Wednesday, 27th September, 2023

Wednesday, 27^thSeptember, 2023

The House met at 1430 hours

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM SPEAKER

PRESENCE OF MEMBERS OF THE ZAMBIA UNITED NATIONAL FREEDOM FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION IN THE PUBLIC GALLERY

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of the members of the Zambia United National Freedom Fighters Association. On behalf of the National Assembly of Zambia, I warmly welcome our visitors into our midst.

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

PRESENCE OF PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM EAGLE’S NEST SCHOOL IN LUSAKA DISTRICT IN THE PUBLIC GALLERY

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of pupils as well as teachers from Eagle’s Nest School, in Lusaka District.

The pupils and teachers rose.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: On behalf of the National Assembly of Zambia, I warmly welcome our visitors into our midst.

I thank you. You may resume your seats.

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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

MR TWASA, HON. MEMBER OF PARALIMENT FOR KASENENGWA CONSTITUENCY, ON THE VICE-PRESIDENT, MRS NALUMANGO, ON THE DEBATE AFTER PRESENTATION OF THE NATIONAL BUDGET

Mr Twasa (Kasenengwa): On a matter of urgent public importance, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: A matter of urgent public importance is raised.

Mr Twasa: Madam Speaker, thank you very much for this opportunity to raise this very important matter. The matter I am raising is directed at Her Honour the Vice-President, who is the Leader of Government Business in the House.

Madam Speaker, I am at sea and the issue I am raising here can cause total chaos in the country. It is a very serious –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member, just go straight to the matter of what you want to raise. Do not start categorising it, whether it is very urgent, important or what it is going to cause. You are alarming the nation. What is the matter of urgent public importance, hon. Member?

Mr Twasa: Well guided, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, in the next few weeks, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning will be coming to this House to present the Budget.

Hon. Members: On Friday.

Mr Twasa: It is tomorrow, I beg your pardon.

Mr Nkandu: You are, indeed, at sea.

Mr Twasa: Yes, I am at sea. I still confused. I beg your pardon, Madam Speaker.

Laughter

Mr Twasa: Madam Speaker, the Budget will be presented by the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning. This is a Budget prepared by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning. It will be brought to this House to your hon. Members, which hon. Members –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member, what is your matter of urgent public importance? Do not debate. What is the matter?

Mr Twasa: Madam Speaker, there was guidance given last week that your hon. Members, who do not work for the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, are not allowed to debate documents that are prepared at the ministry. I am wondering what will be the use of the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning bringing the Budget to hon. Members who will not be allowed to debate, according to the order that was given.

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member, you may resume your seat. You know very well that the matter does not qualify to be raised as a matter of urgent public importance. In any event, when the Budget is presented, we will cross the bridge when we get there. Why do you want to run before the cart? Let us wait for the cart so that we jump into it. Then, we will see whether it is going to be a bumpy road or a smooth road.

ENG. MABENGA, HON. MEMBER OF PARALIMENT FOR MULOBEZI CONSTITUENCY, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF EDUCATION, MR SYAKALIMA, ON THE TRANSFER OF TEACHERS FROM MULOBEZI

Eng. Mabenga (Mulobezi): On a matter of urgent public importance, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: A matter of urgent public importance is raised.

Mr Twasa: Madam Speaker, my question is directed at the hon. Minister of Education. As of yesterday evening, seventy-one teachers had been transferred from Mulobezi Constituency to other provinces and districts. Pupils are not learning, at the moment, in some of the schools because there are no teachers. So, we would like the Government to do something about it urgently.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Mulobezi, you may resume your seat. The matter does not qualify to be raised as a matter of urgent public importance. However, in view of the importance that –

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

In view of the importance that we attach to education and pupils, and seventy-one teachers being moved at one go, I think, you can put in an urgent question, which can be addressed by the hon. Minister of Education.

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QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

DEMOBILISATION OF CONTRACTOR ON THE FUNGULWE ROAD IN LUFWANYAMA

51. Mr Siachisumo (Lufwanyama) asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development:

why the contractor who was working on the Fungulwe Road in Lufwanyama Parliamentary Constituency demobilised, leaving the road in a deplorable condition;

at what level of completion, in percentage terms, the project was, as of October 2022;

what the contract sum was; and

what the time frame for the completion of the project is.

The Minister of Tourism (Mr Sikumba) (on behalf of the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Nkombo)): Madam Speaker, allow me, first of all, to wish every hon. Member of the House in here a happy World Tourism Day, and our theme is “Tourism and Green Investment”. I would like to encourage each one of us to take a holiday and to, please, take it locally.

Madam Speaker, the contractor could not continue with the works due to nonpayment resulting from budgetary constraints on the Government’s end.

Madam Speaker, as at October 2022, the progress on the project was at 46 per cent.

Madam Speaker, the contract sum for the project was K38,568,892.63.

Madam Speaker, last but not the least, the contract duration was for two years, of which the end date was supposed to have been June 2022.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Siachisumo: Madam Speaker, looking at the importance of the road, there are quite a number of farmers who stay around that area. During the rainy season, they are cut off from places where they can get their farm implements and other necessities.

Madam Speaker, I want to find out from the acting hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development if there is any plan by the Government to put remedial measures in place to ensure that people are able to travel on the road because during the rainy season, vehicles are unable to travel on that road.

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member of Parliament for that follow-up question. Indeed, we do sympathise with the people of Lufwanyama with regard to the de-mobilisation of the contractor for that project. I would like to just take the House back to agree with us that the project was one of the 197 feeder road contracts that were cancelled due to budgetary constraints.

Madam Speaker, in terms of how we are going to manage this facility, we encourage our local authorities in the constituencies that had feeder road contracts cancelled to assist the Government by way of using the earthmoving equipment within the constituencies. More so, it is also important to realise that as we are working on becoming a bit more frugal with the way we disperse our resources, we will, in turn, be able to communicate with our hon. Colleague from Lufwanyama Constituency as to when the Government will move in full throttle to deal with that matter.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chaatila (Moomba): Madam Speaker, going forward, is there anything the Government is doing to ensure that no contract is signed when there is no surety that the full funds which are needed will be available?

Madam Speaker, I am asking this question because we have seen many contracts of this nature being terminated before they are completed, resulting in the wastage of the Government’s resources. So, what is being done about this situation, going forward?

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I am thankful for that follow-up question from the hon. Member of Parliament for Moomba. I think, we all agree that the 197 feeder road contracts which were cancelled were as a result of the insatiable appetite of our hon. Colleagues who had issued out contracts way above what was budgeted for.

Madam Speaker, what you will see now in the ministry this time around will be that a number of these feeder roads will have to be worked on as and when they are sitting in the annual work plan of the ministry. As per usual, each annual work plan in the ministries actually has a corresponding budget line, as it were. You will notice that going forward, any such contracts that will be signed by the ministry will have a requisite budget line that goes to it to ensure that we have 100 per cent completion of projects.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Siachisumo: Madam Speaker, I am thankful to the acting hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development for his response regarding the use of machinery that was procured within the districts. We are thankful for that advice.

Madam Speaker, looking at the state of the road and the stretch, the council can be strained in carrying out that exercise. What I want to find out from the hon. Minister is if there is any plan in the near future, under the New Dawn Government, to engage another contractor. The contractor, who was there, as the hon. Minister has said, was among the more than 180 contractors whose contracts were terminated. As you know, Lufwanyama is one of those districts that were neglected by successive Governments, as I always mention, and we are still closed off from other places.

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I am thankful for that follow-up question from the hon. Member of Parliament for Lufwanyama.

Madam Speaker, at the risk of making government assurances, I would like to state that yes, indeed, the Government of the Republic of Zambia does have plans to deal with most of the feeder roads across the country. However, what is important is that as we are working on identifying these economic roads, such as the road in question, that are connecting farmers and which, obviously, we regard as the bedrock of our economy. We will be looking at how best we are going to be reprogramming these roads, as it were.

Madam Speaker, I had mentioned earlier that once those roads are identified and they are sitting in the annual work plan, we will definitely be reaching out to our hon. Colleagues. Basically, based on priority, we should be able to come and redo the works on those roads. Yes, indeed, the contract was cancelled and most likely, a new contractor will have to be identified to finish the works.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, it is a constituency based question. So, we can make progress.

PLANS TO CONSTRUCT A UNIVERSITY IN KATETE

52. Ms Phiri (Milanzi) asked the Minister of Education:

whether the Government has any plans to construct a university in Katete District; and

if so, when the plans will be implemented.

The Minister of Education (Mr Syakalima): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that, yes, the Government has plans to construct a university in Katete District.

Madam Speaker, the commencement of the plans depends on the availability of funds.

Madam Speaker, you may note that the New Dawn Administration has inherited many incomplete university infrastructure projects and that the Government will only consider new projects after completing these projects, some of which stalled as way back as 2013 and 2014.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Ms Phiri: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for that response. How much money is the ministry looking for and where does it intend to source this money from?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, maybe, let me give details of the background of the projects for these university colleges or where the funds were supposed to come from.

Madam Speaker, the Government had plans to construct three university colleges as follows:

College of Mathematics and Science in Nalolo District;

College of Technology in Kabompo District; and

College of Applied Arts in Katete District.

Madam Speaker, to that effect, the Government of the Republic of Zambia signed a loan agreement with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), Oil Producing and Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund for International Development, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia for the construction of three university colleges in Zambia in the year 2011 under the Ministry of Education.

Madam Speaker, the plan involved three university colleges that included the College of Applied Arts in Petauke District, the College of Mathematics in Sesheke District, and the College of Technology in Kabompo District. The project sites for the construction of Sesheke and Petauke were changed to Nalolo and Katete districts, respectively. The details of the agreement between the Republic of Zambia and financiers were as follows:

Abu Dhabi Fund for Development

The fund would lend the Government an amount equivalent to US$10 Million at the rate of 1.5 per cent per annum. The loan recovery was expected in 2019.

Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA)

The loan amounting to US$5.4 million was signed in December 2012.

Oil Producing and Exporting Countries (OPEC)

The loan amounting to US$10 million was signed on 19^th August, 2013 and repayment was expected to commence in 2018.

The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED)

The agency pledged a loan amounting to US$13,266,998.34.

The Saudi Fund for Development

This was a new entrant and had not yet signed any loan agreement.

Madam Speaker, the implementation of the project involved the construction, equipping, and furnishing of three new colleges under university education, namely the College of Mathematics and Science in Nalolo District, the College of Technology in Kabompo District, and the College of Applied Arts in Katete District.

Madam Speaker, since 2015, marked progress has been made with regard to the operationalisation of the loan facility and the commencement of the project. The project provided for the creation of the Project Implementation Unit and the engagement of a consultant to design and supervise the construction of the works and the following have, so far, been done:

the appointment of the Project Implementation Unit; and
procurement of consultancy services for the design and supervision of the construction works.

Madam Speaker, tender processes for the procurement of consultancy services, through an expression of interest, to design and supervise the project were undertaken in the 2017 to 2018 period.

Madam Speaker, Kabompo College of Science and Technology short-listed bidders and ranked them as follows:

Spectrum Architectural Consultants;
Ndilila Associates;
GRS Architects;
Insaka Consortium;
CM Lisulo and Bwalya;
Consolidated Consultants of Jordon; and
Engineering Consultants Group (ECG) of Egypt.

Madam Speaker, the request for proposals was sent to the eligible bidders in November 2017 and the deadline for the submission of the bidding documents was 28^th January, 2018.

The Consultancy for the Environmental Impact Assessment for the three Universities

The consultant, Zenith Consulting, undertook the environmental and social impact assessment on the three sites. The loan agreement signed in 2011 required that the Government contributes counterpart funding amounting to US$3,057,000 and at that time, it was K30 million.

Madam Speaker, you may recall that since 2018, the Government has been implementing a set of austerity measures aimed at reducing the local and foreign debt stock. This has been to try and put the country's economy back on track and among the measures put in place was the suspension of construction of new infrastructure only concentrate on those that were eighty per cent complete. Unfortunately, the financiers pulled out and the loan agreement has since been cancelled. The Government is back to the drawing board and will engage other financiers to take up the project.

Madam Speaker, I think that answers her question. So, we are now engaging other financiers because we failed to put up an upfront of US$3 million, which at that time was K30 million. So, the desire of the Government is to look for other financiers. Otherwise, we are still on the drawing board to make sure that the commitments that were made regarding Katete, I think Kabompo, and Nalolo by the Government are fulfilled.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang'andu): Madam Speaker, thank you so much and let me join you in welcoming our children from Eagle’s School and our parents from the Freedom Fighters Association, who have visited this august House today.

Madam Speaker, I want to appreciate the hon. Minister for the statement has given a response to the follow-up question. Indeed, it would have been a concern going by the first response that he had given. I remember that work was done and we had so much discussion about it in Cabinet, then.

Madam Speaker, would it not be reasonable to go back to the same funders other than looking out for new financiers because a lot of work had been done and it was just the austerity measures, as he has put it, that sort of slowed the progress that was on the three learning institutions earmarked in the three districts.

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, he asked whether it would it be reasonable. Yes, it will be reasonable.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: The shortest verse in the Bible; Jesus wept.

The hon. Member for Msanzala Constituency, you may proceed.

Mr E. Daka (Msanzala): Madam Speaker, maybe, just riding on Hon. Kampyongo’s question is it not prudent enough that the Government can still go back to the same financiers and renegotiate with them so that the projects can be implemented because it is the Government’s interest and that of the people of the Eastern Province.

Madam Speaker: I believe the hon. Minister answered that question. I do not know, maybe, the hon. Minister can repeat it since it was too short. You can amplify.

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, he has used a different word ‘prudent’. Yes, it will be prudent. The same way the hon. Member for Shiwang'andu asked whether it would be reasonable. I said yes, it would be reasonable.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

CONNECTION OF SOME INSTITUTIONS IN CHITAMBO DISTRICT TO THE NATIONAL ELECTRICITY GRID

53. Mr. Mutale (Chitambo) asked the Minister of Energy:

whether the Government has any plans to connect the following institutions in Chitambo District to the National Electricity Grid:

(i) Katikulula Resettlement Scheme Phase II Mini Hospital;

(ii)Mwimbula Mini Hospital; and

Lisenga Secondary School (under the Zambia Education Enhancement Project);

if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Energy (Mr Kapala): Madam Speaker, the Government, through the Rural Electrification Authority (REA), has plans to connect the following institutions in Chitambo District to the National Electricity Grid:

Katikulula Resettlement Scheme Phase II Mini Hospital;

Mwimbula Mini Hospital; and

Lisenga Secondary School.

Madam Speaker, REA conducted feasibility studies for Katikulula Resettlement Scheme Phase II Mini Hospital, in August 2023. The authority also conducted feasibility studies for Mwimbula Mini Hospital and Lisenga Secondary School in September 2022. The total estimated cost to electrify Katikulula Resettlement Scheme Phase II Mini Hospital, Mwimbula Mini Hospital and Lisenga Secondary School, including Mwimbula Primary School and surrounding areas, is K24.1 Million. However, the electrification of these facilities will depend on availability of funds.

Madam Speaker, part (c) of the question falls off because it has been addressed in the answers given to parts (a) and (b) of the question.

Madam Speaker, let me give further clarification on the matter. The electrification of Katikulula Resettlement Scheme Phase II Mini Hospital, Mwimbula Mini Hospital and Lisenga Secondary School is earmarked for 2024. However, this is dependent on the final REA approved budget for 2024. During this budgeting period, we are trying to redistribute and balance resources to benefit all provinces, similar to the principles being used with the Constituency Development Funds (CDF). I am aware that ZESCO Limited has issued a quotation to Lisenga Secondary School totalling K6.7 million. If this amount is paid to ZESCO Limited, I anticipate that the school could be connected this year. Lastly, the two health institutions are encouraged to also approach ZESCO Limited and obtain quotations so that they can be connected when they get the money.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister, in answering the question, he talked about the availability of funds. However, when we scrutinise the 2023 Budget, the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) received twice the amount it received in 2022. Apart from that, REA is also benefiting through the window of the Constituency Development Funds (CDF), where, under the guidelines that were released, each constituency is contributing K1 million. I think even the President referred to that when he was reading the speech. So, given that background, is the hon. Minister considering utilising some of those resources through REA?

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, yes, this year, the REA received double what was allocated to it last year. However, it follows a master plan. If the money that was given could cover all the projects, I am sure all these institutions were going to be covered this year, but it is not possible.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mutale: Madam Speaker, I am very much aware that ZESCO Limited will soon be constructing an electricity line from Pensulo all the way to Luapula Province. Since the hon. Minister indicated that only REA wants to come and carryout this work, I am aware that this electricity line will be passing through Chitambo because Chitambo spans from Great North Road up to the Luapula River. Will it be possible that as part of the social responsibility to the community, whoever will be doing these works can run the electricity lines to these institutions so that ZESCO Limited can just connect them?

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, it is a good suggestion, and I am sure ZESCO Limited will look into that.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Chitambo, do you have another question?

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, may I learn something from the hon. Minister regarding the connection fee structure. Does the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) apply the same principle in terms of connections fess like ZESCO Limited? At least, we have seen ZESCO Limited publish how much it costs to connect personal properties and public facilities.

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, though this is a new question, I will try to answer it this way. There has been no discrimination up to now between connections in urban areas and in rural areas. However, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) is looking into this problem. We will soon be able to update the nation on the way forward.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

ANNUAL FISH PRODUCTION COUNTRYWIDE

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Madam Speaker, before I state the number for the question, let me say that we are saddened by the death of a schoolboy who was ran over by one of the trucks involved in the construction of a bridge. May his soul rest in peace.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members want to know where the accident happened.

Mr Miyutu: It happened just within the township as you turn off the Mongu/Kalabo Road onto the Sikongo Road going to the Civic Centre, where a bridge is being constructed. So, just as you go down the slope is where the accident took place yesterday.

Madam Speaker: Thank you, and condolences to the family of the bereaved.

54. Mr. Miyutu: asked the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock:

what the annual fish production is, countrywide;
what measures are being taken to increase the production; and
when fish production is expected to increase, arising from the measures at (b).

The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock (Mr Chikote): Madam Speaker, my condolences to the bereaved family.

Madam Speaker, the annual fish production countrywide based on the 2022 Fish Production Estimates was 175,575 metric tonnes, which is disaggregated as 75,647 metric tonnes from aquaculture production and 99,928 metric tonnes from capture fisheries production from rivers and other natural bodies.

Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that Zambia has abundant fishery resources from three major river basins; the Zambezi Basin, the Luapula Basin and the Congo Basin, which hold a huge potential to increase fish production countrywide. However, fish production and productivity significantly fall short of the minimum required thresholds to deliver profitability, food security, nutritional needs, job creation and poverty reduction for fish and aquaculture farmers.

Madam Speaker, this is mainly attributed to the declining fish stocks due to over exploitation and unattainable fishing practices such as illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing, poor management of fish breeding areas, inadequate fisheries infrastructure and technology, and weak co-management structures in riparian communities.

Madam Speaker, to address these challenges to increase production and productivity, the Government has taken the following measures:

promotion of the use of improved fingerlings and quality fish feeds;
facilitation of provision of incentives in the production of quality inputs and water extraction equipment;
promotion and facilitation of access to fisheries and aquaculture financing;
promotion of the establishment of aquaculture parks and other fisheries infrastructure and technologies;

strengthen corporation with our neighbouring countries on the management of transboundary fishery resources;

establishment and strengthening the management of fish protected areas;

facilitation of the establishment of fisheries core management structures with our local communities;

deterring and eliminating IUU fishing; and

conducting research to improve the performance of our local fish species as alternatives to foreign invasive species.

Madam Speaker, my ministry has been implementing some of the above measures for some time and this has resulted in the growth of the fisheries sub-sector. Particularly, there has been tremendous growth in fish production and aquaculture in the last two years of the New Dawn Administration with production moving from 63,418 metric tonnes in 2021 to 75,647 metric tonnes in 2022, representing a 20 per cent increase. With sustained implementation of the above mentioned interventions, my ministry intends to meet and even surpass the Eight National Development Plan (8NDP) target of 255,642 metric tonnes.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Miyutu: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Amongst the water bodies, which one seems to be responding to the measures to increase production of fish? Is it the Zambezi River, the Luapula River, or other water bodies? Which one seems to be prominent?

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, as I stated in my preamble, the three natural water bodies are some of the major ones and, indeed, in all the three, we have seen a slight increase by addressing some of the challenges that I stated in my response, including other natural water bodies such as Lake Tanganyika. If today you were to find out from the people in Mpulungu, they would tell you that they are seeing a slight growth of fish production in those natural water bodies.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Tayengwa (Kabwata): Thank you, Madam Speaker. We have seen that people obtained loans from the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) and banks, and have gone into fish farming or aquaculture. We have also seen that this industry has grown with production of over 75,000 metric tonnes. I want to find out whether the ministry has any plans to come up with a legal framework that will specifically speak to the aquaculture industry because the Act that is being used, at the moment, is an old one for wildlife.

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, indeed, the ministry is trying to review the Act for fisheries so that this House can approve and amend our policy in terms of the Fisheries Act. So, we are in the process.

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, I wanted to find out what could be the fiscal benefit of the fish ban that is always effected from the 1st of December and lasts about three months. Are there fiscal results achieved?

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, as I stated, if you were to speak to the people in the Northern Province, particularly in Mpulungu, they would attest to the fact. The fish ban gives room to our fish resource to breed, and the communities that surround Lake Tanganyika can attest to this fact. Actually, this time around when we lifted the ban on fishing in Lake Tanganyika, people were celebrating to see the increase that the ban contributed to production.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Many hon. Members have indicated to speak. However, because of time I would encourage hon. Members to engage the hon. Minister –

Ms Kasanda and Hon. Kasune entered the Assembly Chamber.

Mr B. Mpundu: Ema hon. Ministers, aba!

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Since you are more interested in the hon. Ministers, we can make progress.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Order!

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MOTION

INTRODUCE LEGISLATION PROVIDING FOR THE WELFARE OF FORMER FREEDOM FIGHTERS IN THE COUNTRY

Mr Mwila (Mufulira): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this House urges the Government to introduce legislation providing for the welfare of former freedom fighters in the country.

Madam Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

Mr Mwila: Madam Speaker, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to bring this Motion before the House. It is non-controversial and non-political because it aims at taking care of the people who fought for the Independence of this country. It was motivated by my interactions with many freedom fighters in my constituency, specifically in the district, and, also, with my fellow hon. Members and people in the community. Throughout these interactions, it became clear that a lot needs to be done to take care of freedom fighters in this country. All along, their welfare has been at the mercy of the Government in power. The Government recognises their acts during national commemorations, for example, on African Freedom Day, Unity Day, Heroes Day and Independence Day. After the celebrations, the freedom fighters are ferried back to their homes waiting for yet another similar day in the years to come.

Madam Speaker, according to the Constitution of Zambia, Article 266 says:

““freedom fighter” means a person who fought for the independence of the former protectorate of Northern Rhodesia to become the Republic of Zambia.”

This is what our Constitution defines a freedom fighter as. Further, in the preamble of the Constitution of Zambia, it declares that:

“We, the people of Zambia, recognise and honour the freedom fighters who fought for the independence of our nation, in order to achieve liability, justice and unity for the people of Zambia.”

Madam Speaker, beyond what the Constitution says regarding the freedom fighters, there is no other legislation that provides or puts into practice what the Constitution states in its preamble and definition. There is, currently, no legal framework regarding freedom fighters in Zambia. Nothing tangible has been done for the freedom fighters beyond the recognition in the Constitution for their sacrifice to deliver Independence to this country. So, we need legislation to operationalise this recognition and honour it, as provided for in the Constitution.

Madam Speaker, former freedom fighters need more than just recognition and honour. They need care. Unless we legislate for this care, the freedom fighters across the country will remain destitute and languish in poverty in their country, for which they sacrificed life and blood. Therefore, such a law will also remove the arbitrariness of which the freedom fighters are treated whenever they want to access Government services. It will guarantee provision of public services regardless of who is in Government at any given time.

Madam Speaker, some people may argue that we may probably just need a policy and not legislation. However, examples abound that within our country, there are certain pronouncements that have just been documented in form of a policy, but enforcement has been a problem. Ask the technocrats and they will tell you that we need a legal framework to enforce the policies. So, what this Motion seeks, today, is to go beyond asking for a policy, but to have a law that will guarantee the welfare of the freedom fighters.

Madam Speaker, statistics indicate that, currently, there are 1,819 registered freedom fighters. Of course, this number has been gathered by those freedom fighters who are still around and according to their capacity to document the numbers. Surely, with support from the Government, this number is likely to go up if the whole country were to be searched

Madam Speaker, even with this number, the problems that the freedom fighters face are very clear. The lack of shelter, meals, regular income from the state in the form of social protection because not every freedom fighter is on the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) Programme, struggle to meet bills for utilities and the lack of proper and specialised medical care. These are the challenges that the freedom fighters face.

Madam Speaker, these freedom fighters brought Independence to this country and it is only good that they receive their just reward, which must be guaranteed and enshrined in the law.

Madam Speaker, what this Motion seeks to achieve in this country is not unprecedented. We have within the region and across the world similar legislation. In countries, such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Bangladeshi and India they have specific government ministries or departments responsible for taking care of freedom fighters or veterans, as the case may be.

Madam Speaker, you may wish to note that, for example, in Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa signed the Liberation Struggle Act in 2020. The Act gave way to the establishment of the Veterans of the Freedom Struggle Board and the creation of the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Holding Company. This was meant to make support for the freedom fighters self-sustaining.

Madam Speaker, in South Africa, there is a similar Act. Parliament enacted the Military Veterans Act of 2011, which promised, among other things, monthly military pensions, subsidised housing and comprehensive health services, public transport and education support.

Madam Speaker, similar things have happened in Bangladeshi. The Government has put mechanisms in place which are aimed at empowering freedom fighters. For example, the Ministry of Liberation and War Affairs in Bangladeshi was established so that the ministry was to, among other things, ensure the overall welfare of the freedom fighters by formulating rules and regulations related to their rights and benefits. In India, for example, the Government has been earnestly implementing the welfare scheme for the freedom fighters, who participated and suffered untold miseries in the freedom movement. These are the examples.

Madam Speaker, the Motion is not asking for something that is unprecedented. In other countries or jurisdictions, some of them who fought for the liberation of their countries while based here in Zambia and whom we even housed have already moved a step ahead. It is now time that we also followed suit and developed legislation that is going to provide for the welfare of the freedom fighters.

Madam Speaker, as we debate this Motion, this afternoon, it is not the time to ask what previous Governments did starting with the United National Independence Party (UNIP), the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) and the Patriotic Front (PF). This is not the time to question what the previous Governments did, but to act now that the question has been raised. Each Government that had been in place did what it could according to the tenure and mandate that was given to it by the people of Zambia. Governance is a continuous process. Now is the time to move a step further and ensure that there is a law that guarantees their protection and support.

Madam Speaker, after all, we are not talking about a number that will be increasing year after year. The number for the liberation heroes is well known and every day that passes, every sun that sets, we keep losing them and the number keeps reducing. We should not sit here and watch the number reduce without having done anything to support the cause and the welfare of our freedom fighters.

Madam Speaker, the President was here calling for unity; that we all work together in the development of the country. This is the moment that we put it to test. This is the moment that we activate the calls for unity that the President spoke about, not very long ago, when he came to open this Session of Parliament.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Eng. Nzovu interjected.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: I do not know how many movers of this Motion we have.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?

Mr Mtayachalo: Madam, Speaker, now.

Laughter

Mr Mtayachalo: Madam Speaker, I am grateful for according me this rare opportunity to second this very important Motion moved ably by the Hon. Golden Mwila, the Member of Parliament for Mufulira Central.

Madam Speaker, this Motion is urging the Government to introduce legislation providing for the welfare of former freedom fighters in the country. As the mover has already stated, this is a non-controversial Motion. This Motion cuts across the political and religious divide. Therefore, it is my prayer that your hon. Members, both from your left and right, will be able to support this Motion and adopt it unanimously.

Madam Speaker, it is not debatable, I think, that as a country, we have neglected the plight of our freedom fighters despite these great men and women of this great country making huge sacrifices to liberate us from the bondage of colonialism in this country. Many Zambians died because of the fight against colonialism. So, it is important that, as a country, we move a step forward and ensure that our great sons and daughters of this great nation are actually recognised for the massive contributions they made to this country.

Madam Speaker, I know that because we had neglected these freedom fighters, the surviving freedom fighters were compelled to come up with an organisation, the Zambia National Freedom Fighters Association. Actually, this was a brainchild of the late President Mr Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, SC. When the freedom fighters had a meeting with President Mwanawasa, SC he proposed that it was important for the Government to come up with an association instead of dealing with individuals, hence the association being formed. The founder member was one of the great sons of the soil, the late Mr Sikota Wina.

Madam Speaker, as the mover already stated, these great sons of the ‘soilo’ live in abject poverty.

Hon. Members: Soilo!

Laughter

Mr Mtayachalo: Madam Speaker, these great sons –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Members, as you debate, please, be factual. Ensure that you are factual in your debate.

You may proceed.

Mr Mtayachalo: Madam Speaker, I am well guided. Thank you. I was saying that these great sons and daughters of the soil made huge sacrifices, but they have been neglected notwithstanding the contribution they made to the country. Yes, they fought against colonialism, but they also provided a dedicated service to this nation. The leaders who took over in 1964 were selfless leaders who were there to serve the interests of the people of Zambia. No wonder when they left the Government, they left it very poor indeed. It is unfortunate that yes, the United National Independence Party (UNIP) Government, which was in power at that time, did not have a policy, maybe, it is because it was selfless and were driven by the principle of humanism. So, to them what was important was service and, therefore, I think this generation must be able to reward the former freedom fighters.

Madam Speaker, today, we are standing tall as a nation. Why? It is because we are standing on the shoulders of the former freedom fighters because they built a very strong foundation. That is why, today, Zambia continues to be a beacon of peace and tranquillity not only in southern Africa, but also on the continent as a whole.

Madam Speaker, as the mover stated, there are so many countries which we can learn from that have actually recognised the important role freedom fighters play to this nation. Further, I think if you go to the freedom statue, there is a symbol of honour of all freedom fighters. Every African Freedom Day and Independence Day, the President goes there to lay wreaths and pay homage to these great fallen heroes and that is why I have great respect for Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe and several others UNIP leaders who liberated us from the bondage of colonialism. This is even the reason President Hakainde Hichilema went to Chinsali to lay ‘wreths’ at the grave of Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, at Dr Kaunda’s grave, and at the …

Interruptions

Hon. Members: It is wreaths!

Mr Mtayachalo: … grave of Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula when he was elected. So, that clearly states that really the President attaches great importance to the plight of freedom fighters. I know, sometimes, people may say that we have senior citizens. Let us draw a distinction between senior citizens and freedom fighters.

Madam Speaker, one can be a senior citizen, but meanwhile he/she was not a freedom fighter. It is important that this House supports this Motion so that the Government can put in place legislation as quickly as possible which is going to take care of the interest of our freedom fighters.

Madam Speaker, if we look at the 2021 Budget, about K1.2 million was allocated to the Office of the Former President and freedom fighters. In 2022, there was a Budget allocation and in 2023 the same was done, but our freedom fighters do not benefit anything from this budgetary allocation maybe because we do not have a legal framework.

Madam Speaker, with my contribution, I want to appeal to both the left and the right to support this non-controversial Motion. Let us try by all means to ensure that we reward these great freedom fighters who made huge sacrifices. Yesterday, when we met the Executive Committee, it was quite an emotional meeting to learn that as young as fifteen years old, they were being imprisoned by the colonial government.

With these few remarks, I say that I strongly support this Motion.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

We will proceed in this manner for purposes of managing our time. I will call upon two debaters from each political party. Two from the Patriotic Front (PF), two Independent hon. Members of Parliament, two from the United Party for National Development (UPND), then, the hon. Minister will come to respond and finally, we will wind up. So, we will start with the Independent hon. Members of Parliament.

Rev. Katuta (Chienge): Madam Speaker, thank you for allowing the voice of Chienge to be heard on the debate on this very important Motion. I must declare interest by stating my father was a freedom fighter and I wish he could have been around to listen to this quite emotional debate.

Madam Speaker, this Motion has been ably moved by the Member of Parliament for Mufulira, Hon. Golden Mwila and ably seconded by the hon. Member of Parliament for Chama North. This is something on which I have interacted with some members of this association and one of them was Hon. Sikota Wina. We, with other hon. Members, once met at the Parliament Motel.

Madam Speaker, today, we are here, as hon. Members of Parliament, because of our forefathers and our foremothers, such as Mama Chikamoneka. Today, if we were to go into the archives and looked at the lives of the children of Mama Chikamoneka, there is nothing to show. If, today, we went into the archives and looked at the children of all the freedom fighters, such as Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula and the others, you would see that it is just the name. What is it that they can show for it that their fathers and mothers made efforts to contribute to the Independence of this country?

Madam Speaker, the reason we are debating this very important Motion is that some of our freedom fighters do not even have pieces of land which they can leave as inheritance for their children. If we come up with a proper law in this House, we will be able to give land to our freedom fighters, and they will also be free or exempted from paying taxes and rates on this land. There should also be a law or a caveat on selling this land so that when they are gone, their descendants will be able to point at something and say, “This is what our forefathers fought for.” It is most painful for us to see young men singing Dununa Reverse or other musicians who go and sing be rewarded –

Mr Sing’ombe: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Sorry, hon. Member for Chienge. There is an indication for a point of order.

Hon. Members, I want this debate to flow. So, let us not raise any points of order unnecessarily.

Hon. Member for Dundumwezi, what is your point of order?

Mr Sing’ombe: Madam Speaker, you know that I rarely rise on points of order.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sing’ombe: If I do, it means it is very compelling.

Madam Speaker, you have guided in the past that we are not supposed to debate ourselves. We have two freedom fighters in this House; the Member for Mulobezi, Hon. Mabenga, and the hon. Minister for the Western Province. Are we in order to continue debating ourselves when we have these hon. Members who are freedom fighters?

Madam Speaker, I seek your serious ruling on this serious matter.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Members, I think, the hon. Member for Dundumwezi is trying to run away from work.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, this is a Motion and it has been admitted. However, as we debate, let us avoid referring to specific individuals. Let us debate generally without mentioning names.

May the hon. Member for Chienge continue.

Rev. Katuta: Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I was saying that we should come up with certain laws to take care of our freedom fighters. Most of them are already gone, but we can still find their children. At least, they should be entitled to owning land because that is what every Zambian wants. What is important is to help them to leave a legacy for their families. The deliberate law should even indicate that anything that is given to a freedom fighter should have a caveat so that when their descendants are broke, they do not sell it.

Madam Speaker, I think, this Motion is very important. The other thing is that it is important that – there is a word I always fail to pronounce, bear with me, is it ‘munuments’?

Hon. Members: Monuments!

Rev. Katuta: Thank you. Monuments should be erected in honour of these freedom fighters. There are freedom fighters like Mama Chikamoneka. There is nothing that is there to show, about her. It is the same with Mposa Mabwe. When you look at his life, that statue that –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member, you referred to a term ‘Mposa Mabwe’. What does it mean?

Rev. Katuta: Thank you, Madam Speaker.

It is a monument that is found in Kitwe, in the central business district (CBD). It is called Mposa Mabwe. During the fight for liberation, people were using stones so that is the statue of someone holding a stone. They used to throw stones at the white regime in order to give us this freedom that we are enjoying today. So, those are the kind of monuments that should be erected to honour our freedom fighters. The mover of the Motion has already given examples of countries that have come up with such laws to honour the people who fought for freedom.

Madam Speaker, I would also like to talk about some of the rewards. Earlier, I was in the middle of mentioning that I have seen that when it is Heroes Day, we see musicians who were born yesterday being honoured. For what are they being honoured? When you look at what they are given, you wonder. We have freedom fighters. In Chienge, there are freedom fighters who once approached me over the same issue. I think, they need to have some kind of perks. As we speak, I do not think freedom fighters are close to 20,000. We should honour the few who are left with little perks because they are old people and they do not have the means of doing things like us, amatamanga, who are full of energy.

Madam Speaker, with the few words, I would like to urge my fellow hon. Members of Parliament to support the Motion. This is not about anyone, but about the legacy and the freedom that we are enjoying day. Had it not been for these people, we would not even know how to speak the English that we are speaking or be in this House.

Madam Speaker, I support this Motion.

I thank you, Madam.

Mr Andeleki (Katombola): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, for giving the people of Katombola, through me, an opportunity contribute to debate on the Motion before this august House.

Madam Speaker, the position of the people of Katombola Constituency is that the issue that has been raised is one that could be considered in the future. The Government has already put up mechanisms. There are already mechanisms, like the seconder of the Motion properly admitted before this august House, that in the 2022 Budget, money was allocated to freedom fighters through the Office of the First President.

Madam Speaker, I think, the real issue is that the Zambia National Freedom Fighters Association should engage the Government so that if the freedom fighters are not getting the money, they can begin to receive their money. Additionally, there are a number of amenities that the Government has provided in order to redress the situation of our parents, who we cherish so much. One of them is the availability of funds under the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) and the availability of free medical treatment for all the elders in the Republic of Zambia. Additionally, if they are not getting funds through the SCT, there is a window under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) through which they can access inputs. There is also a credit window –

Interruptions

Mr Andeleki: Madam Speaker, the freedom fighters are also – Could I be –

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Members, please, you do not debate while seated. Allow the hon. Member for Katombola to advance his arguments, and then you can respond if you want to.

Hon. Member for Nkana, you are a culprit.

May the hon. Member for Katombola continue.

Mr Andeleki: Thank you very much for the protection, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, we love our parents. We appreciate the work they did. Since there is always a provision in the Budget for them, I encourage their association to continue to engage with the Government, particularly Cabinet Office, so that their share, maybe, could be separated from the allocation going directly to the Office of the First President.

Madam Speaker, the freedom fighters have an association, and it is this association that should engage with the Government than coming to this august House. Once they have engaged the Government and streamlined their issues, this House will be ready. At the moment, the economy is being restored because there is prudence in the management of the economy. In the future, once funds are available, and with a lot of money being made available, further consideration in allocation of funds can be made.

Madam Speaker, the people of Katombola Constituency will not support this Motion because it has come too prematurely and there is already something that the Government is doing about? In every Budget, the Government is making provision for parents.

I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much for being efficient with time.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me time to make some comments on the Motion ably moved by Hon. Golden Mwila, Member of Parliament for Mufulira, and seconded by Hon. Mtayachalo. This is a Motion which is urging the Government to introduce legislation providing for the welfare of former freedom fighters in the country.

Indeed, Madam Speaker, like the mover of the Motion stated – However, before I proceed with the Motion, may I just recognise a colleague of ours who has changed positions from where he used to be as Southern Province Minister, to hon. Minister of Information and Media. Remember, a week ago, I stated this fact that we would like to see him where he is now so that he stops rising on points of order.

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr Kampyongo: Congratulations to the hon. Member. Further, I welcome our dear sister there ...

Madam Speaker: I did not know that there were prophets in the House.

Laughter

Mr Kampyongo: ... to the backbench. Tours of duty begin and they end. Please, focus on your new tour of duty, this is public service. You are encouraged to forge ahead and remain focused in serving the people of your constituency.

Madam Speaker, back to the Motion, I want to agree with the mover of the Motion, who stated that there should not be any blame game as we deal with this very interesting Motion. It would have been ideal for Her Honour the Vice-President to be the one to respond to this Motion. I know that a lot of work has been done under her office regarding this issue of freedom fighters. A lot of work was done and it has been work in progress. Yes, one would say, why did the United National Independence Party (UNIP) not deal with this matter? Again, you did not expect our parents to start honouring themselves for the work they did of liberating this nation from the colonial shackles. They did that out of passion for their motherland.

Madam Speaker, it is the same with the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD). It attempted to do a bit of work, just as the Patriotic Front (PF) did. When I say a lot of work was done, I am well-grounded because I was part of most of the processes under the Office of the Vice-President’s. All that is needed is this last push to have legislation in place. Yes, arguments can be flaunted to say our freedom fighters are benefiting from some of the social safety net programmes like many other citizens but this is a special group of citizens. We cannot say they are one and the same. They are a special group. Most of us here could be grandchildren to these gallant men and women who staked their necks in front of the white colonialist to make sure that they liberated this country from all corners of Zambia.

Madam Speaker, I come from an area called Chinsali, where Dr Kaunda was born. Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, Kapasa Makasa, and many others did what they could to liberate this country. There are a few that have survived. Many of them have gone, but we have a few who are still with us. So, to try and say, this Motion has come prematurely will be a disservice to it because the Government is a going concern. So, I think, it is timely. Like I said, Her Honour the Vice-President can attest to the fact that there is a lot of work that has already been done working with the Freedom Fighters Association; there is a lot of progress. What we want to see is something that is obtaining in other countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Many of these countries attained independence way after us.

Madam Speaker, you may recall that Dr Kaunda and colleagues did realise that Zambia, being independent, was not enough. They needed the entire region to be liberated. So, we ended up hosting many freedom fighters from Southern Rhodesia, Namibia and South Africa. So, you can understand why they did not even have time to take care of themselves because just after attaining Independence for Zambia, they had to look beyond boarders in order to ensure that the Southern African region got liberated at the end of the day. Today, we are able to go across borders as one people because of the work that these people did. So, it is befitting that we just put this legislation in place so that all these safety net programmes that they could be benefiting from can be well targeted to this special group of people. Those who have remained on earth will depart feeling happy that yes, indeed, we liberated this nation, and our children are now looking after us.

Madam Speaker, it could have been done earlier, but is never too late. Therefore, the mover of the Motion is well grounded. We can emulate Zimbabwe, which got independence much later in 1980 and has put in place the Liberation Struggle Act to look after veterans. This is also happening in South Africa and Namibia. Therefore, we can move a step further. Her Honour the Vice-President is rightly placed. She has to leave a legacy that her parents will remember her for. I know that she had time to interact with so many former freedom fighters when she was in Chinsali where she served the nation as an educator. Her predecessor, Madam Inonge Wina, was a freedom fighter. I know how passionate she was about this agenda of looking after the freedom fighters. She moved the agenda so much that where the Vice-President is, it is just a finishing line and she should make sure that what is being requested today is put in place.

Madam Speaker, a parent who looks after his children, sets himself/herself up for how he/she will be looked after when he/she is old. Our parents struggled to liberate this nation for us to stand here and speak freely as independent citizens. This august House has a history. If you go outside, you will find portraits of those who have been Speakers to date. You will see where we are coming from. So, a country without history is a lost one. This Motion will be fulfilling what many freedom fighters missed. However, those who have left behind will be witnesses. If spirits chat, they will go and chat to say, when you left, those of us who remained behind as your fellow freedom fighters were taken care of by our children who appreciated the role we played in liberating this country.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr B. Mpundu (Nkana): Madam Speaker, I want to thank you for this opportunity to debate. Let me start by stating that Mahatma Gandhi once said that a true measure of any society is in how that society treats vulnerable people. Today, we are talking about a special group of vulnerable people we are calling the freedom fighters. The question is: How does this society called Zambia treat this special group of people?

Madam Speaker, there are two groups of freedom fighters. There are political freedom fighters, the ones we are talking about now, and there are economic freedom fighters. Our responsibility is in this that of fighting for economic freedom. That is why when it comes to us, economic freedom fighters, we will be talking about ourselves in the future. Now, the discussion is about those who gave us the freedom we are enjoying today.

Madam Speaker, the mover of the Motion, today, is simply talking about us having legislation that compels us to take care of those who sacrificed their lives towards achieving the freedom we have. Not the piecemeal opportunities that we give to those who seemingly did the most of the greatest work around this country.

So, Madam Speaker, the people of Nkana are submitting, as provided for in the Constitution of our Republic under Article 266, that this Republic recognises the freedom fighters we are talking about. In our preamble there is emphasis that these must be recognised.

I had an opportunity, Madam Speaker, having served as District Commissioner for Kitwe, to work with this group. Every year, we parade these gallant men and women of this country. Do you listen to the songs they sing? They plead for us to recognise them. It is not enough to erect statues, such as the one the hon. Member for Chienge mentioned, the Mposa Mabwe. I urge the hon. Members of this House to study the history of Mposa Mabwe. Great young men died in Kitwe, in Chimwemwe. That is how come we have that statue. However, it is not enough to erect that statue. It is not enough to parade these men and women during Independence Day, Heroes Day or Africa Freedom Day celebrations. It is not enough to recognise one of them during the Independence Day celebrations. What about the rest of them?

Madam Speaker, the Constitution states that anyone who fought for Independence is a freedom fighter. The contribution varies. Some were as young as twelve years old. I know Hon. Milupi wanted to claim that he is one of the freedom fighters, but he is not.

Laughter

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, those who were throwing stones at colonialists are also freedom fighters, even though they could have been young. Those who were cooking for our late grandfathers were and are also freedom fighters. There is an argument on who qualifies to be a freedom fighter. Anyone who was there; as long as they were of that age to throw a stone and could cook for our fathers, who went to the war front, are freedom fighters. The question is: What sort of a society are we today? Do we take care of the interests of this vulnerable, but special group of people; the pioneers of the freedom we enjoy today or are we a group of people who look at their plight to be very important for the future, as one hon. Member suggested?

Madam Speaker, it comes once in a lifetime that we must take care of what matters to us. This freedom we are talking about today could not have been attained. We could not have been putting on suits and ties without freedom fighters.

Madam Speaker, certain things have been done like providing social safety nets. Even when we talk about the social safety nets that are given to freedom fighters, they are discretionary. If you come into my constituency, the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) Programme is selective. Yes, the SCT guidelines say that all those who are above sixty-five years old are eligible, but the implementers look at vulnerability. In my constituency, all the old people who live in Parklands are never considered for funds under the SCT. So, that piecemeal treatment of the old should not be entertained. That is why, today, we are looking for a piece of legislation that compels us to take care of the plight of the old.

Madam Speaker, let me make suggestions. What is wrong with declaring these people as ‘freemen of the city’? If they become free men and women of the city, they enjoy free incentives, such as not paying for electricity, land rates and water. This is what they deserve for the sacrifices they made. So, what I am calling for is to stop the piecemeal treatment whereby somebody would say there was a fund that was allocated to the Office of the First President. The fund was very minimal to cater to the needs of these elderly Statesmen.

Madam Speaker, this Motion is compelling us, in this august House, and society to consider the important role that our gallant men and women played in giving us freedom.

Madam Speaker, there is nothing wrong with saying that we are going to give land to all the freedom fighters so that they leave an inheritance for their children and family. After all, land is a right for all Zambians, but the access to that land is discriminatory. It is based on your financial strength. However, if we use our discretionary power, through legislation, we could be saying to the freedom fighters that for the freedom they gave us, we are going to give them land; and that they will not pay for services like water, electricity and public transport. On top of that, we will be giving them a token at the end of each month. All those things are only possible if we have legislation that compels us. Not legislation or rather an arrangement that looks at faces; I like these, but not those.

Madam Speaker, the parading of these Statesmen during Independence Day is not enough. Singing songs of praise for their struggle is not enough. We must go a step further as other countries are now showing us. We liberated the region; there is no argument for that. How is it that those countries we helped to liberate have gone a step further to take care of the men who fought for their liberation, yet, here, we are talking about rewarding men and women in the future. Who even thinks of that?

Mr E. Tembo: Naupya iwe!

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, the future belongs to economic freedom fighters. The now speaks to us to recognise political freedom fighters, the men and women who gave us the freedom we enjoy today. That is what this Motion is about.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr B. Mpundu: Anyone who objects to this Motion is an enemy of those who fought for our democracy.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, our society should recognise the important role that our gallant men and women played in the liberation of our country.

The hon. Members’ time expired.

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mapani (Namwala): Madam Speaker, thank you so very much. Through you, allow me to add two or three sentences to this very important debate on Motion that is on the Floor of the House today.

Madam Speaker, legislation that is moved by an attitude is a proper one, while an attitude that is moved by legislation has lot of doubts. To start with, the freedom fighters came into being before Independence and have been in existence all this long. We had a couple of regimes that went ahead of the United Party for National Development (UPND) led Government. We had the United Nation Independence Party (UNIP), the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) and the Patriotic Front (PF). The PF served for ten years. This Motion has been moved by a person or the party that was in power before. The question will be, under reasonableness: Why did they not perform that act before?

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mapani: Madam Speaker, it has brought many political strings attached to this Motion. However, I was very happy with the seconder of the Motion who indicated that the current Republican President visited graveyards of the freedom fighters. That act was performed before any thought of having this put as legislation. It means that the acts, attitude and responsibility that one ought to have are more important than having an instrument that will compel leaders to perform. The attitude is very important because, first of all, it will go with elements of ownership and responsibility. Now, if somebody wants to allow the relationship between the Government and the freedom fighters to be anchored on legislation, the probability of having legislation enacted, but not implemented will be nine out of ten because there is no attitude. So, I would love to see a situation where we improve or promote a link between the Government and the freedom fighters, which will definitely be anchored on the issues or elements of importance that we need to take care of these people. We are aware that these people ought to be taken care of and the Government is alive to that fact. So, it will not do, per se, to pretend only when we have a Constitution, a legislation or an Act shall we perform our duties to take care of old people.

Madam Speaker, it is also very important to realise that we have a couple of freedom fighters, like before, from different areas. We shall continue to respect them and we shall continue to recognise their presence. It is not only through legislation, but as I have already indicated, that it is the attitude because the attitude is more important than the piece of legislation that one would want to have. We shall continue to respect them and the link that currently exists between us and them is very important. The only way forward is to come up with a mechanism and not legislation, per se, but a mechanism on how we are going to promote and continue with this relationship.

Madam Speaker, the issue on a piece of legislation people are proposing will be what contents we would want to be included in that particular legislation. If your look at the Motion in its current form, it is actually a minus because it has not indicated anything. Now that it has not indicated anything, we are just debating from an empty or uncovered boat.

Mr B. Mpundu interjected.

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Nkana, when you were debating, everyone was listening to you. However, you have continued to debate while seated. I am warning you.

May the hon. Member for Namwala continue.

Laughter

Mr Mapani: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank you.

Madam Speaker, the New Dawn Government has demonstrated that it needs to respect everyone regardless of the status, ethnicity and others things. It has stood by that from the time it took over governance, two years ago. So, for us, even without the legislation in place, but because of the attitude like I have said it before, we shall ensure that our old freedom fighters are respected and that there is oneness throughout the country regardless of our political affiliation.

Madam Speaker, therefore, it is very important to put it across today that what other people failed to do because of reasons that they could not disclose should never be seen to be important because they had an opportunity to mend those things, if, indeed, they meant well for the people of Zambia.

Madan Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, allow me first of all to thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Mufulira and the good people of Mufulira for this Motion. I think that society must reach a stage when ideas that can better the lives of citizens are brought to this august House, and we rise to the occasion. The hon. Member of Parliament for Mufulira, is a great son of Zambia.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kang’ombe: The Motion the hon. Member of Parliament has brought to this august House reminds us of our obligations to our people. Is it possible for the people who fought for our Independence to speak for themselves to achieve what they want to achieve? The answer is ‘no’. Is possible, Madam Speaker, that the people who fought for our Independence will be able to afford the many items that they need in order to sustain their livelihood? The answer is no. Is it possible that, through frequenting Cabinet Office, they will be able to get what they have always demanded for? The answer is no. Have they gotten what they have demanded for the last fifty-nine years? The answer is no.

Madam Speaker, why are we here today? We are here today because there is a need that has been identified. We would not be seated here discussing this topic if there was no genuine need to look after the plight of our parents. If there were mechanisms in place already, I do not think I would be standing here, today, supporting the Motion that has been moved by the hon. Member of Parliament for Mufulira.

I am standing here, Madam Speaker, having felt the challenges we are discussing today. Having sat, listening to the plight of our parents, and listening to our parents complain by telling us that “bana besu tulolekesheni po”. This means: Our children, look into our plight. Having listened to that conversation, I remember that at some point, in Kitwe, we decided to take the some steps. For the benefit of this august House, we said that our freedom fighters could not afford to bury themselves. When they pass on, we should provide land within Chingola Road Cemetery, reserved specifically for those who are classified as freedom fighters. I stand here proudly because there is space that has been reserved at Chingola Road Cemetery specifically for freedom fighters who are not able to afford any burial space in Kitwe. Should it be discretional? Should it be the Mayor of Kitwe to say it is a good thing so let us implement it at a local level? That is not how we should conduct business.

Madam speaker, we are privileged citizens. To be an hon. Member of Parliament is a privilege that I am not going to misuse. I am going to use my privilege to speak for the plight of our forefathers, the people who fought for us and who believe that it should not be a Kitwe affair, but an affair in all the 116 districts.

Madam Speaker, we need legislation. We do not need the good will of Christopher Kang’ombe, or good will of Hon. Muchima from where he comes from. We do not need the good will of Hon. Chisanga in Lukashya Constituency. What we need are good laws that future generations will say that we came up with good laws and because of that, posterity will remember this Parliament. It will not remember this Parliament if we decide to abandon our responsibility. Why should run away from our responsibility? Why should we say the next hon. Members of Parliament will come and pass the law when we have this privilege? The people of Zambia gave each one of us the mandate to come and make laws, hence, my standing here. We, need to make laws that can help the vulnerable.

Madam Speaker, let us not bring legislation here because two or three businessmen want a certain piece of legislation. Let us speak for the vulnerable people who cannot speak for themselves. Therefore, I stand here, today, appealing to my colleagues from the left and from the right. This is not about having leadership that decides to deliver based on good will. Good will can evaporate. We can have empathy for a certain group, and the following day, decide to not have empathy for it. However, what we are saying is that regardless of one’s attitude or mentality, as a leader, let the good law guide us. If the law is in place, any leader will do the right thing, and that is why the people of Kamfinsa are appealing on behalf of the vulnerable people who enabled us to come and stand here today. I am speaking very good English because people fought for this freedom.

Mr B. Mpundu: Naupya iwe, naupya!

Interruptions

Mr Kang’ombe: Yes, I am speaking very good English.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member, do not debate yourself. Debate the Motion.

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, …

Mr B. Mpundu: Ya! Ulimwaume iwe!

Mr Kang’ombe: I am using this rare privilege. Out of the 20 million Zambians, the people of Kamfinsa sent me here. What should I do, Madam Speaker? I should speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. We have no freedom fighters who have the strongest voice to move mountains. They are using us, hon. Members of Parliament, to move mountains. What mountain do we need to move today? We need to come up with legislation that will protect the lives of those who fought for our freedom.

Madam speaker, I am very certain that all of us here will agree with the Motion that has been moved by Hon. Golden Mwila. I am very certain that the people of Ndola Central believe in this proposal.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kang’ombe: I am very certain, Madam Speaker, that the people of Solwezi Central agree with this Motion.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, I am very certain –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member, please, you do not have to entice other hon. Members. Stick to the Motion.

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, the people of Kamfinsa join the people of Mufulira in supporting this Motion. I will be a proud Member of Parliament, and I am sure each one of us will be very proud, to see our freedom fighters receive monthly predictable income. I will be a very proud Member of Parliament and I am sure the people of Luena Constituency will be happy.

Mr Kapyanga: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member, you were guided. Withdraw the reference to the hon. Member of Luena Constituency from your debate.

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, it is the citizens of Luena Constituency I am referring to and not the hon. Member of Parliament. I am certain that the citizens of Mongu Central will be very happy to see our freedom fighters being rewarded.

May I end, Madam Speaker, by appealing to the conscience of each one of us, for a second, to put aside our political affiliation. The people of Kamfinsa have spoken.

I thank you, Madam.

Madam Speaker: Each hon. Member speaks for the constituency that brought them here. So, let us not stretch our debate by speaking on behalf of the people whom we have not been appointed or elected for.

Her Honour the Vice-President will respond in accordance with the prophecy by the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President (Mrs Nalumango): Madam Speaker, thank you. On this debate, let me also thank the hon. Member for bringing this Motion to the House because it is speaking to all of us, but at different levels. In saying this, I appreciate the debates I have listened to. The importance of having a debate like this is that we should listen to one another, and not be stuck in our position. If we have been listening to one other, then, I hope that my conclusion on this matter will be accepted.

Madam Speaker, there are two parts to this Motion. I will start with that as a little preamble. There is the introduction of legislation as one part and there is the provision of welfare for former freedom fighters as another part. This is the way I choose to address it. However, going into this, let me say freedom fighters are the pillars behind our freedom today. That is not something to argue about. It is because of the freedom fighters that we have prospered as an independent and recognisable sovereign State; free to govern our people and to make decisions.

Madam Speaker, as a Government, we are, therefore, cognisant of the important role that freedom fighters played to secure our seat in office today and how, through them, we continue to be inspired and motivated to fight against the injustice today. The Government further recognises the important role it plays in ensuring that all Zambians recognise the role that freedom fighters play in our sovereignty, as a people.

Madam Speaker, let us look at our Constitution, Cap 1 of the Law of Zambia, which states in its preamble, among others, that:

“We, the people of Zambia recognise and honour the freedom fighters that fought for the Independence of our nation in order to achieve liberty, justice, and unity for the people of Zambia.

Madam Speaker, going down to Article 266, the Constitution defines a freedom fighter as a person who fought for the Independence of the former protectorate of Northern Rhodesia to become the Republic of Zambia. The Constitution, therefore, recognises and honours the freedom fighters who fought for the Independence of our country and highlights the achievements of the freedom fighters in ensuring liberty, justice, and unity for us all. However, I must state and agree with the hon. Members here that apart from the Constitution, Zambia does not have a specific law governing the welfare of former freedom fighters.

Madam Speaker, one thing that I should also refer to is that, the hon. Member for Shiwang'andu stated that other members in the region have such legislation, but I am not aware. There is no nation in the region that has such legislation.

Mr Kampyongo: Question!

The Vice-President: Yes, we only know of two, at the moment; Bangladesh and India.

Interjections

The Vice-President: Maybe, it is in the manner it has been put.

Madam Speaker, also agreeing with what the hon. Member stated, here, that over the years, the Former Freedom Fighters Association has made presentations to the Government to honour it by empowering its members economically and socially as a token of appreciation for their contribution towards the struggle for Independence.

Madam Speaker, it is, therefore, the Government’s desire to ensure that freedom fighters are taken care of by it by putting in place a national policy on former freedom fighters that will provide a framework for dealing with their interests. For example, a viable social security scheme, medical facilities, assistance in farming inputs, grant to the Freedom Fighters Association, inclusion in think tanks as sources of knowledge, and so on and so forth. However, in order to do this, the Government needs to establish the quantum of bona fide freedom fighters. I am happy that the hon. Member said that almost everybody who was alive then is a freedom fighter, one way or the other, but are we going to say everybody ought to be entitled?

Mr Muchima: No!

The Vice-President: Therefore, finding the quantum of bona fide freedom fighters will assist in both planning and execution.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, what the hon. Member for Shiwang'andu said is the truth because, today, you will find even a fifty year old freedom fighter. We have to be focused and objective because we want to help. We have all agreed that there is a need. The Cabinet Office has been engaging with freedom fighters over the past number of years. There are over twenty freedom fighter associations that are fragmented. This poses a challenge when dealing with the freedom fighters as each group has its agenda and claims to have its followers. There are, however, two main associations and these are: The Zambia United National Freedom Fighters Association (ZUNFFA) and Zambia Independence 1964 Freedom Fighters Association (ZIFFA).

Madam Speaker, Cabinet Office has established the criteria for identifying freedom fighters. I think, hon. Members must be assured that the Government is working. It has given criteria for the identification of freedom fighters and has developed a questionnaire that will be used by the enumerators when conducting the surveys, and I have all this here with me. I do not know whether I will need to lay the documents on the Table of the House. I am looking at the time.

Madam Speaker, Cabinet Office has held a number of meetings with the executive of ZUNFFA. There was also an attempt to hold a meeting with both ZUNFFA and ZIFFA at Cabinet Office, in December 2022, just last year, by the Secretary to the Cabinet. However, I am aware that the two, probably some are listening, were not able to amicably sit, and the meeting did not proceed. These are the challenges.

Madam Speaker, Cabinet Office has provided office accommodation for members of ZUNFFA.

Madam Speaker, I will now talk about data collection. To shorten the process, the Government through Cabinet Office, has worked on how to collect data and the form is already established. It is very important that we know, exactly, who our freedom fighters are.

Madam Speaker, the fact that not all freedom fighter associations are united poses a challenge for Cabinet Office. Other associations demand office space and money, whilst others demand funds for funerals, medical costs and funds for travelling for State functions. So, my call, at this moment, is that there be unity among freedom fighters.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: It becomes easier to deal with the situation.

Madam Speaker, what is the legislation for, today? Maybe, the question that needs to be addressed in this House, today, is whether there is a need for a specific legislation to provide for the welfare of former freedom fighters in the country.

Madam Speaker, it should be noted that legislation of this nature would have financial implication which is alright. Notwithstanding the financial implications, it is imperative for a study to be occasioned to look into the current structure of the Freedom Fighters Association Trust (FFAT), which is registered under the Societies Act, Cap 119 of the Laws of Zambia, and to establish what inadequacies, if any, are being faced under that structure. Additionally, there is a need to determine how many freedom fighters are in the country and the best available means to provide for their welfare outside the proposed legal framework.

Madam Speaker, considering the Motion to introduce legislation to provide for the welfare of freedom fighters, the FFAT can be studied further to determine its provisions and see how it can best be implemented or amended to provide for and improve on the welfare of the existing freedom fighters and their families. In doing so, recourse can be had to countries such as Bangladesh and India that have attempted to provide a legal framework in relation to the subject.

Madam Speaker, what is so important, even before we can decide on legislation, is to strengthen looking after of our freedom fighters through the structures that exist because coming up with legislation takes a lot of study.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwila: Madam Speaker, let me first recognise all those who have taken part in this debate. I thank Her Honour the Vice-President for the response that she has given. I also thank Hon. Mtayachalo for seconding this Motion, the hon. Member for Chienge, the hon. Member for Katombola, the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, the hon. Member for Nkana, the hon. Member for Namwala and the hon. Member for Kamfinsa for contributing to the debate on this Motion. I know that had the time allowed, many more people would have wanted to take part in this very important debate.

Madam Speaker, I could tell from all the people who debated that deep down our consciences we know that this is a Motion worth supporting. As I stated, from the beginning, this is a non-political Motion. It is non-partisan. It deserves the support of everyone in this House. We meet with people whom we represent in our communities. We meet with these freedom fighters. We know that the number keeps dwindling, as has already been discussed. This is not the time to think about the future because every day that passes, we are losing them. The future belongs to today’s youths, but these are already in their evenings. Every day that passes, they look forward to a better day tomorrow. They look forward to a better meal, better shelter, better accommodation and better medical care. So, this is an opportunity for us to legislate.

Madam Speaker, the challenges, which Her Honour the Vice-President has mentioned, that is fragmentation and inaccurate numbers is why legislation is being proposed to cure them. With a law in place, we will bind everyone together. No one will rise and form an association or rise to claim to be a freedom fighter. The foundation has already been laid. The 2016 Constitution already defined who a freedom fight is. All that is required is for us to come up with a subsidiary law that will operationalise what the Constitution has already stated. The challenges we have of identification will cease with this law in place.

Madam Speaker, thank you very much for equipping the Research Department. While preparing for this Motion, in collaboration –

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

The work that was done is yours. Do not mention our department. Take ownership of the work.

Mr Mwila: Madam Speaker, this is entirely my research.

Laughter

Mr Mwila: The research revealed that we are not asking for something that has not happened before. There is a law in Zimbabwe and in South Africa. There are already laws within the region, before we even look farther to Bangladesh and India. So, it is not unprecedented. It is something that should be done. All of us agree. The people we are talking about are in the evenings of their lives. Now is the time to do the right thing.

Hon. Government Members: Wind up.

Mr Mwila: Madam Speaker, in the next few weeks, we will be celebrating Independence Day. People will be approaching us for support and on how they will celebrate it and how they will be recognised. With this law in place, even the letters that we keep receiving prior to Independence Day will end. So, this is my appeal to the conscience of everyone in this House to do the right thing for those who fought for the Independence of this country and delivered the freedom that we are enjoying now.

Mr Kangombe: Golden Mwila!

Hon. Government Members: Wind up.

Mr Mwila: Surely, Madam Speaker, a Councillor, a Member of Parliament or anyone who goes through an election goes back to the people with whom they fought in the battle and appreciates them. What about a country that was saved from the colonialists?

Madam Speaker: Order!

The hon. Member’s time expired.

Mr Mwila: Why can we not help the freedom fighters?

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Your time is up.

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Opposition Members called for a division.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Members, from where the hon. Member for Lundazi is seated, ...

Laughter

Madam Speaker: ... up to where the hon. Member for Petauke Central is, I am warning you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: That is the last warning. Maintain silence if you want to participate in voting.

Question that this House urges the Government to introduce legislation providing for the welfare of former freedom fighters in the country put and the House voted.

Ayes – (45)

Mr Ackleo Banda

Mr Allen Banda

Mr J. E. Banda

Mr Chala

Mr Chanda

Mr Chewe

Mr C. Chibuye

Mr Chisanga

Ms Chisenga

Mr Chisopa

Mr Chonde

Mr E. Daka

Mr Fube

Mr Kalobo

Mr Kampyongo

Mr Kang’ombe

Mr Kapyanga

Mr Katambo

Mr Katotobwe

Rev. Katuta

Ms T. Lungu

Ms Mabonga

Mr Mabumba

Mr B. Mpundu

Mr C. Mpundu

Mr Mtayachalo

Mr Mukosa

Mr Mumba

Mr Mung’andu

Mr Mushanga

Dr Mwale

Ms S. Mwamba

Dr Mwanza

Mr Mwila

Ms Nakaponda

Ms Nyemba

Ms Nyirenda

Mr Peter Phiri

Ms M. Phiri

Mr Shakafuswa

Mr Simumba

Mr E. Tembo

Mr M. Tembo

Mr Menyani Zulu

Mr Munir Zulu

Noes – (72)

Mr Amutike

Mr Anakoka

Mr Andeleki

Mr Chaatila

Mr J. Chibuye

Mr Chikote

Mrs Chinyama

Ms Chisangano

Ms Halwiindi

Mr Hamwaata

Mr Hlazo

Mr Jamba

Dr Kalila

Mr Kambita

Mr Kamondo

Mr Kandafula

Mr Kanengo

Mr Kangombe

Mr Kapala

Ms Kasanda

Ms Kasune

Mr Katakwe

Mr Kolala

Mr Lihefu

Mr Lubozha

Mr Lumayi

Eng. Mabenga

Mr Malambo

Mr Mandandi

Mr Mapani

Ms Mazoka

Mr Mbangweta

Eng. Milupi

Mr Miyutu

Mr Moyo

Mr Mposha

Mr Mtolo

Mr Mubanga

Mr Mubika

Mr Muchima

Mr Mufalali

Mr Mukumbi

Mr Charles Mulenga

Mr Chipoka Mulenga

Mr Mulunda

Mrs Mulyata

Ms Munashabantu

Mr Munsanje

Dr Musokotwane

Mr Musumali

Mr Mutati

Mr Mutelo

Mr Mweetwa

Mrs Nalumango

Mr Nanjuwa

Mr Nkandu

Mr Nkulukusa

Eng. Nzovu

Ms Sabao

Mr Samakayi

Ms Sefulo

Mr Siachisumo

Mr Sialubalo

Mr Sikumba

Mr Simbao

Mr Simunji

Mr Simushi

Mr Sing’ombe

Mr Syakalima

Ms Tambatamba

Mr Tayali

Mr Tayengwa

Abstentions – Nil

Question that this House urges the Government to introduce legislation providing for the welfare of former freedom fighters in the country put and negatived.

Business was suspended from 1748 hours until 1700 hours.

[MR SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

MOTION OF THANKS

(Debate resumed)

The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation (Mr Mposha): Thank you, Mr Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Speech. From the outset, I wish to thank and congratulate His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, for his clear and inspiring speech. It is heart-warming to note the clarity and consistency with which His Excellency the President, has been highlighting the achievements made by the United Party for National Development (UPND) New Dawn Government, particularly, in the water, sanitation and hygiene sector in achieving universal access to clean and safe drinking water as well as adequate sanitation services. The commitment of the President and the New Dawn Administration to progressively increase investment in the water sector for the country to achieve national water security only goes to demonstrate that he clearly understands the fundamental role water plays in national socio-economic development.

Mr Speaker, the Government has put up a robust strategy to harness water resources and ensure national water security. In 2023, we commenced the construction of sixteen new dams across the country, mostly in water-stressed areas. It is estimated that over 15 million m³of water will be harvested benefitting over 106,000 people and approximately 1.7 million livestock. In 2024, the Government has planned to construct about twenty-eight new dams across the country under my ministry, and I am also aware that ten more new dams will be constructed by our counterpart ministry, the Ministry of Agriculture. In order to enhance and prolong the lifespan of existing dams, the Government has been rehabilitating several dams across the country. Further, in order to maintain and prolong the lifespan of other existing dams, the Government is also carrying out maintenance works on ninety dams, which translates into nine dams per province. In 2024, ninety existing dams will be maintained throughout the country. These dams are meant for various water uses such as irrigation, water supply, livestock, domestic use, including, to some extent, hydropower generation.

Mr Speaker, in order to maintain a steady supply of water from our sources, which include rivers, stream, springs and ground water, among others, the Government has embarked on a national programme of restoring and protecting these water bodies. We are, therefore, committed to protecting the sources of our rivers and we have, thus, partnered with a number of organisations such as the World Wide Fund (WWF), to protect the head waters of the mighty Zambezi River. To this effect, in 2023, the Government, working together with the WWF and the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), developed and launched the Magoye River Catchment Restoration and Protection Plan.

Mr Speaker, access to water in rural parts of our country remains a major priority of the New Dawn Government. In this regard, the Government intends to construct and equip more than 1,000 new boreholes this year. This year, as of June 2023, 634 new boreholes were equipped with hand pumps in selected districts of the ten provinces using domestic resources and support from our co-operating partners.

Mr Speaker, I want to also add that the President, in his speech, clearly highlighted a number of successes that have been scored since this Government increased the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation from a paltry K1.6 million to what it is now, the K28.3 million. Many successes have been scored. The constituency, which I proudly represent, has rolled out a number of projects ranging from health facilities, security facilities, markets, trading places and roads most importantly, which could not be done in the past as there was no money. However, now, with these adequate resources that are also being disbursed timely, my constituency has benefited a lot. I think even the other hon. Members on your left, who mean well, will tell you that this is a game changer.

Mr Speaker, on page 24, the President ably highlighted benefits under human and social development. The President highlighted a number of achievements that we have scored. Among them is the Free Education Policy that the Government introduced from which many people have benefitted. As we speak, in my constituency and in many areas of the country I visit, most schools are full to capacity. I visit schools and see that they are full to capacity.

Hon. Kampyongo interjected.

Mr Mposha: Mr Speaker, I know that those who spent a lot of money trying to invest in tear gas will try to distract me, but the tear gas was not helping our children in schools.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kampyongo: On a point of order, Sir.

Laughter

Mr Mposha: This Government is putting money where it matters most. It is the responsibility of any reasonable Government to ensure that its citizens are educated, and this where the Government has put money. The CDF is supporting the Free Education Policy.

Mr Speaker, whilst I am tackling the benefits and the highlights of the speech by the President on page 24, I also want to touch on the issue of the reinstatement of meal allowances for students. I come from a constituency that houses the highest learning institution, the University of Zambia (UNZA).

Mr Kampyongo: On a point of order, Sir.

Laughter

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, resume your seat.

Hon. UPND Member: Send him out.

Mr Mposha: Mr Speaker, I am not only a very proud Minister but also a very proud Member of Parliament because the students who come from various parts of the country to learn at UNZA have now benefited from this very good gesture by the President and the Government of reinstating the meal allowances. It breaks my heart to see a Government that decides to punish the students by withdrawing meal allowances. I am happy that this Government has reinstated the meal allowances and this has cheered most of the students.

Mr Speaker, the President went on to reaffirm our stance, as a Government, to fight corruption and that those who directly took part in the looting of the country’s resources and those who also benefited must be visited by the law. I am very proud that the President has reaffirmed this position because it is the desire of the people that we fight corruption with all our ability and energy. I hope that hon. Member of Parliament, even those who are fidgeting around, will join us in the fight against corruption.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order!

ADJOURNMENT

The Vice President (Mrs Nalumango): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

Question put and agreed to.

_______

The House adjourned at 1717 hours until 1430 hours on Thursday, 28^th September, 2023.

____________

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