompetent such that they can fail to do their job in a neutral fashion. I have made a statement on this matter before.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Kalaba (Bahati): Mr Speaker, in the Zambian Watchdog Newspaper this morning …
Ms Siliya: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Siliya: Mr Speaker, I apologise to the hon. Member of Parliament for Bahati. However, is it in order for the PF Government to continue being inconsistent? Yesterday we heard from the learned professor, the hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing, that a party official is not a cadre and that is why she will insist that they are not on the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) committees. Today we are hearing from His Honour the Vice-President that party cadres are party officials. Can they be consistent for a change. Are they in order to continue misleading the nation?
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: I will request His Honour the Vice-President to take that into account as he answers the next question.
Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, I was saying that in the Zambian Watchdog Newspaper this morning, one of the evangelists turned politician and MMD presidential aspirant in the form of Dr Nevers Mumba has claimed that Sata’s Government has been Bembalised. Can His Honour the Vice-President clarify and shed more light on that blatant lie.
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: Hon. Member for Bahati, please, note that the use of the word ‘lie’ is not allowed in this House.
The Vice-President: I was just looking for Bembas, Sir.
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: Order! Let His Honour the Vice-President respond.
The Vice-President: Sir, if it were not for the dignity of this House, I would ask all the Bembas to stand up …
Laughter
The Vice-President: … and then we would see which side has the most Bembas. I hope the hon. Leader of the Opposition can take note of that. Given that 37 or so per cent of the Zambian population has Bemba as their first language or some variety of Bemba, it is not surprising that 37 per cent of our party members are also Bemba. I do not really take much interest …
Interruptions
The Vice-President: Sorry?
Mr Speaker: Let us have order!
The Vice-President: I think this is one of those allegations that if one bothered to read the Zambian Watchdog can find on an almost daily basis and I just think it is not worthy of a comment.
Sir, I thank you.
Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}
Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, when my colleagues on your right side were in the Opposition, they used to condemn the MMD Government for using civil servants and the Government’s resources to do their party work. Why is the Government using the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government and Housing to distribute party manifestoes to all councillors in the country, including me, using the Government’s resources?
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: Order! Let us have order!
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, if that allegation is true, and I have no reason to doubt the questioner’s integrity, then it is given as a document for information. If one works in the local Government ...
Hon. Government Members: Yes.
The Vice-President: ... or in a Government which is controlled by a particular party, to know the manifesto of that party is not to be campaigned to, …
Interruptions
The Vice-President: … but to be informed. I have personally distributed copies of the PF Manifesto to many people in my ministry because I want them to understand what we believe in.
Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, with regard to the point of order, which I am surprised did not come as a question, in accordance with your instruction, my understanding of yesterday’s statement of the hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing, she said that it is party officials who are cadres and, therefore, she is not going to tolerate them on the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) committees. Therefore, I cannot detect any inconsistency but, maybe, it looks different from Petauke.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Katuka (Mwinilunga): Mr Speaker, may I find out from His Honour the Vice-President ...
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: Order, order!
The hon. Member may continue.
Mr Katuka: ... in its effort to create more jobs and put more money in people’s pockets, what plans the Government has for defunct industries such as Mansa Batteries Limited, Mwinilunga Pineapple Cannery Company and Kawambwa Tea Company.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, all we can do in the case of defunct industries is to try and engage investors, and preferably Zambian investors, to see if they can get money at interest rates which would make the venture worthwhile. In addition, we can encourage them to utilise or add value to various natural resources such as the pineapples in Mwinilunga or the manganese in Mansa. That is how the problem is being approached. You cannot force a horse to drink water which it does not want to drink. You can take an investor to Mansa, but you cannot make him/her invest in Mansa. However, you can tell them, “Please, look, there is an opportunity there.” The hon. Member should read the manifesto which I will give to him.
I thank you, Sir.
Laughter
Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma): Mr Speaker, at which valuation are the former Kafue Textiles of Zambia
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I am informed the matter is still under negotiation.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Namulambe (Mpongwe): Mr Speaker, can His Honour the Vice-President, indicate what factors are leading to the depreciation of the kwacha against other foreign currencies.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the factors are numerous, as the questioner is aware. One very major factor is that the United States Dollar which, for some reason, we use as the yardstick for our own currency, has strengthened against the basket of currencies due to the Eurozone crisis. In relation to the kwacha against the rand or euro, the depreciation is not as evident. Another reason is that the Bank of Zambia (BOZ) has attempted to withdraw reserves from the financing of oil imports and left importers of oil to try and get the money off the market which puts more pressure on the kwacha and tends to lead to its devaluation.
However, from what I have read, I see that the BOZ is reversing that policy and remains committed to ensuring a stable kwacha. The overall devaluation from around election time is about 10 per cent. Speculators are also worried that we will lower interest rates, which we have said we will. Therefore, the BOZ is less keen to convert its foreign money, which it borrows at low interest, into kwacha to get high interest. The pressure that was supporting the kwacha has been eased. However, from election time, the overall effect is about 10 per cent and we are not panicking.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Katambo (Masaiti): Mr Speaker, the District Commissioner’s Office is supposed to be fair, just and equitable. Is this office allowed to register youth clubs? Can His Honour the Vice-President confirm this.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I fail to understand why not.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mwanza (Solwezi West): Mr Speaker, since yesterday, Parliament ratified the approved ministries of the Government, when will the Government instruct the Government Printers to produce the Cabinet list so that the people in the rural areas can see who the Bemba Ministers are?
Laughter
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I am informed that it is already there, but I do not know if I caught the last part of the question correctly. There is a montage of hon. Ministers, that is, in Government offices and elsewhere. I believe the total number of hon. Ministers has changed marginally since that was published. I think only one new Cabinet Minister, the lady on the right there, has come in. I think you can count the Bemba Ministers if you want and the Bazungus as well.
Laughter
The Vice-President: You will find they are over represented at one-and-half out of nineteen.
I thank you, Sir.
Laughter
Mr Chisala (Chilubi): Mr Speaker, the PF Government was elected on the basis of its good policies and tireless campaign effort but, to my dismay, it has been observed that there are some top civil servants who have been trying to frustrate the Government’s efforts. If this Government has to deliver, is it not considering retiring such top civil servants in the public interest?
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, precisely. The process that the questioner is asking about is underway. It is an on-going process. Many senior civil servants have been replaced, moved or dismissed and, no doubt, this will continue. I would warn now that nobody is safe if they are not reading and implementing the PF Manifesto as supplied by the District Commissioners and others.
I thank you, Sir.
Ms Lubezhi (Namwala): Mr Speaker, in yesterday’s edition of The Post Newspaper, there was an article by the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning under the headline, “All advocates of windfall tax are lunatics”. Can His Honour the Vice-President confirm that when they were on the left side of Mr Speaker advocating for the windfall tax, they were also lunatics.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, subject to your approval of the word lunatic, as an example of parliamentary usage, I would say that one does not really want a word like that used in Parliament. The hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning is a very outspoken and sometimes blunt person.
Laughter
The Vice-President: He was simply underlining the fact that the PF has no intentions …
Mr Speaker: Order!
The Vice-President: … of introducing a windfall tax, at least, at this stage in the proceedings and that people should go ahead and continue investing and employing Zambians. The sponsors of Chanda Chimba III should also consider that word and wonder whether they are not any more guilty than we are.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Speaker: Let me just provide some guidance. It is not possible for an honourable Member of Parliament, either from the left or right, to be a lunatic.
Laughter
Mr Mufalali (Senanga): Mr Speaker, may I know when the construction of the 600 clinics in our districts that were promised by His Excellency the President will commence. We have waited for too long.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I understand the negotiations with Exim Bank are at an advanced stage and we can shortly expect, with the dry season, the construction to start.
I thank you, Sir.
Dr Chituwo (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, in trying to persuade His Honour the Vice-President to realise that he is not only a Vice-President of the PF, but also of this country, can he, for once, answer this question. Since the Resettlement Department is under his portfolio, when is he going to tell us the resettlement plans that he has for places such as the GM 14 in Mumbwa, Mushingashi and many other areas that are being deforested naturally due to the increase in population?
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, at this early stage in our Government, there is no master plan that has been drawn up or five or ten-year plan for the resettlement of people in areas that are being encroached. At the moment, we deal with settlement issues on a case by case basis. However, I am glad the hon. Member brought up this issue because I have been considering focusing on that department as there is an increasing number of displaced and unemployed or people not in gainful employment in this country. I thank you for that question.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Ms Kalima (Kasenengwa): Mr Speaker, I would like to know the Government’s plans on the mission in Tripoli, Libya, and particularly, the recalled staff whose property is stuck there. What is the way forward?
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, a team from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be leaving within the next two weeks FOR Tripoli to assess the situation on the ground and make recommendations accordingly.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mutelo (Lukulu West): Mr Speaker, what measures are being taken with regard to Zambian students studying in Russia who are being mistreated as reported in some media on Tuesday?
Mr Speaker: There will be a ministerial statement on that issue next week.
Mr Hamudulu (Siavonga): Mr Speaker, I would like to know if the PF Government has any plans to establish or facilitate the establishment of a national airline.
The Vice-President: No, Mr Speaker.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mbulakulima (Chembe): Mr Speaker, when the MMD was in power, the Head of State was a President for all Zambians.
Hon. MMD Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mbulakulima: Following the instructions by the Head of State to the Secretary to the Cabinet to dismiss the MMD sympathisers from the Civil Service, does the PF Government believe in that policy of discrimination? Do you not feel embarrassed about such statements?
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, there is no instruction or policy to take somebody’s voting preferences and use them as a basis for any kind of disciplinary action. When we say MMD civil servants, we mean those who are committed to either promoting the interests of the MMD illegally by disrupting the operations of the Government or to using the machinery of the Government to promote the MMD or who are openly or even covertly hostile to the policies of the PF. For example, the former hon. Minister of Information and Broadcasting Serviceswants us to employ Chanda Chimba III, …
Laughter
The Vice-President: … that well-known civil servant.
I thank you, Sir.
Laughter
Mr Chipungu (Rufunsa): Mr Speaker, the people of Chieftainess Shikabeta in Rufunsa Constituency are starving to death. When will the Government send relief food to the area?
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I will take up the issue even today.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
_________
QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER
MILENGE DISTRICT ZICTA/AIRTEL COMMUNICATION TOWER
253. Mr Mbulakulima (Chembe) asked the Minister of Transport Works, Supply and Communication:
(a) whether the Government was aware that Airtel had immediate intentions to relocate the communication tower which was constructed in conjunction with the Zambia Information and Communication Authority (ZICTA) at Mapula in Senior Chief Milambo’s area in Milenge District to another place; and
(b) if so, what the Government was doing to ensure that the tower remains in the area for the benefit of the people of Milambo.
The Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Mr Mwenya): Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication had earlier received reports that Airtel was relocating the tower in Senior Chief Milambo’s area at Mapula. However, after verifying the information with Airtel, the Government was assured that there had been a misrepresentation of facts and that Airtel had no intentions of relocating the tower as it had been recently built.
Mr Speaker, at the time of installation, when the transmission and connectivity were being resolved, the site was vandalised by unknown people who tampered with the battery cabinet and other hardware. The cost of repair of the vandalised tower amounts to US$10,000 and this is what slowed down the implementation of the project. As a result of vandalism, Airtel had to mobilise resources from elsewhere to restore the site to the standard required for commissioning. The site was commissioned on 6th March, 2012 and is now carrying live traffic.
Mr Speaker, the Government has already ensured that the tower remains in the area. However, to ensure that it is not vandalised again, there is a need for continued sensitisation of the community around the tower on the benefits of having the installation in the area.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, I do not know whether to say thank you or what.
Laughter
Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, is the ministry clear that this tower is functional because as far as we are concerned, it is not operational up to now?
The Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication and Chief Whip (Mr Mukanga): Mr Speaker, the information given in the answer is clear and latest. The communication tower was commissioned on 6th March, 2012, and is operational. If he is talking about another tower, then that can be addressed. However, for this specific tower, it has been commissioned and you can say, thank you for it.
I thank you, Sir.
Laughter
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
DEPLOYMENT OF SECURITY PERSONNEL TO MONGU
254. Mr Kaingu (Mwandi) asked the Vice-President:
(a) why the Government had mobilised and sent security personnel from the Zambia Police Force, the Zambia Army, the Zambia Air Force and the Zambia National Service to Mongu where the Barotse National Council would be holding a consultative meeting from 26th to 28th March, 2012; and
(b) whether the presence of a large number of security personnel would not excite and instigate the people to a riotous reaction as it happened on 14th January, 2011, when lives were lost.
The Deputy Minister in the Vice-President’s Office and Deputy Chief Whip (Mr E. C. Lungu): Mr Speaker, the deployment of security personnel is a prerogative of the President, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Security personnel can be deployed anytime and to any part of the country for the defence and security of the country’s citizens.
Sir, in this vein, security personnel have been deployed to various parts of the country such as the North-Western, Luapula and Western provinces. Neither the Zambia Air Force nor the Zambia National Service has been deployed to the Western Province at the moment, but only the Zambia Army and Zambia Police Force.
Mr Speaker, the security personnel are mandated to maintain law and order throughout the country. Therefore, our people have no need to panic or get excited at the presence of police in any area of the country.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, indeed, there is a unique relationship between this Government and the people of the Western Province.
Sir, I advised the previous Government …
Hon. Government Members: Ask the question!
Mr Speaker: Order!
Please, let us bear in mind that this is now time for supplementary questions. I know that there is a temptation to comment and debate. That is not the purpose. Get straight to the Supplementary Question.
May the hon. Member, continue, please.
Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, a few soldiers and policemen who went to the Western Province last year left many girl children pregnant and infested with HIV. There are now 10,000 soldiers and policemen deployed there. Does this mean that the aim of this Government is to wipe out the girl child in the Western Province?
Laughter
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President (Dr Scott): Mr Speaker, I find that question difficult to answer, coming from a polygamist, …
Laughter
The Vice-President: … but I think that the question is basically couched in a frivolous manner and I cannot answer it.
I thank you, Sir.
Interruptions
Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Mr Speaker, I stand here as …
Mr Kaingu: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I am happily married to two women, …
Interruptions
Mr Kaingu: … and I have said in this House that I should not be ridiculed because of this. My question was very clear …
Hon. Government Members: Raise your point of order!
Mr Speaker: Order! Can the hon. Member for Mwandi raise his point of order.
Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, is His Honour the Vice-President in order to ridicule a man who is happily married to two wives?
Laughter
Mr Kaingu: Instead of finding a way of answering questions in this House, he is just waffling.
Laughter
Mr Speaker: Order!
As we debate very important matters of national interest, we should not personalise the debates.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Speaker: We should restrict ourselves to the issues …
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Speaker: … however emotive, provocative or unpalatable those issues may be. I think that the reference to the marital status of the hon. Member for Mwandi was out of order.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Speaker: May the hon. Member for Kalabo Central continue, please.
Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, I am pleased by your ruling.
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: Order!
May the hon. Member, please, proceed to ask the supplementary question without saying more.
Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, once beaten, twice shy. People were killed when security personnel were sent to Mongu last year. That is why we have raised the question of the presence of the security personnel in the Western Province.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}
Mr Miyutu: Sir, can the hon. Minister confirm that the riotous incident which took place on 14th January, 2011 was as a result of the deployment of the police officers in Mongu.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the mere presence of police or military personnel is not in itself a provocation. It is the way they behave or the way they are ordered to be behave and the way their actions are to be interpreted that is the issue. I mean, in my constituency, there is the largest police camp and the largest military camp in Zambia and we live happily together. No one is provoked.
Mr Speaker, in the absence of provocation and a state of emergency, for example, which deprives people of their fundamental protection, there is nothing to be alarmed about.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Lubinda: Hear, hear!
Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Mr Speaker, there is a preponderance of deploying security personnel …
Laughter
Mr Nkombo: … to areas where people have consultative meetings as the case was in Choma two weeks ago. Is this not amounting to paranoia which is fear of the unknown on the part of Government? This is being done as though we are in a state of emergency.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I think paranoia is a very strong word for what is, maybe, an element of caution on the part of people at some level or rather in the forces. Every country has police and armed forces that can act as policemen inside its own borders. Where should we put them? Unless we go and occupy a neighbouring country, they have to be somewhere.
I thank you, Sir.
Laughter
Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Mr Speaker, could His Honour the Vice-President give us the total number, category by category, …
Hon. Government Members: Aah!
Mr Sing’ombe: … of the security personnel who were sent to the Western Province, particularly, Mongu.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I think the questioner, obviously, does not expect an answer to that. He cannot. I mean, those are operational details. That is secret information, and even if I had it, I would not give it to him.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mweetwa (Choma Central): Mr Speaker, are the reports that truck loads of security personnel have been dispatched to the Western Province, Mongu in particular, an admission by the PF Government that it is jittery as a result of its failure to address the Barotseland Agreement in a manner deemed satisfactory to the people of the Western Province and, therefore, it has now resorted to intimidation tactics …
Mr Mwila: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, you ruled that no hon. Member of Parliament will debate or discuss the issue of the Barotseland Agreement until Cabinet makes a decision.
Interruptions
Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Member for Choma Central, therefore, in order to discuss this issue in this House?
Mr Speaker, I need your serious ruling.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Speaker: Order!
My ruling earlier was very specific and it was in connection with the report that was submitted to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia by the commission led by Dr Roger Chongwe, SC. I counselled that the President should be given time to reflect on the report, and that it should be submitted to Cabinet and eventually released to the public for consumption. That was my ruling. In this particular case, the supplementary question has arisen relating to an issue which has been in the public domain since the birth of Zambia. Therefore, it is appropriately ancillary to the question that has been posed by the hon. Member for Mwandi.
May the hon. Member for Choma Central proceed with his question.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, my question was very succinct. Is this massive deployment of security personnel to the Western Province and Mongu in particular, where the Barotse National Council (BNC) will be holding a consultative meeting this coming week, an admission by the PF Government that it has let the people of the Western Province down and that, in its own admission of failure, it has resorted to intimidation tactics by sending heavily armed police to Mongu? Can His Honour the Vice-President confirm that.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker I will describe that construction of events as a conspiracy theory. There is no connection between the deployment of any troops of policemen and a massive deployment of policemen. The word ‘massive’ is an interesting one to use in the context of a world in which a million troops can be deployed at one time. There is no connection between any deployment and the conference or discussion going on in the Western Province. We have said this about three times and I repeat it.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister of Defence was quoted on the QFM and on anonline publication denying the existence of the Zambia Defence Forces in Mongu. He also indicated that they may have been Angolan Troops. Can His Honour the Vice-President confirm whether there are Angolan Troops in Mongu or not.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, that matter has already been clarified by the hon. Minister of Defence.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Ndalamei (Sikongo): Mr Speaker, the people of Barotseland will be having a peaceful consultative meeting in Mongu, but this Government has sent security personnel there. Who will be responsible if people are killed?
Interruptions
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, let me give just a small word of encouragement to some of the hon. Members on your left hand side. Please, be very cautious about inciting what is not there or people to see what is not there. Sending troops usually implies disrupting, breaking up and using …
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: Order! His Honour the Vice-President is responding.
The Vice-President: … force to stop something from happening. I am not aware of any such thing happening or intended to happen. There are some Zambia Police Force and Zambia Army personnel in Mongu. That is the situation as far as I know.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mufalali (Senanga): Mr Speaker, …
Mr Chisala: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, …
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: Can you give the hon. Member a chance to raise his point of order.
Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, I rise on a very serious constitutional point of order. Yesterday, it was reported in the electronic media that Hon. Misheck Mutelo’s Seat had been nullified.
Hon. Opposition Members: So what?
Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, in The Post Newspaper of today, 23rd March, 2012, an article that is headlined “Court nullifies Lukulu West poll” states:
“The Lusaka High Court has nullified the election of MMD’s Misheck Mutelo as Member of Parliament for Lukulu West because there were corruption, bribery and illegal practices.”
Mr Speaker, it also states:
“After Judge Sunkutu nullified Mutelo’s election as Member of Parliament and granted leave to appeal to the Supreme Court, Lawyer, Hopday Kabwe applied to have the judgment stayed, pending the appeal. But Judge Sunkutu refused the application saying Mutelo could still appeal to the High Court without the judgment being stayed.”
Mr Speaker, as per what is obtaining both in the print and electronic media, is Hon. Mutelo in order to stay in this House when he has not been granted the appeal?
I need your serous ruling, Mr Speaker.
Mr Chisala laid the paper on the Table.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Speaker: Order!
We, and I have used the word ‘we’ because it includes my predecessors, have previously stated, in many rulings that this House observes, under Parliamentary Practice and Procedure, the principle of sub-judice.
If I may explain further, the House does not act or comment on matters that are before the court. More pertinently, the House allows the exhaustion of the processes in courts, that is, until they are brought to a final conclusion.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Speaker: In this case, whether the High Court has granted a stay or not, it does not disable the dissatisfied party from making an appeal. The status quo will, therefore, be maintained until the highest court of this land makes the pronouncement on that petition.
That is the position.
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: The hon. Member for Senanga may ask his follow-up question.
Mr Mufalali: Mr Speaker, I thank you for …
Mr Mweetwa: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised, again.
Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, I apologise to the hon. Member on the Floor for the disruption.
Mr Speaker, I rise on what I consider to be a very serious point of order. When His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, opened Parliament, he stated on the Floor of this House that they are committed to the fight against corruption. Hon. Members of the Executive have echoed and re-echoed these sentiments, adding that they are collectively allergic to corruption.
Mr Speaker, a number of cases have been taken to court, including those of some hon. Members of the MMD who have been appointed as hon. Ministers in the PF Government. Is this Executive in order to mislead the House by saying that it is allergic to corruption and yet it is appointing people who have been dragged to court for allegedly fraudulently winning the September, 20 Elections? Is electoral fraud not corruption? Is it in order to mislead this House and the nation that it is allergic to corruption?
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: Order!
Under the Constitution, the President of the Republic of Zambia enjoys the power to constitute Cabinet. I would like to emphasise that he enjoys the prerogative to constitute Cabinet. In so far as the allegation made by the hon. Member for Choma Central goes, I think that those details are peculiar to his knowledge.
As Speaker, I do not think I should delve into matters of evidence that I am not privy to. All I can do is confirm that this is the prerogative of the President.
The hon. Member for Senanga may proceed.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mufalali: Mr Speaker, I would like to know whether His Honour the Vice-President and the PF Government are aware that the misuse of the army, the way they are handling the army, can backfire on the system of governance because the moment you move them, …
Mr Speaker: Order!
Hon. Member, I have repeatedly reminded the House to ask questions straightaway. Let us not comment or debate, but ask supplementary questions.
Mr Mufalali: Mr Speaker, is the PF Government aware that the misuse of the army can backfire on the system of governance, more so that the hon. Minister of Defence indicated that there is some friction between him and the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE)?
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, perhaps, hon. Members on your left should, again, heed the advice from this side. Please, do not get close to inciting anybody to be upset at the mere presence of military and police personnel. As a general theoretical question, the misuse of any instrument of the Government can backfire, but this is just an academic issue.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Sianga (Sesheke): Mr Speaker, I would like to use this rare opportunity to congratulate my friends, Hon. Simbao, Hon. Dr Musokotwane, Hon …
Mr Speaker: Order!
Is that your purpose for rising?
Mr Sianga: Mr Speaker, I am getting to the question.
Laughter
Mr Sianga: … for winning the September, 20 Tripartite Elections as well as the PF petitions.
Hon. Government Members: Aah!
Mr Sianga: Mr Speaker, are the security personnel a temporary or permanent measure? Is it a permanent setup or is the Government temporarily attending to the security of the BRE meeting?
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, it is not a question of permanent deployment because that would mean building barracks and housing people permanently. I am sure that the questioner knows this. However, the fact that it is a temporary deployment does not mean that it is connected to any political event that is taking place at the moment in the Western Province.
I thank you, Sir.
THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION
255. Mr Kazabu (Nkana) asked the Minister of Justice when the Judicial Service Commission would be made autonomous so as to enable it to play its oversight functions over the Judiciary in a more effective way.
The Deputy Minister of Justice (Mrs Mwamba): Mr Speaker, the Judicial Service Commission is established under Article 123 of the Constitution and its functions are provided for under the Service Commissions Act Cap. 259 of the Laws of Zambia.
The Commission is fairly independent in its current form and is composed of:
(i) the Chief Justice as Chairperson;
(ii) the Attorney-General;
(iii) the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission;
(iv) a Judge nominated by the Chief Justice;
(v) the Solicitor-General;
(vi) an hon. Member of the National Assembly appointed by the Speaker;
(vii) a representative of the Law Association of Zambia;
(viii) the Dean of the University of Zambia Law School; and
(ix) one member appointed by the President.
Sir, the tenure of office of the commission is also generally fixed as most of the members are ex officio. There is currently a review of the Constitution being undertaken and the role of the Judicial Service Commission may be enhanced as a result of that process. There remain, however, the challenge of providing adequate funding to the commission in order to ensure greater independence.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I would like the hon. Minister of Justice to confirm that the Judicial Service Commissioners and I are performing our functions properly and that we are prudently supervising the Judiciary. Can you confirm.
Laughter
The Minister of Justice (Mr S. S. Zulu): Mr Speaker, I do confirm.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}
LUSAKA/DAR-ES-SALAAM ROUTE
256. Mr Chisanga (Mkushi South) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication why Zambian passenger transporters shunned the Lusaka/Dar-es-Salaam route.
The Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Dr Mwali): Mr Speaker, Zambia and Tanzania have signed a Bilateral Road Transport Agreement that allows transport operators from the two countries to obtain cross border road service licences to ferry both goods and passengers between the two countries.
However, some Zambian passenger operators have been discouraged from plying the Dar-es-Salaam route because of the Tanzanian regulation that prohibits a bus carrying passengers to pull a goods trailer. Normally, the passengers using this route carry much luggage that cannot be put on a bus. The regulation also applies to Tanzanian transporters. However, the Tanzanian public passenger operators to Zambia have modified their buses to have large carriage basements beneath the passenger carrying cabins.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
SIKONGO SUB-BOMA ELECTRIFICATION
257. Mr Ndalamei asked the Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development when the electrification of Sikongo Sub-Boma in Kalabo District would be completed.
The Deputy Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development (Mr C. Zulu): Mr Speaker, the electrification of Sikongo Sub-Boma in Kalabo District is expected to be completed in 2013. The project is already under way and is being implemented in two phases. The Rural Electrification Authority (REA) has completed Phase 1, which is the construction of a 65 km 66 kV power line from Kalabo Boma to Sikongo Sub-Boma. Phase II, the construction of a 66 kV sub-station at Kalabo Boma, which will be the power source of the 66 kV power line, is expected to be tendered and commenced in 2012. It will be completed in 2013.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!
MWINILUNGA PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY LOCAL COURTS
258. Mr Katuka asked the Minister of Justice when the Government would rehabilitate the following local court buildings in Mwinilunga Parliamentary Constituency:
(i) Kakoma;
(ii) Chibwika; and
(iii) Sailunga.
Mrs Mwamba: Mr Speaker, for many years, from independence until recently, no improvements have been made on the existing court infrastructure. We are glad to report, however, that we have started new constructions and rehabilitations of existing courts. Admittedly, it will take time before we can reach all the deserving areas.
Sir, although Kakoma, Chibwika and Sailunga local courts in Mwinilunga are not indicated in the 2012 Budget, they will be considered in due course as this is a continuous process.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Katuka: Mr Speaker, may I find out why Chibwika Local Court, which appeared in the 2011 Budget, was not rehabilitated?
Mr S. S. Zulu: Mr Speaker, if this local court appeared in the 2011 Budget for rehabilitation, then I will have to find out why it was not rehabilitated. I can come later and give the answer.
I thank you, Sir.
RUFUNSA ZNBC TELEVISION AND RADIO SIGNALS
259. Mr Chipungu (Rufunsa) asked the Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour when the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) radio and television signals would be strengthened in Rufunsa Parliamentary Constituency.
The Deputy Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour (Mr Kapeya): Mr Speaker, it has been difficult for the ZNBC to install services in the area as there is no electricity supply either from the National Power Grid or diesel-generated power. However, considering that ZESCO has embarked on a project to connect Luangwa District to the National Power Grid, Rufunsa will also benefit. It is then that it will be easier for the ZNBC to provide radio and television signals. Furthermore, we are reliably informed that ZESCO intends to provide power to Luangwa in the next eighteen months. This also means that the ZNBC will work towards providing the services in the same timeframe.
Mr Speaker, it is important to note that the provision of radio and television services has been based on availability of power from ZESCO, hence this delay in providing services to Rufunsa Parliamentary Constituency.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Ntundu (Gwembe): Mr Speaker, going by the answer given by that hon. Deputy Minister, (pointed at the hon. Deputy Minister), by the way, Sir, that hon. Deputy Minister is a good friend of mine, ...
Mr Speaker: It does not matter.
Laughter
Mr Ntundu: Sir, arising from the answer given by that hon. Deputy Minister, (pointed at the hon. Deputy Minister), it seems that …
Hon. Government Members: Aah! Umunwe uyo!
Mr Ntundu: … the areas that do not have ZESCO electricity supply will never watch the ZNBC channels. However, during the campaigns, his party, the PF, which is now in the Government, made promises that the areas without the ZNBC signal, such as Chisanga, in Gwembe Constituency, where I come from, would receive the signal. Therefore, I would like that hon. Minister to explain to me so that I can, in turn, explain to the people in Chisanga in Gwembe, who do not listen to the ZNBC Radio channels, when and if the Government can ever introduce solar power as has been done in neighbouring Botswana. I would like that hon. Deputy Minister, a very good friend of mine for that matter, to explain to me when or if the Government will ever introduce solar-powered towers in Chisanga in Gwembe, like it has been done in our neighbouring country, Botswana. I would like to, in turn, take the hon. Minister’s explanation to the people in my constituency, where the ZNBC Radio and Television signals are not received.
The Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour (Mr Shamenda): Mr Speaker, the energy of the hon. Deputy Minister’s friend is very encouraging. In our earlier answer, it has been made very clear that the services of the ZNBC depend on the availability of the services that are provided by ZESCO. We have stated that we are working hand-in-hand with the power utility company so that the right hand knows what the left hand is doing. We have put the necessary arrangements in place to ensure that as ZESCO progresses in providing its services to the area, we also provide the signal. We want to ensure that as soon as ZESCO completes a project, we are on site to complete our own project.
Mr Speaker, I would also like to inform the hon. Member of Parliament, if he did not listen to the statement by the President, when his friend was being sworn in as hon. Deputy Minister, that he emphasised that his friend will equally be in charge not only of developing the television programmes in the provincial centres, but also the information and broadcasting sector of the ministry. This means looking after the radio facilities in the remote areas such as where the hon. Member of Parliament comes from.
I thank you, Sir.
Ms Kalima (Kasenengwa): Mr Speaker, apart from the poor signal from the ZNBC received even in Lusaka, it has continued to be the most boring television channel in the country. Does the hon. Minister, who is present today and I am glad he is, have any plans to emulate or learn from Muvi TV, which is the most viewed television channel in the country despite being new and private?
Mr Shamenda: Mr Speaker, all Zambians know that the boring aspect of the ZNBC is a result of the political interference of the hon. Member’s political party which is now in the Opposition.
Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Shamenda: I would like to confirm to this House and country at large that statistics show that a lot of Zambians now watch the ZNBC and read the Zambia Daily Mail Newspaper. For instance, in raising their points of order, hon. Members of Parliament sometimes use this newspaper. We have to continue building public confidence in the public media and are working day and night on this. Hon. Members must have seen some changes which are taking place at the ZNBC and will agree with me that within the last six months that the PF has been in Government, there has been a significant change and improvement in both the coverage of news as well as the entertainment part of the service offered by the corporation.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, considering that the limitations and problems being faced by the ZNBC of signals deny the people information for development, when will the ministry liberalise the airwaves in tandem with the promises that the PF gave the people of this country? It was said that once voted into power, the PF would liberalise the airwaves so that all the ZNBC radio stations could broadcast across the nation. This liberalisation was to enable other radio stations with capacity to cover up in situations where the ZNBC has signal problems.
Mr Shamenda: Mr Speaker, at the expense of repeating myself, I would like to say that it is clear, as I indicated when responding to the question by the hon. Deputy Minister’s friend, the hon. Member of Parliament for Gwembe, that this is one of the top priorities that this Government has put on the table. When swearing in the hon. Deputy Minister, strict instructions were given to the ministry to improve the reception of the services we are providing both for television and radio.
As regards when we will do this and liberalise the airwaves, I would like to state that the process has already begun. What is being awaited, to make a difference from the way others used to conduct business under the table, is putting everything on the table in our implementation of the Freedom of Information Bill (FoI) so that those who will be appointed to sit on the board scrutinise the applications for licences. Despite this being an urgent matter, we want to avoid falling into the temptation of empowering the hon. Minister or even the President with the authority to grant licences. Therefore, we are waiting to go through the necessary processes so that we do things in a transparent manner.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Hamudulu (Siavonga): Mr Speaker, in answering one question, the hon. Minister mentioned that the ZNBC normally has problems in areas where there is no ZESCO power supply. Is the hon. Minister aware that even in the area where ZESCO gets its power from, Siavonga, merely about 200 km from here, we do not watch the ZNBC channels? Does the ministry have any plans for us in Siavonga?
Mr Shamenda: Mr Speaker, as I said earlier, we are looking at the problems which the ZNBC is currently facing. I think it is not only in Siavonga where people have problems accessing the ZNBC television signal, but also elsewhere. We are currently looking at the technology we are using at the moment. Another place which experiences the signal problem is Kafue, which is just nearby. A question was raised in this august House about some areas where there is a transmission mast seated on top of a hill and near a house. At times, the signal is easily accessed by houses which are far away from the mast, but the house near it has problems accessing it. These are the issues which the engineers are working on. Very shortly, such problems will be resolved.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Sianga: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that the ZNBC television and radio signals are very weak, especially in Sesheke District?
Mr Shamenda: Mr Speaker, I think the hon. Member has forgotten that the question he has asked has already been answered. However, today is the beginning of the weekend.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Sing’ombe: Mr Speaker, television levy is paid at the point of purchasing a television set. If this is the case, will the PF Government continue to ask for television levy from people whose television reception is very poor in places such as Rufunsa, Chisanga and Dundumwezi?
Mr Shamenda: Mr Speaker, the levy paid is for owning a television set and not for viewing like the one you pay to watch a movie at a cinema. Issues to do with the poor reception in some areas are being addressed administratively.
I thank you, Sir.
Dr Kalila (Lukulu East): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister alluded to the statistics that illustrate an increase in viewership and readership of the products of certain press institutions. I would like him to give us the actual statistics so that we can believe what he has said.
Mr Shamenda: Mr Speaker, I can bring those statistics at a later date. However, if the hon. Member has time, he can pass through the Times of Zambia and Zambia Daily Mail offices and get them from there. In fact, without even being given the statistics, any Zambian with average intelligence will agree with me that there is an improvement.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Simbao (Senga Hill): Mr Speaker, if the Freedom of Information Act was in place, would we get more information than what is released by the hon. Minister/. When will the Freedom of Information Bill be brought to the House?
Mr Shamenda: Mr Speaker, I think many Zambians will agree with me that even without that Bill, the situation has improved significantly. I would like to assure this House that as soon as logistics are put in place, this Bill will be brought to the House.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, my question is also related to statistics. It is easy to know the statistics for the print media. When did you start compiling the statistics for the ZNBC? What methodology was used?
Mr Shamenda: Mr Speaker, we are using the analytic type of approach and it is an on-going process ...
Laughter
Mr Speaker: Order!
The hon. Minister may continue.
Mr Shamenda: Mr Speaker, I was enjoying the laughter of the hon. Member for Petauke.
Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!
Mr Shamenda: I believe that we shall put in place a scientific approach for gathering statistics. Very shortly, you will be able to access this data including on the internet.
I thank you, Sir.
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN ZAMBIA
260. Mr Kapyanga (Kabwe Central) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:
(a) what measures had been taken to reduce the rising cases of gender-based violence in Zambia;
(b) how many cases of defilement were recorded from January, 2011 to January, 2012;
(c) whether the Zambia Police Force was collaborating with civil society organisations (CSOs) in combating cases of defilement; and
(d) which district in Zambia had recorded the highest cases of gender-based violence by January, 2012.
The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Dr Simbyakula): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that among the measures the Government is the enactment of the Anti-Gender Based Violence Act in order to criminalise acts that were initially treated as not being criminal offences and to stiffen punishment against such acts. The Act has also gone further to make provisions for the protection of victims of gender-based violence. In addition, the ministry, through the Zambia Police Force, has stepped up sensitisation campaigns against gender-based violence.
A total of 1,939 defilement cases were recorded from January, 2011 to January, 2012. My response to part (c) of the question is that in combating cases of defilement, the Zambia Police Force is, indeed, collaborating with CSOs such as Access to Justice, Women and the Law in Southern Africa (WILSA) and the Child Justice Forum.
Lusaka District recorded the highest number of gender-based violence cases by January, 2012 which was at 3,836.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Kapyanga: Mr Speaker, what is the Government doing to identify the reasons behind the increase in gender-based violence?
The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Sakeni): Mr Speaker, I think the information flow process is very open at the moment. People are able to report such cases to the police and after being sensitised for years about the issue, people are now able to report gender-based violence cases to the police. The main reason such cases are being brought in the open now is that times have changed. In fact, this offence used to be committed even in the past, but with more awareness now, they are being reported. Statistically, in 2010, there was a lesser number. In 2011, the number slightly increased. We hope this year, the number will come down because more people are being sensitised. The CSOs and other institutions have been busy sensitising people against the scourge of gender-based violence. I hope that since the Act is in place, the scourge will be minimised.
I thank you, Sir. {mospagebreak}
Mr Bwalya (Lupososhi): Mr Speaker, 1,939 cases of defilement is quite a big number and is worrying. Are there plans to make defilement cases unbailable?
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, issues of bail are supposed to be looked at from various angles. Nobody is supporting defilement. However, issues of the rights of an accused person are better left to be determined by the courts. We may, in future, introduce legislation to make it unbailable but, at present, we leave it to the courts to exercise their discretion.
Ms Namugala (Mafinga): Mr Speaker, 1,939 reported defilement cases means that many others are not reported. The victims are young girls below the age of sixteen. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister of Home Affairs what urgent action the Government is taking to deal with this problem instead of relying on CSOs.
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, the Zambia Police Force, through the Victim Support Unit has been going out to sensitise our people on the need to respect the rights of women and children so that we can fight this problem together with the civil society. Basically, the Government is by the people and for the people and, therefore, the civil society is part of the governance system.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, the vice of gender-based violence appears to be a symptom. What does the hon. Minister consider to be some of its root causes?
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, there are various causes. They are at individual levels. Some are issues to do with family values, child delinquency and what society has become. We have lost our traditional way of living. The dress code …
Laughter
Mr Sakeni: You are laughing, and yet that is important.
Laughter
Mr Sakeni: There are various issues that have led to the high number of these cases. Among them are problems that occur in homes due to unemployment of the bread winner who is unable to provide for his family, but spends money on alcohol and when the wife protests, she is beaten. The list is endless.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Simbao: Mr Speaker, I would like to know how many defilement perpetrators were arrested and how many of them tested positive for HIV.
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, about a quarter of the perpetrators were arrested and convicted. As regards their HIV status or other sexually transmitted diseases, …
Mr Speaker: Order!
Business was suspended from 1045 hours until 1100 hours.
[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, before business was suspended, I was saying that as regards the statistics of how many victims were infected with HIV or any other sexually transmitted disease, I am not ready to provide the figures. I will simply say that the hon. Member is free to bring another question on the issue, and suffice to say that normally, when victims report cases of such a nature to the police, the question of testing them for any other related issues such as infections does not come in, except to prove whether there was defilement or not.
I thank you, Sir.
FAMILY PLANNING
261. Mr Muteteka (Chisamba) asked the Minister of Community Development, Mother and Child Health:
(a) what plans, programmes and budgets had been put in place for sensitising the citizens on the importance of family planning; and
(b) what measures had been taken to manage the current unplanned population which may have contributed to the problem of street kids.
The Deputy Minister of Community Development, Mother and Child Health (Ms Kapata): Mr Speaker, the Family Planning Programme is a priority public health and developmental programme. The Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health has recognised that it is a key component of reproductive health and one of the most effective interventions for the attainment of high level reproductive health. It plays a major role in the reduction of maternal and new-born mortality rates, hence continues to foster the achievement of Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5. Family Planning is also recognised as a key intervention for improving the health of women, men and children.
Sir, the objectives of the Family Planning Programme are as follows:
(i) initiating and sustaining measures aimed at slowing the nation’s high population;
(ii) enhancing people’s health and welfare, preventing premature death and illness, especially among the risk groups of mothers and children; and
(iii) ensuring that all couples and individuals have the basic rights to decide freely and responsibly, the number and spacing of their children and to have the information, education and means to do so.
Mr Speaker, the following are the strategies for family planning:
(i) integrating family planning with other reproductive health programmes;
(ii) expanding access to family planning through a non-public delivery system; and
(iii) targeting family planning services to priority groups.
Sir, the context of the family planning and reproductive health information, education and communication includes all activities that are generated to do the following:
(i) improve understanding of reproductive and family planning rights;
(ii) raise awareness about available methods of family planning;
(iii) change attitudes regarding family planning and reproductive health;
(iv) facilitate informed decision-making;
(v) discourage engagement in high risk behaviours and promote positive behaviours.
Mr Speaker, the budgetary allocation to the Family Planning activities in the Yellow Book for 2012 is K523 million. The measures that have been taken to manage the current unplanned population which may have contributed to the problem of street kids include the following:
(i) in 2007, the Government developed the National Population Policy which spells out the strategies and programmes for managing an unplanned population such as initiating and promoting programmes for wealth creation and socio-economic equity, especially for women and disadvantaged groups, including orphans and vulnerable children; and
(ii) the Government, through the Sixth National Development Plan (SNDP), has also made provision of managing an unplanned population through the Chapter on Child, Youth and Sports Development where they have strategies targeting street kids who are sent to the Zambia National Service (ZNS) Skills Training Camps and offered skills training and start-up capital.
Mr Speaker, lastly, we know that an unplanned population also has a negative effect on our environment. As a Government, we are trying to provide water and sanitation services in these unplanned townships to address issues of poor waste management and inadequate water and sanitation.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, I would like the hon. Minister to inform this august House how much the communities have been engaged to effectively disseminate the information as outlined in the answer in order to tackle the issues of over production of children to a point where some parents are failing to actually provide for their families.
Ms Kapata: Mr Speaker, as Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health, we have embarked on sensitising clients who come for the services at clinics in both rural and urban areas. Nurses give health education in family planning. Therefore, regarding the provision of health education, we have one-to-one contact with patients.
I thank you, Sir.
Ms Namugala: Mr Speaker, the burden of family planning is normally placed on a woman. We have not been very successful with the current births per woman at 6.2 per cent. I would like to find out whether the Government is considering popularising permanent family planning methods for men such as vasectomy …
Hon. Men Members: Aah!
Ms Namugala: … so that the men can decide to permanently stop reproducing.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Female Members: Hear, hear!
Interruptions
The Minister of Community Development, Mother and Child Health (Dr Katema): Mr Speaker, I would like to inform the hon. Member for Mafinga that on top of nurses …
Laughter
Dr Katema: … in addition to the fact that nurses popularise family planning programmes whenever the women go to the clinics, we have gone further than that by setting up clubs in the communities. We call the clubs safe motherhood action groups (SMAGS). These are community members who popularise family planning to the communities in the neighbourhood.
Sir, we explain to the families all the family planning methods available. The onus is on the families to choose a method which is agreeable to them.
I thank you, Sir.
Ms Kalima: Mr Speaker, cognisant that the population growth, which has continued growing at 2.8 per cent is high in rural areas, and considering that most of the awareness, sensitisation and accessibility of family planning services is through clinics, what is the Government’s plan to ensure that every Zambian, including those in rural areas such as Samuel in Kasenengwa, access family planning services since most rural areas have no clinics?
Dr Katema: Mr Speaker, we have mentioned here that these services have been brought down to the community level. We have traditional birth attendants, community health workers and safe motherhood action groups that are made up of members of the community who are trained in family planning methods. These have brought the services closer to the communities.
I thank you, Sir.
SINDA POLICE STATION
262. Mr L. J. Ngoma (Sinda) asked the hon. Minister of Home Affairs:
(a) what the minimum staff establishment of a district police station was;
(b) what the total number of police officers at Sinda Police Station was; and
(c) when a new police station would be constructed in Sinda Parliamentary Constituency.
Dr Simbyakula: Mr Speaker, the minimum staff establishment for a district police station is thirty-three officers. The total number of police officers at Sinda Police Station is currently thirty-eight. A new police station in Sinda Parliamentary Constituency will be constructed once other constituencies in the country that do not have police stations have also been provided with one.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr L. J. Ngoma: Mr Speaker, following the response that the minimum staff establishment for a district police station is thirty-three and that this issue has been outstanding for quite sometime, why does the Government still not want to move fast, considering that Sinda is now a new district?
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, I have kept repeating myself on the Floor of this august House that the Government is trying to do everything possible to put up police infrastructure, including police stations countrywide. I can only ask the hon. Member of Parliament to be patient because we are trying to do our best.
I thank you, Sir.
DEFENCE FORCES MEMBERS’ ACCOMMODATION
263. Mr Katuka asked the Minister of Defence:
(a) when a permanent solution to the accommodation problems faced by members of the defence forces would be found; and
(b) when the construction of the L85 cantonment in Lusaka West which started in the First Republic would be completed.
The Deputy Minister of Defence (Colonel Kaunda): Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Defence has embarked on the construction of 4,498 housing units for the defence forces. This is an effort to finding a permanent solution to the accommodation problems faced by members of the defence forces. Once the housing units are completed, their accommodation problem will be reduced. However, there is still a need for the Government funding to continuously build more housing units for the defence forces, as the above stated number is not adequate. Further, the defence forces continue to recruit. The construction of the 2,920 housing units at the L85 Cantonment in Lusaka is expected to be completed by 1st August, 2013.
I thank you, Sir.
RUFUNSA GIRLS’ TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL
264. Mr Chipungu asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education when the Rufunsa Girls’ Technical High School would be officially opened.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (Mr Mabumba): Mr Speaker, the construction of external works will be completed by the end of 2012. The school will, therefore, become operational in 2013 and an official opening ceremony will be arranged at that time.
I thank you, Sir.
MWAMI BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION
265. Dr Kazonga (Vubwi) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:
(a) when the Mwami Bridge on the Chadiza-Vubwi Road would be reconstructed;
(b) what the estimated cost of the project was; and
(c) what the estimated timeframe for completion of the project was.
Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the works on the Mwami Bridge on the Chadiza/Vubwi Road will commence in the second quarter of 2012, after the tender procurement process has been finalised. This tender closed on 28th February, 2012 and is currently under evaluation.
Mr Speaker, the total cost of the project is approximately K9 billion. This includes the main Vubwi (Mwami) Bridge, one access structure on the approaches to the Mwami Bridge and one structure on the Chadiza/Zingalume/Mwangala Road in Chadiza District. The project will be carried out as one package for all the three structures. The estimated timeframe is one year.
I thank you, Sir.
Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, will the Government take any measures to ensure that come rainy season, people still have access to the other side of the river in view of the answer that the project will take about one year? What will happen between now and then since one year is quite a long time?
Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the contractor that we will have on site will ensure that tentative works are done to allow for access.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
MWINILUNGA DISTRICT CONNECTION TO THE NATIONAL ELECTRICITY GRID
266. Mr Katuka asked the Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development:
(a) when the project to connect Mwinilunga District to the national electricity grid would be completed; and
(b) when the construction of the Mujila Hydro-Power Station in Chief Kanyama’s area in Mwinilunga Parliamentary Constituency would begin.
Mr C. Zulu: Mr Speaker, the connection of Mwinilunga to the national electricity grid will be undertaken when funds for the project have been sourced. The Government, through the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (ZESCO), has planned to carry out the connection of Mwinilunga together with Kabompo, Mufumbwe, Zambezi, Mumbezhi, Lukulu and Chavuma under one project. Significant progress has, so far, been made on the preparatory works of the connection of Mwinilunga to the grid. The total project stretch between Mwinilunga and Lumwana is 190 km out of which 160 km has been surveyed and 150 km has been bush cleared. This translates into 84 per cent and 79 per cent of surveying and bush clearing respectively on this stretch of the project. A substation site in Mwinilunga has been identified already, but the council is yet to formalise the offer of the site to ZESCO.
Mr Speaker, the construction of Mujila Hydro Power in Chief Kanyama’s area in Mwinilunga Parliamentary Constituency is expected to commence in September, 2012. The procurement process to select the contractor is in progress. It is expected that the process will be finalised in August, 2012. The preferred contractor will move to the site in September, 2012. It is expected that the construction of the Mujila Hydro Power Station will be completed in twenty-four months.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Katuka: Mr Speaker, …
Mr Mbulakulima: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, you know that I rarely rise on points of order unless there is a serious matter. I now rise on a very serious point of procedure.
Mr Speaker, when we approve the change of ministries in this House, it is a serious matter. The country expects us to derive maximum benefit in effective utilisation of human resource. The question under review, as far as I am concerned, falls under the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development.
We have changed ministries and I thought that we should align human resource to portfolios. Why are we getting poor answers? Is it because we are not utilising the available human resource? The hon. Minister answering this question now, Hon. C. Zulu, is under Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environment and yet we have another hon. Member, Hon. Isaac Banda, who is under the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development.
Is the Government in order to start confusing this House and the nation? Why does it bring Motions to the House to change the names of ministries if it is not able to utilise the ministries appropriately and effectively/ I see confusion.
Mr Speaker, I need your serious ruling.
Hon. Opposition Members: Lunacy!
Hon. Opposition Member: Look at them!
Laughter
Mr Speaker: Order!
My ruling is that the hon. Minister is in order …
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Speaker: … to give that answer because different hon. Ministers are assigned to answer different questions on behalf of the Government.
Mr Katuka: Mr Speaker, the connection of Mwinilunga to the national grid is a project that was started by the previous Government and projected to be completed this year. Since the PF Government promised to carry on with the projects that it found, I would like to know when this project will be completed.
Mr C. Zulu: Mr Speaker, I have already stated that as soon as funds are available, this project will take off. I have also mentioned that it is not only Mwinilunga that will be connected, but also other areas. We are going to do it jointly. Mwinilunga, Kabompo, Mufumbwe, Zambezi, Mumbezhi, Lukulu and Chavuma will be connected at the same time.
Mr Speaker, last week, I answered a similar question and said that US$279 million will be involved in this project.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mwanza (Solwezi West): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out if the PF Government is aware that ZESCO is usually reluctant to sign power purchase agreements because of the monopoly it enjoys. Can the hon. Minister confirm this.
Mr C. Zulu: Mr Speaker, if ZESCO was reluctant, then the PF Government will make sure that it is no longer reluctant because we are a serious and …
Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!
Mr C. Zulu: … committed Government.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
FOREIGN VEHICLES ON ZAMBIAN ROADS
267. Mr Chisanga asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication whether the ministry had any plans to resolve the problem of motor vehicles, especially trucks, from neighbouring countries that break down in the middle of Zambian roads.
Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the Government is aware of the problem of broken-down motors vehicles left on our public roads. This is a traffic offence, as per the Road Traffic Act No 11 Section 190, which also provides the regulation that allows the towing away of vehicles that break down and are abandoned on public roads.
However, the Government, at the moment, has no capacity to tow away heavy vehicles due to a lack of appropriate breakdown recovery equipment. The Government, through the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), is currently working with the private sector to create the necessary capacity to tow away all types of vehicles abandoned on the roads.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Chisanga: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister if there are any plans to inspect the trucks for road worthiness before they enter our country.
Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, through the RTSA and Traffic Section of the Zambia Police Force, trucks are constantly checked.
I thank you, Sir,
Mr Simfukwe (Mbala): Mr Speaker, arising from the hon. Minister’s response and considering the heavy load that is being carried on our roads, and also in view of the targets in the Sixth National Development Plan (SNDP) to reduce the load on our road network and transfer it to the rail network, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what strategies the Government has put in place to reduce the damage on our roads by transferring heavy cargo to the rail network.
Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, before we transfer part of the load from the road network to the rail network, we are relying on the regulatory instruments that we have such as weighbridges.
I thank you, Sir.
Professor Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister happens to be my friend, having been together as young academics at the University of Zambia (UNZA) where he specialised in transport economics. I would like to find out from him whether there are measures being put in place for a toll-free line where members of the public can access the RTSA for such vehicles on the road.
Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, in broad terms, such a toll-free scheme is there and if, in future, there is a need to include reporting of such incidences, we shall do so.
I thank you, Sir. {mospagebreak}
ZAMBIA ANNUAL FISHING BAN
268. Mr Chilangwa (Kawambwa) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock:
(a) whether the annual fish ban programme had been achieving the intended objectives;
(b) whether the cost of implementing the fish ban was justifiable; and
(c) whether the fish ban was the only conservation method available to the Government.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Brigadier-General Kapaya): Mr Speaker, since the annual fishing ban was introduced in 1986, there have been notable improvements in some fisheries where the resource users have co-operated with our fisheries staff in observing the annual fishing ban. For example, on the Bangweulu Fishery (open lakes and swamps), before the ban was introduced, you could hardly find any tigerfish in a fisherman’s catch. Presently, the tigerfish population has regenerated and is noticeable in the catch. However, a comprehensive study on the achievements of the fishing ban in all the fisheries will be conducted as soon as resources become available.
Sir, following the positive results that have been seen in some fishery areas such as the case in (a) above, the cost of implementing the fishing ban is, indeed, justifiable. Moreover, the ban is intended to protect the fish during the peak of the breeding period.
Sir, the fishing ban is not the only conservation method available to the Government. In addition to it, there are the following fishery management initiatives:
(i) Permanently Closed Areas (PCAs): these are areas that have been identified as breeding grounds for fish. They are areas such as Mifimbo on the confluence of the Luapula River, the mouth of the Kalungwishi River on Lake Mweru, and the Chunga and Lwato lagoons on the Kafue Flats. Other PCAs are still being identified by our research teams who are working together with the local communities such as, for example, on Lake Kariba; and
(ii) banning the use of destructive fishing methods, such as the use of poisons, explosives, electric fishing and Seine nets.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Chilangwa: Mr Speaker, would the hon. Minister be in a position to inform the nation why the fish stocks have continued to dwindle if, indeed, the effects of the fishing ban have been positive.
The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Mr Chenda): Mr Speaker, we must appreciate the fishing ban because, if it were not there, there would hardly be any fish left in our fresh waters. There has been an increase in fishing as a result of the growth in population, which has increased the demand for fish.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister has just said that the fishing ban is not the only fish conservation method and has further conceded that there have been some marked improvements in the fish stocks. Is this Government not considering giving a breather to the people who live where there are water bodies, at least, of one or two years, to enjoy the concept of having more fish in their pots in line with the PF policy of more money in the pockets?
Laughter
Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, the fishing ban is only imposed for three months. For nine months, the members of the community who live along rivers and lakes are allowed to fish so that they can meet their nutritional needs.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
MAPULA BASIC SCHOOL
269. Mr Mbulakulima asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:
(a) when Mapula Basic School in Milenge District, which is in a dilapidated state, would be rehabilitated;
(b) what the estimated cost of rehabilitating the school was;
(c) what the teacher-pupil ratio at the school had been as of February, 2012;
(d) whether the ratio at (c) above met the minimum educational requirements; and
(e) if not, what measures the Government had taken to normalise the situation.
Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the ministry is aware of the state of infrastructure at Mapula Basic School and has plans of rehabilitating it as it mobilises funds.
Sir, the estimated cost of rehabilitation is K115,525,000 while the teacher-pupil ratio at the school, in February, 2012, was as follows:
Grades 1 – 4: 1 teacher per 58 pupils;
Grades 5 – 7: 1 teacher per 26 pupils; and
Grades 8 – 9: 1 teacher per 42 pupils.
Mr Speaker, the ratios indicate that the staffing levels at Mapula Basic School are above the minimum requirement of 1:40 at the lower primary level. However, this situation is a national challenge. To redress the situation, it is the Government’s policy to continuously recruit teachers so that the minimum teacher-pupil ratio, which is at 1:40, is met.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, taking into account that the required amount is only K115 million and the school is extremely dilapidated, could you kindly consider to implement this project this year?
Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, in fact, I would like to take back the question to the hon. Member of Parliament for Chembe. Taking into account the estimated cost of K115 million, I would urge him to apportion K115 million of his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to the school.
Mr Mbulakulima: Question!
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mabumba: However, Sir, if that option is not acceptable to him, the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education will consider allocating the money to this school once it is available, as we have already said.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
SIKONGO POLICE STATION
270. Mr Ndalamei asked the Minister of Home Affairs:
(a) when a motor vehicle would be procured for Sikongo Police Station in Sikongo Parliamentary Constituency;
(b) when additional police officers would be posted to Sikongo Police Station; and
(c) when Nanda Police Post in Sikongo Parliamentary Constituency would be constructed.
Dr Simbyakula: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that Sikongo Police Station in Sikongo Parliamentary Constituency will be provided with a vehicle during the course of 2012, once additional motor vehicles are procured for operations.
Sir, this year, the Government will recruit 1,500 police officers. Once the officers are trained, the ministry will consider posting some of them to Sikongo Police Station.
Mr Speaker, Nanda Police Post in Sikongo Parliamentary Constituency is earmarked for construction in 2015. However, since 2015 is too far, the Government is currently sourcing funds outside the Budget for infrastructure development for the police. We are hopeful that Nanda Police Post and, indeed, other police stations countrywide will be constructed much earlier.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Ndalamei: Mr Speaker, does the hon. Minister know that Sikongo Police Station has adequate accommodation for officers? Why does the Government normally send only two police officers to the station whenever there is a recruitment?
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, I have been to Sikongo Police Station and the hon. Member of Parliament is right to say that there is adequate accommodation for officers. However, the problem of sending a few police officers there has to do with a lack of manpower. We need about 27,000 officers but, currently, there are only about 16,000. The problem is caused by this gap. However, I think that this year, we will send extra staff to Sikongo.
I thank you, Sir.
ZAMBIAN MARKETS
271. Mr Muteteka asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing whether the ministry had immediate plans to:
(a) rehabilitate existing markets countrywide; and
(b) construct more modern markets to cater for the increased number of marketeers and traders.
The Deputy Minister Local of Government and Housing (Mr Tembo): Mr Speaker, due to the limited budgetary provision to markets, the rehabilitation will be targeted at improving sanitation in selected markets by rehabilitating their ablution blocks. Local authorities are, at the same time, encouraged to budget for the rehabilitation and maintenance of the existing market infrastructures in their districts.
Sir, the Government is still soliciting funding from co-operating partners to assist in the construction of modern markets. As you may be aware, such projects are very high capital investments. The Government was unable to provide for that in the 2012 Budget. However, we are currently working closely with local authorities to put in place financial management systems that will improve revenue collection in markets. It is envisaged that such improved collections will be used for construction and maintenance of markets.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, yesterday, the hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing informed the nation that the Government is enjoying good support from co-operating partners with regard to building markets. All the donors supporting this project take into account the fact that the MMD Government started it and rehabilitated the Chelstone, Chilenje, Nakadoli and New Soweto markets in order to accommodate our marketeers. In the wake of the PF allowing vendors on the streets, does the Government not think this programme is important? Further, what is it doing about street vendors?
The Minister of Local Government and Housing (Professor Luo): Mr Speaker, although we appreciate that the previous administration started rehabilitating some markets, we have to realise that the health of our people is very important. There is an absolute imbalance between trying to expand markets and allowing people to trade in conditions of sanitation that expose them to typhoid, cholera and dysentery. Therefore, my ministry has decided to give priority to access to clean water and sanitation in our markets. However, let me take this opportunity to say that my ministry has also been looking at the cost of conducting business. Since the world has alternative technology, we may consider rehabilitating the markets when discussions with the people who are able to provide alternative technology are successful. When bids are made and contracts are awarded, we will be able to do that. With the current budget, we think we should improve access to clean water and sanitation.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, this House passed the Markets and Bus Stations Act five years ago, but it has not been operationalised. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister when the Government will ensure that markets are regulated by this piece of legislation, which this House passed.
Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament might remember that I made an announcement that, from then onward, markets and bus stations would be run based on the Act. It is in appreciation of the need to implement this Act that this announcement was made. In addition, my ministry has started compiling a database that will give us information on who is trading in our markets and bus stations. The hon. Members of Parliament may wish to know that my ministry has started with the Lusaka Inter-City Bus Station to even regulate who conducts business there because of the disorder that is there. Therefore, if we are given space, in a few years, we will see a lot of order in our markets and bus stations.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from our hon. Minister what our Government has put in place to ensure that, in places where markets have already been built, the people are able to utilise these expensive infrastructures, instead of trading along the roads.
Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, it is important for me to repeat what I said a few weeks ago. The issue of trading in markets and on the street has a lot to do with our own attitudes. In this case, I would like to bring to the attention of the House the fact that, when I talk about attitudes, it is not only the attitude of the traders on the streets or those who refuse to trade in the markets. It is also our attitude, as Zambians, that is to blame because instead of insisting on going to the markets, we stop by the roadside to buy commodities from vendors. To this effect, my ministry has embarked on a process that we will be announcing soon. This process will deal with both the marketeers on the street and the buyers. There will be a penalty for everybody involved.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!
Ms Kalima: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister when the Government intends to move the street vendors along Lumumba Road to markets because vehicles can hardly pass and, everyday, there is somebody knocked down in addition to the fact that the city looks very dirty, particularly along this road.
Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, I do not know whether I should speak in Nyanja for the hon. Member of Parliament to really understand.
Laughter
Professor Luo: I have just said that we have taken a different approach to dealing with street vending. As a ministry, we have realised, and I am sure the whole House also does realize, that this has to do with attitudes. Our focus is not only on Lumumba Road, but also the entire country. In fact, we are focusing on trying to address this throughout Zambia so that we do not deal with the problem piecemeal. I will soon announce a penalty for those who trade from the streets.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, I would like to congratulate Hon. James Chishiba of Kafulafuta Parliamentary Constituency and Hon. Sarah Sayifwanda of Zambezi East Parliamentary Constituency on winning their election petitions.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Katambo: Sir, when will the people of Masaiti Parliamentary Constituency be provided with a modern market?
Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for that question. I would also like to invite the hon. Member to work with his council and the people of Kafulafuta to provide us with a request and a supplementary budget so that the ministry can look at the needs of Kafulafuta.
I thank you, Sir.
____________
BILLS
FIRST READING
THE EXCESS EXPENDITURE APPROPRIATION (2009) BILL, 2012
The Minister of Justice (Mr S. S. Zulu): Mr Speaker, I beg to present a Bill entitled an Act to approve the excess expenditure of moneys aggregating one hundred and forty-one billion, one hundred and ninety-nine million, five hundred and sixty-nine thousand, one hundred and eighty-seven kwacha required for the services of the Republic during the financial year which ended on 31st December, 2009.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Speaker: The contents of the Bill have already been considered in the Committee of Supply.
Second Reading on Tuesday, 27th March, 2012.
THE SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (2010) BILL, 2012
Mr S. S. Zulu: Mr Speaker, I beg to present a Bill entitled an Act to confirm the supplementary expenditure of moneys aggregating two trillion, four hundred and forty-nine billion, eight hundred and five million, six hundred and sixty-five thousand, eight hundred and thirty-eight kwacha required for the services of the Republic during the financial year ended on 31st December, 2010.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Speaker: The contents of the Bill have already been considered in the Committee of Supply.
Second Reading on Tuesday, 27th March, 2012.
THIRD READING
The following Bill was read the third time and passed:
The Aviation (Amendment) Bill, 2012
_______
MOTION
ADJOURNMENT
The Vice-President (Dr Scott): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.
Question put and agreed to.
____
The House adjourned at 1200 hours until 1430 hours on Tuesday, 27th March, 2012.