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Debates- Friday, 16th March, 2012
DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE FIRST SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH ASSEMBLY
Friday, 16th March, 2012
The House met at 0900 hours
[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]
NATIONAL ANTHEM
PRAYER
_________
ANNOUNCEMENT BY MR SPEAKER
ZAMBIA INFORMATION COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY AUTHORITY WORKSHOP FOR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT
Mr Speaker: I wish to inform the House that the Zambia Information Communications Technology Authority will on Monday, 19th March, 2012, convene a workshop for hon. Members of Parliament on legislation governing the information communication technology (ICT) sector.
Hon. Members may wish to know that the workshop will commence at 0900 hours and will be held in the National Assembly Auditorium. Hon. Members are, therefore, requested to attend this very important workshop.
_________
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, 20th March, 2012, the Business of the House will begin with Questions, if there will be any. This will then be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any.
On Wednesday, 21st 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 entitled “Mineral Royalty Tax Sharing Mechanism” to be moved by the hon. Member of Parliament for Solwezi Central Parliamentary Constituency. The House will then consider the Second Reading stage of the Aviation (Amendment) Bill No.2 of 2012.
Sir, on Thursday, 22nd March, 2012, the Business of the House will commence with Questions, if there will be any. The House will then consider the presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any.
Mr Speaker, on Friday, 23rd March, 2012, the Business of the House will begin with His Honour the Vice-President’s Question Time. This will be followed by Questions, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will consider the presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. The House will then consider the Second Reading stage of the following Bills:
(i) the Penal Code Amendment Bill, 2012 and
(ii) the Anti-Corruption Bill, 2012.
Thereafter, the House will consider any Business of the House that may be outstanding.
I thank you, Sir.
_______
HIS HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT’S QUESTION TIME
Professor Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, …
Professor Lungwangwa coughed.
Professor Lungwangwa: I thank you very much for affording me this opportunity. My voice is hoarse this morning because I have a cold.
Professor Lungwangwa coughed again.
Professor Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, on page 7 of today’s edition of the Times of Zambia, there is an article entitled “US$5 billion Attracted in the Last Decade”. The article goes on to say that the production in the mining industry, of copper in particular, has been rising from 257,000 tonnes in the year 2000 to 700,000 tonnes last year. It is, further projected to increase to 1,500,000 tonnes by 2016, on condition that the Government maintains a conducive business environment.
Mr Speaker, what specific mining business reforms does the Government want to focus on to guarantee the continued growth of the copper industry to a production output of 1.5 billion tonnes per year by 2016.
Hon. Government Members: 1.5 billion?
Mr Speaker: This is time for only His Honour the Vice-President to answer questions.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, it is a rather vague question.
Laughter
The Vice-President: Basically, if the question is whether the Patriotic Front (PF) is fiddling with the mining environment in such a way as to stop the expansion of the mining industry, the answer is no. We have made some minor change in the royalty formula in order to release poorer formally employed Zambians from the onerous Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) taxation. As far as I am aware, no other regulations have changed.
Mr Speaker, there are environmental regulations which we intend to enforce. You cannot have people breathing acid mist, for example, in the name of progress or wealth. We are also very insistent that taxes shall be paid. We have not tinkered with the mechanism and whether we expand to 1.5 million tonnes or not is a function of whether China or some other economy keeps growing explosively so that the pressure to mine and get our copper is maintained.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mbulakulima (Chembe): Mr Speaker, there was drama and pomp when the Executive was appointing the chiefs in the public media institutions. What has necessitated the sudden removal of the Zambian National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) Director-General? Can His Honour the Vice-President assure the nation that the remaining heads of public media organisations are no longer ‘endangered species’?
Laughter
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, that is a question regarding the operational details of the Government’s administrative system. I do not think it is appropriate for me to attempt to answer that question.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Opposition Member: Aah!
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Speaker: Order!
Hon. Members, in order to allow as many questions as possible, restrict yourselves to one question.
Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, when will the Government consider bringing the much-treasured Africa Cup Trophy to Parliament grounds to enable hon. Members, who did not follow the cup to the various places where it was being viewed, to view it alongside their brothers and sisters within Parliament premises?
Interruptions
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, many of us went to collect the trophy in the first place from Gabon and do not require to see it again. All of us have an entitlement to a four-wheel drive air-conditioned vehicle which can take us to the Football House to view the trophy as and when it is there. I do not think it is appropriate to make a special ceremony or to bring it here. That is my opinion, anyway.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Interruptions
Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Mr Speaker, I would like to know why it took an hon. Member from the Backbench to raise a point oF order, and your subsequent fair ruling for our Cabinet Office and the Former President to realise that they were breaching the provisions of the Constitution pertaining to the former President’s entitlement.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, that is what Backbenchers are there for. They have a number of functions …
Laughter
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President: … including reminding the Frontbench what time of day it is.
I thank you, Sir.
Interruptions
Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Mr Speaker, the principles of State policies and duties of a citizen are enshrined in the Constitution of Zambia. One of them states that the State shall recognise the right for every person to have access to fair labour practices and safe and healthy working conditions. I would like to know when the Government will adopt a more cohesive means of dealing with labour matters vis-á-vis salary increments for all civil servant so that there is a uniform increment as opposed to what we are seeing now whereby some civil servants are entitled to a 100 per cent increment and others 4 per cent.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, that is the function of an hon. Member of the Opposition. It is to guess what we are actually up to because he is talking about a matter which is taxing us at this moment. As the hon. Member knows, the current collective agreement with the Public Service ends in fourteen days’ time. By then, we hope to have in place a more equitable and less discriminatory salary system.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Interruptions
Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, Section 28 of Act No. …
Mr Speaker: Order! There is a running commentary on my right. I am not able to identify who is behind it. Whoever it is should restrain his or herself before I take further drastic measures.
May the hon. Member, please, continue.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, usually, those who are independent of wisdom make noise.
Laughter{mospagebreak}
Mr Mwiimbu: Sir, I was saying that Section 28 of Act No. 12 of 2008 stipulates that any contract that is entered into by the Republic of Zambia and a foreign company shall ensure that an indigenous company or individual participates in the work being carried out under the contract in question.
Ms Kapata: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Ms Kapata: Mr Speaker, I ‘raise’ on a serious point of order.
Hon. Opposition Members: Aah! Rise!
Ms Kapata: Is the hon. Member on the Floor in order to say that the people on your right are independent of ideas? I seek your serious ruling.
Laughter
Mr Speaker: Order!
I have been following the proceedings attentively. I did not hear the hon. Member suggest what has been insinuated. What the hon. Member indicated is that it is not wise, if I may paraphrase what he said, to make noise whilst other hon. Members are debating.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear! Long live the Chair!
Mr Speaker: May the hon. Member continue, please.
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I wanted to know what measures they are putting in place to ensure that all international organisations or companies that enter into contracts with the Government of the Republic of Zambia ensure that indigenous Zambians participate in the work being done under those contracts as per Section 28 of the Zambia Public Procurement Act.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the law is there. What has been lacking is its enforcement. I do not think we require any special measures. We just have to ensure that we effect the existing provisions of the law professionally. Since the hon. Member seems to suggest that there are certain lacunas in the implementation of the provisions of the law in question, I will certainly look into this matter.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Milambo (Mwembeshi): Mr Speaker, may His Honour the Vice-President let this House and the nation know what the findings for the Crop Forecasting Assessment for the 2011/2012 farming season are.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, at some suitable time, the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock will come to the House with the detailed statistics thereon. All I can say is that there is no over production such as what we was seen in the last two years. However, there are also no fears that there is going to be a severe shortage since there ARE a million tonnes or so of maize in our storage facilities.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mwango (Kanchibiya): Mr Speaker, striptease or indecent exposure is a criminal offence under the Penal Code. May I know what the Government’s position is regarding Hon. Namugala’s intention to march naked to State House tomorrow as reported in today’s Zambia Daily Mail.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the Government does not have a position on anyone’s intention to dress or undress in one way or another. That is a law enforcement issue. It will be interesting to see …
Laughter
Mr Speaker: Order!
Let His Honour the Vice-President complete his response.
Laughter
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, it will be interesting, if, by chance, I will be passing by, to look in that direction.
Laughter
The Vice-President: It will be interesting to discover what the law enforcement authorities make of the term, ‘indecent exposure’. I must remind the House that there have been …
Mr Lubinda: Wamvela, Dora!
The Vice-President: ... famous precedents here. The most recent one was about twenty years ago when the then Hon. Enock Kavindele withdrew his candidature from the United National Independence Party (UNIP) presidential race after women knocked on his hut at night and presented parts of their anatomy. They were not arrested, but Hon. Kavindele withdrew his nomination.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr LuBezhi (Namwala): Mr Speaker, it is worrying to note that the Executive is not well informed pertaining to the state of affairs of the country it is governing. The truth of the matter, which cannot be denied, is that Shoprite imports chickens from South Africa. Why has this Government allowed that?
Interruptions
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, that question was fairly and exhaustively handled yesterday. If the hon. Member is suggesting that there is some error in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock’s answers, then, maybe, she could write to the hon. Minister and see what we can establish. I agree that there is free trade under the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) arrangement which is quite difficult to police and limit. If you have products that are slightly different from the standard products that are available locally, it is very difficult to interdict their importation. Next week, I shall find time to look into this issue and report back to the House.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Moonde (Itezhi-tezhi): Mr Speaker, it is close to a month now since Mr Roger Chongwe presented the Report on the Barotseland Agreement that was immediately rubbished and undermined by His Excellency the President after having spent K1.7 billion on the commission of inquiry. When will the report be availed to the general public?
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I cannot make promises of dates when the report will be released to the public because a collective decision has to be made by the Government after it has considered the recommendations in the report. That is actively ongoing and I am sure hon. Members will appreciate this. It is a sensitive and tricky question because a lot of issues were raised, not just on the Barotseland Agreement or the Barotse Freedom Movement, but other issues as well. The question on how it dove-tails and, also, the decentralisation and devolution plans for all the ten provinces are some of the complications that we are facing. To give the hon. Members some hope, I would expect the report to be in the public domain within one month.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Ndalamei (Sikongo): Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Health workers were given 100 per cent salary increment by the Head of State. When is the Government going to effect the salary increments?
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the Head of State gave this as an opinion that the Ministry of Health workers Deserved an increment.
Laughter
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, he did not award an increment as he flew past the University Teaching Hospital (UTH). As I have mentioned already in this Session, the collective agreement negotiations governing public employees will end this month end. By that time, we expect the arrangements for new salary wages and allowances to be in place for all public servants, including Ministry of Health workers.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Simbao (Senga Hill): Mr Speaker, the projection on copper is that the demand will continue into the unforeseeable future, but the supply has reached its limit at the moment. The fears that the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning had for not introducing the windfall tax do not hold water anymore. In view of this, when will windfall tax be introduced?
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, any windfall tax is just one mechanism or formula for extracting taxation from the buyer, producer of copper or anything. Doubling the royalty, for example, as our hon. Minister Finance and National Planning has done, is another mechanism. A progressive profit income tax is another mechanism. I cannot really stand here and extemporise, with the clock ticking, on the details of tax mechanisms. We want our share of the value added in the copper industry. We want it at approximately fifty-fifty between the investor and the Government, just as that Government did in the days when it ruled. I think we shall continue to demand our pound of flesh. After all, it is our copper, but we shall continue to do so responsibly.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, the MMD Government did a lot of work and cared for its people in the health sector.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mbewe: Sir, many hospitals were built in different districts of the country, including Chadiza. Why is this Government failing to open Chadiza Hospital?
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I have no idea what the specifics of the situation in Chadiza are. I will have to personally look into it and provide the answer to the Hon. Tom and Jerry, …
Laughter
The Vice-President: … the hon. Member for Chadiza.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Sianga (Sesheke): Mr Speaker, is His Honour the Vice-President aware that the newly-appointed District Commissioner for Sesheke, Ms Chaze, has been rejected by her own party (the PF) cadres in Sesheke?
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, we do not want to discuss personalities here. I do not have any detailed information relating to any particular person in all the districts in Zambia or one of them chosen at random. Again, I would just urge hon. Members, including the hon. Member for Chadiza, because he also falls in this category, if they are going to ask me a specific question on a specific place or sector, to simply slip me the information that they are going to ask the question before the Session. This way, I can look into it and may be able to answer the question. I cannot just make any attempt to answer the hon. Member’s question off-the-cuff.
I thank you, Sir.
Ms Kalima (Kasenengwa): Mr Speaker, who has the power to nullify parliamentary seats, including that of His Honour the Vice-President?
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the standard form of nullification is in response to a petition alleging and proving it before a High Court Judge that there were irregularities in the election. I, therefore, implore the hon. Member to read the Constitution and establish that, if that is the case, bearing in mind that there is the right of appeal.
I am striving to remember exactly what the situation is. However, if, for example, a party sponsoring a candidate ceases to exist, is that automatic grounds for removal of the hon. Member of Parliament who is sponsored by that defunct party from the House?
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President: I do not want to go any further because to do so would be going against Mr Speaker’s reminder of yesterday that there is a matter before the courts at the moment which is very closely related to this question. I, therefore, do not wish to tread dangerously.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Hamudulu (Siavonga): Mr Speaker, when the President addressed this august House last year, he made a pronouncement that a formula would be devised to allow local authorities to retain part of the revenues that are generated in their localities. How far have we gone in formulating this formula?
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I do not recall the undertaking. I do, however, notice that there is a Motion next week, relating precisely to the mineral royalty tax sharing mechanism. This is precisely a formula, I take it, for sharing royalties or taxation between local, traditional and the Central Government. Let us, therefore, look forward to a prolonged debate on this topic. It is coming up and no one will stop it.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Namulambe (Mpongwe): Mr Speaker, I would like to know when the Government will remove vendors from the streets because the towns are looking very filthy.
Laughter
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, if the hon. Member has jobs available for all the street vendors in his constituency or somewhere else in Zambia, the task would be very easy.
The task, as I am sure hon. Members are aware, has been made very difficult by the fact that the previous Government, over a period of twenty years, failed to markedly increase the levels of employment. This is despite the fact that the population of Zambia doubled and that 300,000 people a year continued to join the labour market.
Maybe, the hon. Member will explain to me what he wishes to do with the poor unemployed people in this country instead of simply lamenting the fact that the filth is an eyesore. Of course, it is an eyesore. Unemployment and poverty are an eyesore. This is how it is but, as PF, we will not sweep it under the carpet.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Sililo (Mulobezi): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from His Honour the Vice-President whether he is aware that for the past twenty-one years, a community was settled in the Mulobezi Forest. However, it has now been ordered to move out before June, 2012.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the PF has a record of responding to problems of internally displaced people. This was the case in Sichifulo. It was brought to the attention of the House and the Government by the same block of hon. Members of Parliament plus or minus the new ones and the ones who did not re-contest that there was a problem of internally displaced persons. We have shown readiness to act promptly once we have the power to bring about restitution. If I can have the details of what is happening in Mulobezi, we shall act on it.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha (Keembe): Mr Speaker, Interpol has issued a red alert for a citizen of this country. To my knowledge a red alert is issued on a terrorist. Can the Government, through His Honour the Vice-President, tell us if there are any other conditions that warrant a red alert other than terrorism.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, this is the problem with asking questions in abstract. It is still a question about an individual, if I guessed right, whom he is referring to. I just think that it is wrong to address me, on behalf of the Government, to a question about an individual, his relationship with law enforcement authorities and how they are intending to treat the matter.
If he is a fugitive then, presumably, there are procedures that have to be followed, …
Mr Mbulakulima: On a point of order, Sir.
The Vice-President: … as the person who has asked the question knows from his history as Minister of Home Affairs.
I thank you, Sir.
Ms Imenda (Luena): Mr Speaker, …
Mr Mbulakulima: On a point of procedure, Sir.
Ms Imenda: …the House is aware of the events of January, 14 in Mongu …
Mr Mbulakulima: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, His Honour the Vice-President’s Question Time has been a window for asking important questions and getting answers. This has been the norm since independence.
Mr Speaker, of late, we are seeing a different situation. Is the current Vice-President in order to lower the standard of this House by failing to answer important questions?
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Speaker: Order!
I think that point of order has been put in a much generalised format. I think that, in all fairness to His Honour the Vice-President, hon. Members should ask specific questions and they will, hopefully, get specific answers.
If this particular point of order has been prompted by the preceding question, specifically, that which was raised by the hon. Member for Keembe, personally, I also had difficulty fathoming the nature of the question. Therefore, in order to avoid what you may consider to be evasive responses, hon. Members are strongly urged to ask specific questions. Mind you, the audience goes beyond the Floor of this House. The nation is part of the audience and it needs very clear debates from this House in order to follow. This is my ruling.
The hon. Member for Luena may proceed.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Ms Imenda: Mr Speaker, the House is aware of the events of January 14, 2011 in Mongu. The Government sent policemen to various parts of Mongu, specifically my constituency, Limulunga. They had no proper accommodation and ended up spending nights in classrooms. Is His Honour the Vice-President aware that as a result of this, Limulunga High School has over thirty pregnant girls? Is the Vice-President aware of this situation and does this Government intend to do anything about the victims?
Laughter
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, a question about one pregnant woman might be answerable. It is very difficult for me to give any definitive answer about thirty pregnant women ...
Laughter
The Vice-President: … seriously. However, this matter is actually contained in the report which has not yet been released, but is under active consideration by the Cabinet. I will expect the answers to her question and any restitution that is judged to be appropriate to come out in the wash, so to speak.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr P. Ngoma (Feira): Mr Speaker, if the PF Government is professional in the appointment of District Commissioners (DCs) in various districts, why is it allowing civil servants in some districts to act as DCs for more than six months without offering them letters of appointment? These qualified and experienced Government employees …
Laughter
Hon. Government Members: Iwe, time, time!
Mr Speaker: Order!
His Honour The Vice-President’s Question Time expired.
___________{mospagebreak}
QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER
CELL PHONE SIM CARDS
214. Mr Mtolo (Chipata Central) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication whether the Government was considering introducing compulsory registration of cell phone sim cards in order to guard against criminal activities.
The Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Mr Mwenya): Mr Speaker, the Government has already issued Statutory Instrument No. 65 of 2011, the Information and Communication Technologies (Registration of Electronic Communication Apparatus) Regulation, 2011.
Sir, the Statutory Instrument makes it mandatory for those who sell sim cards and the network operators to capture identity details of persons to whom a sim card is sold and a number assigned.
Mr Speaker, electronic communications network service providers shall maintain an electronic register of individual subscriber information that includes names and physical addresses of subscribers and the serial numbers of the sim cards.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Mtolo: Mr Speaker, would the hon. Minister be kind enough to indicate the timeframe in which we will have this effected.
Mr Mwenya: Mr Speaker, the Statutory Instrument always comes with a timeframe. I would like to mention here that we expect it to be implemented by June this year.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister answer whether there are plans to introduce a new network and if so, when will this be done?
Mr Mwenya: Mr Speaker, that is a totally new question. It is outside the question that is on the Floor.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
KASANKA/MILENGE ROAD
215. Mr Mbulakulima (Chembe) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:
(a) when the Kansaka/Milenge Road, which is currently in a deplorable state, would be rehabilitated so that Milenge District is not cut off from the rest of Luapula Province during the rainy season;
(b) when the road above would be tarred;
(c) when the Mansa/Milambo Road would be upgraded to bituminous standard; and
(d) whether the Government had plans to connect Milenge to Milambo without necessarily passing through Mansa Town.
The Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Dr Mwali): Mr Speaker, currently, there are no plans to rehabilitate this road as it is not included in this year’s budget. However, after the provincial roads engineer went round the province and looked at the conditions of most of the roads, it was decided that this road be part of the roads that have been submitted to the Road Development Agency (RDA), Lusaka, for funding to carry out emergency works. We intend to secure about K1 billion to carry out some emergency works.
Secondly, in our current plans to tar roads, we have not included the Kasanka/Milenge stretch. The stretch that we are looking at starts from the Mumbo/Tuta Turn Off to Chembe. This will be covered under the feasibility studies that we will conduct this year.
Sir, currently, the ministry does not have plans to upgrade this stretch of the road to bituminous standard. There was an intention to work on this road under the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) funding, but that has fallen away. We now have to plan for this road under normal Government funding for future works.
Ms Namugala entered the Assembly Chamber.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, continue, please.
Dr Mwali: Hon. Members, I am still answering the question asked by Hon. Mwansa Mbulakulima on whether the Government has any plans to consturct a road from Milambo/Milenge without passing through Mansa Town.
Laughter
Dr Mwali: Yes, we have plans to connect Milenge to Milambo, but we will start with the connection from Milenge to Chembe. Thereafter, we will look at the Milenge/Milambo Road.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister’s answers from parts (a) to (d) of the question indicate that the Government has completely refused to help the people of Milenge. Is this an indication that the people of Milenge are being discriminated against because they belong to the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD)?
Interruptions
Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, it is unfortunate that my hon. Colleague and Member of Parliament for Chembe has decided to use very strong words. In fact, this House is aware that this year, we passed a Budget in which we allocated K1.2 billion for feasibility studies and detail designs to connect Milenge to the Chembe/Mansa Road, four kilometres from Chembe, that is, the stretch going to Lwela Crossing. We consider that to be a very important connection.
At the same time, Sir, we have stated that we appreciate the deplorable condition of the Kasanka/Milenge Road. In the past three months, I have been on that road three times, hence my knowledge of its condition. This is the road that we use to transport building materials for a trade school, a hospital and a high school in Milenge. That is why the provincial roads engineer has requested the RDA, Lusaka, to allocate K1 billion for emergency works.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, we cannot be everywhere at the same time.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Namulambe (Mpongwe): Mr Speaker, Milenge District is very suitable for agriculture and it is an emerging district. Which of the two roads between the Kasanka/Milenge and Mansa/Milambo Road will the Government consider to tar for Milenge District?
Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the question asked by the hon. Member of Parliament for Mpongwe is the same as parts (b) and (c) of the main question by the hon. Member of Parliament for Chembe. In response, we said that we will not put a bitumen surface on this stretch of the road between Kasanka and Milenge. We will instead start from the junction that goes from Mumbo/Tuta Turn-off to Chembe. In future, we shall extend the project.
We know the importance of the Kasanka/Milenge and Milambo/Mansa connections. We are also aware of the potential of agricultural development that is not yet tapped in that region. We, therefore, intend to carry out those works so that the area can also be developed.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Speaker gave the Floor to Mr M. B. Mwale.
Mr M. B. Mwale (Malambo): Mr Speaker, my question has been overtaken by events.
SOLWEZI DISTRICT BRIDGES
216. Mr Mwanza (Solwezi West) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication when the bridges on the following rivers in Solwezi District would be constructed to facilitate transportation of goods and people:
(a) Musangezhi;
(b) Lumwana;
(c) Mutanda;
(d) Kifubwa;
(e) Maheba;
(f) Solwezi;
(g) Lunga;
(h) Mumbezhi on Kalengelenge Road; and
(i) Mafwe in Chief Matebo’s area.
Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, I will start with the areas where we have planned works. The Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication, through the RDA, has set aside K750 million in this year’s annual work plan for the construction of the Mbonge Bridge on Kifubwa River. The process of sourcing a contractor is under way and once this tendering process is completed, the contract will be signed with the successful bidder. At the same time, the Government realises that this river needs more crossings. It is for this reason that another crossing at Zangameni is under construction and, currently, the following have been undertaken: foundations, piers, abutments and wing walls, with only the deck and embankments pending.
Mr Speaker, secondly, in terms of where we have works, the Lunga Bridge on the Mulenga/Kalobwe Road requires a concrete deck. The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), under its Bridge Programme Phase II, has budgeted for it and the works will commence this year.
Mr Speaker, let me now comment on works that are still at the planning stage. The Musangezhi, Maheba, Solwezi, Mumbezhi and Mafwe bridges are not in this year’s annual work plan. However, as soon as they are prioritised by the local authority, they will be considered for funding. According to the information that we have, Lumwana Bridge is between Maheba and the R1 Entrance to the Lumwana Mining Company, and is in a useable condition. Mutanda River Bridge also already exists and is in a useable condition.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Mwanza: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that some of the bridges in the area such as at Kabompo in the North-Western Province near Chief Ntambo are posing a great danger to members of the public? If he is aware, is there any plan to construct a bridge on the Kabompo River?
Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, our provincial roads engineers across the country are compiling data of all the works that have to be carried out on an emergency basis. If that bridge requires emergency attention, it will definitely be funded under this programme to repair bridges that need urgent attention. There is approximately K40 billion in the budget for that.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Ndalamei (Sikongo): Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that a person died while crossing the Solwezi Bridge and, if so, what measures is he going to take to prevent the loss of life on that bridge?
Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the Government is aware of the continued hazard that these crossing points pose. That is why we are keen on providing bridges at such dangerous points.
I thank you, Sir.
BANGWEULU GAME MANAGEMENT AREA WILDLIFE
217. Mr Chisala (Chilubi) asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism which of the protected areas surrounding the Bangweulu Game Management Area had the highest number of black lechwe and tsessebes.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism (Mr Lubinda): Sir, the Bangweulu Game Management Area (GMA) is surrounded by four wildlife protected areas, namely Chambeshi, Kalasamukoso, Kafinda and Lavushi Manda National Park. The Bangweulu GMA is the core area and has the highest number of both black lechwe and tsessebes. Among the surrounding GMAs, Kalasamukoso has the highest number of black lechwe whereas Kafinda has the highest number of tsessebes.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chisala: Sir, could the hon. Minister be kind enough to educate me on whether his office is considering restocking the GMAs that have lower populations of the animal species in question.
Mr Lubinda: Sir, all GMAs whose stocks are depleted are being considered for restocking although not in the same manner or sense as cattle restocking. This is done through the concession of GMAs to companies that are willing to protect the areas from hunting and poaching for a number of years so as to build up the stocks in the areas.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Livune (Katombola): Sir, may the hon. Minister educate me on whether that includes the Sichifulo GMA?
Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, in responding to the hon. Member for Chilubi, I talked about GMAs. Therefore, if Sichifulo is under stocked or its stocks are depleted, we will consider it. I am sure that my colleague will be aware of the fact that one of the reasons the Sichifulo people were displaced is that the GMA is considered to be very well stocked and good enough for safari hunting.
I thank you, Sir.
CONVICTED POACHERS
218. Mr Chisala asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism:
(a) how many poachers were arrested in the Bangweulu Game Management Area from 1st January to 10th December, 2011; and
(b) of the number in (a) above, how many were convicted and imprisoned.
Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, 119 poachers were arrested in the Bangweulu Game Management Area from 1st January, 10th December, 2011. Of the 119 poachers, 117 were convicted and sixty-eight imprisoned.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, in the past, it was observed that arrested poachers suffered brutality at the hands of the game scouts. That being the case, what does the hon. Minister intend to do to protect would-be poachers?
Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I intend to protect would-be poachers by appealing to members of the public not to engage in poaching. Beyond that, I would like to appeal to hon. Members of Parliament, particularly those whose constituencies are fortunate enough to have GMAs, to, please, educate the people in the GMAs not to attack the scouts. Quite often, it is the scouts who are brutalised by the people and, therefore, they are the ones who need protection. I hope that my colleague, Hon. Chisala, will take it upon himself to inform the people in GMAs that they must learn to protect the scouts in his area because they are there for the purpose of protecting both our wildlife and people. I hope he will join me and the Government in discouraging people from poaching.
Sir, for those who want to eat game meat, please, go to the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) for licences.
I thank you, Sir.
NANGOMA MISSION HOSPITAL/LUSAKA-MUMBWA JUNCTION ROAD
219. Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication whether the Government had any plans to tar the road from Nangoma Mission Hospital to the junction of the Lusaka-Mumbwa Road.
Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, we fully appreciate the importance of Nangoma, especially that it has a high-level medical facility and it is within our future plans to connect most of the high-level hospitals by bituminous roads. However, in terms of this year’s Budget, we have been constrained with the limited funds available as we are preoccupied with the completion of the on-going projects.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that the road is too narrow? If he is, would it not be prudent to widen it a bit?
Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, as part of the road programme under this administration, our engineers are conducting assessments on most of these roads and, as soon as these reports are in, we shall act on the recommendations.
I thank you, Sir.
Ms Kalima (Kasenengwa): Mr Speaker, following the many neglected roads, especially in the rural constituencies, I would like to know what makes a road qualify to be gravelled or, better still, tarred.
Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, in terms of tarring roads, feasibility studies prioritise comparative traffic volumes on these roads. However, in terms of other surfaces, we prepare ourselves, as much as possible, to connect our traffic to most centres of economic activity.
I thank you, Sir.
DRUG TRAFFICKING CASES
220. Mr Chisala asked the Minister of Home Affairs:
(a) how many cases of drug trafficking were handled by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) from 30th August, 2011 to 30th December, 2011;
(b) how many people were arrested for dealing in cannabis; and
(c) which province they were from.
The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Dr Simbyakula): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the DEC recorded 805 cases of drug trafficking for the period 30th August, 2011 to 30th December, 2011.
Mr Speaker, 912 people were arrested by the DEC for dealing in cannabis countrywide. These are broken down according to provinces as follows:
Province Number of Arrests
Lusaka 233
Copperbelt 171
Luapula 95
Central 89
North-Western 77
Eastern 73
Western 63
Southern 60
Northern 51
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, of late, it has been observed that the cultivation of cannabis is on the increase both in urban and rural areas. How does the hon. Minister intend to help arrest this trend?
Dr Simbyakula: Mr Speaker, as a way of reducing the increasing trend of cannabis cultivation, the DEC has embarked on a sensitisation programme to educate the public on the dangers of cannabis and to urge those who are growing it to shift to more useful crops that are helpful to human beings.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Ngo’nga (Kaputa): Mr Speaker, I would like to know when the ministry will decentralise the DEC to districts so that it could help in sensitising communities on the dangers of these drugs.
Dr Simbyakula: Mr Speaker, decentralisation is an on-going programme.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chilangwa (Kawambwa): Mr Speaker, does the Government have any plans to assist farmers who cultivate cannabis to export it because it has been legalised in some Western countries and people are able to sell it and earn income out of it? Why do we not take this approach?
Dr Simbyakula: Mr Speaker, unfortunately, growing cannabis is an illegal activity in Zambia.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, why are women more involved in drug trafficking in Zambia?
The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Sakeni): Mr Speaker, women are normally used as couriers internationally, but this does not mean that they are more involved in consuming the drug.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Milambo (Mwembeshi): Mr Speaker, how many of the given drug trafficking cases involved women?
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, there are more men arrested locally for abuse of cannabis than women.
I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}
Ms Kalima: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has informed the House that women are used as couriers. What is the ministry doing about that?
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, the department responsible is sensitising women by interlinking with women’s organisations to, at least, engage, especially young women, who like travelling abroad, because these are the ones who are mostly used, at times unknowingly, as couriers. This programme is being intensified and that is why we are trying to open up centres in areas we think are strategically important to have our officers. These include countries such as Pakistan and China, where, I think, Zambian women are most likely to be used because they go there more frequently for business and other matters.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Mr Speaker, in areas such as the Western Province, cannabis is considered to be a vegetable. May I know whether it is also an offence to take cannabis as a vegetable?
Laughter
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, the cultivation or consumption of cannabis whether as a vegetable or otherwise is an offence. I am aware of the traditional practices in some areas of our country. It was normal for people in the olden days to take cannabis, just like the other questioner had put it that, in some Western countries, taking cannabis is not an offence. However, we are in a modern society and need to just conform to our new dispensation that there must be law and order. When cannabis is outlawed, it is outlawed even if it is eaten as a vegetable. The mere act of growing it is an offence.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Sianga (Sesheke): Mr Speaker, of the number of people arrested for drug trafficking that we were given, how many were youths?
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member needs a detailed answer. We all know that the problem of drugs is more pronounced among our youths. That is why I am calling upon all hon. Members to sensitise our children, cousins and all our young ones not to take drugs.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mutelo (Lukulu West): Mr Speaker, we only know of the negative part of cannabis. Can cannabis be used for medicinal purposes? Can scientists not study and find the positive elements of cannabis?
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, currently, in Zambia, no study has been undertaken to find out whether cannabis can be used for medicinal purposes. However, we have heard of such studies in other countries and it is proved, in some areas, that it is being used for medicinal purposes. Currently, this is not being done in this country because of the abuse aspect of it which makes it to be considered as dangerous.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chishiba (Kafulafuta): Mr Speaker, there have been daily pronouncements of the market or street value of cannabis from the DEC. Why can the ministry not stop giving the value of cannabis? This encourages the cultivation of cannabis because it makes people know that there is a lot of money in this activity. The ministry should, instead, talk about the penalties and sanctions. Is there a way in which the ministry can put in place measures to curtail the cultivation of cannabis?
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, I think, of late, the hon. Member of Parliament has noticed that we are no longer giving out the monetary value of the drugs that are seized. We are only talking about the quantity.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
POLICE CHECK POINTS
221. Mr Chisala asked the Ministry of Home Affairs:
(a) how many permanent police check points were in the following provinces:
(i) Lusaka;
(ii) Copperbelt; and
(iii) Central; and
(b) how much money was raised from offences related to road tax and drivers’ licences from 5th January, 2011 to 5th December, 2011.
Dr Simbyakula: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that Lusaka Province has four permanent security check points, namely Westwood along New Mumbwa Road, Chongwe along the Great East Road, Kafue, along Kafue/Chirundu Road and Kabangwe Security Check Point along the Great North Road.
Sir, the Copperbelt Province has seven permanent security check points, namely Kafulafuta, Indeni and Hillcrest in Ndola, Kafue in Kitwe, Sabina, at the Solwezi Turn Off, and Luanshya Security Check Point.
Mr Speaker, the Central Province has five permanent security check points, namely Nangoma in Mumbwa, Manyumbi in Kabwe, Chisamba in Chibombo, Ndabala in Mkushi and Kapiri Weighbridge in Kapiri Mposhi.
Sir, K14.3 billion was raised from offences related to road tax and drivers’ licences from 5th January, 2011 to 5th December, 2011.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, may I know how the revenue he has reported to the House is utilised?
Dr Simbyakula: Mr Speaker, all the revenue raised from traffic-related offences is remitted to the Central Treasury.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mweetwa (Choma Central): Mr Speaker, since the amounts of money raised at check points and roadblocks are related to the levels of corruption prevalent in these places, has the ministry got plans to dissolve the Traffic Section of the police and make the function of conducting roadblocks a routine job which will be done on a duty basis? The system should allow every police officer to man a roadblock in order to reduce corruption since those who are permanently in the Traffic Section are said to be endemically corrupt.
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, when I answered this question the last time, I told the House that we were trying to come up with stringent measures which will not oblige people to pay traffic fines on the spot. The offenders will instead be given tickets on the spot. This is in the quest for a formula which will reduce incidences of corruption at roadblocks. We also aim to sensitise members of the general public about this ill. There are also other issues that people have raised through the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication. Some people have stated that members of the public entice police officers with bribes because the legitimate fines are too high. All these are areas we are looking into. I am sure that sooner rather than later, we will be able to come up with measures that will help us reduce the scourge of corruption at roadblocks.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chipungu (Rufunsa): Mr Speaker, is the Government not considering the construction of permanent structures for permanent roadblocks in order to improve the working conditions of police officers who are found there on a daily basis?
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, that is a good suggestion. I will reflect on its merits.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Milambo: Mr Speaker, why has the hon. Minister removed the strategic check point at the Chisamba/Kabwe Road Junction?
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, according to my submission, the Chisamba/Kabwe Junction Roadblock is supposed to be in Chibombo. If it is not, it will be reintroduced as soon as possible.
I thank you, Sir.
ROADS IN NORTHERN PROVINCE
222. Mr Chisala asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:
(a) how many roads were worked on under the National Roads Fund Agency (NRFA) in the Northern Province in 2010;
(b) of the roads at (a), how many were completed as of December, 2011; and
(c) which contractors failed to complete the projects as of December, 2011 and what the reasons for the failure were.
Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, there were thirty road projects commissioned by the NRFA. Out of these, three were not completed. I must hasten to say that, in terms of the eight falling under routine maintenance, all the contracts were completed and renewed as they were three-year contracts, renewable every year, subject to the contractor’s performance.
Mr Speaker, as regards the three roads that have not been completed, the first one involved periodic maintenance of the T2 to Shiwang’andu which was being implemented by Pine Roads and General Dealers. It had a contract sum of K7.5 billion with a completion period of seven months. The contract was terminated because the contractor abandoned the site of works for more that twenty-eight days without the authority of the project manager, the RDA, contrary to the requirements of Clause 59.2 (a) of the General Conditions of Contract.
The second project, which has not been completed involved periodic maintenance of U37/RD67 which is the Mwenewisi/Mulekatembo/Mpangala. This was being implemented by Argente Company at a contract sum of K12.5 billion and had a completion period of twelve months. This contract was mutually terminated as the contractor did not complete the works as scheduled. There was no approval of extension of time by the RDA.
Mr Speaker, the third project that has not been completed involves the periodic maintenance of the Mbala/Mpulungu/Kasaba Bay. This is being implemented by China Jiangxi International Economic Technical Co-operation at a contract sum of K40 billion and has a completion period of fourteen months. The progress on the project is very slow with an initial four months extension of time having been exhausted on the contract by the contractor. The contractor applied for a further seven months extension that was rejected by the RDA. Liquidated damages are currently being applied due to the delay in completing the project. Should a situation arise that the 10 per cent ceiling of the contract price is exceeded, the RDA will terminate the contract in accordance with Clause 59.2 (g) of the General Conditions of Contract.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, may I know …
Ms Kalima: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Ms Kalima: Mr Speaker, I thank you for allowing me to raise this point of order. Is the Government in order to continue to show old pictures of the old Parliament under the programme “Inside Parliament” as though this new Parliament does not exist?
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Speaker: Order!
I will request the hon. Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour, in the course of this meeting, to respond and attend to this issue.
May the hon. Member continue, please.
Mr Chisala: Sir, since the contracts regarding the three roads mentioned by the hon. Deputy Minister in his answer have been terminated, may I know whether new contractors have been engaged.
Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the RDA is in the process of engaging new contractors for the contracts that were terminated.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Mr Speaker, …
Mr Mutelo: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, my apologies to the hon. Member of Parliament on the Floor. I am rising on a point of order for the first time. Is the hon. Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication in order to keep quiet regarding the state of the Katunda/Lukulu Road which is impassable to the extent that buses from Lusaka are not able to reach Lukulu and the ones from Lukulu are not able to reach Lusaka? The destination of all the buses is a place known as Lishuwa. People now spend nights in that area. Is he in order to keep quiet when people are suffering?
Hon. Government Members: MMD material!
Mr Speaker: Order!
The hon. Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication will take that into account as he answers the next question.
May the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu continue, please.
Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, before I was distracted by my hon. colleague, I was trying to …
Hon. MMD Members: Question!
Mr Kampyongo: … find out what interventions his ministry will put in place to ensure that some of the roads that were worked on in 2010 and 2011, which are now in bad shape, are repaired. I am talking about roads such as the Safwa/Chinsali to the Kasama/Mpika Junction, the Matumbo/Chama Road which was recently worked on, but is also in a terrible shape and the road which was mentioned by the hon. Deputy Minister which is important to a certain Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) project. May I know how urgently the ministry will attend to these roads.
Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, we are interested in making the new province of Muchinga and the new district functional as quickly as we can. We know the importance of connectivity in this province. We are currently looking at what needs to be done about the roads he has mentioned.
Sir, regarding the point of order by the hon. Member of Parliament for Lukulu West, he knows fully well that the whole of this week, which is immediately after he and Hon. Dr Kalila brought that issue to our attention, we have been working to ensure that the road he cited is passable. As a temporary measure, the RDA and the RRU have had to put stones and rocks on this road so as to allow traffic to pass.
However, I am happy to confirm that we had a meeting at our ministry yesterday where the Permanent Secretary for the Western Province, the NRFA and the RDA were in attendance. In that meeting, it was agreed that the NRFA would provide about K700 million for additional emergency works while the RDA looked at the possibility of sourcing K7 billion for the purpose of working on the entire stretch from Katunda to Lukulu West. We have been quiet, but very active.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Ms Namugala (Mafinga): Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister give a timeframe within which the RDA will engage new contractors to rehabilitate the three roads in the Northern and Muchinga provinces and, in particular, the Mulekatembo/Mwenewisi/ Mpangala Road.
Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, we appreciate the need to provide a timeframe in which to engage contractors. However, we are waiting for our agent to give us the eventual programme of works so that we know the exact timeframe required to complete the works. As soon as that information is available, we will furnish this House with it.
I thank you, Sir.
NATIONAL PARKS REVENUE
223. Mr Chisala asked the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism how much revenue was raised in the following national parks in 2010:
(a) Nsumbu;
(b) Mweru Wantipa; and
(c) Lusenga.
Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, in the year 2010, the Nsumbu National Park generated K118,348,480.00 and US$17,400.00.
Sir, no revenue was raised from Mweru Wantipa National Park in 2010 because it has no tourist facilities and lacks access road infrastructure.
Mr Speaker, only K5,052,720.00 and US$35.00 was raised from Lusenga Plain National Park in 2010. The low revenue raised from this park is attributed to the fact that the park is still being developed for tourism activities. It has neither good tourist facilities nor proper road infrastructure.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, may I know how much revenue is ploughed back into the communities that surround these national parks.
Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, wherever revenue is generated, 50 per cent of it goes back to the communities through community resource management boards.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Kalaba (Bahati): Mr Speaker, when will the ministry put in place measures to ensure that Mweru Wantipa National Park is accessible so that it becomes a source of revenue for the nation?
Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, Mweru Wantipa and many other national parks are being considered for upgrading. Currently, we are actively involved in encouraging the private sector to set up facilities, including road infrastructure, in these areas. I am sure the House is aware of the fact that in the 2012 Budget, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning included some funding for opening up of tourist areas and national parks. This is a matter that is receiving active attention.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Ng’onga: Mr Speaker, knowing very well that one of the major challenges we have in these national parks is shortage of manpower, what is the ministry doing to increase manpower to man our wildlife activities in the area?
Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, we are currently looking at training as many people as possible in the local areas so that they become scouts, particularly in the GMAs where poaching is rampant. This is being done by encouraging the local communities to become involved in conservation efforts and thereby have the number of poachers reduced.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chitotela (Pambashe): Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister inform the nation, through me, …
Laughter
Mr Chitotela: … whether the Government has any intention of improving the infrastructure at Lumangwe Falls which is in the Lusenga National Park and is the second biggest falls in Zambia?
Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I will try to inform the nation, through you, …
Hon. Government Members: Yes!
Laughter
Mr Lubinda: … by taking advantage of the question by my colleague, that we are looking at ways of increasing accessibility to all tourist sites, including Pambashe.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chilangwa: Mr Speaker, according to the hon. Minister’s answer, the Government is working round the clock to ensure that all the national parks are upgraded. Is he aware that a lot of work was done in the Lusenga National Park in 2008 under a project called, ‘Destination Luapula’? Through this project, a number of animals were translocated to the national park. Unfortunately, since then, the animals have not been secured and the project, which should have been an annual event, has completely collapsed. What is the ministry doing to revamp the project?
Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, ‘Destination Luapula’ was a very important undertaking that was jointly conducted by the Government and the private sector. I would like to encourage the private sector operators, including my friend, the hon. Member of Parliament who asked the question, to revive his interest in ‘Destination Luapula’. Once the private sector is in the forefront, the Government will certainly partner with it to make sure that part of our country is opened up to tourism. We are concerned about this, but we would like to encourage the private sector to get involved because this needs the partnership of both the private and public sector.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, any revenues from the Liuwa National Park?
Laughter
Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I am not sure what my colleague would like to find out from me. If the question is whether or not there is any revenue from the Liuwa National Park, the answer is, yes, there is.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Ntundu (Gwembe): Mr Speaker, I would like to hear …
Mr Speaker: Order!
Business was suspended from 1045 hours until 1100 hours. {mospagebreak}
[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]
Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, before business was suspended, I was about to ask a question with regard the to answer that was given by the hon. Minister, my very good friend and the former hon. UPND Member of Parliament.
Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has been talking about the facilities developed by the Government that will make Lusenga attractive to tourists. Can he share what those facilities are with the House.
Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, a number of facilities are required in a national park before it is made accessible to tourists. Some of these include infrastructure such as roads and camping facilities. The Government is working round the clock to provide basic infrastructure. We hope that the private sector will also follow suit by putting up camping or lodging facilities.
I thank you, Sir.
Professor Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, in the hon. Minister’s response to the hon. Member for Kaputa’s question, he indicated that he was taking measures to control poaching as a strategy to raising revenue. Does the hon. Minister know that there is no equivalent to the term ‘poaching’ in any of our local languages? If he does, could he enlighten us on what constitutes poaching in any of the Zambian local languages?
Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, there might be no equivalent term to ‘poaching’ in any of the local languages but, with your permission, I would like to tell the hon. Member that, in the language in which he was socialised as a young person, poaching is equivalent to busholi bwa lifolofolo.
Laughter
Mr Lubinda: This means theft of wildlife.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Lubinda: Going out and hunting animals without a licence constitutes poaching. This, in Hon. Professor Lungwangwa’s language, kibusholi, meaning theft.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Hamudulu (Siavonga): Mr Speaker, I would like to know what the hon. Minister is doing to protect human life and crops in areas such as Chirundu where there are stray animals from the GMAs.
Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, in areas where the animal-human conflict is prevalent, there are ZAWA scouts whose responsibility is to control or reduce the extent of these conflicts. I would like to appeal to people who live in such areas to quickly alert the scouts about these incidences.
Mr Speaker, concerning the Chirundu/Siavonga area, the ministry is aware of the fact that there is an overpopulation of crocodiles at the moment. We know that crocodiles are causing a lot of havoc to our people. I would like to assure the House and nation at large that ZAWA is putting in place measures to try and crop the excess crocodiles.
We issued an advertisement but, unfortunately, the response was not good. I am calling for another advertisement to be made so that the private sector can assist us crop the excess crocodiles from Lake Kariba in the Chirundu area and Siavonga, particularly.
I thank you, Sir.
Dr Chituwo (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism consider that, perhaps, one of the reasons for poaching is the high fees for animal licences. Could he consider that, perhaps, reducing the licence fees, among many other measures, is one way of minimising poaching.
Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I would like to take advantage of this question and inform the House that, as a matter of fact, Zambia is amongst the countries that offer animals at the lowest fee in the sub-region. Animals in Zambia are extremely cheap. There is no evidence, whatsoever, that if we reduced the licence fees, we would mitigate poaching.
As a matter of fact, poachers do not do so because of poverty. The majority of poachers do so because of greed. It is people who own Pajeros who engage in this malpractice. Owning a gun is not cheap. I, therefore, do not think that this is something we must be considering. Rather, I would like to encourage Hon. Dr Chituwo, whose constituency borders a GMA, to kindly encourage the people in that area to obtain licences so that they stop poaching because evidence abounds that the fees do not encourage poaching. It is actually to the contrary.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Simfukwe (Mbala): Mr Speaker, I am asking this question on behalf of the hon. Members for Kaputa and Mpulungu, Hon. Ng’onga and Hon. Sikazwe, respectively. Nsumbu National Park houses the world famous Kasaba Bay tourist resort where the animal population is depleted. How much progress is there in restocking the park?
Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, we do not have any intentions of airlifting animals to Nsumbu National Park. We plan to concession the park so that the concessionaires assist us in avoiding poaching. The animal population in this park is depleted because of the high levels of poaching. We hope that the hon. Members, on whose behalf he asked the question, will join us in discouraging the people in the area from rampant poaching.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Mr Speaker, the President of the Republic of Zambia, at Zambia’s Independence Day celebrations, gave amnesty to individuals who had been incarcerated for minor offences related to poaching as described by the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Tourism on the Floor of this House.
Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism and – what? – …
Laughter
Mr Nkombo: … indicated that in areas where there is an animal-human conflict, game scouts are engaged to mitigate the conflicts. I would like to find out from him on which side these game scouts are during their discourse. Are they on the side of human beings or on the side of animals since now we have been told by the Government, through the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, that poaching constitutes a minor offence?
Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I am sure that Hon. Nkombo knows that the game scouts are employed to safeguard the interests of the citizens of Zambia. Therefore, they are on the side of human beings. Being on the side of human beings, their duty is to ensure that the human beings’ wildlife heritage is protected.
Mr Speaker, when the hon. Minister of Home Affairs clarified that the prisoners who were released had committed minor wildlife offences, he did not include poaching. He actually mentioned being found in possession of game meat. He gave that as a specific example. These are the ones we consider minor offences. Poaching is not a minor offence. Let me make it clear that all those who shall be found poaching will be arrested and prosecuted and, if convicted, they shall serve the full sentence. There is no question about it.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Belemu (Mbabala): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that the ministry has no intentions of airlifting animals to the park. Would the hon. Minister indicate to us what happened to the animals that were donated by South Africa and were awaiting transportation to Nsumbu National Park.
Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, obviously, my colleague seems to have a bit more information than I do on this matter. I will appreciate it if he could come to our offices or even outside Parliament today to give me the details so that I can follow up the matter. I have to concede that I am not aware of that.
I thank you, Sir.
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MOTION
ADJOURNMENT
The Vice-President (Dr Scott): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.
Question put and agreed to.
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The House adjourned at 1115 hours until 1430 hours on Tuesday, 20th March, 2012.