Thursday, 16^th November, 2023

The House met at 1430 hours

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

STATUS OF ESSENTIAL MEDICINES AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES COUNTRYWIDE

The Minister of Defence and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House (Mr Lufuma) (on behalf of the Minister of Health (Mrs Masebo)): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity to deliver the ministerial statement on behalf of the hon. Minister of Health.

Madam Speaker, I wish to update this august House and the general public on the status of essential medicines and medical supplies in public health facilities countrywide. Additionally, I will update the House on measures that the Government has put in place to improve the supply chain management systems to ensure that essential medicines and medical supplies are available in all public health facilities across the country.

Madam Speaker, we are all aware that Zambia is facing a double burden of disease, with a high prevalence of communicable diseases and a rising incidence of non-communicable diseases. The Government is mandated to not only treat diseases, but also focus on promoting wellness and prevention of diseases. Availability of medicines and medical supplies is one of the important health pillars that support the well-being of the population. In light of the foregoing, the Government is committed to the promotion of equity of access for all Zambians to good quality, safe and efficacious medicines and medical supplies that are affordable, rationally used and as close to the family as possible, in line with our National Drug Policy.

Madam Speaker, from August 2021, we noted, with great concern, the low levels of essential medicines and medical supplies countrywide, ranging from 40 per cent to 60 per cent availability. That was way below the target recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) of 70 per cent to 80 per cent at all levels of health care.

Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that in 2022, the availability of medicines still ranged between 50 per cent and 60 per cent, mainly due to the following reasons:

1. the procurement of medicines and medical supplies was being transferred from the Ministry of Health to the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) in line with the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency Act No. 9 of 2019;

1. the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had severely disrupted the supply chain not only for Zambia, but also the world over; and

1. drug debt of over K2.2 billion, which was inherited and resulted in most suppliers not wanting to supply medicines and medical supplies to the Government.

Madam Speaker, despite those challenges, the Government increased the funding for medicines and medical supplies from K1.2 billion in 2021 to a whooping K3.6 billion in 2022 and K4.6 billion in 2023. I am glad to inform the House that this Government has managed to dismantle most of the debt. Additionally, the House may wish to note that the ZAMMSA Board and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) were appointed in 2022. The Government adopted a hybrid supply chain system, which includes health centre kits on one side and, on the other, the bulk supply of essential medicines and medical supplies. These measures have facilitated the restoration of the supply chain and contributed to improved availability percentage for essential medicines and medical supplies in public health facilities countrywide.

Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that as of July 2023, the first 7,000 of 42,000 health centre kits arrived in the country, significantly improving the availability of primary healthcare medicines and medical supplies from 50 per cent to, now, over 80 per cent in our health posts and health centres. The second batch of 7,000 health centre kits arrived at ZAMMSA and will be distributed to all our health posts and centres to maintain availability at over 80 per cent. Note that the remaining health centre kits will be arriving every two months up to June 2024.

Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that the bulk medicines and medical supplies started arriving at ZAMMSA in September 2023, and will continue being delivered through December 2023 and the first quarter of 2024. The supplies will cover first-level, second-level, third-level and fourth-level hospital medicines and medical supplies requirements. As of 14^th October, 2023, the national stock position improved to an average of 85 per cent at health centres and 75 per cent at hospitals.

Madam Speaker, it is expected that when the essential medicines and medical supplies recently received at ZAMMSA are distributed, the 7,000 health centre kits and the assorted bulk procurement of essential medicines, they will significantly increase and stabilise the national availability of medicines at all levels of care to above 80 per cent.

Madam Speaker, I am delighted to inform the House and the Zambian people that the New Dawn Administration, under the able leadership of the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, has put in place measures that have improved medicine supply management systems and ensure steady availability and accessibility of essential medicines and medical supplies, such as:

1. further increase to the allocation to the drug budget from K3.9 billion in 2023 to K4.9 billion in 2024; 

1. procurement of 42,000 health centre kits from Missionpharma in India to cover up to June 2024. Further, ZAMMSA initiated the procurement of 57,000 health centre kits to cover the period from June 2024 to 2026. Of the 57,000 health centre kits, 10,000 will be from local pharmaceutical manufacturers;

1. ZAMMSA will continue procuring medicines and medical supplies using government- to-government initiatives and through multilateral partners, such as the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA);

1. ZAMMSA has continued to engage local suppliers and pharmaceutical manufacturers for supply of bulk essential medicines and medical supplies in 2023, and will continue to engage with local suppliers in order for them to contribute to the stabilisation of the supply chain;

1. Issue of Statutory Instrument No. 14 of 2023 in May 2023 to operationalise the Medicines and Medical Supplies Fund, which will receive funding from the Government, co-operating partners, the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA), the commercial wing of ZAMMSA, and other sources of funding. The purposes of the fund, as prescribed in the Act, are, among others, to:

1. ensure availability of medicines and medical supplies in public health facilities; and

1. procure and distribute medicines and medical supplies for emergency purposes to public health facilities.

1. promotion of local manufacturing of medicines, vaccines and medical supplies in order to assure a consistent and resilient supply of quality medicines and medical supplies in the country; and

1. continued strengthening of the taskforce against pilferage of medicines and medical supplies in all public health facilities.

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, allow me to say that these measures that the Government has put in place are expected to restore our in-country supply chain and commodity security, thereby restoring confidence in both health workers and patients in our health systems and services.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, you are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the ministerial statement issued by the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House.

Mrs Masebo entered the Assembly Chamber.

Madam Speaker: I am sure, the hon. Minister of Health will gladly answer the questions.

Mr Mutale (Chitambo): Madam Speaker, in July 2022 or 2021, I stand to be corrected, we had about 46 per cent of medical supplies. I recall very well that you constituted a Committee to go around the country and the Committee came up with a report, which was voted against and characterised as not reflecting what was obtaining on the ground. Does the statement issued by the hon. Minister today confirm that what was in the report brought to this House was actually the truth?

Madam Speaker: That report was voted against; we made a decision. Are we trying to review that decision? Maybe, the hon. Minister can comment on that.

The Minister of Health (Mrs Masebo): Madam Speaker, the report in question indicated that the levels were below 35 per cent.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Charles Mulenga (Kwacha): Madam Speaker, we continue to witness a high rate of drug pilferage from various healthcare centres throughout the country. That usually creates an artificial shortage of medicines in clinics as well as hospitals. In order to curb that ugly act, why can the Government not introduce a mechanism of engraving medicines with the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) mark? For example, various equipment and vehicle engines are marked ‘GRZ’, and it is very difficult for anybody to steal them because he/she has to erase that mark. So, why can that not be the case with medical supplies?

Mrs Masebo: Madam Speaker, it is our intention, as the Government, to come up with a system that will stop the stealing of drugs altogether. To that effect, I indicated in the statement that the Government continues to strengthen the Joint National Taskforce Against Pilferage of Medicines and Medical Supplies in all public health facilities.

Madam Speaker, you may recall that I indicated on the Floor of this House that we tried to engage a company to help us to trace drugs but, of course, that can only come into effect after we do many other things, including what the hon. Member has talked about. Next year, we intend to ensure that suppliers engrave drugs with the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) or Ministry of Health (MoH) marks so that it is easy for us to detect drugs that belong to the Government or other institutions. So, yes, we need to do that. We have that intention, and plans are underway.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kambita (Zambezi East): Madam Speaker, –

Mr Mutale: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mutale: Madam Speaker, I am carefully listening to the answers that the hon. Minister is providing. She has stated that the Government will be engraving the Government of Republic of Zambia (GRZ) mark on medicines. I am aware that the medicines that come into this country are patented. What law are we going to use to engrave marks on patented medicines into this country? Standing Order No. 65 provides that the answers hon. Ministers provide should be the Government’s position.

I seek your serious ruling, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Following the question asked by the hon. Member for Kwacha, the hon. Minister indicated that the hon. Member’s suggestion is one of the steps that the Government intends to take in the future. I think, that is what I heard her say. So, the hon. Minister is not out of order for having an idea that will be implemented in the future. Whether or not the plan will be implemented will depend on the circumstances at that time. So, the hon. Minister was in order.

May the hon. Member for Zambezi East continue.

Mr Kambita: Madam Speaker, allow me to thank the hon. Minister for this ministerial statement on how the drug supply chain has improved post the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Largely, we are all aware that the challenges we faced were caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. I am aware that the amount we appropriated for drugs the previous year was not all consumed because of some challenges. How is the ministry doing this year in terms of the band rate? By that, I mean, what we appropriated last year in this year’s Budget. I noticed that the budget for 2024 has been increased. So, are we going to have a situation in which some money is not consumed or are we likely to band everything now that the situation is okay?

Mrs Masebo: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for this question.

Madam Speaker, first of all, I would like to confirm that the budget for drugs was increased. Therefore, we will see an increase in the supply of drugs. The budget for drugs for 2024 has been increased, and that means that next year, we will improve the availability of drugs in terms of their quantities and categories.

Madam Speaker, with regard to the question of whether some money for drugs will not be consumed, I can safely say that it will not be possible because, firstly, the demand for drugs has increased due to an increased population. Secondly, and most importantly, the disease burden has increased and become diverse. We are seeing kinds of infections that were not there before. So, we are updating the composition of the drug kit so it can include drugs that are very expensive and rare, which very few people make use of, so that we walk the talk of providing health services to all Zambians irrespective of area, region or age.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Dr Mwanza (Kaumbwe): Madam Speaker, I followed closely the measures that the Government has put in place to improve the supply chain for medical supplies, which include increased budgetary allocation for drugs, promotion of local pharmaceutical manufacturing industries and procurement of 42,000 medical kits. My question is on the 42,000 medical kits. What quality control measures has the Ministry of Health put in place from the origin, not at the destination? I believe that when a quality test is carried out at the destination and the medicine fails that test, that has a very high impact on the lives of the people, as the people who were supposed to be treated by taking that medicine will not get treated. What quality control measures has the Government put in place to ensure that the procured 42,000 kits improve our medical supply chain?

Mrs Masebo: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for this question.

Madam Speaker, the Government has put in place rules and regulations through an Act of Parliament and it established an institution to be the regulator. In this regard, I mean the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA), whose sole function is to ensure that all drugs imported in the country and those manufactured in the country are tested for a positive impact on the patients. So, all drugs that come into the country are tested by ZAMRA, and ZAMRA has fully-fledged laboratory equipment for that purpose. The Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) also tests drugs at the National Drug Quality Control Laboratory, and there is another Government institution that tests drugs and other things. So, ZAMRA is an in-house testing authority, if I may call it that, for everything that is brought into the country. However, officials from ZAMRA also go to the countries where the manufacturing companies are to verify the legitimacy of the companies producing the kits. In this regard, ZAMMSA asked the Committee on Health, Community Development and Social Services to travel to India so that it could understand the processes involved in the manufacturing and procurement of drugs.

Madam Speaker, when drugs are brought into the country, ZAMMSA gives ZAMRA samples for it to test them. However, even after a drug passes the test conducted by ZAMRA and ZAMMSA distributes it to clinics countrywide, when a health worker thinks that it does not look okay, he/she can report that to the ministry or ZAMMSA or ZAMRA. In that regard, ZAMRA again tests that drug to check if it is really safe. The truth of the matter is that a drug in a good condition can be but, depending on how you handle its procurement, and especially its transportation and storage, it can lose its effectiveness. This is why ZAMRA, when dispensing drugs, checks what it already checked. In the past, a drug that passed the test the first time did not pass the second. So, ZAMRA continuously tests drugs to ensure that at all times, the drugs that our people consume are safe and effective. Sometimes, drugs expire because they were over-purchased or, in a certain month, people kept themselves well and did not fall sick hence were not given the drugs. Again, at that point, it is ZAMRA’s role to ensure that ZAMMSA destroys those drugs. The Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) and the Food and Drug Laboratory do not just test drugs, but also food and, indeed, other substances.

I thank you, Madam Speaker

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Kaumbwe, are you satisfied? You were interested in the testing of the drugs before they leave the place of manufacture. Has your question been answered?

Dr Mwanza: Madam Speaker, it has been answered.

Mr Ngowani (Mpongwe): Madam Speaker, we have been facing a critical challenge of the shortage of anti-rabies vaccines in most health facilities. I would like to know if anti-rabies vaccines were included in the recently procured medical kits.

Mrs Masebo: Kindly repeat the question.

Mr Ngowani: Madam Speaker, we have been facing a critical shortage of anti-rabies vaccines in most health facilities across the country. I would like to know if anti-rabies vaccines were included in the recently procured medical kits.

Mrs Masebo: Madam Speaker, yes, we have had a number of cases of dogs biting people. Some people were infected with rabies, but we had a shortage of anti-rabies drugs. However, ZAMMSA has since procured the drugs. As to whether they are in the recent consignment or not, that is something that I cannot confirm. I can only confirm that we instructed ZAMMSA to ensure that the drugs for treating dog bites are available.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mabeta (Kankoyo): Madam Speaker, there have been media reports that in the second batch of the 7,000 kits that were procured, there were some sub-standard drugs. Are there any defective drugs in the 7,000 kits that were procured?

Mrs Masebo: Madam Speaker, this matter was raised on the Floor of the House by Mr Chibombwe, the hon. Member for Bahati Parliamentary Constituency, on Thursday, 9^th November, 2023, during the segment of matters of urgent public importance. Let me respond to this question because of its importance.

Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that the drug in question is among the fifty-eight products in the health centre –

Madam Speaker: Sorry, hon. Minister. Are you not supposed to render a ministerial statement on that? Maybe, that matter can be addressed through a ministerial statement because it will raise many questions. A number of hon. Members have indicated, and because of the workload that we have, it will not be possible for me to extend the time. However, I will allow the three hon. Members who indicated to ask questions. So, the hon. Member for Kankoyo’s question will be answered when the ministerial statement is issued.

The hon. Members who will ask questions are the hon. Member for Bangweulu, the hon. Member for Chipili and the hon. Member for Bahati.

Mr Mushanga: But I indicated.

Madam Speaker: I can only take three questions according to the indications on the screen. However, instead of the hon. Member for Bahati, it will be the hon. Member for Masaiti.

Mr Kasandwe (Bangweulu): Madam Speaker, a consortium of companies from Egypt are supplying medicines to Zambia. Are those companies registered with the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) in accordance with the provision of the law in this country?

Mrs Masebo: Madam Speaker, you may wish to note that there is a regulation that medicines imported into the country must be registered with ZAMRA. To that effect, all the drugs that are being brought in the country through the Unified Procurement Authority (UPA) are registered. The only difference in this regard is that the fees to be paid were waived because it was a government-to-government arrangement, and the matter was urgent. The Zambian Government asked Egypt to send the drugs to Zambia, and that is why the procurement was more of a single- sourcing kind of arrangement.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Bangweulu, I see that you are not satisfied. I urge you to engage the hon. Minister privately because we do not have much time. We have to complete the business on the Order Paper.

Mr Chala (Chipili): Madam Speaker, are there drugs for non-communicable diseases among those that were brought into the country, since we have those diseases in this country?

Madam Speaker: May you be clearer. Are you referring to non-communicable disease or communicable diseases?

Mr Chala: NCDs.

Madam Speaker: Okay.

Mrs Masebo: Madam Speaker, yes, indeed, we do have the drugs, except they are not 100 per cent in terms of the varieties.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Katambo (Masaiti): Madam Speaker, there are a number of pharmaceutical companies in the country. Which of them have partnered with the Egyptian companies in line with the law on procurement?

Mrs Masebo indicated dissent.

Mr Katambo: Can I repeat the question?

Mrs Masebo indicated assent.

Mr Katambo: Madam Speaker, there are a number of pharmaceutical companies in the country. Which of those companies have partnered with the Egyptian companies in line with the law on procurement?

Mrs Masebo: Madam Speaker, I indicated that it was not one of those procurements in which the Government went to a company to purchase drugs. The procurement was based a government- to-government arrangement. In that regard, it did not fully fall under the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) procurement system.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I urge you to engage the hon. Minister and ask further questions because we have to make progress.

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QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

TRUCK DRIVERS STRANDED IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

142. Mr E. Banda (Muchinga) asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation:

1. whether the Government is aware that for the past two weeks, Zambian truck drivers have been stranded in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a protest by some truck drivers who are not allowing any trucks loaded with copper to move out of the DRC;

1. if so, what is the cause of the protest; and

1. what urgent measures are being taken to secure the safe return of the truck drivers.

Madam Speaker: I received communication to the effect that the hon. Minister of Justice will act as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, although it is supposed to be with effect from 18^th November, 2023. So, I do not know what is happening.

The Minister of Justice (Mr Haimbe, SC.) (on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation (Mr Kakubo)): Madam Speaker, it appears to have been brought forward.

Madam Speaker, yes, the Government is aware of the truck drivers’ protest on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) side. However, there are no Zambian truck drivers who are stranded.

Madam Speaker, the cause of the protest is that the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Region Drivers Board was pushing for risk allowances to be paid to all truck drivers carrying copper from the mines in the DRC.

Madam Speaker, there is no need for any measures to be put in place, as no Zambian driver is stranded or under threat. The Government has previously held ministerial meetings with its DRC counterparts to look into the security of the drivers, and that is an on-going process of ensuring that the drivers’ safety is guaranteed.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr E. Banda: Madam Speaker, considering that there will be elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in a few weeks, what advice can the hon. Minister give to Zambian truck drivers, logistics companies and other Zambian citizens who do business in the DRC to make sure that they are not at risk?

Mr Haimbe, SC.: Madam Speaker, I urge Zambian citizens, generally, not only truck drivers, to exercise caution whenever they have any activity that they have to undertake in our neighbouring country. We have put in place mechanisms by which citizens can keep the Government informed on the nature of their activities so that we monitor their progress and make sure that their lives are protected.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Menyani Zulu (Nyimba): Madam Speaker, that is the only route that some of us use because in Zambia, there is no business for truckers. Some of the hon. Members’ truck drivers are affected by the protest. The East Africa Drivers Association brought the problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Does the hon. Minister not think that it is time we sat down with our drivers and lectured them because some of the information that they get from some associations is wrong? The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Drivers Association should be told that in Southern Africa, we do not believe in hearsay, but in what is communicated to us through the association. The problem in the DRC was not started by SADC drivers, but by the East African Drivers Association.

Mr Haimbe, SC.: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for the supplementary question.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member is right. There is a need for an escalated level of engagement.

Madam Speaker, hon. Members will recall that this is not the first instance there has been issues between the two countries in terms of the work of truck drivers. Not too long ago, about a-year- and-a-half ago, it was alleged that a truck driver had died and that had caused a lot of confusion at the crossing points. So, it is a constant process of engagement, as I already indicated in the response from the ministry. I agree with the hon. Member, by and large, that we need to take more proactive steps from the perspective of protecting the interests of SADC drivers and Zambian drivers in particular. Given our unique and strategic position; we are right in the centre of transit routes, I think, we should leverage on that advantage, keeping in mind the need for a diplomatic approach at the same time.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Simbao (Luanshya): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister is not the right person to direct this question to but he might have an answer.

Madam Speaker, two drivers from my constituency are in police cells in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Yesterday, I talked to them and they complained that they are suffering, and I have been to the ministry to see how best we can help them. What is the hon. Minister’s comment on this issue? What should I tell their families, especially given that I will be going to the constituency at the weekend?

Mr Haimbe, SC.: Madam Speaker, I commiserate with the people in the situation the hon. Member for Luanshya has referred to, although this question is specific and relates to the protest. We need to understand the cause of their detention. We have to take a multi-sectoral approach and involve colleagues from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security and the Ministry of Justice. So, this is a matter that we would have to take up at a higher level and get to the bottom of. What is the alleged criminal offence? What is the state of their detention? Are they remandees or convicts? Are there pending trials or is there a legal process that began? It is not only the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation that should be involved; we also need to ask officials from other ministries to chip in. So, we will have to take it up from that perspective.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

INTRODUCTION OF SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME IN MITETE

143. Mr Mutelo (Mitete) asked the Minister of Education when the Government will introduce the School Feeding Programme in schools in Mitete District.

The Minister of Education (Mr Syakalima): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the feeding programme being a learner retention strategy and free education enabler, the ministry intends to scale it up in all districts in Zambia, including Mitete, the fiscal space allowing.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mutelo: Madam Speaker, the scaling up of the programme in all districts is welcome but, for now, the people of Mitete are crying. So, will the programme be implemented in Mitete next month or in January 2024?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, the term “scale up” means ‘scale up’. Mitete might be one of the districts where the programme will be implemented if it meets the criterion. However, I am not sure whether the programme will be implemented in Mitete in January 2024 but, indeed, it will be implemented, the fiscal space allowing.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chala: Madam Speaker, this is a very good programme, but what criterion is used to select schools that are supposed to be on it?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, the criteria inculde but are not limited to the following:

1. districts with low net enrolments;

1. districts with high dropout rates;

1. districts with high absenteeism rates; and

1. districts with high poverty levels.

Madam Speaker, poverty levels are the main consideration when selecting districts to be added to the School Feeding Programme.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chewe (Lubansenshi): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me the opportunity, on behalf of the people of Lubansenshi, to ask the hon. Minister of Education a supplementary question.

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister able to tell the people of Mitete how many schools the ministry intends to put on the programme?

Mr Syakalima: The question is not clear, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member, may you repeat the question.

Mr Chewe: Madam Speaker, how many schools in Mitete does the ministry target to put on the programme?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, it will depend on the location of the schools, but it is not all the schools. The schools are selected within the district.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mutelo: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister knows Washishi Primary School, and the people in Washishi are waiting for him. Washishi and Lupui primary schools qualify to be on the programme because of high poverty levels in the areas. Is the hon. Minister aware that if the ministry delays to introduce the good programme in some schools in Mitete, the pupils will be prevented from accessing the free education that the Government introduced? Does the hon. Minister not foresee that?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to increase the budgetary allocation for the feeding programme by over 180 per cent, from K40 million in 2023 to K112 million next year. So, when the programme is scaled up, probably, the first school the hon. Member will recommend is Washishi, is it not?

Mr Mutelo: Yes.

Mr Syakalima: Wonderful!

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: The hon. Minister will have to be familiar with the name because, I believe, the people in that area want him to go there.

Mr Kasandwe: Madam Speaker, since the Ministry of Education’s budget is limited and the pupils in Washishi cannot wait until 2024, and we are not sure if they are going to be included on the programme, is it possible for the hon. Minister to engage the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development so that the latter can expand the guidelines on the beneficiaries of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to enable the people of Washishi to introduce the feeding programme in some schools through the CDF, since the CDF is a game-changer to some colleagues?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Laughter

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is not a game-changer to the hon. Member because he is not utilising it. So, even if I talked to him, he will not use it. Anyway, I will engage the hon. Minister, but hon. Members should utilise the CDF, and they will see that the game has changed. I will go to Bangweulu to see how many schools the hon. Member has built, and I am sure that I will find them. So, let us not pretend that something is not working when it is working.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Katambo: Madam Speaker, the School Feeding Programme increases learners performance. Why is it that learners, especially at Washishi Middle Basic School, are not performing very well when the programme increases learners performance?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, I am not quite sure whether the hon. Member went to that school to see whether the learners are not performing well. I do not think so. The learners are performing well.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: I think, we can make progress.

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MOTION

REPORT OF THE ZAMBIAN DELEGATION TO THE 147^TH INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION ASSEMBLY AND RELATED MEETINGS

Mr Kamboni (Kalomo Central): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this House do adopt the report of the Zambian Delegation that participated at the 147^th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly and Related Meetings, laid on the Table of the House on Monday, 13^th November, 2023.

Madam Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

Mrs Sabao (Chikankata): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

Mr Kamboni: Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Rt. Hon. Madam Speaker led a delegation to the 147^th IPU Assembly and Related Meetings that was held from 23^rd to 27^th October, 2023. Let me draw the attention of the House to the salient features of the report.

Madam Speaker, the 147^th IPU Assembly was convened under the theme “Parliamentary Action for Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No.16”. From the outset, allow me to state that the theme for the Assembly resonated with the desire for peace and justice by all those who gathered in Luanda. This comes in the wake of what was happening in some parts of the world. Particularly, concern was raised for areas such as Sudan, Ukraine, West Africa, Israel, Palestine and some Middle East regions. In light of the above, Parliamentarians condemned, in the strongest terms, the suffering that the people affected by war are enduring, especially civilians, children, women and the elderly.

Madam Speaker, not only does conflict and war affect people, it also negates development gains, and the cost of rebuilding a nation after war is massive. Consequently, Parliamentarians were urged to speak out on the conflicts taking place all over the world in order for peace and justice to prevail. Emphasis was also placed on the need to strengthen institutions that are mandated to ensure that there is peace and justice in society.

Madam Speaker, the Assembly noted that strong institutions called for strong parliaments. However, for this to be achieved, Parliaments have to remain democratic, representative, transparent, accessible and accountable to the people who elected them.

Madam Speaker, another notable theme that characterised the 147^thIPU Assembly was digital transformation. The Assembly noted that digitisation has the potential to make Parliaments stronger. In that regard, Parliaments and Parliamentarians were strongly encouraged to embrace digital tools in order to make their work more effective. In addition to aiding Parliamentarians to connect with the people, digital interactions were hailed as being important in today’s world, especially with the young population, who are ardent users of technology. To further demonstrate the benefits of digital tools for Parliaments and Parliamentarians alike, the Assembly noted that Parliamentarians were able to conduct business during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic because of technology.

Madam Speaker, prior to adopting the Luanda Declaration, Parliamentarians engaged in meaningful discourse to recognise the SDG No. 16, more than any other SDG related to Parliaments and key institutions of governance in every country. For instance, Parliaments have the power to enact laws, adopt budgets and provide oversight on the Executive. The Assembly also noted that Parliaments were uniquely positioned to make governments work better at all levels, whether at the national, sub-national or local levels. It was further recognised that effective implementation of SDG No. 16 can promote positive social cohesion, peace and development outcomes across the board.

Madam Speaker, Parliamentarians were reminded that the Fourth Industrial Revolution was propelling the world’s automation. However, there is little debate among nations on how artificial intelligence (AI) and robots are likely to replace human workers and change society. It came to light during the Assembly that AI and lethal autonomous weapon systems –

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Can you tone down. There is a lot of talking. You are supposed to be listening to the report. If you are talking, how do you get what is being said and debate on the same?

Hon. Member, you may continue.

Mr Kamboni: Madam Speaker, we are progressively removing human decision-making from the frontline and putting life-and-death decisions in the hands of AI and lethal autonomous weapon systems. Further, some businesses were adopting more automation to compete globally and produce more affordable goods. However, as companies continue to outsource human labourers, global unemployment rates will continue to rise, resulting in economic instability. Nations with large growing populations, previously a requirement for economic growth, will soon become burdened by them. In light of the above, Parliaments and Parliamentarians were strongly urged to dedicate resources to studying the ethical, legal and societal implications of adopting AI and lethal autonomous weapon systems.

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, the main take away message from the 147^th IPU Assembly was that peace, justice and strong institutions that are inclusive and decisive are important.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

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

Mrs Sabao: Now, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I rise to second the Motion to adopt the report of the Zambian delegation that participated at the 147^th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly and Related Meetings that has been ably moved by Hon. Harry Kamboni, the first Vice-President of the IPU Zambia National Chapter.

Madam Speaker, I agree with the mover of the Motion that the destructiveness of conflict presents persistent setbacks to development and affects human societies in a detrimental way, with women, children and marginalised groups being the most affected. Regrettably, the Assembly noted that most armed conflicts and related mediation efforts tended to be male-dominated despite the fact that women’s participation in the peace process was an essential precondition for establishing longlasting peace. In this regard, Parliamentarians were called upon to undertake legislative reforms and come up with laws that can guarantee the active participation of women and youths in peace processes.

Madam Speaker, the Assembly also raised concerns about human trafficking, especially orphanage trafficking, and noted that any form of trafficking often had a gender dimension, as most of the affected people are children and women. The Assembly acknowledged the important role that Parliamentarians can play in the prevention of orphanage trafficking, particularly by addressing its gender dimensions. Parliaments were strongly encouraged to develop capacity building programmes that are aimed at deepening the knowledge of Parliamentarians about the nature of trafficking at large and orphanage trafficking in particular. There is orphanage trafficking in Zambia, but most people do not know that there is that activity in our communities. So, it is time for us, Parliamentarians, to help our people by coming up with sensitisation programmes.

Madam Speaker, through the IPU’s Standing Committee on Sustainable Development, matters of climate change were substantially debated. Among the conclusions that were drawn from the discourse is the fact that legislation is a key driver of enhanced climate action. In Zambia, we are lucky that the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment is in charge of that activity. In this regard, Parliaments have been called upon to either enact laws or align existing ones and policies with the relevant global commitments on climate change.

Madam Speaker, climate finance is critical to addressing climate change, especially as it relates to transitioning to low-carbon economies and helping societies to build resilience and adapt to the impact of climate change. Therefore, the strong recommendation was made that nations mobilise funds outside their domestic finances, given that transitioning to a low-carbon economy is an expensive undertaking. Further, the Assembly placed emphasis on the need for nations to bear it in mind that if not properly handled, the transition could bring about injustices, especially on the vulnerable and marginalised groups.

Madam Speaker, in order to address the gap in youth representation in Parliaments, the IPU launched the ‘I Say Yes to Youth in Parliament’ campaign in 2021. The campaign consists of six pledges identified by young Parliamentarians as the most impactful ways to generate transformative change.

Madam Speaker, it is refreshing to note that our Parliament is among the institutions that signed up to this cause and has also made efforts to domesticate the campaign. Among other activities, we have in place the Youth Parliamentary Caucus which, since its establishment, has carried out a number of activities to enhance the participation of youths in Parliaments. Let me also state that the establishment of the caucus responds to pledge No. 4 of the IPU’s campaign on youth participation in Parliament.

Madam Speaker, with those few remarks, I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Before we proceed, I urge hon. Members to debate in four minutes because we have a lot of work on the Order Paper.

Mr Mutale (Chitambo): Madam Speaker, I will not take up much time, as I just want to add a few words to the discussion on the report of the delegation to the Inter-Parliament Union (IPU), which is a very strong and viable group of Parliaments to which we belong.

Madam Speaker, this report takes me back to the activities that we, as the Zambian Parliament, undertake towards augmenting our representation at the IPU. The hon. Members who are seated here, and I know that all of us here are members of the IPU, should transform reports like the ones brought here so that we are busy every day. To me, it appears that when there is a programme in the United Kingdom (UK) or somewhere in Angola, that is when we wake up and rush there to present ourselves. When there are no such meetings, there is no activity that we carry out to show that, indeed, we are members of the IPU. So, we must be active.

Madam Speaker, I also want to speak about the way hon. Members are selected to go to IPU meetings. Most of us here have not set foot at those meetings, but we make contributions every year, and our money goes towards this cause. I urge the people who select hon. Members who attend those meetings to consider hon. Members who have not been there so that they can appreciate the value of the money they contribute to the IPU. There must be a method that we must use to select the hon. Members who go with you.

Madam Speaker, speaking about the climate change issues that were brought forth in the IPU meeting that was recently held, we, as a country, have an advantage in carbon trading. If we or the hon. Minister enhanced carbon trading, our people in rural areas can understand what it is and see its value, and we can make a lot of revenue from it.

Madam Speaker, I promised that I would not take a lot of time. Therefore, I support the Motion to adopt the report.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North): Madam Speaker, thank you for according me this opportunity to say a few words, as you have ably guided. I support this Motion to adopt the report but, in doing so, I want to say a few words on what has been highlighted in the report, especially on conflicts here, in Africa, and beyond.

Madam Speaker, conflicts are a source of grave concern. We, as leaders, have a responsibility to advocate for stability to prevail in Africa and the whole world. The conflict in Sudan or the one between Israel and Hamas is not just a problem for the Middle East, but it affects everybody in this world, too. I strongly condemn the attacks on the innocent people of Israel because that was a barbaric attack. However, I believe that Israel should exercise restraint because, I think, its conduct of bombing hospitals and water facilities amounts to crimes against humanity, and it must follow international laws in waging war against Hamas.

Madam Speaker, the Western world has always talked about climate change. Meanwhile, it is the same superpowers who have polluted the world, and this is why they attained higher industrialisation. They tell us to put certain mitigation measures to control climate change when we have not developed. I think, the western powers have a responsibility to compensate us for having polluted this world rather than we, developing countries, being told to start implementing climate mitigation measures.

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, I want to talk about the recommendations of the IPU that Parliamentarians provide oversight on issues of corruption. Corruption will not be fought as long as we do not create strong and autonomous State institutions of good governance. We can change Governments a hundred times, but as long as we, Parliamentarians, do not advocate for independent State institutions that are autonomous and strong, the fight against corruption will not be won. So, let us try by all means to use this Parliament to advocate for State institutions, such as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the police and the Office of the Auditor-General have teeth to bite, and their managements have security of tenure.

Madam Speaker, with those few remarks, I support this Motion to adopt the report.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Tayengwa (Kabwata): Madam Speaker, I want to add one or two words to the debate on the Motion on the Floor of the House.

Madam Speaker, the report on the Floor speaks to two issues that, I feel, I should emphasise on, and those are transparency and accountability. Without accountability, people tend to become careless in the way they live their lives. As leaders or hon. Members of Parliament, there is a need for us to ensure that transparency and accountability become the themes of our lives and whatever we do, and even in our constituencies.

Madam Speaker, the report addresses digitalisation. Without digitalisation, peace and justice may not exist, especially among women and children, who are the ones who tend to suffer a lot. When there is no peace and justice, children are the ones who get affected. The people who orchestrate acts of war and instability in our countries or anywhere else even take children’s futures away. As the President usually says, instability anywhere is instability everywhere.

Madam Speaker, I also want to talk about women. Most women, whether in Africa, Palestine, Israel or Ukraine, are displaced because of the issue of accountability, which we have been talking about.

Madam Speaker, I want to talk about the issue of strengthening institutions that can promote peace and justice, which was raised in the report. The Zambia Police Service and the Judiciary are two of the institutions that we have in Zambia, and we need to ensure that they are given enough resources so that they can stand for the marginalised in society. The Human Rights Commission (HRC) also needs to be strengthened.

Madam Speaker, another issue that was highlighted in the report is that of orphanage trafficking. We are seeing orphanage trafficking not only in Zambia, but also all over the world. People are now using orphanages to traffick children, and that needs to be stopped. The only way we can stop some of these things is strengthening institutions that can help us to curb such devices.

Madam Speaker, with those few words, I thank you.

Mr Wamunyima (Nalolo): Madam Speaker, just under three minutes, I want to, first of all, commend the mover of the Motion to adopt this important report of the Zambian Delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and the seconder, the hon. Member for Chikankata.

Madam Speaker, I will restrict myself to issues to do with the youth because I am a youth. There was a meeting at the 147^thAssembly of the IPU with regard to a youth programme, and the launch of the Zambia Youth Parliamentary Caucus (ZYPC) at the National Assembly of Zambia underscores the importance of the thematic areas discussed at that meeting. Just to augment this report, I want to put it on record that the ZYPC has concluded its strategic plan and we will soon write to your office to launch it.

Madam Speaker, it must be noted without too much emphasis that 70 per cent of the population in this country are youths. That is why we are putting up the strong argument that the participation of young people in decision-making should not be a proposal; it is a matter that the old folk need to facilitate mentorship, as it were. The youth agenda is not there to displace the old people but, obviously, to create proper integration.

Madam Speaker, the reason we have had people who retire from politics wanting to come back to politics is a lack of succession. People want to continue being in politics until they grow old and do not pass on the baton through mentoring young people. So, we are putting up a strong case, and I thank your office for allowing the creation of the ZYPC. We will unapologetically take the mantle of leadership so that we begin addressing the issues affecting young people, such as climate change and unemployment, just to mention a few. We also have healthy engagements with the line ministry, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Art, through the hon. Minister and both his Permanent Secretaries (PSs). Even the budgetary allocation for the ministry must reflect the demographics. If 70 per cent of the population is young, that is where the money should be going.

Madam Speaker, I am unapologetic in saying that as young people, we have agreed that if we are short-changed and neglected, we will continue to change Governments until we are given attention.

Madam Speaker, I wanted to make this submission.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kamboni: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Chitambo Constituency, Hon. Mtayachalo, the hon. Member for Kabwata and the hon. Member for Nalolo for debating very well.

Madam Speaker, one of the activities that the IPU has been carrying out is tree planting, and each one of us is supposed to have planted 1,000 trees. However, we visited some Constituency Offices and found that they have planted some trees. Another IPU activity is that of awarding prizes to Members of Parliament, and I just wanted to mention a few IPU activities. Further, the hon. Member for Nalolo talked about the Zambia Youth Parliamentary Caucus (ZYPC).

Madam Speaker, may I take this opportunity to thank all the hon. Members who debated and everyone else who was involved. May I also thank the Clerk of the National Assembly and the staff who helped us in achieving what we achieved.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Question put and agreed to.

_______

SECOND READING

THE JUDICIAL TRAINING INSTITUTE OF ZAMBIA BILL, 2023

The Minister of Justice (Mr Haimbe, SC.): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the Bill be now read a second time.

Madam Speaker, the Bill seeks to establish the Judicial Training Institute of Zambia for the purpose of providing continuous professional development training for Judges, judicial officers and judicial staff, and constitute the council of the institute, including providing for its functions.

Madam Speaker, it has become necessary to introduce this Bill so as to provide in-service education and professional training for the aforementioned categories of judicial employees and adjudicators so as to equip them with enhanced knowledge and skills necessary to deliver justice effectively and efficiently in line with the principles set out under Article 118 of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia. It is envisaged that the institute will provide continuous professional development for Judges, judicial officers and support staff through a variety of tailor-made courses. The courses will include new areas of law, advances in technology, changes in commerce, judicial ethics and judicial decision-making.

Madam Speaker, the salient provisions of this Bill include the establishment of the Judicial Training Institute of Zambia for the purpose of providing continuous professional development as aforementioned. The establishment of the institute is progressive and in line with international best practices, which require that competence and diligence are upheld in high judicial office. The Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct state that competence and diligence are essential for proper performance of the judicial office. Value No. 6.3 of the said principles specifically states that Judges should take reasonable steps to maintain and enhance the knowledge, skills and personal qualities necessary for the proper performance of their duties. Additionally, the International Organisation on Judicial Training (IOJT) emphasises the importance of judicial training, stating that it is “essential to ensure high standards of competence and performance and fundamental to judicial independence, the rule of law and the protection of the rights of the people.”

Madam Speaker, I, therefore, urge the hon. Members of this august House to wholeheartedly support the Bill.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Madam Speaker, the Committee on Legal Affairs, Human Rights and Governance was tasked to scrutinise the Judicial Training Institute Bill No.14 of 2023. The Bill was referred to your Committee by the House on 25^th July, 2023.

Madam Speaker, as you may be aware, the proposed Bill seeks to establish the Judicial Training Institute of Zambia in order to provide professional development training for Judges, judicial officers and judicial staff. This is in a bid to enhance the quality of the justice system in Zambia. The Bill further seeks to constitute a council of the institute and provide for its functions.

Madam Speaker, I wish to state that the Bill received tremendous support from the stakeholders who made submissions to your Committee, which also fully supports the Bill. Whilst supporting the Bill, let me bring to your attention some new concerns raised by stakeholders that have been captured in your Committee’s report. I trust, all hon. Members had a chance to read it.

Madam Speaker, your Committee agrees with the stakeholders that the creation of the institute is a welcome move, as it will improve the quality of justice delivery in Zambia. However, it observes that Section 4, Sub-Section (2)(h) of the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education Act mandates the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE) Council to provide postgraduate judicial training for magistrates and Judges. In this regard, your Committee is of the view that the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education Act must be amended to avoid a duplicity of functions.

Madam Speaker, your Committee observes that the council of the institute, under Clause 6 of the Bill, is composed of members drawn from the Judiciary, and it is of the view that since the council is the highest decision-making body of the institute, the composition must be broadened to include other players who may have a bearing on improving the quality of the training institute and, consequently, affect the justice delivery system in the country. These include, but are not limited to accountants, information technology (IT) experts, medical doctors and engineers.

In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I will be failing in my duty if I do not pay tribute to the stakeholders who tendered valuable written and oral submissions to your Committee during its deliberations. May I also thank you and the Clerk of the National Assembly for the unwavering technical support and services rendered to your Committee during its meetings.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mrs Chonya (Kafue): Madam Speaker, I will be brief. I felt compelled to say something.

Madam Speaker, firstly, I support the Bill and the idea of providing training to improve the performance of our Judges. I said that I felt compelled to say something because I have been following, with interest, how the Judiciary has been handling two cases in Kafue. Taking advantage of the immunity I enjoy in the House, allow me to say that we are still far from attaining the kind of judicial system we want to see, if those two cases I have been following are anything to go by.

Madam Speaker, I have seen a miscarriage of justice and justice denied because it has been delayed. I hope that the Judiciary will rise to the occasion and live up to the New Dawn Government’s aspiration to see proper dispensation of justice in this country.

Madam Speaker, I have seen innocent people go behind bars while masterminds go scot-free. I have also seen a simple assault case drag on unnecessarily for over a year when it is clear for us what have happened.

Madam Speaker, I would like to use this opportunity to appeal to our men in the Judiciary. I agree that there is a need to train the people in the Judiciary, and people can go to school but, I think, issues of integrity are not taught in school. Maybe, they are but, probably, not being applied the way they should. As our men in the Judiciary discharge their duties, they should be fair.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Is it only the men or it is men and women?

Mrs Chonya was inaudible.

Laughter

Mr Anakoka: Question!

Mr Haimbe, SC.: Madam Speaker, very briefly, I would like to thank and commend your Committee on the report that has been presented. Indeed, the matters that have been set out in the report have been duly noted. In particular, I note the recommendation that the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education Act be amended to avoid duplicity of functions and the suggestion that the composition of the board of the council of the Judicial Training Institute be broadened. At the end of the day, in order to ensure that training programmes are tailor-made and suited to the functions of the Judiciary, the council needs an appropriate composition, and we have taken note of this.

Madam Speaker, I also note the concerns raised by the hon. Member for Kafue, for which, again, I must extend my deep gratitude for those insights regarding aspects of justice delayed being justice denied. Every institution benefits from improvements in the way it operates and in its functions, not least the Judiciary. Hence, its introspection and decision to establish an institute that will ensure that justice delivery is enhanced.

Madam Speaker, I, once again, thank the hon. Members for contributing to the debate on this Bill.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

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

Committed to a committee of the Whole House.

Committee on Wednesday, 22^nd November, 2023.

_______

COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY

[THE CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the

Chair]

(Consideration resumed)

 

VOTE 37 – (Ministry of Finance and National Planning – K10,098,858,113).

The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane): Madam Chairperson, I am grateful for this opportunity to present the policy statement on the 2024 Estimates of Expenditure for Vote 37, Ministry of Finance and National Planning for the 2024 National Budget.

Madam Chairperson, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning is responsible for formulating fiscal and economic policies. It is also responsible for mobilising resources from domestic and external sources on behalf of the Government and allocating them through the national budgeting process. For effective management of Government resources, the ministry is mandated to implement the Public Finance Management System. Further, national visioning, national development planning, public investment appraisals and co-ordination of development assistance programmes all fall under the ministry’s mandate.

Madam Chairperson, before I outline the ministry’s priorities for 2024, I would like to briefly comment on the performance of the ministry during the current fiscal year.

Key Milestones in 2023

Madam Chairperson, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning contributed to positive national change. In particular, significant progress was achieved in our debt restructuring efforts. I wish to report that we continue to make progress in our engagement with our creditors. The ministry further worked to achieve and maintain a stable micro-economic environment. Through effective policy management, we managed to reduce inflation from as high as 24 per cent in 2021 to an annual average of 10.4 per cent between January and October 2023. The ministry will continue implementing policies to further reduce inflation to within the target band of 6.6 per cent to 8 per cent. Our policies have also led to a relatively stable exchange rate against major tradable currencies.

Madam Chairperson, on the fiscal side, the ministry has maintained Budget credibility by releasing funds to Government institutions according to the funding profile. For example, I wish to inform the House that the ministry has, as of November 2023, released K3.3 billion or 75 per cent of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations to the constituencies, and we intend to release the balance before the end of the year. To improve domestic revenue mobilisation and service delivery, the ministry continued to rollout the implementation of the Government Service Bus (GSB) and payments gateway.

Priorities for 2024

Madam Chairperson, the priorities for the ministry in 2024 have been aligned to the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP). The eight programmes shall be implemented by the ministry in 2024, and they are as follows:

1. Fiscal Management;

1. Economic Management;

1. Public Finance Management;

1. Internal Audit and Risk Management;

1. Development Planning and Co-ordination;

1. Monitoring and Evaluation;

1. Procurement and Store Management; and

1. Management and Support Services.

Fiscal Management Programme

Madam Chairperson, let me elaborate on the programmes starting the Fiscal Management. Under this programme, the focus, in 2024, will be on increasing domestic revenue mobilisation to K135 billion or 21 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP). The programme has been allocated K2.6 billion, of which 99 per cent is earmarked for transfers to grant-aided institutions that will implement initiatives to support fiscal management. These include the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), the National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) and the Tax Appeals Tribunal.

Economic Management Programme

Madam Chairperson, under Economic Management, K80.73 million has been allocated. Of this amount, K60.5 million is budgeted for transfers to grand-aided institutions. The institutions include the National Authorising Office, the Capital Markets Tribunal, the Zambia Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Public Financial Management Programme

Madam Chairperson, this programme will work on strengthening financial controls and enhancing accountability and transparency. It will also oversee the effective use of the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFIMIS). All remaining procedure bottlenecks affecting the timely utilisation of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) resources will be addressed under this programme, which has been allocated K2.76 billion. Of this allocation, 96 per cent has been reserved for facilitating payment of personnel-related costs such as contract gratuity, constitutional costs, employer’s share pensions contributions, systems, applications and products (SAP) licence fees, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and separatees payroll.

Internal Audit and Risk Management

Madam Chairperson, under this programme, the focus will be on realising maximum value for money. Internal processes and procedures will be reviewed and strengthened, and effective commitment controls will be enhanced to avoid the build-up of arrears. For this purpose, K121 million has been provided. Of this amount, K76 million will be transferred to the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) while K9.7 million will be for special audits.

Development Planning and Co-ordination

Madam Chairperson, the programme will oversee the implementation of the 8NDP through relevant Government development co-ordinating structures. The Planning and Budgeting Act will also be reviewed under this programme. The programme has been allocated K430.6 million, of which K287 million is earmarked for supporting the production and co-ordination of statistics while K42 million will be transferred to grant-aided institutions.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Madam Chairperson, under monitoring and evaluation (M&E), the focus will be on monitoring the implementation of the 8NDP. The ministry will prioritise the production of annual progress reports and operationalisation of the Government Wide Monitoring and Evolution System. For that purpose, K13.4 million has been allocated.

Procurement and Store Management

Madam Chairperson, the focus will be on enhancing transparency, efficiency and accountability in public procurement. The programme has been allocated K75.4 million, of which 92 per cent or K69 million will be transferred to the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA).

Management and Support Services

Madam Chairperson, this programme will smoothen the provision of support to the operations of the ministry and financing of the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) for pensioners will be provided under it. In this regard, K4.3 billion has been allocated to the programme. Of this amount, K3.9 billion or 96 per cent is for transfers, with K3.45 billion going to the PSPF and K423 million being for supporting the PSPF’s operations.

Madam Chairperson, in conclusion, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning proposes to implement the eight outlined programmes, which are aligned to the 8NDP. I, therefore, seek the favourable consideration of the Vote by the hon. Members of this august House.

I thank you, Madam Chairperson.

Mr Chaatila (Moomba): Madam Chairperson, thank you for granting me an opportunity to contribute to the debate on this Vote.

Madam Chairperson, I fully support this Vote. Since 2021, we have seen a lot of stability in terms of the tax measures, which is very good for both the economy and the people doing business because they are able to predict the environment in which they are operating.

Madam Chairperson, I congratulate the hon. Minister because during the period he has been in charge of the ministry, funds have been released to ministries and, in some instances, at 100 per cent, which is very good. That is something that never happened before. However, I know that we still have a few challenges in terms of implementing programmes. Much as monies are being released on time to the ministries, procurement processes are still a bottleneck, partly because of the current provisions of the Zambia Procurement Authority Act. If we are to see progress in this area, I propose that we consider revising the Act to remove the bottlenecks. As at now, procurement processes are quite long, something which is working against our aspirations.

Madam Chairperson, tax policies are being made and we are seeing that happen, which is very good, by the way, for the growth of the economy. However, I wish we could put in place a mechanism for evaluating some tax incentives. For example, there are tax incentives in the mining industry and remote economic facility zones, but the question that most people are asking is: What are the benefits of these incentives? My desire is that we explain to the Zambian people the benefits of tax incentives. I know that had the Government not provided tax incentives to the mining industry, by now, most mines would have been in problems. However, since the Government provided tax incentives, today, we are seeing improvements in the mining industry.

Madam Chairperson, I know that Permanent Secretaries (PSs) submit budget framework papers to the hon. Minister. However, what is missing at all the ministries are strategic implementation plans, which are very important for monitoring progress. Those plans are yardsticks for monitoring projects. I know that the hon. Minister does not work in silos but, as part of a team, and he should ensure that ministries submit implementation plans.

Madam Chairperson, the last issue I want to talk about is that of the funds that are being released. I said that the hon. Minister is releasing funds timely. Kudos to him and the Government because they are now following the Appropriation Bill. I know that this process we are following will result in an Appropriation Bill, which the hon. Members who are here are going to approve, and it is important that what hon. Members approve is followed.

Madam Chairperson, the House approves the Appropriation Bill, which basically gives you power to allocate funds to each ministry as approved by this House. However, between 2016 and 2021, we had a situation in which there was no respect for –

The Chairperson: Order, Hon. Chaatila!

You are not addressing the hon. Minister, but the Chair.

May you proceed.

Mr Chaatila: Well guided, Madam Chairperson.

Madam Chairperson, I was saying that this House approves the Appropriation Bill, which gives the hon. Minister the power to release funds. I was giving an example of the period between 2016 and 2021 because I was in this House when the Appropriation Bill was approved, but we saw mismanagement of resources allocated to the ministries. For example, in 2018, a dam called Namaili was supposed to be constructed in Chief Chona’s area in Moomba Constituency. In 2019, I made a follow-up with the then hon. Minister of Livestock to find what was happening, and I will continue talking about this matter because we do not want such things to reoccur. The hon. Minister told me to go to Mr HH (Hakainde Hichilema) if I wanted the dam constructed because he was the person I was supporting. However, the current hon. Minister promised that the dam will be constructed because in the last five to six years, nothing happened. I wish I could ask my colleague, Hon. Miyutu, to stand. In 2017, he was promised that a youth skills development centre would be constructed in his constituency, but that was not done. So, that was a total disregard of the Appropriation Act.

Mr Kasandwe: Question!

Mr Chaatila: Madam Chairperson, I know that the people of Bangweulu are listening and that they know that money is being released to ministries at the right time. I am Chairperson of the Planning and Budgeting Committee, and we know of instances in which allocations for ministries have been released 100 per cent. Under the Patriotic Front (PF) Government, if a ministry was lucky, it received 47.8 per cent of its budget for the whole year. That was a total disregard of the Appropriation Act. The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) would collect more than what was budgeted for, and the question is: Where was the money going? So, I applaud the hon. Minister for releasing the monies.

Madam Chairperson, having said that, I support this provision fully.

I thank you, Madam Chairperson.

Mr Anakoka (Luena): Madam Chairperson, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity, on behalf of the people of Luena, to contribute to the debate on Vote 37, Ministry of Finance and National Planning.

Madam Chairperson, the people of Luena are grateful to this ministry because it is the engine for what we, as a nation, aspire to achieve. The Budget that we have been looking at for a couple of weeks now, which will culminate in an Appropriation Bill, is, to a large extent, going to be implemented through the co-ordination of this ministry.

Madam Chairperson, as Luena Constituency, we wish to acknowledge the achievements. Indeed, Budget credibility has been restored. In 2021, this ministry took over the implementation of a Budget that was prepared by the previous regime. The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) was at a paltry K1.6 million, but the previous regime could not release even a Ngwee. When this Government took over, the CDF was released in full before the end of the year. We, in Luena Constituency, received the full allocation of the 2022 CDF. We are confident that we will receive the 2023 CDF, too, because it is being released as and when we expect it.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Anakoka: So, the insinuation that the CDF is being increased but not being released is certainly misguided.

Madam Chairperson, we are mindful that this ministry is the custodian of the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and the Vision 2030. So, the people of Luena Constituency support the over K10 billion that has been allocated it. However, we have a few observations to make.

Madam Chairperson, we note that there are key aspects of the economy that this ministry is responsible for, such as fiscal management, and I would like to make some proposals. I recognise that under fiscal management, the ministry is responsible for resource mobilisation. If this ministry does not mobilise sufficient resources, the Budget will be a pie in the sky. However, we know that in the recent past, this ministry has been very realistic. What is proposed in the Budget is delivered once the Budget is approved by this House.

Madam Chairperson, on debt and investment management, one takes off one’s hat to this ministry for the big achievement of debt restructuring. At the moment, there is misinformation out there in the public that some creditors are refusing to co-operate with Zambia regarding the remaining debt that needs to be restructured. We know that the programme for debt restructuring is on course and that the huge cash reliefs that we, as a nation, have received are going to finance the increase we see in the Budget estimates.

Madam Chairperson, still under fiscal management, I note that the ministry aims to bring to this House the State-Owned Enterprises Bill. We consider this a very big step in the right direction. Our parastatals or State-owned entities have been problematic. At the last check, the country had slightly over sixty State-owned enterprises (SOEs), and thirty-two of those were under the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). However, more than half of them are loss-making. This situation puts a strain on the resources of the nation and cannot be allowed to continue. We, in Luena Constituency, propose that alongside the State-Owned Enterprises Act, the powers that be consider bringing into existence a ministry for SOEs so that there can be special focus on those entities to make sure that they deliver on their mandates. Many of them are operating without strategic plans and have poor oversight in terms of boards that are supposed to provide strategic direction. Therefore, the nation has not been realising acceptable returns in view of what has been invested in them.

Madam Chairperson, under economic management, we note that the ministry is supporting the Capital Markets Tribunal, the Credit Guarantee Scheme, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), just to mention a few, and I will comment on the Credit Guarantee Scheme. I know that this is a scheme that the ministry makes available year in and year out. However, its utilisation has been a little problematic. So, we hope that the ministry can come up with measures to help the business community out there to take full advantage of the scheme in order to enhance its growth and performance.

Madam Chairperson, the development planning and co-ordination aspect that this ministry is responsible for is very crucial, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) comes into play. It is an area in which we, as a nation, have been a little weak. Therefore, there is a need to enhance M&E training so that the implementation of the 8NDP can have identifiable deliverables that are properly documented.

Madam Chairperson, with those few words, the people of Luena support this Vote and thank you very much for the opportunity.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kapyanga (Mpika): Madam Chairperson, thank you very much for this opportunity –

The Chairperson: Order!

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

[THE CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the

Chair]

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Chairperson, thank you for allowing me to add my voice to the debate on this Vote.

Madam Chairperson, one of the objectives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Credit Facility is to create macro-economic stability. However, inflation has gone up to 12 per cent, the exchange rate of the United States (US) Dollar to the Kwacha has gone up to K23.30, the cost of living has also gone up and the prices of essential commodities and other things are high, putting pressure on our people.

Madam Chairperson, the question that I ask as I support this Vote is: Why has the IMF failed to stabilise our economy even when the harshest conditions have been implemented by this Government? The Government needs to reintroduce subsidies, more especially on fuel, because fuel is the one making the prices of essential commodities to go up.

Mr Mabeta: Question!

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Chairperson, our people are suffering. I know that it is easy to say “Question!” because one just had a meal when business was suspended.

Madam Chairperson, the Government should also introduce meaningful taxes in the mines. The tax holidays that were given to mining companies are not helping us. We are not going to attain the targeted more than 3 million metric tonnes of copper output. Mining companies must be taxed and the money realised must be directed to the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) so that the number of packs is increased, and used to pay civil servants handsome salaries so that they can meet the high cost of living currently being experienced in our country. The Government can also use the same taxes to implement capital projects.

Madam Chairperson, we appreciate the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), but it is not enough. The hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development needs to work on township roads in most towns across the country, but there is no money. So, we need taxes. We need a road from Mpika to Nabwalya, but there is no money, yet mining companies are not paying taxes. The Government is …

Mr Muchima: On a point of order, Madam Chairperson.

Mr Kabuswe: Question!

Mr Anakoka: On a point of order, Madam Chairperson.

Mr Kapyanga: … taxing the Zambian people when they make transactions on their cellular phones through the mobile money service, yet mining companies are getting away with –

The Chairperson: Order, Hon. Kapyanga!

A point of order is raised, but I do not know who indicated first.

Mr Muchima: You, young man. Ka black.

Laughter

The Chairperson: Hon. Minister, just continue.

Mr Muchima: Madam Chairperson, I rarely rise on points of order.

Madam Chairperson, according to Standing Order No. 65, the hon. Member debating should ensure that the information he provides is factual. However, he is misleading this House and the country at large. The previous Government exhausted every Ngwee and did not leave anything. The hon. Member is suggesting salary increments, but he has not stated how much our colleagues found when the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) Government left. He has not compared how the other Governments performed? Is he in order to continue misleading the people of Zambia like that?

I seek your serious ruling, Madam Chairperson.

The Chairperson: Hon. Member on the Floor, please, be factual and focused. Bring out evidence so that we are sure of the issues you are discussing in the House. However, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, when winding up debate, will respond to the issues being raised.

May you continue.

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Chairperson, I do not know what the word ‘factual’ means. I talked about inflation, which is at 12 per cent, and that is factual. The exchange rate of the Dollar to the Kwacha is K23.30, and that is factual. It is also factual that the salaries that our civil servants are getting …

The Chairperson: Order, hon. Member!

Just continue.

Mr Kapyanga: … are not in tandem with the high cost of living that is currently prevailing.

Madam Chairperson, I was talking about taxes. Currently, our farmers are sharing farming inputs in tu meda. However, if taxes were collected from the mines, which are the backbone of our country’s economy, the Government would be able to increase the number of packs so that every Zambian capable of venturing into farming gets inputs.

Madam Chairperson, the other issue I want to talk about is infrastructure development. Currently, the Government is not implementing many of the capital projects unless through public-private partnerships (PPPs). However, some roads and infrastructure cannot be constructed through PPPs. If right taxes were collected from the mines, projects would be implemented and even some of the debts that we are struggling with would be cleared. The hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning needs to update the nation on the status of the deal struck with our bond holders. Yesterday, Reuters reported the following:

“Zambia’s official creditors, including China, rejected a deal the country struck with its international bond holders because they believed its best case scenario did not deliver debt relief comparable to what they offered in a separate deal, two sources familiar said.”

Madam Chairperson, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning needs to update the nation on the status of this issue because the people of Zambia deserve to know what is happening concerning the much celebrated debt restructuring. Has it been affected by the departure from the rule of law, respect for human rights and constitutional rule? The hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning needs to update the nation on this important issue. The IMF, in its report, said that it wants the Government to stick to the rule of law. If there has been any departure from the rule of law and the IMF has noticed it, then, we know that the debt restructuring could be affected. However, people should not continue speculating, and it is the duty of the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning to update the nation on what is happening regarding this important issue.

Madam Chairperson, the Great North Road, from Serenje to Chinsali, is in a deplorable state. The work being done on the road is remedial, but it needs to be proper so that the transportation of goods from Tanzania to Zambia and from Zambia to Tanzania becomes easy. Currently, people are losing goods worth millions of Kwacha on that road.

Madam Chairperson, there is infrastructure that has stalled in Muchinga Province. As I support this Vote, I appeal to the hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development to not forget Muchinga Province. The province is new and needs the Government’s attention in all areas. There is a need to construct trunk roads and other infrastructure in the province, and that can only be achieved if the right taxes are collected from the mines.

I thank you, Madam Chairperson.

The Chairperson: No Independent hon. Member has indicated. So, I will allow Hon. Amutike and Hon. Kambita to debate.

Mr Amutike (Mongu Central): Madam Chairperson, the people of Mongu Central want to place it on record that they support this K10 billion budget.

Madam Chairperson, I commend the Ministry of Finance and National Planning for prudently managing the economic policy of this country. I am not going to state things that are not true on the Floor of this august House, but I want to place it on record that the Government has not given mining companies any tax holidays. The Government has just put the tax brackets in line with international standards in order to stimulate investment in the country.

Madam Chairperson, I want to place it on record that the value of the Kwacha has not gone down. When the New Dawn Government took over, the exchange rate of the United States (US) Dollar to the Kwacha was at K23 to US$1. That is where it is and this is just a temporary setback because of the challenge of demand and supply. Those who understand economics can predict that we are likely to see an improvement in the exchange rate very soon.

Madam Chairperson, the people of Mongu Central commend the Ministry of Finance and National Planning for increasing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) which, I think, is a game-changer. My plea is that even next year, it be increased because we are seeing the difference it is making in the lives of our people. Schools, clinics and roads are being built in this country. We are also seeing an improved level of investment in infrastructure and prudent management of the Treasury.

Madam Chairperson, I commend the ministry and the hon. Minister for managing the Debt Restructuring Programme. Hon. Anakoka can always offer pro bono services to those who do not understand some of these things. The common framework that the hon. Minister and his team are busy negotiating with the official and private lenders requires is that all agreements are in tandem and all the people we borrowed money from agree to those agreements. So, debt restructuring has not failed; it is on course, and it will be successfully concluded. The hon. Minister has won many awards, and we know, for sure, that he is up to the task. Under the New Dawn Government, debt is acquired after it is approved by Parliament unlike in the past when it was probably acquired at bars. When people were drinking, they would just sign things. That is what used to happen because Parliament did not approve debts. However, things are now being handled in a very transparent manner. So, I congratulate and commend the ministry for being transparent when doing things.

Madam Chairperson, I also encourage the Government to increase the tax base because we realise that many businesses, mostly in the informal sector, are not paying tax. It is important that as the Government mobilises resources for the fiscus, we look at other options in order for the country to generate maximum revenue. It is also important that we encourage our citizens and everybody in the private sector to pay taxes. We all want our country to develop, but the country can only develop if all those who earn an income pay taxes to the Treasury. Let us give Caesar what belongs to Caesar. I think, it is important that is done.

Madam Chairperson, I think, the Public Finance Management Act is one law that needs to be internalised by those in the Public Service. There is a lot of corruption and misuse of public resources, Adhering to the Public Finance Management Act, I think, will go a long way in preserving public resources. It is important that internal audits are improved to ensure that those charged with the responsibility of looking after public money do that in a manner that promotes good governance.

Madam Chairperson, with those few words, the people of Mongu Central support the K10 billion budget that has been presented.

I thank you, Madam Chairperson.

Mr Kambita (Zambezi East): Madam Chairperson, I would like to sincerely thank you for the opportunity that you have given us, the people of Zambezi East, to contribute to the debate on Vote 37, Ministry of Finance and National Planning. I will anchor my debate on two broad issues presented by the hon. Minister in his policy statement. Budget credibility will be the first one and, under it, I will focus on the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and demonstrate how that has been achieved. I will comment on other aspects of financing that the ministry is responsible for that prove that the Budget credibility claim is correct.  I will also focus on priorities that the ministry has set for 2024 which, according to the statement, are drawn from the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP). There are eight programmes from the 8NDP that the hon. Minister alluded to that the 2024 budget for his ministry will focus on. I will cherry-pick from those eight programmes to comment on, and I will conclude by commenting on how the ministry is performing now. I will make a comparison with the previous regime so that we see how we are performing, and make adjustments from the comments I will make.

Madam Chairperson, on Budget credibility, the hon. Minister alluded to the fact as of this month, his ministry has disbursed K3.3 billion as CDF. That translates into approximately 74.5 per cent of the amount that was allocated in the 2023 Budget. That sinks all the mayhem we saw from our colleagues on the left, who were trying to hoodwink gullible Zambians into believing that this Government had failed to deliver even the CDF. Some colleagues tried to convince people that this was simply meant to excite people that the Government would disburse the K28.3 million to each constituency. Here is proper evidence. Out of the K28.3 million, 78.5 per cent has been disbursed as of November and the remainder will be disbursed before the end of the year.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kambita: If you are looking for any example of Budget credibility, here is one. This is an important example of how credible this ministry has become. This is how an organised and reasonable government operates.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kambita: Madam Chairperson, moving away from the issue of budget credibility, which I have amicably explained, let me come to the priority alignment to the 8NDP.

Mr Kasandwe: On a point of order, Madam Chairperson.

Mr Kambita: This ministry is not just responsible for finance, but also national planning. Therefore, it plans, and there are plans in place. So, the –

The Chairperson: Order, Hon. Kambita!

A point of order is raised.

Mr Kasandwe: Madam Chairperson, the hon. Member debating has just stated that, so far, 74 per cent of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has been disbursed. In Bangweulu, we received K12 million, and that is the money in the account. That is less than 74 per cent.

Interruptions

The Chairperson: Order, hon. Members!

Mr Kasandwe: Madam Chairperson, K6 million was released in the first quarter and, last week, another K6 million was received. From the comments of the hon. Members, this confirms the suspicion that others –

Mr Anakoka: Question!

Mr Kasandwe: Madam Chairperson, just from their comments –

Interruptions

The Chairperson: Order, hon. Members!

Mr Kasandwe: In one vein, they are denying having received –

Mr Mubika: What is the point of order?

The Chairperson: Hon. Members, please, let us give him chance.

May you continue, hon. Member.

Mr Kasandwe: Madam Chairperson, the hon. Member debating said that 74 per cent of the CDF has been disbursed. In Bangweulu, we received K6 million last week, which brings the total to K12 million out of the K28 million. So, is the hon. Member debating in order to inform the nation that 74 per cent of the CDF has been disbursed so far without laying evidence on the Table? This confirms the insinuation that some have received the CDF in its totality. Is the hon. Member –

Mr Munsanje interjected.

Mr Kasandwe: You are lucky I am in a good mood today. So, I will not respond.

Laughter

The Chairperson: Hon. Kasandwe, wind up your point of order.

Mr Kasandwe: Madam Chairperson, is the hon. Member in order to insinuate that 74 per cent of the CDF has been disbursed without providing evidence?

The Chairperson: Hon. Kasandwe, you did not cite the Standing Order that has been breached in your point of order.

Mr Kasandwe interjected.

The Chairperson: No, you did not cite it. However, I am sure, the hon. Minister will give us the correct position on the disbursement of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Hon. Members, please, let us always cite the relevant Standing Orders when raising points of order.

Hon. Kambita, you may continue.

Mr Kambita: Madam Chairperson, I will not be detracted by that point of order. I will stick to my line of thought. I was moving away from the issue of Budget credibility. As you have ruled, the hon. Minister will elaborate further.

Madam Chairperson, let me come to the priorities that the ministry has set. This is how organised this ministry is. You will see that the priorities for 2024 are anchored on the themes contained in the 8NDP. So, there is a correlation between the National Budget and the long-term plans. We are actually plucking from the 8NDP when making the annual Budget, and that is what organised governments do.

Madam Chairperson, the hon. Minister mentioned the priorities, and I will pick a few of them, starting with fiscal management. In fiscal management, there is a quest to increase domestic revenue, and measures are being put in place. The Government is putting in place fiscal devices and many other measures in order to broaden the tax base. An example of that was given during the Budget Speech, namely the small amounts that will be got from mobile money transactions. That is broadening the tax base, and these are ideas that we cherish. You can see that there is movement in the right direction, and this is coming from the 8NDP. So, there is a connection between the 8NDP and the annual Budgets that we debate here. One can see how organised we are and can compare our way of governance with yester-years’. In the past, we could come here, plan and approve a Budget, yet people would have debts mount at the National Road Fund Agency (NRFA). Contracts were shared as if our colleagues were sharing beer.

Laughter

Mr Kambita: Madam Chairperson, this is how organised this Government is.

Madam Chairperson, still on fiscal management, there is an increase in financing of grant-aided institutions. Those institutions, this time around, receive money when they need it because they complement the efforts of the Government in running the country. Some institutions almost came to a halt in the previous regime because they could not get funding. Which Government institution, today, can complain about financing in this regime? Tell me. There is none. Honestly speaking, where else can you get a better and organised Government like this one?

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kambita: Madam Chairperson, internal audits used to be a formality. We saw the scandals that happened at the Ministry of Finance in the previous regime. Some matters are still in court. So, I cannot comment on them. It was because internal control systems had collapsed. The Treasury was like a field where people would just decide where to take money from and share it in one way or the other. The Treasury is now well respected. There are proper internal controls. Internal control units have been strengthened and more money has been allocated to strengthen internal control systems. All this is targeted at proper fiscal management and other indicators of how the economy is being managed, and inflation is one example. From 24 per cent, it is now hovering around 10.4 per cent. That is a step in the right direction. We plan to bring inflation even further down to between 6 per cent and 8 per cent next year. God willing, we will achieve that. If the fiscal space increases and our mines do well, we can produce more, and there are many other avenues where this country can gain and grow.

Madam Chairperson, with those few remarks, I just want to remind our colleagues that now that we have a decent Government, they are in a very hard competition and that it will be difficult for them to show their heads up.

I thank you, Madam Chairperson.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Chairperson, I thank the hon. Members who have debated, but I am compelled to respond to a few things.

Madam Chairperson, a colleague referred to the runaway exchange rate and inflation. When this Government took over, the exchange rate of the Dollar to the Kwacha was at K23 to US$1.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane: It has merely returned to where it was before.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane: Those who led the exchange rate of the Dollar to the Kwacha from K4.80 to US$1 to K23 to US$1, today, have the courage to say that the exchange rate is in a runaway situation. Why are they silent about the fact that they drove it from K4.80 to K23? If I caused such a problem, I would keep quiet and admire the performance of this Government.

Madam Chairperson, a colleague said that the mines are getting away with very little tax, forgetting the fact that today, the mining industry is the biggest payer of taxes in this country. The ones not paying taxes are those in the informal sector, which includes many local people, unfortunately. More importantly, our colleagues are forgetting that this Government has merely brought the tax to international norms, away from where they had packed it. Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), Mopani Copper Mines, First Quantum Minerals (FQM) and Lumwana Mines would have got into problems because of where the tax was. Had our colleagues continued on that trajectory, today, we would not talk about any mining company in Zambia. Can our colleagues not see the amount of distraction that they caused in this country?

Madam Chairperson, …

Rev. Katuta: Question!

Laughter

Dr Musokotwane: … our colleagues are saying that the cost of living has gone up and that we should introduce fuel subsidies. During their time, they did not subsidise everything. For example, at the time that they were subsidising fuel, there were only two teachers at most schools in Zambia that had pupils from Grades 1 to 9. They had money to subsidise fuel, but had none to recruit teachers. Millions of children in this country were failing to go to school because they could not afford the tuition fee of K600. For our colleagues, children going to school was not a priority. Their priority was subsidising fuel. Today, this Government is very proud because on behalf of the people of Zambia, between subsidising fuel and seeing millions of children being educated, it chose subsidising education.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Chairperson, our colleagues’ priority was subsidising fuel. They did not care about children going to school. If we asked God who are better leaders or good people between those who subsidised fuel while children were failing to go to school and those who sent children to school, God would say that members of the United Party for National Development (UPND) are good people.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Chairperson, I thank you.

The Chairperson: Thank you.

We make progress.

VOTE 37 – (Ministry of Finance and National Planning K10,098,858,113).

Mr Allan Banda (Chimwemwe): Madam Chairperson, I seek clarification on Page 392, Table 1– No.22: Goods and Services – K4,019,091,019. In 2022, K2,131,308,735 was allocated towards this programme and, in 2023, it was K2,238,615,111. The allocation has almost doubled to K4,019,091,019. What goods and services are these? Are they really necessary? This is the time we are supposed to be frugal.

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Chairperson, may the hon. Member repeat the question. I did not follow.

The Chairperson: Hon. Banda, may you repeat the question.

Mr Allan Banda: Madam Chairperson, I seek clarification on Table 1 – No.22: Goods and Services K4,019,091,019. The allocation for this activity in 2022 was K2,131,308,735 and, in 2023, it was K2,238,615,111. It is currently K4,019,091,019, meaning it has more like doubled. What type of goods and services are these? Do we need them at this time when we are supposed to be frugal?

The Chairperson: Hon. Member, you even mentioned the figure for personal emoluments for 2023, but we are talking about the goods and services for 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Chairperson, the bulk of that amount is for fulfilling an undertaking by this Government that when people retire, they get their dues within three months in order to avoid a situation that we saw in the past whereby after retiring, people would not be paid two, three or four years later. So, one will now get one’s benefits within three months after retiring, and that is where the bulk of this money will go.

I thank you, Madam Chairperson.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwambazi (Bwana Mkubwa): Madam Chairperson, I seek clarification on Programme 3422 – Public Financial Management, Sub-programme –

The Chairperson: What is the page number?

Mr Mwambazi: Page 395, Madam Chairperson.

The Chairperson: Page 395?

Mr Mwambazi: Yes.

The Chairperson: May you proceed.

Mr Mwambazi: Madam Chairperson, I seek clarification on Programme 3422 – Public Financial Management, Sub-programme 2002 – Local Government Financial Management – K2,232,836. Is this amount sufficient given that yesterday, there was an issue of the implementation of the Local Government Financial Management System?

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Chairperson, the K2 million that we see – Just give me a second.

Dr Musokotwane checked his notes.

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Chairperson, this amount is for salaries and emoluments for staff in the Ministry of Finance and National Planning who support the local government system and ensure that issues to do with the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) are properly followed up and money is disbursed.

I thank you, Madam Chairperson.

Vote 37 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 25 – (Local Government Service Commission – K23,878,404).

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Nkombo): Madam Chairperson, established under Article No.288(1) of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act. No.2 of 2016 and operationalised by Section 16, Sub-Section (1) of the Service Commissions Act No.10 of 2016, the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) has the mandate to oversee human resource matters in all the 116 local authorities in this country. The commission has, in this view, continued constituting Human Resource Management Committees in accordance with Section 33, Sub-Section (2), of the Service Commissions Act No.10 of 2016 in order to empower local authorities with delegated functions to facilitate speedy decision-making on human resource matters.

Madam Chairperson, in line with the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government’s policy of strengthening the entire local government system, capacity is being built to effectively manage the expanded functions for democratic governance and sustainable development. To implement this, the commission has delegated functions to Human Resource Management Committees.

Madam Chairperson, the vision of the commission is:

“A credible commission ensuring reliable human resource and innovation in local government service.”

Madam Chairperson, the commission’s mission statement is:

“To manage the human resource in local authorities in order to promote quality service delivery to the citizenry and foster local development.”

Madam Chairperson, to realise the vision, the commission will pursue the following key objectives:

1. improve local authorities human resource management;

1. improve the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of human resource matters in local authorities;

1. improve stakeholder engagement;

1. enhance financial management;

1. improve operational support services; and

1. improve the human resource of the commission.

Madam Chairperson, in terms of the performance review for 2023, as of 31^st October, 2023, the commission had received K16 million, of which K9.6 million was meant for personal emoluments while K6.9 million was meant for non-personal emoluments. As of 31^st October, 2023, the commission had received K5.8 million for non-personal emoluments, leaving a balance of only K1.1 million, to fund operations for the remaining part of 2023.

Madam Chairperson, during the period under review, the commission managed to recruit well-qualified officers, and re-aligned and placed staff in appropriate positions based on their qualifications and competences in order to optimise their potential and improve service delivery in our communities.

Madam Chairperson, the commission managed to reunite 247 families who were working from different local authorities, in accordance with the directive that was given by His Excellency the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, who believes that a family is the smallest unit of social order and that families needed to be reunited. Further, the commission managed to provide technical support to all local authorities by way of conducting technical sittings in Lusaka every quarter. Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) visits have also been undertaken in Central Province, Muchinga Province, the North-Western Province and the Northern Province.

Madam Chairperson, by October 2023, the commission had employed a total of 51,226 officers, of which 31,400 devolved from other Government institutions like the Ministry of Health. This is in line with the Government of the Republic of Zambia’s and the UPND’s aspiration for accelerated decentralisation and devolution of Government functions to the local level.

Madam Chairperson, in terms of disciplinary cases that the commission is responsible for, there were 117, of which 28 staff across the local authorities were dismissed. During the period, all employees due for separation in line with the retirement age were separated within ninety days. The commission also continued monitoring and evaluating the performance of Human Resource Management Committees. Ad hoc capacity building programmes were also developed for committees which were not performing well. Monitoring and evaluation of adherence to set standards of municipal service provision was done. Most local authorities were adhering, and the levels, as of 31^st October, 2023, stood at 85 per cent compliance.

Madam Chairperson, the priority programmes for the commission for 2024 are as follows:

1. to ensure that local authorities perform delegated functions in accordance with the Service Commissions Act No. 10 of 2016;

1. to continue capacity building of the Human Resources Management Committees to enable them to execute their delegated functions effectively;

1. to implement the Local Government Information Management System in all the 116 local authorities;

1. to create a centralised staff registry for all local authorities and digitise it;

1. to implement the Document Management System in all local authorities;

1. to diligently support the process of devolution; and

1. to conduct monitoring and evaluation services.

Madam Chairperson, in conclusion, the LGSC will continue the transformation agenda as guided by the New Dawn Government’s policy and will focus on staff recruitment, capacity building, technical support, human resource reforms and M&E of activities in order to ensure efficient and effective functioning of local authorities. During this process, the modernisation of work processes and procedures will be a priority. We are also going to improve service delivery to our citizens. As Minister responsible for the commission, I now request this House to favour the approval of K23.8 million planned expenditure for next year.

I thank you, Madam Chairperson.

Mr Nyambose (Chasefu): Madam Chairperson, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity, on behalf of the special people of Chasefu, to add my voice to the debate on the budget for the Local Government Service Commission (LSGC).

Madam Chairperson, from the outset, I fully support the commission’s budget of K23,878,404, which was K16,603,961 million in 2023. As I do that, I will bring out certain salient issues that I request the commission to deal with. The mandate of the commission is to appoint, confirm, promote, transfer, separate, discipline, appeal and train staff, and I will pick a few areas where, I feel, there are gaps.

Madam Chairperson, the core function of local authorities is to deliver quality services. I thank the Government and the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development because we now have a functional local government system, and there is credibility in councils. Through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), councils must do what they are supposed to do, that is, construct roads, clean streets and collect garbage. These things were not done before.

Madam Chairperson, now that there is credibility in the local government system, the commission needs to improve in certain areas, and one such area is that of appointments. The commission inherited a labour force that concentrated more on administrative positions rather than functional operative positions, such as engineers. For the commission to deliver services effectively, it needs to focus on the departments of engineering and planning. Everyone will agree with me that at certain councils, there are five administrative officers, three human resource officers, the Chief Human Resource Officer, the Deputy Council Secretary and the Council Secretary, but what do those people do? The reason we have councils is so that they deliver services to the people in communities. So, the commission needs to improve the departments of engineering and planning because for CDF projects to be implemented successfully, we need proper engineers. Some of the engineers are not experienced, but we need experienced engineers for the huge sum of money that this Government has given councils to be utilised prudently. My heart bleeds when I hear people trivialising the CDF. This is the real development. What else do we need? Money is being given to local authorities so that people can decide which projects to implement, and we should ensure that the money is utilised properly by having experienced engineers.

Madam Chairperson, Chalimbana University used to be an in-service training college, and every person who was employed at a council went there for in-service training for three months or six months, and was oriented on the unique institution called the, local government, because he/she would deal with chiefs and the community. One did not just come from the Copperbelt University (CBU) and start working at a council because one did not know how to handle traditional leaders. The engineers may be qualified, but they need to be oriented in local government administration so that they know how to handle things. So, the staff who are appointed should be oriented. Further, we should cease recruiting people in administrative positions and only recruit people whom we need.

Madam Chairperson, every officer must be given a performance target. When a Town Clerk who is performing very well is transferred to another council, that council improves. However, certain officers are failures, and when they are taken to other councils, they still do not perform. So, we need to revamp the performance management system and give officers performance targets.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nyambose: Madam Chairperson, the other issue I want to talk about is that of transfers. Couples should not be separated. If you want to transfer a couple, it should be within the province. In the past, someone who was married was transferred from Chongwe to Shangombo. That was not a transfer, but punishment, and that used to happen in the previous regime. So, we need to realise the President’s vision of reuniting people, and the hon. Minister alluded to that.

Interruptions

Mr Nyambose: Madam Chairperson, the other issue that I want to talk about is that of separation. I salute hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning for what he is doing. When those who work in councils retire –

Rev. Katuta: On a point of order, Madam Chairperson.

The Chairperson: Order, Hon. Nyambose!

A point of order is raised.

Rev. Katuta: Madam Chairperson, I apologise for disturbing Hon. Nyambose, who is debating very well.

Madam Chairperson, I thought that this is a House of decorum. I stand on a very serious point of order. Why is the hon. Member of Parliament for Mwinilunga shouting like he is in a beer hall?

Laughter

Mr Samakayi: Question!

Rev. Katuta: He is disturbing me. I really want to follow the hon. Member’s debate. This is a House of decorum. Maybe, we should put a sign to the effect that one should not come in the House after having passed behind this Parliament, where there is a bar.

I seek your serious ruling, Madam Chairperson.

Interruptions

The Chairperson: Hon. Member, you did not cite the Standing Order that has been breached.

Rev. Katuta: The –

Interruptions

Rev. Katuta: Madam Chairperson, I need your protection.

The Chairperson: Order, hon. Members!

Rev. Katuta: These guys are acting like they are in a beer hall.

Interruptions

The Chairperson: Order, hon. Members!

Rev. Katuta: The hon. Member of Parliament for Mwinilunga.

Laughter

The Chairperson: You did not cite the Standing Order that has been breached.

Rev. Katuta: Madam Chairperson, it is Standing Order No. 202, if I am not mistaken, as per our custom.

The Chairperson: Hon. Members, I think, you know the language that you are supposed to use. You can say “Question!”, but I am sure, the hon. Member is complaining about the loudness. When hon. Members use language that is acceptable, I think, the Presiding Officer has no control.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Chairperson: However –

Interruptions

The Chairperson: Order, hon. Members!

Hon. Members, we are in an august House. So, let us observe its rules. Zambians out there want to hear the debates, especially on this very important Vote. I have seen that many of you have indicated, and this shows that this Vote is important. So, can we also consider the Zambians who are listening so that they get the message from this House.

With that guidance, do not shout. I cannot control your projections, but you can do something to enable Zambians out there to get what is being talked about on the Floor of this House.

May we continue. Let us make progress.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nyambose: Madam Chairperson, I was talking about separation. The LGSC is the mother of the workers, and it should take care of them from recruitment to retirement. As stated by the hon. Minister of Finance and National Panning, a worker will be paid three months after he/she retires. I know that this Government has done a lot, and the Local Government Equalisation Fund (LGEF) is being released consistently. However, we should look for resources to ensure that our workers retire with dignity, and the commission should ensure that a person exits an institution with dignity.

Madam Chairperson, with those few remarks, I fully support the budget that has been presented.

I thank you, Madam Chairperson.

Mr Mutelo (Mitete): Madam Chairperson, to start with, local authorities are the bedrock of any government because they deliver services to the people.

Madam Chairperson, this commission takes care of the human resource of all local authorities. When an employee in Shangombo who is problematic is transferred to Mwinilunga, you transfer problems. I have heard of the disciplinary committee, but what is its work? In some instances, employees who are problematic even get promoted.

Madam Chairperson, the commission should put its foot down on certain things, more so given that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has been enhanced. There must be capacity building for the officers. For example, how can the Mitete local authority operate when there is no Director of Works there? The budgetary allocation for the commission has been increased. So, it must do its work. The commission is capable of bringing sanity to local authorities. That might not be done in a day, but there should be sanity in local authorities, where all the monies are going.

Madam Chairperson, some staff in local authorities do not have regard for the elected people, the Councillors. This commission must tell them to respect our Councillors.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mutelo: It is on the elected people that a local authority is built. However, there are times when Councillors are not listened to. The hierarchy starts with the Councillor, the Council Chairperson, the Mayor, the Member of Parliament and the President. Constitutionally, that is the Government, and that is the order.

Madam Chairperson, we are glad to work with this commission. However, if the CDF is not being utilised, for example, in Monze or Lupososhi, who will be at fault? The local authorities have the money, there is human resource capacity, but works are not moving. Butata bu inzi kakai?

Hon. Member: Meaning?

Mr Mutelo: Butata bu inzi kakai means bukalu bulikuli? Buli hali bukalu?

Laughter

Mr Mutelo: Madam Chairperson, I repeat; local authorities have the money and personnel, but work is not moving. Where is the problem? So, the commission should take keen interest. Monies cannot be in accounts of local authorities, yet works are not moving. That is what ‘butata kanti bu inzi kakai’ means. Where is the problem? Who is stepping on the progress?

Hon. UPND Member: PF (Patriotic Front)!

Mr Mutelo: Who is that one? I feel, the commission has a lot of work to do. We want to see services being delivered to the people of Mitete, Kaputa, Chienge and Lupososhi.

With those very few words, Madam Chairperson, thank you very much.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Shakafuswa (Mandevu): Madam Chairperson, I am grateful to you for giving me this opportunity, on behalf of the people of Mandevu, to contribute to the debate on Vote 25, and if time allows, I will also tackle Vote 29.

Madam Chairperson, I will speak about three issues on Vote 25, Local Government Service Commission.

The Chairperson: Hon. Shakafuswa, we are dealing with Vote 25. So, if you want to contribute to the debate on Vote 29, wait for Vote 29.

Laughter

Mr Shakafuswa: Madam Chairperson, I want to speak about the conditions of service for local government employees, who are the least paid in the Government, and the excuse was that the emoluments (inaudible). Now that the Emoluments Commission is in place, we will not allow a situation in which councils operate with low-calibre engineers. There are no machine operators at councils, and I will cite the example of Lusaka City Council (LCC). We bought capital equipment for constructing roads, but there are no machine operators at the local authority because the salaries are too low. The commission should engage its counterparts at the Emoluments Commission so that they can come up with attractive conditions of service for machine operators.

Madam Chairperson, there are not enough engineers at the LCC but, in other constituencies, they construct better roads on time. There are supposed to be fifteen engineers, but there are only five. As a result, one engineer takes care of Lusaka Central, Kabwata and Mandevu constituencies. We are unable to carry out work on time because one person supervises three big constituencies with thirty-eight wards. Today, he will be in one constituency and, tomorrow, in another. When we want him to supervise work in Mandevu, he is not there because the commission has not employed engineers according to the establishment. So, I call upon the commission to expedite the filling of vacancies in local authorities, especially those in cities and municipalities. Small councils are doing better than the bigger ones. The smaller ones have one engineer according to the establishment and they are able to perform while there is no manpower in constituencies like mine, and that is affecting service delivery.

Lastly, Madam Chairperson, I want to speak about the establishment of the National Monitoring and Evaluation Unit in councils. The National Monitoring and Evaluation Policy was approved in 2019 to facilitate the monitoring of progress during the implementation of Government programmes, policies and plans. When we went to some councils to check how far they had gone in establishing the unit, we found that they had not established it and we do not know the reason. So, I call upon the commission to establish (inaudible). This is a very important aspect because every day, we talk about the CDF. So, we want value for money. We do not want a situation in which a contractor implementing a CDF project uses four or three bags of cement instead of six. We want people who set standards to be checked by another unit. That will entail value for people’s money, and it should not only apply to the CDF, but all Government programmes.

Madam Chairperson, I support the Vote, and I thank you.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister of Information and Media (Mr Mweetwa): Madam Chairperson, thank you very much for the opportunity to support the Vote on the Floor of the House.

Madam Chairperson, let me begin on the premise of acknowledging the commission’s vision statement, which is:

“A credible commission that ensures reliable human resource and innovation in local government service.”

Madam Chairperson, the commission’s mission statement is:

 “To manage human resources in local authorities in order to promote quality service delivery to the citizenry and foster local development.”

Madam Chairperson, in order for the commission to actualise its vision and mission statement, it has to do certain things. Alas, in the past, the previous Administration used local authorities as a dumping ground for unqualified personnel.

Mr Mabeta: Correct!

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Chairperson, the commission did a snap human resource audit and told the nation that it had found more than 500 unqualified personnel holding positions who, without doubt, were given those positions on political connection basis as cadres, or were nepotistically given those positions as relatives of those who were wielding temporary State power or, indeed, were given those positions for considerations that are not aligned to merit or qualification as required. That is what the commission, which was used, as a political doormat, to actualise the aspirations of those in the Government, inherited; a very sorry sight.

Madam Chairperson, under the previous Government, we had a situation in which the commission would over-employ. An example in mind is when it employed fourteen firemen and sent them to Choma Municipal Council when, in fact, Choma Municipal Council did not even have a single fire tender. It also sent six legal officers to the council when none of them was a qualified practising lawyer. That is where we are coming from, and I am bringing these facts to the fore for the commission to know the enormity of the work it has to do to clean up the system and meet the expectations of the people of Zambia in line with its mission statement.

Madam Chairperson, under the previous Administration, the commission made unplanned and unco-ordinated transfers. We had a situation in which a senior officer who was posted to a local authority was, after three days, transferred elsewhere. It was difficult under the previous Administration for a Town Clerk to serve a local authority for one solid year, from what I know in terms of what was happening in Choma. That led to a situation in which whatever revenue the local authority collected was used to pay settling-in-allowances for those regular unplanned and unco-ordinated transfers. We now have a Government in place that is utilising public resources prudently, and that is why we are seeing stability in terms of job placements and transfers of workers in local authorities.

Madam Chairperson, the commission, under the previous Administration, was used to make unconstitutional appointments of staff in local authorities in contravention and defiance of Article 173, which provides that there must be gender parity in appointments, and Article 259 of the Constitution of Zambia, which provides that there must be ethnicity balancing when appointing officers in public office. Today, if one did a printout of Town Clerks, Council Secretaries, Directors of Finance and Directors of Planning across the country as inherited from the previous Administration, one would see that they are skewed towards one region of this country, which should not have been allowed if we had a Government that adhered to constitutional dictates. These are realities and this information is in the public domain.

Madam Chairperson, we now have a prudent Government that has allowed the commission to work in tandem with its professed mission statement to improve human resource management and revenue collection. The Government has created a conducive atmosphere for the commission and, through it, the local authorities to collect revenue at bus stops and markets unlike what we saw under the previous Administration, whereby bus stops and markets were turned into a political playground, with cadres being the authority unto themselves, levying citizens, motorists and bus operators and sharing part of those proceeds with a particular political party in power.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Chairperson, this is a terrible legacy that this commission should not allow to persist. Such acts of impunity and horrendous behaviour should not be allowed to resurface.

Mr Kasandwe: On a point of order, Madam Chairperson.

The Chairperson: Order, hon. Minister!

A point of order is raised, though we are running out of time.

Mr Kasandwe: Madam Chairperson, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 65 on content of speech.

Madam Chairperson, we are discussing the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC). How does the running of markets and bus stations come in? We are not dealing with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development; we are dealing with the commission, which has absolutely nothing to do with the running of bus stations and employment of people at bus stations and markets.

Madam Chairperson, is the hon. Member debating in order –

Interruptions

Mr Kasandwe: He is debating as an hon. Member of Parliament, not as an hon. Minister.

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Member debating in order to misguide himself and the nation by dragging the running of markets and stations into his debate, yet this issue does not fall under the commission?

I seek your ruling, Madam Chairperson.

The Chairperson: Thank you, Hon. Kasandwe. You have actually answered your question.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Chairperson: Therefore, I am left with nothing to rule on.

Hon. Minister, try to look at the specific Vote, and may you wind up your debate.

Mr Munsanje: Hammer!

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Chairperson, the truth hurts for those who do not want to hear it, but the Bible says the truth shall set you free.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Chairperson, our colleagues need to accept that when they were in Government, they were terrible failures, and that is why the people of Zambia rejected them.

Madam Chairperson, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Chairperson: Hon. Members, I have seen that there is a list on my screen. Most of you will debate on the next Vote. We have to close the debate on this Vote.

The hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, wind up debate.

Hon. Government Members: Hammer!

Mr Nkombo: Madam Chairperson, there will be no hammering. I will just respond based on fact and truth.

Madam Chairperson, firstly, I thank all the hon. Members of Parliament who have rendered their support to Vote 25, starting with Hon. Nyambose. His concerns and kind words are well noted by the ministry. I am particularly thankful to him for making it clear that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has an impact on our citizens. The nay-sayers; those who have decided to demonise the programme. They are doing what they are doing at their own peril because, certainly, since this Government came into office, there is something that an hon. Member of Parliament can say that he/she is responsible for, and that is the CDF.

Madam Chairperson, this brings me to one important point. Hon. Members in this House have developed a narrative that has gone out like wildfire into our communities about how this Government has not been able to disburse the CDF and, I think, it is only fair that I make a comment, and I will expand on it on the next Vote.

Madam Chairperson, it is important for me to say that in 2021, courtesy of the employees of local authorities who are being superintended over by the commission, the CDF was disbursed at 100 per cent. In 2021 and 2022, it was disbursed at 100 per cent. This year, as of 31^st October, it was disbursed at 81 per cent. We have heard comments that the CDF is not being disbursed, and I want to take advantage of this platform to say that is not the case.

Madam Chairperson, I want Hon. Shakafuswa, my son, to understand that the bad ways that Hon. Mutelo spoke about in terms of the commission transferring employees are a real problem. As the Government, we decided that we were not going to take the route that our friends, the erstwhile leaders, took when they retired many people, too numerous to mention, in national interest. We, who were given the mandate to run the affairs of this country, decided to give employees of the commission a chance to reform. So, indeed, bad ways do follow the owners. We have tried our best to reform people, and those who do not want to reform will continue at their own peril.

Madam Chairperson, the establishment of the Emoluments Commission, which Hon. Shakafuswa, my son, talked about is not a panacea for getting it right. Councils have to be innovative and create revenue streams to address the issues that he raised. It is true that the engineers who are there are probably not fully qualified, just like the legal officers. We inherited this problem. It is clear that our colleagues put the cart before the horse by employing people even before making things happen. In this case, we bought equipment and, now, we can look for people who can operate that equipment as opposed to the way it was before, whereby our colleagues looked for people who could operate equipment that was not there.

Madam Chairperson, I thank the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security for the very kind words and for making it clear –

The Chairperson: It was the hon. Minister of Information and Media, not the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security.

Mr Nkombo: Madam Chairperson, I beg your pardon.

Madam Chairperson, the hon. Minister spoke about the use of the local government system as a dumping site for people who wanted employment. It is true. This is the problem that we found that spoke to low competence levels. So, we gave the employees, who are Zambians, a chance to upgrade themselves and have qualifications needed to occupy those offices. It is also true that when we came into office, most of those who were employed via a political vehicle took to their heels. They did not need to be fired; they just vanished and left the offices yawning. We had a difficult task to fill those vacancies by getting temporary employees and, then, we recruited. You will not find any political activities in the establishment today, which is different from the way it was. Politicians had hijacked the councils but, today, revenue streams are improving. For the first time, we have got it right. The Lusaka City Council (LCC) no longer has salary arrears.

I thank you, Madam Chairperson.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Vote 25 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 29 – (Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development – K7,745,212,536).

Mr Nkombo: Madam Chairperson, I am honoured to present to this honourable House a policy statement on the 2024 Budget Estimates for the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development under Vote 29. The statement reflects the Government’s priorities in the local governance sector, which is in line with the 2024 National Budget presented by the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr Musokotwane, whose theme is “Stimulating Economic Growth for Improved Livelihoods.”

Madam Chairperson, the ministry’s mandate is to promote decentralisation and effective local governance systems, and facilitate the delivery of quality municipal services and infrastructure development through local authorities in order to effectively and efficiently contribute to sustainable socio-economic development. The ministry is also mandated to facilitate rural development and manage chiefs’ affairs to facilitate an improved quality of life and economic wellbeing for all our citizens in urban and rural areas.

Madam Chairperson, in 2024, the budget for the ministry is aligned to all the strategic developmental objectives of the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).

2023 Budget Performance

Madam Chairperson, K5,353,014,548.92 had been released to the ministry as of October 2023, against an approved budget of K6,449,760,989. This represents a disbursement per centum of 83. This reflects the Government’s commitment to implementing the budget as approved by this august House last year. The CDF was 81 per cent funded. We have heard several sound bites in our communities from people from all walks of life who are probably being fed the untruths by destructive people who do not want to see the success of our flagship programme, the CDF, that the release of this budget line is below par. The fact of the matter is that we are in November and still have a month-and-a-half to go before the fiscal year comes to an end, yet we have disbursed 83.3 per cent of the money.

Madam Chairperson, some of the major achievements the ministry made this year under municipal infrastructure and support services delivery are:

1. construction of 300 km of urban roads;

1. procurement of ten skip loaders and forty-five skip bins, which have since been distributed to various local authorities; and

1. procurement of assorted equipment for the Chunga Landfill.

Madam Chairperson, 1,858 Ward Development Committees (WDCs) were established and oriented. Further, using the CDF, 444,839 school desks were procured for our children to have a decent learning environment. Participatory M&E was strengthened and the use of resources subsequently led to improvement in service delivery.

Madam Chairperson, allow me, now, to outline the budgetary allocation for the ministry in line with the budget precepts. The budgetary allocation to the ministry in 2024 is K7,745,212,536, compared with K6,449,760,989 in 2023. This represents an increase of 20 per cent primarily attributed to an increment in grants, with the CDF increasing to K4,779,160,147, representing an increase –

The Chairperson: Order!

(Debate adjourned)

_____

HOUSE RESUMED

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

(Progress reported)

_______

The House adjourned at 1843 hours until 0900 hours on Friday, 17^thNovember, 2023.

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