DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE FIRST SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 28th February, 2012

The House met at 1430 hours

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

_____________ 

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MR SPEAKER 

APPOINTMENT OF HON. E. C. LUNGU AS GOVERNMENT DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, I have been informed by His Honour the Vice-President and Leader of Government Business in the House that the Patriotic Front (PF) has appointed Hon. E. C. Lungu (MP), hon. Deputy Minister in the Vice-President’s Office, as the Government’s Deputy Chief Whip.

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

_______ 
  
QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

REHABILITATION OF MYOOYE AND NACHIBILA BRIDGES

112. Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication when the Government would rehabilitate the Myooye and Nachibila bridges in Nangoma Parliamentary Constituency.

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Dr Mwali): Mr Speaker, the above-mentioned bridges are not part of the planned bridge works in the 2012 Annual Work Plan, but they can be considered and prioritised for 2013 and beyond. However, this will depend on the Mumbwa District Council which has to identify this need and prioritise it. The Road Development Agency (RDA) has provided K96 billion for various feeder roads and bridge projects throughout all the districts in the country.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, may I find out from the hon. Minister whether the money mentioned will cover the rehabilitation of our bridges that were mentioned earlier.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, and I think this answer applies to many of the situations, the RDA entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Local Government, Housing, Early Education and Environmental Protection, which provides for collaboration between the two institutions when working out the Annual Work Plans. However, we need to point out that the details of feeder roads and bridges that are to be worked on are known by the Ministry of Local Government, Housing, Early Education and Environmental Protection.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what measures the Government is putting in place to ensure that the RDA embarks on a countrywide rehabilitation of bridges without any delay, considering that the officers who are supposed to process the contracts under the RDA have all been dismissed and the works are not progressing.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, although some engineers and other officers at the RDA have been dismissed, we need to assure the House that measures have been taken to normalise the situation. Some of these measures include seconding staff from the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) to the procurement unit of the RDA. Further, the RDA has accelerated the process of recruiting staff to replace those who have been dismissed.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kakoma (Zambezi West): Mr Speaker, just last year, the rehabilitation contract of that road, where Myooye and Nachibila are, was given to a contractor. Why did the ministry not think of rehabilitating the two bridges during the process of rehabilitating that road, rather than passing the buck to Mumbwa District Council, considering the importance of the road and bridges that lead to Senior Shakumbila’s Palace, Blue Lagoon National Park, Lochnivar National Park, Itezhi-tezhi and Namwala?

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, it is not a question of passing the buck to Mumbwa District Council. All we are saying is that priorities have to be set by the council and the RDA provides the necessary funds.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Muntanga (Kalomo Central): Mr Speaker, the earlier answer from the hon. Minister was that this particular road on which Myooye and Nachibila bridges are, was not in the work plan, yet this road was contracted by the Government to be repaired. How come the same Government is, now, stating that it is not in the work plan? How was it possible for them to undertake such repairs earlier?

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, I mentioned earlier that under the RDA budget, there is only one line that provides for feeder roads. The breakdown is found at the Ministry of Local Government, Housing, Early Education and Environmental Protection.

I thank you, Sir.

MALARIA CONTROL IN KAPUTA

113. Mr Ngo’nga (Kaputa) asked the Minister of Health:

    (a)    what measures the Government had taken to control malaria, especially in children and pregnant women in Kaputa District;

    (b)    whether there were any areas earmarked for indoor residual spraying against mosquitoes and, if so, what the names of the areas were;

    (c)    what type of chemicals would be used in residual spraying at (b) above; and

    (d)    when a medical doctor and additional clinical officers would be posted to Kaputa District Hospital.

The Deputy Minister of Health (Dr Chikusu): Mr Speaker, the Government, through the Ministry of Health, has taken the following measures to control malaria, especially in children and pregnant women in Kaputa District:

(i)    all the health facilities in Kaputa are conducting Intermittent Presumptive Treatment (IPT) in pregnant women;

(ii)    in the fourth quarter of 2011, Kaputa District Health Office conducted larvicidal of mosquito breeding sites and 36 hectares (the whole of Kaputa) except swampy areas, which needed aerial spraying;

(iii)    the Kaputa District Health Office conducts mobile malaria diagnostic and treatment in the community;

(iv)    the Kaputa District Health Office is also conducting Community Malaria Booster Response (COMBOR) in various sites, such as Chishela Rural Health Centre, Shadreck, Kawena and Shilyasamba, in Kaputa Rural Health Centre catchment area, Kabuto Community in the Nsama Rural Health Centre catchment area and Muchinga, in Kalaba Rural Health Centre; and

(v)    all health facilities in Kaputa District treat clinical malaria at out-patient and in-patient departments and refer complicated cases to higher levels.

Mr Speaker, the House might wish to note that the Ministry of Health, through the National Malaria Control Programme in Zambia, implements an integrated approach in malaria control. This approach has indoor residual spraying and insecticide treated nets (ITNs) as the main intervention in malaria vector control. These interventions have been recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and are cost effective, and this enables optimisation of resources while achieving a bigger impact. 

Sir, Kaputa, like any other district in Zambia, has had these interventions employed. In addition, pregnant women in all districts, Kaputa inclusive, are also protected from malaria through the provision of intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine, commonly known as Fansidar. All pregnant women receive single adult doses of three tablets, taken after three months of pregnancy at one-month intervals.

Mr Speaker, only the Kaputa Rural Health Centre catchment area, which is in the urban area, is earmarked for indoor residual spraying;

Sir, based on the available data on the insecticide resistance profiles of malaria vectors in the country, the Insecticide Resistance Management Technical Advisory Committee agreed to deploy a more expensive carbamate insecticide in Kaputa. This is a different class of insecticide from the pyrethroid previously used in the Northern Province during the 2011 indoor residual spraying season. The country needed to switch to other classes of insecticide for IRS to remain effective as an indoor mosquito killing agent. Ficam was the carbamate insecticide product of choice.

Mr Speaker, the House might also wish to note that the country continues to face a critical shortage of health sector workers, in general, and medical doctors and clinical officers, in particular, due to a number of reasons, such as low output from training institutions and construction of new health facilities across the country, hence the increased demand for staff for both existing and new health facilities. However, the ministry will recruit workers in April/May, 2012, based on the K77.8 billion allocated for the net recruitment of Ministry of Health workers in the 2012 National Budget. These workers will be deployed to both existing, and new facilities and Kaputa District Hospital is expected to be catered for.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, taking advantage of this question, and asking on behalf of the hon. Member for Mandevu, I would like to find out what measures the Government is putting in place to ensure that the mosquitoes in Garden Compound and all the other compounds surrounding the sewer ponds in Lusaka are eradicated.

Dr Chikusu: Mr Speaker, the question should have rightly come from the hon. Member for Mandevu. However, for the sake of the one who asked it, let me say that all the parts of the country will be residual-sprayed. In fact, this is being undertaken now.

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that there are certain areas that can only be aerial-sprayed. Is the Government considering aerial-spraying all the plains, not only in Kaputa but, in the whole of Western Province, for example?

Dr Chikusu: Mr Speaker, the ministry is aerial-spraying the whole country.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mulenga (Chinsali): Mr Speaker, malaria is a vector disease. This means that it is caused by a mosquito that carries a germ from one person to another. Apart from spraying and distributing mosquito nets to the people, what other measures is the ministry putting in place to protect people from being bitten by mosquitoes because, before people go to bed, they are bitten by mosquitoes and get sick, especially in the rural areas?

Dr Chikusu: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for raising that important question, but he must remember that I referred to not only spraying, but also the use of treated mosquito nets, cleaning of the surroundings, cutting grass, cleaning breeding places and conducting health education.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Kalima (Kasenengwa): Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister said that the ministry has changed the chemical that they use and is, now, using a stronger chemical. What is the name of the chemical that was being used before and why has it been replaced with a stronger one?

Dr Chikusu: Mr Speaker, the chemical that was being used to spray is called Pyrethroid. It became resistant and that is why it was changed to a stronger chemical called Ficam or Carbamate.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Mr Speaker, I appreciate the fact that the ministry is in the process of aerial-spraying a number of places. Which places has the ministry, actually, started aerial-spraying in this country?

Dr Chikusu: Mr Speaker, Lusaka Province has already been aerial-sprayed, but the people in the Western Province should wait. This is being done at a fast rate.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has said that a number of places will be aerial-sprayed. Are the planes to be used to spray already in the country or will they be ordered from another country?

Dr Chikusu: Mr Speaker, we have already started aerial-spraying and we are using planes.

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter

Brigadier-General Dr Chituwo (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, I am delighted that this programme is continuing because it is good for our people. Can the hon. Minister state in which places aerial-spraying has taken place in Lusaka.

Dr Chikusu: Mr Speaker, I said that the aerial-spraying is being done in the night in Lusaka. The hon. Members should check at night.

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter

CHIEFS AND POLITICS

114. Mr Hamusonde asked the Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs:

(a)    whether chiefs in Zambia were allowed to openly support political parties of their choice;

(b)    if not, whether there was a penalty for the action at (a) above and, if so, what the penalty was; and

(c)    whether there were any chiefs who have been penalised in the past.

The Deputy Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs (Mrs Kawandami): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the chiefs in Zambia are not allowed to participate in partisan politics. As regards part (b) of the question, there are no penalties specified in the event that a chief openly supports a political party of his or her choice. Lastly, there are no chiefs who have been penalised for openly supporting a political party of their choice.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, ...

Mr Muntanga: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister of Health in order to inform this House that a plane can be used to spray at night? What sort of plane is being used to spray at night? 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, I will request the hon. Minister of Health to revert to that question in due course or this afternoon.

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, what will happen to chiefs who engage in politics?

The Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs (Mrs Wina): Mr Speaker, in the previous answer, the hon. Deputy Minister stated that no penalties have been imposed on the chiefs who supported political parties during elections. However, one of the objectives of our ministry is to bring dignity to our chiefs. Therefore, we are urging the chiefs to refrain from involving themselves in partisan politics because, in most cases, politics in Zambia have tended to be very divisive and, as such, when subjects fight over a political issue, we expect the chief to be the final arbitrator. The chiefs that supported political parties during the previous elections have not been dealt with by this Government because it respects chiefs.

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Kalaba (Bahati): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether her ministry still has intentions of continuing to parade chiefs on television and radio stations like we saw from our colleagues who lost elections terribly last year. 

Interruptions

Mrs Wina: Mr Speaker, the PF Government has no intention of parading chiefs at political rallies, unless that particular chief has so requested. It is not our wish to coax the chiefs into attending our political meetings so that they declare their support for our party. We have no such intention.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kakoma: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister told us that there is a law that prohibits chiefs from supporting political parties of their choice but, in that law, there are no penalties for people who violate it. I would like to find out whether she will consider bringing an amendment to that law so that penalties are prescribed to deter would-be offenders.

Mrs Wina: Mr Speaker, the Constitution is the supreme law of the country and it specifies that chiefs should not participate in partisan politics. Currently, our ministry is revisiting the Chief’s Act with a view to bringing a Bill to Parliament to specify some of the penalties that will be meted out on the chiefs who may go beyond their call of duty.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Lubezhi (Namwala): Mr Speaker, will the hon. Minister deny the fact that this Government entices chiefs to get involved in politics, going by the recent happenings where the entire Vice-President, with a huge delegation, went to the Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony when …

Interruptions

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Speaker, could I, please, be protected from those high-level hecklers?

Mr Speaker: Order!

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Speaker, I was saying that the Government made a statement, in December, 2011, that Government officials would not grace traditional ceremonies, yet we saw a Government delegation that went to the aforementioned traditional ceremony. If they cannot adhere to their own directives, who will? Will that fact be denied?

Mrs Wina: Mr Speaker, this Government respects chiefs and will grace all the traditional ceremonies in the country.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Wina: What we were suggesting to the chiefs is that, if possible, they should invite each other to be guests of honour at these ceremonies. This will help to cement the relationship amongst chiefs. However, this did not necessarily mean that Government officials cannot attend the traditional ceremonies.

I thank you Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kapeya (Mpika Central): Mr Speaker, since traditional chiefs are not allowed to participate in politics, what advice could the hon. Minister give to the chiefs who are interested in joining politics?

Mrs Wina: Mr Speaker, I have already explained that the Constitution of this country does not permit chiefs to participate in partisan politics. However, if the hon. Member wants to change the Constitution, perhaps, that can be looked at when the Constitution is reviewed again. If the country is to allow chiefs to participate in politics, the people will say so. For now, the Constitution bars chiefs from participating in partisan politics. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Mr Speaker, some of our chiefs are in very embarrassing situations, now, after the people they supported were trounced.

Laughter

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, my colleague, the hon. Deputy Minister for Luapula Province, knows this very well. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether her ministry is engaging the House of Chiefs to come up with regulatory measures of its own on how it can guide its members.

Mr Wina: Mr Speaker, our ministry has started going round the country, meeting the chiefs and explaining to them what we expect of them in order for them to maintain their dignity. The issue of participating in partisan politics is one of the issues that we are discussing with them.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out whether it has become Government policy to fete chiefs who support the PF by taking them to shopping malls, such as Manda Hill and Arcades, to buy them biscuits and lingerie …

Laughter

Mr Nkombo: … and, then, fly them by helicopter from Lusaka …

Hon. Mwila interrupted.

Mr Nkombo: Can you keep quiet, Davies.

… to Mazabuka. Is it a Government policy, from this moment on, for the PF Government to transport, by helicopter, chiefs who seem to be in support of its cause even when it does not make sense?

Mrs Wina: Mr Speaker, since the PF Government came into power, State House has been opened to all chiefs in the country. Those who want to visit and congratulate the President and his new Government have been welcomed at State House, including the chiefs who supported the MMD Government.

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

Mrs Wina: As regards the issue of buying them biscuits at Manda Hill, this is a new issue. I do not know anything about it and I have not come across anything like that.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister indicated to this House that it is allowed to parade a chief who has volunteered to be paraded at a political rally of the PF. In her view, that is not contrary to the constitutional provision that chiefs are not allowed to engage in political activities that she has cited. Is that the position of the Government?

Mrs Wina: Mr Speaker, in my response to the main question asked on this topic, I do not remember saying that the PF is happy to parade chiefs at political rallies. This is not our policy. I explained to the House that we are discouraging chiefs from taking part in partisan politics and attending rallies of a political party is definitely participating in a partisan political activity. The chiefs are being discouraged from doing so. We are discussing with them regarding this matter and many other developmental matters.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister confirm that chiefs were used by the losing MMD because of poverty, as they were not looked after well by the MMD Government ...

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mulenga: … and that now that the PF Government has paid attention to the chiefs and taken care of them, they are not ready to demean themselves by being paraded at rallies. Can she confirm that they are now well paid and well looked after.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Wina: Mr Speaker, indeed, our chiefs are very pleased with the gesture by the PF Government to increase their allowances. This will go a long way in alleviating some of the challenges that they face. They are, in fact, very happy to contribute to the Government programmes and to advise the Government on many issues of national development.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Siliya (Petauke): Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister confirm that the circular that was issued in December was understood by members of the public and Their Royal Highnesses to mean that Government officials will no longer attend traditional ceremonies as guests of honour and that, in fact, this matter, including the issue of the lack of resources for the chiefs to travel back home, was raised by the various chiefs who were in attendance at the just-ended Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony with His Honour the Vice-President.

Mrs Wina: Mr Speaker, if the hon. Member did not read the circular well, perhaps, that is why this question is arising.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Wina: Mr Speaker, the circular was to ask Their Royal Highnesses to invite other chiefs to grace their traditional ceremonies as guests of honour. There is nowhere it said that no Government official would attend a ceremony. I have explained it, in this House, before that the idea was for the chiefs to be official guests. However, Government officials could and will continue to attend these ceremonies.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kazabu (Nkana): Mr Speaker, it is on record that, during the previous election campaigns, some of our chiefs threatened subjects with eviction from their chiefdoms if they were seen supporting certain political parties. May I know whether, as a result of those threats, some of our citizens who have been displaced.

Mrs Wina: Mr Speaker, some of those pronouncements by the chiefs were mere threats. Some of the subjects were threatened for not supporting the then party in Government, the MMD. However, I can assure this House that some of the chiefs who were in the forefront of threatening their subjects are now apologising for their actions. We hope it will continue this way because we want the chiefs to promote peace and bring unity in their chiefdoms so that their subjects are free to belong to any party of their choice.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamudulu (Siavonga): Mr Speaker, in answering one of the earlier questions, the hon. Minister stated that her ministry was making consultations or rather sensitising Their Royal Highnesses on how they should behave in order to maintain their integrity. I would like to know if her ministry has plans to also sensitise some of the Government officials, especially her fellow hon. Ministers, on how to respect Their Royal Highnesses and not threaten them with arrests when they raise pertinent issues which affect their people.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Wina: Mr Speaker, the issue of Government officials threatening chiefs is not there.

Interruptions

Mrs Wina: Mr Speaker, in the PF Government, we base our policies on our manifesto which categorically highlights respect for chiefs and this we shall continue to maintain as long as we are still ruling this country.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Dr Chituwo: Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs confirm that …

Mr Nkombo: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised. 

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, I would like to apologise most sincerely to Hon. Dr Chituwo for standing on a point of order while he is on the Floor. I think the point of order borders on the hon. Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs giving this House information that is very distant from the truth.

Sir, in raising my point of order, I want to draw the attention of this House to the day the hon. Member of Parliament for Kalomo Central, Mr Muntanga, raised a point of order on the Government, specifically, the Ministry of Home Affairs. Through this point of order, he indicated that he was concerned with the issue of threats to traditional rulers, as attributed to Hon. Miles Sampa, with reference to the chiefs in the Southern Province who did not agree with the realignment of some districts. Is she in order, therefore, to say, “The issue of threatening chiefs is not there,” when, apparently, it is there?

I seek your serious ruling, Sir.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: The hon. Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs will take that into account as she continues explaining her position. The hon. Member for Mumbwa may continue with his supplementary question.

Dr Chituwo: Mr Speaker, with the many good things that the MMD Government did with regard to looking after the affairs of our traditional leaders, can the hon. Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs confirm that the vehicles that were given to the chiefs are of use in the management of their chiefdoms and that the salaries that they have been given are just a continuation of the good things that the MMD Government started?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Wina: Mr Speaker, that sounds like a new question to me …

Laughter

Mrs Wina: … because we have to go round and ask the chiefs how many of those vehicles are already on the rocks and how many of them are still operational.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Speaker: The hon. Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs, please, respond to the intervention by the hon. Member for Mazabuka Central.

Mrs Wina: Mr Speaker, I do not recollect when this message was given. I read about it in the newspapers. Perhaps, I was out of the country at the time that remark was made in this House. I, therefore, apologise if the hon. Member feels that we did not put the case correctly.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Kalima: Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister deny the fact that the PF Government intimidates chiefs who seem neutral? I would like to cite the recent intimidation of my respectable Senior Chiefs Nzamane and Mazimawe who were threatened with being dethroned.  

Mrs Wina: Mr Speaker, I believe the issue of threats has been answered comprehensively. However, if the hon. Member wants a bonus answer, I can state that the message that was given to those two chiefs was a friendly one …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Wina: …  that they reconcile with their elder brother, the Nkonsi-yama-Nkonsi.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwanza (Solwezi West): Mr Speaker, my question has been overtaken by events.

INDUSTRIAL UNREST AT LUANSHYA NON-FERROUS MINING CORPORATION

115. Mr M. B. Mwale (Malambo) asked the Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour:

(a)    what caused the industrial unrest at the Luanshya Non-Ferrous Mining Corporation on 9th December, 2011;

(b)    how much loss, in production, was incurred as a result of the industrial unrest; and

(c)    what measures the Government had taken to prevent similar incidents in future.

The Deputy Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour (Mr Tembo): Mr Speaker, firstly, let me clarify that the company that experienced industrial unrest on 9th December, 2011, was Luanshya Copper Mines (LCM) and not Luanshya Non-Ferrous Mining Corporation. The cause of this unrest was a misunderstanding between the workers and management during negotiations for a new collective agreement. 

Mr Speaker, during negotiations for the new collective agreement, the LCM management proposed to the union a discontinuation of the payment of the underground allowance prior to the implementation of a new salary structure that was agreed upon. The workers rejected this suggestion and started protesting on the streets. The background is that one of the major issues that management and the union discussed during the negotiations was the need to harmonise salaries in the LCM by coming up with a new structure.

Sir, however, it was observed that the implementation of the new structure was automatically going to increase salaries by between 9 and 15 per cent before negotiating the new collective agreement. As this was going to be costly, management suggested the discontinuation of payment of underground allowances. When the union brought this to the attention of the workers, they reacted by protesting on the streets. During the process, new demands were made, such as the following:

(i)    the removal of the assistant human resource superintendent from his position;

(ii)    the increase of the size of the bargaining unit to allow all union members to be present during negotiations;

(iii)    the underground allowances not be removed by management;

(iv)    salaries be harmonised after negotiations;

(v)    employees with two years of service be confirmed; and

(vi)    recruitment of doctors and paramedic officers at the mine hospital by management.

Mr Speaker, the ministry established that the action by the workers was unlawful as they did not follow the laid-down procedures on strikes. In addition, no dispute had been declared. The Government guided that the workers should end the strike to pave way for negotiations between the union and management. 

Mr Speaker, according to the records at the LCM, a total of 42,128 man-hours were lost as a result of the industrial unrest which further resulted in the loss of 14,000 metric tonnes of copper ore and 664 metric tonnes of copper concentrates. In monetary terms, the loss was approximately K21.6 billion, which translates to US$4.3 million.  

Sir, to prevent similar incidents in future, the ministry has increased the budgetary allocation for labour law awareness campaigns, with the view to intensifying sensitisation of employers and employees to ensure that both are acquainted with the law, and labour inspections to ensure that issues are detected and corrective action is taken before any industrial unrest occurs.

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

 Mr M. B. Mwale: Mr Speaker, is the Government considering carrying out sensitisation campaigns in the mining industry with regard to harmonisation of salaries even though it is aware that mining companies are at different levels in terms of productivity?

The Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour (Mr Shamenda): Mr Speaker, harmonisation of salary scales does not mean standardising them, but making them make sense.  

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Mutati (Lunte): Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister …

Ms Lubezhi: On a point of order, Sir. 

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised. 

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Speaker, I would like to apologise to the hon. Member on the Floor. 

Mr Speaker, is it in order for the Government to remain silent on the indefinite closure of the Copperbelt University (CBU), one of the highest institutions of learning in the country, for some unsatisfactory reasons such as problems with the supply of water, which they say will be restored this afternoon, and the roof to a newly-built block, which was blown off? Is the Government in order to keep quiet?

Mr Speaker: I take judicial notice that the hon. Member may be referring to events at the Great East Road Campus. If so, I will invite, in due course, the hon. Minister of Education, Science and Vocational Training to make a ministerial statement thereon. 

The hon. Member for Lunte may proceed. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister apprise this House on the status of the various negotiations in the mining sector and indicate the status of the minimum wage. 

Mr Shamenda: Mr Speaker, I believe that this is a new question, but I will give a bonus answer. Only three companies are still negotiating. Most of the mining companies have concluded their negotiations. 

Concerning the minimum wage, which is also a bonus answer because it has nothing to do with the question on the Table, I would like to assure the hon. Member of Parliament and the House in general that issues of the minimum wage require a lot of consultations with stakeholders. However, this information will be made public within the shortest possible time. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

Mr Ntundu (Gwembe): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has kept the answer to himself and has not given the House a chance to hear it. He talked about the harmonisation of salary scales. The House would like to know how they will be harmonised from one scale to the other. He should tell the House and not keep the answer to himself. 

Laughter 

Mr Shamenda: Mr Speaker, the Government is not involved in issues of collective bargaining. Bargaining for salaries and conditions of service is done by the respective companies and unions. The Government, therefore, merely advised and encouraged companies to harmonise salary structures in order to avoid industrial unrest. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Shamenda: Therefore, it is not the responsibility of this Government to interfere in the free collective bargaining arrangements in industries. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, today, it is common to see workers in various companies in our country withdraw their labour at any time. May I find out from the hon. Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour what measures the Government is implementing to ensure that the procedure of  going on strike, as provided for under Cap, 269 of the Laws of Zambia, is adhered to. 

Mr Shamenda: Mr Speaker, we indicated, in our response, that the ministry has allocated funds for intensification of the education and sensitisation of both employers and trade union leaders. The Government is also restructuring and strengthening the mechanism of inspection so that companies are visited and educated on their responsibilities from time-to-time.

Furthermore, Mr Speaker, the Government is engaging the trade unions as well as the human resource directors to find out the reasons why we have been having industrial unrests. In some of the cases, it has been because of misunderstanding and a lack of understanding of the labour laws and procedures. We are going to assist the stakeholders to intensify the education of their members as well as the actors who are responsible for industrial relations. Additionally, we are in the process of establishing some programmes since the function of Labour sits in the same ministry as that of Information and Broadcasting. We will be having various programmes on television and radio where we shall invite experts to discuss the labour laws and, at the same time, allow members of the public to bring out the various problems that they face at their work places through open lines and SMSs so that they are advised on the procedures that they are supposed to follow.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what the Government is doing about the apparent apprehension in the Civil Service pertaining to the negotiations. Further, could he tell us how far the negotiations with the various unions on  collective bargaining have gone, considering that there is only one month left before the process is concluded?

Mr Ntundu: Hear, hear!

Mr Shamenda: Mr Speaker, the report I have received is that the negotiations are progressing well and that is the position. So far, I have not heard of any apprehensions from any corner or from the people who are involved. 

I thank you, Sir.

COMMISSIONS OF INQUIRY

116. Dr Kazonga (Vubwi) on behalf of Mr Mtolo (Chipata Central) asked the Vice-President:

(a)    how many commissions of inquiry the Government had instituted between 20th September and 30th November, 2011;

(b)    how much money had been spent on the commissions above; and

(c)    whether the funds at (b) had been provided for in the 2011 National Budget.

The Deputy Minister in the Vice-President’s Office (Mr E. C. Lungu): Mr Speaker, the Government instituted four commissions to enquire into various national issues and spent K3,848,190,031.32 on them.

Mr Speaker, there was no provision for this in the 2011 Budget. However, a supplementary budget was required to account for the expenditure as the programme came after the 2011 Budget had been approved.

Sir, the list of commissions of inquiry is as follows:

(i)    the Energy Regulation Board;

(ii)    issues relating to the violence of the Mongu riots that occurred on 14th January, 2011 on the Barotseland Agreement;

(iii)    management and administration of the Zambia National Building Society; and

(iv)    operations of the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).

Sir, a summary of the current status of the commissions of inquiry is as follows:

Commission of Inquiry    Budget    Funding Released    Expenditure    Balance
        up to 30.11.11

Energy Regulation    4,722,915,000        3,831,740,000        1,155,618,118.07    2,676,121,881.93
Board    

Barosteland Riots    5,539,475,000    3,578,412,180        1,783,866,180.25    1,794,545,999.00
of 14th January, 2011    

Zambia Revenue    3,351,860,000    2,500,000,000        315,536,933.00    2,184,463,067.00
Authority    

Zambia National    3,097,560,000    2,000,000,000        593,168,800.00    1,406,831,200.00
Building Society    

Total    13,924,036,000     11,910,152,180    3,848,190,031.32    8,061,962,148.68

Sir, to avoid difficulties with people who do not comprehend figures, I will lay on the Table a list of the commissions of inquiry and a report showing the expenditures and what the balance is. I think I have made my case very clear and expect very few questions on this issue.

I will now lay the paper on the Table.

Mr Nkombo rose.

Mr E. C. Lungu: Before I lay the paper on the Table? 

Laughter

Mr E. C. Lungu: I will not lay the paper on the Table in case I have to answer some questions.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Opposition Members: Lay it!

Interruptions

Mr E. C. Lungu: I can see people anticipating.

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Interruptions

Mr Namulambe (Mpongwe): Mr Speaker, the reports on commissions of inquiry are Government documents which the Cabinet is supposed to deliberate. We saw the Secretary-General of the PF on radio and television, yesterday, …

Mr Ng’onga: Question!

Mr Namulambe: … explaining the report on one of the commissions of inquiry. Is it the party and its Government or the Government, through the Chief Government Spokesperson, which is supposed to tell the nation what the Cabinet has decided? Should the party pre-empt the findings of the report?

The Vice-President (Dr Scott): Mr Speaker, that seems like a new question to me, but …

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

The Vice-President: Of course, it is. The question was not about the content of reports at all, but only the commissions’ existence and cost. However, I will give a bonus answer, which is that the Secretary-General of the Patriotic Front (PF) is, surely, perfectly entitled to give his opinion, both as a lawyer and politician as well as an official in the party, on a public document and that is what he did. It does not mean anything beyond that.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, arising from the answers …

Ms Kalima: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Ms Kalima: Mr Speaker, is the Government in order to keep quiet on yesterday’s protests by minibus drivers which brought the country to a standstill thereby risking the country’s security?

Interruptions  

Mr Speaker: I will invite the hon. Member for Kasenengwa to file in a question and an appropriate answer will be given.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, arising from the answers given to parts (a) and (b) of the question, that K3 billion was spent on the four commissions of inquiry, may I find out from His Honour the Vice-President what the outcomes of these commissions of inquiry have been after spending such a large amount of money.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, that is definitely a new question …

Interruptions 

The Vice-President: … because the substantive question was specifically on which commissions have been established under the Inquiries Act and how much they cost. If the hon. Member had paid attention, he would have noticed that the cost is well below our budget estimates. In due course, if the hon. Member and others are interested, which I am sure they are, we can give a statement concerning the outcome of these various inquiries.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha (Keembe): Mr Speaker, the Commission of Inquiry on the Mongu Riots has now been concluded. Subsequently, we have had a wonderful response from the President, which reflects that it is the same response that the United National Independence Party (UNIP) had during its time in power and is, also, the same position that the MMD had whilst in the Government, which is to keep Zambia united.

Mr Speaker, arising out of this and, indeed, the turn-around of the position of the PF Government, it is obvious that the Attorney-General misled and misinformed the President in his advice on the Mongu riots and the commission. Therefore, will the Government go ahead and surcharge the Attorney-General for misleading the President?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Despite the huge sum of money that was spent, which was paid to Dr Chongwe and his group, the recommendations of the commission have been turned down. I would like the His Honour Vice-President to tell this House if the Attorney-General will be surcharged for this.

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

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, if I recall correctly, and I was there when His Excellency made his remarks on the report on the Mongu riots, His Excellency’s statement related to one particular matter; the Barotseland Agreement, which formed a piece of the recommendations by the commission. However, it does not even appear in the terms of reference of the commission. There are eleven paragraphs in the statutory instrument issued under the Inquiries Act and they relate to the cause of the riots, conduct of the paramilitary police force, rioters carrying any weapons and such matters. The Barotseland Agreement, at the greatest stretch of imagination, is a sort of deep possible cause of unrest. However, there were many other recommendations in that report relating to the conduct of all sorts of people. I do not see that the question has done anything to besmirch the report, particularly, considering its depth and breadth.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkombo: Sir, I would like to thank His Honour the Vice-President for his response. However, the Kingsley Chanda-led Commission of Inquiry on the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) submitted a report to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia and the whole country watched the submission of this report. The same applies to the Rodger Chongwe Barotseland and Related Issues Commission of Inquiry. The whole nation was witness to that submission. My question to His Honour the Vice-President, Dr Guy Scott, is whether he normally liaises with His Excellency the President before he receives these reports so that we do not get an impromptu response from him which, generally, gives a bias to the validity of the reports.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, that is an operational detail of the Government, which, I am sure, I cannot advise the hon. Member on. Further, it is, definitely, a new question.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, looking at the number of commissions of inquiry that the current Government has instituted at a cost of over K3 billion, and knowing that Zambia is a poor country that is in great need of resources, what is the economic benefit to Zambia from this K3 billion that has been spent so far?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I think I have heard the same question just recently, posed slightly differently from the MMD side, and I answered it.

Interruptions 

The Vice-President: I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker gave the Floor to Ms Lubezhi.

Mr Lubezhi: Sir, my question has been overtaken by events.

Mr Ndalamei (Sikongo): Mr Speaker, this Government is on record as having promised the people of Barotseland to restore the Barotseland Agreement within ninety days of coming into power. Further, the Government formed a Commission of Inquiry on Barotseland whose recommendations it has rejected. Is it not a waste of taxpayers’ money to form a commission of inquiry and, later, reject its recommendations?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, if the hon. Member can let me know where it is on record that we promised to restore the Barotseland Agreement within ninety days, I will happily answer his question.

I thank you, Sir.

Professor Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, in his response to the question, His Honour the Vice-President referred to the Barotseland riots. Since January, last year, the nation has been talking about the Mongu riots and not Barotseland riots. Would His Honour the Vice-President, who has, in his response, misinformed the nation, retract that answer which has misled the nation?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the hon. member is right that it is the Mongu riots that are specifically mentioned in the Statutory Instrument and the terms of reference.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chisala (Chilubi): Mr Speaker, following Dr Kazonga’s supplementary question, would His Honour the Vice-President confirm that, in fact, in the aftermath of appointing a number of commissions of inquiry, so many irregularities committed by the MMD Government have been revealed that some of the members of the MMD are likely to appear before the courts of law.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, we will not know, until the end of the game, whether the results justify the very small expenditure of K3.8 billion or not. Therefore, I would not like to comment, but I do take the fact of his question.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, in this House, questions were asked to His Honour the Vice-President on the Barotseland Agreement and, at that time, his answer was, “Let us wait until the end of the work of the commission.” I would like to find out from him the time at which he realised that the Barotseland Agreement was not covered by this particular commission.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the Barotseland Agreement is not specifically covered in the Statutory Instrument and the Inquiries Act that set up this commission. However, it was clear, from the fact that people were using it as an explanatory element in trying to analyse the unrest in Mongu and its surrounding areas that it might be covered. Therefore, I would still ask the House to let the Government consider the report and come up with a definite position. So far, we have not done that.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Namugala (Mafinga): Mr Speaker, I am getting a bit confused. His Honour the Vice-President has stated that the commission of inquiry went outside its terms of reference by recommending that the Barotseland Agreement be restored. Could he clearly state whether his Government will restore the Barotseland Agreement?

The Vice-President: I think I have answered that question already. Maybe, just for the sake of the hon. Members, the Statutory Instrument has eleven paragraphs or articles in it. The first nine relate to the riots; the way they were controlled and how the peace was broken. Then, there is a very general question at the end which talks about ascertaining the concerns of the people of Western Province – and that includes all the tribes in the province – and recommends mechanisms for addressing the concerns. Therefore, it could be said, and it is probably a reasonable point of view that the Barotseland Agreement is a concern of the people of the Western Province ...

Hon. Opposition Members interjected.

The Vice-President: I am not denying that. However, I did point out, and if the hon. Member for Mafinga may recall, that the Government has not yet considered the issue and come up with its white or blue paper on this commission of inquiry.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Order!

Let us follow the answers very closely in order to avoid repetition. It is very important to do so in order to save some precious time.

Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from His Honour the Vice-President, now that the PF’s Party Secretary-General’s views are contrary to his, why the PF Government allowed its Secretary-General to be on the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) to mislead Zambians. Why did it allow such a situation? What confidence will Zambians have in this Government on the commissions …

Mr Speaker: Order! 

Hon. Member, I know it takes a bit of practice but, if you can speak without pointing fingers, it will be in accord with parliamentary conduct. 

Are you through with your question?

Mr Ntundu: No, Sir. I would like to find out from His Honour the Vice-President, now that they are contradicting each other with his party’s Secretary-General …

Interruptions

Mr Ntundu: Yes. 

Mr Speaker: Let the hon. Member ask the question on his own. I do not think that he needs tutors.

Mr Ntundu: There is another commission, the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Commission, which was headed by Kingsley Chanda, who also had an interest because he was one of the commissioners at the ZRA. What confidence will Zambians, now, have in this Government since it is appointing people who have an interest to sit on commissions?

Laughter

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I find the question confusing enough without adding an answer to it. The Secretary-General of the party, in a multi-party democracy, is, surely, entitled to express a view and even call it the party’s point of view. It does not pre-empt or prevent the Government from governing.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, yesterday evening, my brother, the Secretary-General of the PF, cast aspersions on the integrity of the commissioners appointed by the PF Government. In the statement to the nation, he indicated that most of the commissioners appointed were not fit and did not qualify to be appointed in those commissions. If they are not fit to be commissioners, why is the Government spending colossal amounts of money on people who are not worthy to sit on those commissions?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, first of all, the Secretary-General of the PF is not in this House to protect himself and he has not appointed and may not even wish me to defend him. He was expressing an opinion in a debate that is going on within the party as well as among members of the general public and between parties.

I thank you, Sir.

Mrs Masebo (Chongwe): Mr Speaker, the issue of the Barotseland Agreement is so important that it should not be used as a political tool in this House. Would it not help the Government to distribute the PF Manifesto to the MMD and UPND parties so that ...

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Masebo: ... policy issues of the current Government are known by all and appreciated and when hon. Members of the two parties come here, they can ask proper questions?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I think I can raise money for the purpose of doing what Hon. Masebo has suggested. It would be very appropriate to distribute two copies to Hon. Muntanga and one to everybody else using the parliamentary pigeonholes. That is, of course, with the indulgence of Mr Speaker.

Mr Muntanga: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, is His Honour the Vice-President, although he is my friend, in order to imply that this partisan manifesto, which is not shown even to its own members, has become a Government paper without any policy being put in place? Is he in order to begin thinking that I have to learn something from a paper with a questionable existence and only exists under the Don’t Kubeba system? 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: I believe that the point of order by Hon. Muntanga was made in jest. Therefore, I will not make a ruling.

Mr Mutelo (Lukulu West): Mr Speaker, my question to His Honour the Vice-President is a simple one and it is on the Barotseland Commission of Inquiry. Are Dr Rodger Chongwe and Mr Willa Mung’omba competent or incompetent?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I do not know whether I should put that question down or ask you to put it through. Of course, I am not going to answer that question on the grounds that I am in no position to make judgements on people’s competence. It is not my job. Besides, that is not part of the initial question. If you want such questions responded to, you need to include them in the original question, instead of expecting this very straightforward question to have that as a follow-up question.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kakoma: Mr Speaker, the His Honour the Vice-President has, so far, disclosed that since the PF came to power, it has had four commissions of inquiry. Commissions of inquiry are meant to delve into complex issues that even the Government cannot resolve. Currently, in the country, there are complex issues surrounding the realignment of boundaries, such as those of districts and provinces. May I find out from him whether his Government will consider establishing a commission of inquiry into the issue of realigning boundaries for provinces and districts.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, if need arises, we will do so. However, so far, I am not aware of the need for us to consider such an option.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, given the significance of the Barotseland Agreement, would His Honour the Vice-President come to this House and issue a detailed statement so as to clear the misgivings and misunderstandings regarding this critical national issue?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, we are not debating the Barotseland Agreement. I was asked a question on the number of commissions of inquiry we had set up since coming into power and I have responded to that question. The Barotseland Agreement came in as one element in the copious recommendations of the commission of inquiry that dealt with all sorts of things, including the management of the riots in Mongu and the underlying situation that gave rise to that occurrence, and I think I have answered questions in that domain. 

I thank you, Sir.

FRA GOODS RECEIVED NOTES

117. Dr Kazonga (on behalf of Mr Mtolo) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock whether the Government would explore the possibility of farmers using the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) Goods Received notes for maize delivered to facilitate the collection of inputs where payments are delayed.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Mr N. Banda): Mr Speaker, the Government is aware that some farmers are unable to pay for the farming inputs due to isolated delays by the FRA in paying them for the purchased maize. However, the Government has no immediate plans to explore the possibility for farmers to use the FRA Goods Received notes for maize delivered in order to facilitate the collection of inputs when payments are delayed. The FRA Goods Received notes, though proof of maize delivered by the farmers and money owed to them by the FRA, do not give a guarantee that farmers will pay money to suppliers for inputs received. This system was once used ...

Mr Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1615 hours until 1630 hours.

[Mr SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr N. Banda: Mr Speaker, when business was suspended, I was saying that the Goods Received notes, though they are proof of maize delivered by the farmers and money owed to them by the FRA, do not give a guarantee that the farmers will pay suppliers for inputs received. This system was once used, but some farmers did not abide by the agreement of paying for inputs received, once they had got their money from the FRA. This necessitated the abandonment of the system. In the meantime, the Government’s efforts are concentrated on ensuring that farmers are paid on time for maize purchased.

I thank you, Sir.

COMPENSATION OF FARMERS IN SINJEMBELA AND IMUSHO

118.    Mr Njeulu (Sinjembela) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock whether the Government would compensate farmers in Sinjembela and Imusho areas of Shan’gombo and Sesheke Districts, respectively, whose herds of cattle were compulsorily slaughtered in 1997 and 1998 due to the outbreak of Contagious Bovine Pleuro-Pneumonia (CBPP) disease.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Brigadier-General Kapaya): Mr Speaker, following the 1997 CBPP outbreak in the Sinjembela and Imusho areas, the Government took the following measures to control the disease:

(i)    vaccination of all cattle in the risk area;

(ii)    cattle movement restriction to and from infected areas; and

(iii)    testing, slaughter of the affected herds  and compensation to farmers.

Sir, during the testing, 881 heads of cattle were found positive for the CBPP, were slaughtered and the owners compensated on the spot as this was an exercise that was planned and budgeted for. However, there was an incidence where some farmers were not compensated for their 137 heads of cattle that was slaughtered. This was because the animals’ slaughter was not carried out according to the stipulated Government procedure where a team of Government officers, namely a veterinary officer, an accountant and a police officer are constituted to carry out the exercise. According to the Government regulations cited in the Animal Health Act, Cap 27 Section 70 (3) of the Laws of Zambia, animal slaughters that require compensation need to be authorised by the Director of Veterinary Services and the hon. Minister responsible for Agriculture and Livestock. This was not the case for the 137 heads of cattle in question.

 Additionally, eighty-six heads of cattle were slaughtered without compensation as the cattle had been moved illegally from the infected area to a disease-free area. During the outbreak of the disease, a ban on the movement of cattle was instituted in order to prevent the spread of the disease. Some people defied the ban and moved animals from disease areas to disease-free areas. This put the disease-free areas at risk and, therefore, the animals that were confiscated were slaughtered without compensation as per Stock Disease Act of 1963, Cap 252, Section 5 of the Laws of Zambia. Therefore, the Government has no obligation to compensate the farmers of the Sinjembela and Imusho areas in Shang’ombo and Sesheke districts.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Njeulu: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that the then Provincial Veterinary Officer, Dr Bbalo, authorised the slaughter of the 137 animals and the compensation of the owners was promised. He, in fact, authorised Mr Mayanda, now a retired man, whom he worked with in the same department to do so.

The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Mr Chenda): Mr Speaker, the answers that we have given have been extracted from the information in our files in the ministry. We do not have any information to the effect that somebody other than the person in charge of the operation gave authority for the slaughter of the animals in question. 

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mufalali (Senanga): Mr Speaker, arising from the answers given by the hon. Minister, I would like to know whether the CBPP is still a problem in many of these areas. I ask this because, earlier, we asked the same question on Senanga. I also would like to know what measures the Government is taking since our neighbouring countries, such as Botswana, have managed to control the disease. This is also an opportunity for the hon. Minister to correct the answer he gave regarding Senanga, where there was the CBPP and not anthrax as he stated.

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, the threat of the disease still exists. It is for this reason that the Government continues to vaccinate animals against it. We have no control over the movement of animals from neighbouring countries, especially Angola, where the disease came from because the cordon line no longer exists. However, the most effective measure that is available is to continuously vaccinate the animals against the disease.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Sianga (Sesheke): Mr Speaker, due to the long period that has elapsed, is the ministry considering adding interest on the compensation amount for the farmers in Sinjembela and Sesheke whom he said are to be compensated?

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, we have stated that the Government has no obligation to pay those farmers who are claiming compensation because the animals were not slaughtered on Government authority. Therefore, the issue of interest does not arise.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ng’onga: Hear, hear!

Mr Mulomba (Magoye): Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister confirm to this House that the farmers whose animals were killed under that exercise shall never be compensated by the Government.

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, I would like to confirm that we have no obligation to compensate those farmers because the slaughter of their animals was done outside the stipulated regulations. 

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Habeenzu (Chikankata): Mr Speaker, if I heard correctly, the hon. Member for Sinjembela mentioned the names of the officers who authorised the slaughter of the animals in question. I wonder why the hon. Minister continues to say that the slaughter was not authorised by the Government.

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, I mentioned that the answers that we have given were extracted from the official documentation in the ministry. We do not have any information to the effect that an unauthorised Government official authorised the slaughter of the animals for which compensation is being claimed. Therefore, we cannot compensate them.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamududu (Bweengwa): Mr Speaker, I hear my good elder brother. However, I would like to know whether this is the best the Government can do for its people.

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, firstly, I must explain that there has to be total accountability in the expenditure of public resources. It is for this reason that, where the Government moves in to slaughter animals because of diseases, a veterinary officer, police officer and an accountant have to be present. The whole process is 100 per cent transparent to ensure that public resources are spent properly. In this particular case, we have no record of having authorised the slaughter of these animals. Therefore, how can we be emotional and fail to do the things as per regulations?

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Belemu (Mbabala): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said he was not aware of this authorisation. What if the ministry was accorded the necessary documentation? Would it compensate the farmers?

Laughter

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, if there will be evidence to prove that this was done in accordance with the regulations, obviously, the Government has a duty to comply with the laws. We are a Government of laws and not of human beings.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister confirm, through this august House, that he has undisciplined officers at his ministry who authorise the slaughtering of animals anyhow.

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, I think that is a new question and I do not have any information to the effect that my officers are undisciplined.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, I would like to know whether the Provincial Veterinary Officer was not entitled to authorise the slaughter of those animals.

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, we are looking for written authorisation for the slaughter of the animals in question. If this can be made available to us, we will act in accordance with the provisions of the law.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I have known the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock for more than twenty-five years now and I know that he is an understanding and responsible person. Can he not consider instituting an investigation into this matter so as to come up with a prudent and informed decision on it.

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, fortunately, some officers who handled this issue are still working in the ministry. In arriving at this answer, we had serious discussions with them. They have all confirmed that there was no such authority given by the Government. However, to answer my brother, the hon. Member of Parliament for Monze Central, in dealing with public affairs, much as we would like to be as compassionate as possible, I think we should stick to the rules, as provided for by the laws.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Imenda (Luena): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that the Provincial Veterinary Officer slaughtered the animals without authority. I would like to know whether the hon. Minister has heard about the principle of vicarious liability.

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, indeed, I have heard of that. However, I would like to point out that we do not have any written evidence to prove that the Provincial Veterinary Officer gave those instructions. We act on the basis of written documentation, which is evidence, but it is not there.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, seeing that the officer who was responsible for the province then is still living, can the hon. Minister not assign some responsible officers to find out from him whether or not it was by his error, indiscipline or omission that these animals were slaughtered without a record so that the owners could be compensated.

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, we do not have any evidence. The officers who are there have confirmed that they were part of the operations and have testified that no written instructions were given to these farmers to have the animals slaughtered. Therefore, on that basis, it will be difficult for us to request our officers to look for this written authorisation. In any case, this matter dates back to 1997 and, obviously, the information, other than that which we have on the file, which is evidence, …

Interruptions

Mr Chenda: We may be raising issues that we may not be able to prove. I would rather stick to the evidence that is contained on the files. If, however, there is additional information that is available, our doors are wide open, we will consider that evidence.

I thank you, Sir.

SCHOOLS IN SHANG’OMBO DISTRICT

119. Mr Njeulu asked the hon. Minister of Education, Science and Vocational Training:

(a)    when the Government would construct a secondary school in Shang’ombo District;

(b)    whether the Government had any plans of completing the construction of Nangweshi Secondary School; and 

(c)    whether the Government would repair the roofs of the classroom blocks that were blown off by strong winds at the following schools in Shang’ombo District:

(i)    Lyamaya;

(ii)    Mwanambao; and

(iii)    Nalwashi.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Vocational Training (Professor Willombe): Mr Speaker, the Government has already started constructing a school in Shang’ombo District. The Government also has plans to complete Nangweshi Boarding Secondary School this year, 2012. Finally, Lyamaya, Mwanambao and Nalwashi schools, whose roofs were blown off, will also be repaired in 2012 and there is a budget line for this activity.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Njeulu: Mr Speaker, as far as I am concerned, there is no secondary school that is being constructed in Shang’ombo. May the hon. Minister tell us where, exactly, this school is being constructed.

The Minister of Education, Science and Vocational Training (Dr Phiri): Mr Speaker, in the ministry, records show that the construction of a school in Shang’ombo District has started. We can verify at what stage the construction is, and so can we even with the site. However, we take note that the information that has been brought before this House by the hon. Member of Parliament does not seem to tally with the information that we have.

I thank you, Sir.

Interruptions

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out if there are contractors who are working on these schools.

Mr Speaker: Order! 

I think the hon. Minister has answered that question. I would not want him to repeat himself. Let us listen to these answers carefully.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, from the answer by the hon. Minister, it shows that he has not visited Shang’ombo and he is given the information that a school is being constructed by his officers. Is this school being built at night and is that why people cannot see it? When will he correct the situation in which the ministry is saying one thing and the person on the ground is saying another?

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, I did undertake to verify the correct position. However, as far as I am concerned as Minister of Education, Science and Vocational Training, the construction of this school has started. It is my ministry’s findings against the hon. Member of Parliament’s word, but I am not very certain whether the hon. Member of Parliament has physically been to his constituency. My officers did a little more research on this matter and came up with the answer that has been presented to this august House. To insinuate that we are giving incorrect data might not be in order.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, I appreciate the response by the hon. Minister. This question was given to the hon. Minister sometime back and I believe that all the necessary measures were taken to come up with the answers. Therefore, if the school is being constructed, may we know if it is a basic school or secondary school, and in which ward it is.

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, when questions are given to the ministries, a lot of work is done to bring accurate information to this House. On the basis of that information, an hon. Minister will stand here and give a picture of the correct situation. The picture I paint is that the Government has already started constructing a school in Shang’ombo District. As to the details of this school, I asked that I could verify and bring additional information, if need be.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Opposition Members: Yes!

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Speaker, I appreciate the hon. Minister’s open-ended answer on repairing the roofs in 2012. Is he aware that at these three schools, the pupils are not learning?

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, as I stated the last time I stood to answer on a similar question, these mishaps are regretted. It is beyond the ministry. All the repair work is done in all the provinces and districts where such schools have had this misfortune and we try, by all means, to restore normality as quickly as possible. I thank the hon. Member for bringing up this fact. It will prompt me to further prod my officers into doing everything as quickly as possible to bring normality to schools, such as these ones.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, it has just been brought to my attention that the subject covered by Question 120 is, actually, before the courts of law. Given that state of affairs, it will be inappropriate for this honourable and august House to debate the matter. Therefore, this question will not be considered.

URBAN ROAD REHABILITATION PROJECT

121. Mr Chungu (Luanshya) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:

(a)    how many roads were being rehabilitated under the Urban Road Rehabilitation Project that was launched prior to the general elections of 2011;

(b)    what the total distance, in kilometres, of the project was;

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

(d)    whether tender procedures were followed in awarding the contracts for this project; and

(e)    when the project would be completed.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the roads are split into two categories, namely paved and unpaved roads. The total distance, under the programme popularly known as Formula One is 589 km, of which 307 km are paved while 282 km are unpaved roads.

Mr Speaker, the total cost of this project is K1.050 trillion, of which K996 billion is by contract while K30 billion is by using the Government equipment under the Rural Roads Unit (RRU) of the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication. The remaining K24 billion is for a labour-based contract and was awarded to Programme Urban Self Help (PUSH).

Mr Speaker, tenders were awarded in accordance with the Public Procurement Act No. 12 of 2008. A limited bidding method of procurement was used after the approved short-listed firms and consultants were invited, with the best evaluated firm/association being awarded the contract. The contractors and consultants were engaged as a design and build team. All relevant tender approvals and authorities as required under the Procurement Act were obtained. 

Finally, the initial project duration was six months and the respective contracts were scheduled to be completed on 26th November, 2011. The delay has been due to a number of problems, including difficulty in securing materials. Suffice to say that there has been significant progress despite the problems such as bad weather and shortages in bitumen. We expect all these projects to be completed by 30th June, 2012. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

Mr Chungu: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what the position of the Government is on the companies that have performed poorly in their construction works. 

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the ministry has observed incidences of poor workmanship on some of the roads. In most cases, the concerned contractors have been requested to redo the works and, where the repeat works do not satisfy our specifications, the contractors will not be given further contracts. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for categorically stating that the tenders were awarded legally because they have been telling the nation that most of them were not awarded according to procedure. 

Sir, Monze Central Constituency is partly urban. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether there is any intention by the Government to extend this very good initiative, which was legally started by the previous Government, to this constituency. 

Hon. MMD Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, while we acknowledge that parts of Monze are urban and that some of the roads require this type of intervention, the ministry may not necessarily apply the same concept or modalities. However, we will definitely endeavour to institute appropriate interventions on the Monze roads. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.     

Mr Chishimba (Kamfinsa): Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that most of the road projects started in a number of constituencies have been abandoned by contractors who, to date, are not on site, resulting in roads becoming impassable? What is the ministry doing to address this problem?

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the ministry is aware of the numerous problems that are prevalent in road works. However, to date, it is not aware of any contractor abandoning works. What we know is that most of the works stalled due to heavy rains and that, as we approach the end of the rainy season, we expect all the contractors to go back on site. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, I thank you very much for allowing me to ask a follow-up question directed at Hon. Dr Mwali who, in my view, has been extremely sober in answering questions. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister spoke about the use of the RRU equipment in the repair of roads. I would like to find out how long the Government intends to use the equipment from the RRU in urban areas. The use of this equipment in urban areas renders the intention for which this equipment was procured void and creates serious difficulties in rural areas.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the landscape of our roads is very complex. It is difficult to point at an area or sector in our society whose conditions of roads are to the required standard. We use the RRU equipment on roads with similar characteristics as the roads that we find in rural areas. However, once these characteristics are replaced with, for instance, paved conditions, we shall withdraw this equipment and assign it to where it belongs, the rural areas. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, arising from the hon. Minister’s response, this Government wants to use the RRU equipment in urban areas until the roads have been repaired. What will they do about the rural areas that do not have any equipment now, yet this equipment was intended for them? 

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, maybe, the word ‘remove’ is slightly inappropriate because when the equipment was purchased, it was distributed to the areas it was intended for. None of the equipment has been removed from any rural area and taken to an urban area.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Katambo (Masaiti): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that, in future, contractors whose works are not satisfactory will not be awarded contracts by the Government. Are there any such contractors identified so far? If so, will the ministry publicise their names?

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the scrutiny and technical audits have been intensified and, as soon as we reach that stage, the House and the nation will be informed accordingly.

I thank you, Sir.

DAIRY PRODUCTS

122. Mr Chisala asked the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock why Zambia had been rated the least consumer of dairy products in the Southern African region in 2010, yet the country is one of the major producers of dairy products.

Mr N. Banda: Mr Speaker, at approximately 17.7 litres per person, per annum, Zambia’s consumption of dairy products is low compared to the regional average of 22.5 litres per person, per annum. However, it is not the least consumer of dairy products in the Southern African region, as highlighted in the following table released in 2010 by the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (FANR). The table shows figures of per capita milk consumption levels of some Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.

Country    Per capita Consumption of 
    Milk (per annum)(Litres)

    Angola    25.4 
    Democratic Republic of Congo     1.9 
Malawi    4 
Mozambique        5.7 
Swaziland    47 

Therefore, Zambia is rated above most of these countries.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, it is a well-known fact that the PF Government has very good agriculture policies. 

Hon. Government Members: Yes!

Mr Chisala: That being the case, may I know the stop-gap measures that our Government has put in place in order to avoid occurrences this year and in the near future?

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, I do not quite understand the question, but I would like to state that the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is encouraging the growth of the dairy industry in the country. That is why we are going into buying new animals for the breeding centres so that this process can continue.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, I would like the hon. Minister to explain whether this consumption is only based on the actual production or the possible consumption in the country, inluding some areas, such as Chilubi, where animals are not milked …

Laughter

Mr Muntanga: … thereby lowering the actual average because there is no milk to drink. Could the hon. Minister, please, put the record straight so that we see why we need to produce more milk.

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, in fact, the figure that we have given here excludes the milk that is produced at domestic or village level, which is directly consumed. This is the official production from emerging and commercial farmers. Actually, the consumption is much higher than the 17.7 litres.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Laughter

Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, those who went to school in the 1960s will remember the good old days when they were given milk in schools. The hon. Minister has said that the dairy industry in Zambia is growing. Is it not possible for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock to work closely with the Ministry of Education, Science and Vocational Training to provide a ready market in schools so that we increase the consumption of milk, particularly, by children so that we reach the levels of countries, such as Swaziland, where the consumption is about 40 litres of milk per capita per year?

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, I am glad to inform this august House that there is already a project in Nyimba, Eastern Province, which is being funded by the Swedish Government to this effect. Funds permitting, we would like to extend this project to the rest of the country.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

LIVESTOCK PROGRAMMES IN NORTHERN PROVINCE

123. Mr Chisala asked the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock in which districts of the Northern Province the following programmes were undertaken in 2010:

(a)    livestock grading system;

(b)    regulation and quality control of livestock; and

(c)    restocking of livestock breeding centres.

Brigadier-General Kapaya: Mr Speaker, livestock grading did not take place in any district of the Northern Province in 2010.

Sir, inspections to ensure safety of livestock products were carried out in Kasama, Mpika, Nakonde, Chinsali and Isoka districts. These inspections revolved around issues of labelling and compliance with the shelf-life of livestock products.

Sir, the restocking of breeding centres took place in March, 2010 at Mbesuma Ranch in Chinsali District with 103 breeding cows and two breeding bulls. At present, the head count is 209, including the two bulls. In addition, the ministry has recently procured four breeding bulls to improve the bulling ratio.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, may I know when the exercise that was carried out, as mentioned in answer to part (b) of the question will be extended to the people of Chilubi and Luwingu?

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, I cannot give a definite date as this is a continuous programme. When the opportunity arises, we shall be in Chilubi to carry out the necessary inspections.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, arising from the answer given by the hon. Minister, that no livestock grading exercise was conducted anywhere, may I know what this livestock grading exercise is all about and when, if at all it is there, it will be carried out in all parts of the country.

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, livestock grading is a process by which the livestock officers assess the animals physically in order to determine their market value. This information is useful to small-scale farmers because it enables them to determine the market price for their animals.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, our colleagues in the previous Government put in place a cattle restocking programme. May I know from the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock what success has been made on that front.

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, indeed, we are building on what we found. This programme is a success and, in this year’s Budget, we have nine centres for which we intend to continue buying breeding stock. The programme is successful indeed.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, taking advantage of the question by the hon. Member of Parliament for Chilubi, I wish to tell the hon. Minister that successive hon. Ministers have grappled with hindrances, such as diseases and restocking problems, in the livestock industry. Having no doubt in my mind that the hon. Minister is the head of the ministry, and that he has to provide the political vision, when will this ministry transform the livestock industry in this country so that it truly takes its rightful place in the economy of Zambia and helps, particularly, women and rural households?

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, that is a new question. 

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, the programme of restocking started in Mbesuma in the Northern Province and is, now, being extended to Kalungwishi in Lunte Constituency. Can the hon. Minister indicate what measures he will put in place to ensure that livestock that is bred in Lunte is exportable to Europe.

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, that is a new question.

Laughter

Mr Chenda: However, I would like to state that we have to deal with issues of disease control, namely the CBPP and foot and mouth disease, before we can be considered for export into Europe.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Nkombo: Sir, the hon. Minister indicated, in his answer to a previous question, that livestock grading is for determining the value of animals. I require him to educate me a little on that because my understanding is that the value of an animal is a function of the weight, whether live or dead weight, and the assessment of its quality is only done once the animal is killed to determine whether it is choice or ordinary. Can he, please, explain to me, in more detail, whether this livestock grading is a new concept because I have been a Tonga since I was born and we are the champions in the livestock industry.

Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, I did ask the same question to the professionals in the ministry and the answer I got was that, when they go out in the field, they can determine the value of the animal by just looking at it.

Interruptions 

Mr Chenda: I think my brother, the hon. Member of Parliament for Mazabuka Central, who is an expert in livestock by birth, will agree with me that we, who have grown up raising animals, can tell which animal is sick and which one is not or which is good quality or not just by seeing it, even without slaughtering the animals.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chenda: Therefore, the answer I got from the experts was that their visual assessment of the animal will grade the animal in terms of quality.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

BREAD OF LIFE CHURCH ACCIDENT

124. Mr Chilangwa (Kawambwa) asked the Minister of Local Government, Housing, Early Education and Environmental Protection:

(a)    what caused the accident at the Bread of Life Church on Lumumba Road in Lusaka in which a congregant was fatally injured and later died in November, 2011;

(b)    whether the Church building had been certified fit for occupation at the time of the accident; and 

(c)    who the legal owners of the property were.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government, Housing, Early Education and Environmental Protection (Mr Masumba): Mr Speaker, the cause of the accident at the Bread of Life Church in Emmasdale was the timber that was blown off due to a heavy storm. 

Sir, the church building was not certified for use at the time of the accident as it did not meet the requirements for issuance of a partial or full occupational certificate as provided for in the Public Health Act, Cap 295 of the Laws of Zambia. 

Mr Speaker, the building is owned by Bread of Life Church International through the following trustees:

Name    Occupation    Address

    Bishop Joseph Imakando    Senior Pastor    P. O. Box 37486 Lusaka
    Mr Amos Lwabila    Church Secretary    P. O. Box 31509 Lusaka
Mr David Chitundu    Elder    P. O. Box 30080 Lusaka
Mr Chomba Kabwe    Elder    P. O. Box 808194 Lusaka
Mr Richard Phiri    Elder    P. O. Box 31083 Lusaka

Sir, our search at the Commission of Lands revealed that the property is registered on title number 5051 in the name of Bread of Life Church International. According to the Registrar of Societies, it is registered as a church under the Perpetual Succession Act, Cap 288 of the Laws of Zambia.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chilangwa: Mr Speaker, arising from the hon. Deputy Minister’s answer that the church was not given an occupational certificate, how, then, did they go ahead to hold that official opening? Further, what is the Government doing to ensure that perpetrators or people who asked congregants to be in that church at that particular time, which gathering led to the death of one person, are actually made accountable for that act?

Mrs Wina on behalf of The Minister of Local Government, Housing, Early Education and Environmental Protection (Professor Luo): Mr Speaker, the council, indeed, summoned the church to account for what had happened and the church was slapped with a fine of K15 million, which was settled with the council. Apparently, the church had asked for the case to be heard out of court and it is under this circumstance that it paid this amount as a penalty for not reporting to the council that it had not obtained a certificate to use the facility.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Bwalya (Lupososhi): Mr Speaker, the question has been overtaken.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether the building has now been certified and that compliance will be enforced by various institutions.

Mrs Wina: Mr Speaker, following this fatal accident, the church applied for issuance of a partial licence on 22nd November, 2011. This was granted on 26th December, 2011 and is valid until 26th December, 2012. Currently, the church is operating under this partial licence. It has been allowed to use some of the facilities in the building, including the auditorium, sanitation facilities and management offices.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether this building was periodically inspected to ensure that the construction works were carried out according to specifications.

Mrs Wina: Mr Speaker, we were informed that the building was, indeed, visited sometime prior to its occupation and that is why the church was fined for breaking that law. It is mandatory for builders, particularly of public buildings, to make sure that before occupation takes place, they fill some forms at the council so that inspectors come to look at the facility before they can guarantee that it is fit for occupation. This was not done and the church had to be fined for breaking the law.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chishiba (Kafulafuta): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether the K15 million penalty slapped on the church is standard for this offence and, if not, is it possible that the ministry will stiffen this penalty so that it serves as a deterrence measure to would-be offenders?

Mrs Wina: Mr Speaker, under the current laws governing councils, that was a very high fine to slap on a church. However, the hon. Minister has to come to this House with a new answer to respond to the question of the hon. Member of Parliament who wants to know whether the fines can be increased or not because this is a new question.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

ASBESTOS ROOFING SHEETS

125. Mr Hamusonde asked the Minister of Health whether asbestos roofing sheets were harmful to human life and, if so, how.

Dr Chikusu: Mr Speaker, …

Mr Speaker:  Please, bear in mind the earlier intervention by Hon. Muntanga.

Dr Chikusu: … after answering the question, I will clarify the issue of aerial spraying at night.

Mr Speaker, asbestos is the name given to a number of naturally occurring fibrous minerals with a high tensile strength, the ability to be woven and resist heat and most chemicals. As a result of these properties, asbestos fibres have been used in a wide range of manufactured goods, including roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper and cement products, textiles, coatings, and friction products, such as automobile clutches, brakes and transmission parts.

Mr Speaker, the main types of asbestos are chrysolite (white asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos) and crocidolite (blue asbestos). Asbestos can produce very small fibrous dust particles that can, sometimes, cause diseases to humans. The danger arises when, in the process of work, asbestos and fibres become airborne and are inhaled. The danger is not immediately obvious because the harmful fibres are too small to be seen and there is a long latency period between exposure and diagnosis of an asbestos disease. While all forms of asbestos are dangerous, crocidolite (blue asbestos) and amosite (brown asbestos) are most commonly associated with disease in humans. Consequently, more stringent controls exist for these than for chrysolite (white asbestos).

Mr Speaker, exposure to asbestos increases one’s risk of developing lung disease. That risk is made worse by smoking. In general, the greater the exposure to asbestos the higher the possibility of one developing health complications. Following exposure, disease symptoms may take several years to develop. 

Exposure to airborne friable asbestos is a potential health risk because persons breathing the air may inhale asbestos fibres. Continued exposure increases the amount of fibres that remain in the lungs and fibres imbedded in the lung tissue, over time, may cause serious lung diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma. As I have already said, smoking increases the risk of developing illness from asbestos exposure.

Three of the major health effects associated with asbestos exposure include:

(i)    asbestosis, which is a serious progressive long-term, non-cancer disease of the lungs. It is caused by inhaling asbestos fibres that irritate lung tissues and cause them to scar. The scarring makes it hard for oxygen to get into the blood; Symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath and a dry crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling. There is no effective treatment for the disease;

(ii)    lung cancer causes the largest number of deaths related to asbestos exposure. People who work in the mines, milling plants, asbestos manufacturing plants and those who use asbestos and its products are more likely to develop lung cancer than the general population. The most common symptoms of lung cancer are coughing and a change in breathing. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent chest pains, hoarseness of breathe and anaemia; 

(iii)    mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is found in the thin lining or membrane of the lung, chest, abdomen and heart, and almost all cases are linked to exposure to asbestos. This disease might not show up until many years after exposure. This is why great efforts must be made to prevent school children from being exposed; and 

(iv)    asbestos warts can be caused through repeated fibre penetration of the skin causing hard and unsightly wart-like nodules. 

In conclusion, Mr Speaker, roofing sheets as well as pipes are made of crysolite (white asbestos) and cement, which are packed in solid form and non-friable. Therefore, they do not pose any risk or health effects.

Let me now clarify the issue of aerial spraying at night. It is a fact that aerial spraying is done at night to protect households from the harmful effects of the chemicals because people sleep at night and windows are closed. There are many other environmental issues that are related to spraying, but it is still allowed.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, is the Government considering banning people from using asbestos to roof houses?

The Minister of Health (Dr Kasonde): Mr Speaker, the answer is no. The ministry’s advice is exactly what the hon. Deputy Minister has said. It is a choice of the type of asbestos that is important. Under those circumstances, the ministry will not recommend the total banning of asbestos to the Government.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister if the type of asbestos to use depends on the choice of an individual. What are you doing, as the Government (pointing at the hon. Minister) ...

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order! 

Hon. Member for Gwembe, I know you have to do a lot of training, but I think you should begin showing that you have started learning some things. I have ruled that it is unparliamentary to point at another hon. Member when addressing him or her. 

You may continue, please.

 Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, I am sorry. What measures is the Government putting in place to ensure that people who are ignorant of these diseases ...

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order! 

You are not out of order. You are not pointing at anybody.

You may continue, please.

Mr Ntundu: Yes, Sir.

Laughter

Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, what measures is the Government putting in place to sensitise  people who are ignorant because I have just heard about this, today, that, actually, (pointing at the hon. Minister) ...

Laughter

Mr Ntundu: ... asbestos is a health hazard?  

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, actually, (pointing at Hon. Ntundu) ...

Laughter

Dr Kasonde: ... more harm is done by pointing fingers than by the correct type of asbestos being used.

Laughter

Dr Kasonde: The ministry has got an extensive health education programme. Included in that is advice on what type of asbestos to use. It is a matter of great concern to me that the hon. Member has not, to date, come across that information. I think it is a worrying phenomenon to imagine that this valuable information has not reached an hon. Member of Parliament and, therefore, I shall have no choice, but to instruct my staff to intensify health education in this regard.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kakoma: Mr Speaker, there are countries in the world, including the United States of America (USA), that have carried out extensive research and have decided to ban the use of asbestos roofing sheets. May I find out whether the Zambian Government has also done extensive research to arrive at a decision that asbestos roofing sheets are safe to use?

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, may I start by confirming my absolute respect for scientific analysis as a basis for policy making. On that basis, I agree with the hon. Member that extensive research is required before making such a policy. In this case, I would like to know if there is evidence that I have not had the chance to review regarding this matter. The decision for us not to recommend the banning of asbestos was made after a review of the scientific information that was available to us. This is not a matter that we are taking lightly in the ministry. We are basing our policies on science. Therefore, may I request the hon. Member to advance such knowledge he has, which differs with what we have so that we may use it in our regular reviews. Our sources of information are somewhat diminished at present. Hon. Members who were present in an earlier phase of our country are fully aware of an institution that was called the Pneumoconiosis Bureau, which carried out a lot of valuable research. It is our intention to increase work in the study of not only asbestos, but also all such forms of inhalation risks that occur within occupations such as those found in mining.

Sir, I thank the hon. Member for his insights. Together, let us continue to investigate issues regarding the matter in question on a scientific basis. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, I would like to begin by appreciating the response given by Dr Kasonde, the hon. Minister of Health. I would like to find out from him whether, in his considered view, there is a need to conduct periodic environmental impact assessments around industries that emit materials that, in the long run, create inhalation problems that may result into cancer. I am referring to industries such as TAP Building in Chilanga and Ndola Lime in Ndola. The materials that are emitted from the production processes at Ndola Lime have a direct effect on the people that are resident in Itawa. Is it not in order for the Government to come up with a deliberate policy to ensure that human settlements are discouraged around areas such as the ones we are discussing?

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, I want to identify myself with Mazabuka as I was born there and would like to say that the intellectual analysis that the hon. Member has made might be a common feature of those of us who were born in Mazabuka.

Laughter

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, I believe strongly in the need for regular checks. That is why I approached our mining groups on the Copperbelt to fund the creation of an Occupational Research Professorship. I have received supportive comments, even though we are yet to conclude it. We need to institute continuous medical check-ups on all those who are exposed to harmful substances, especially those in the mines. Even though we have had a certain level of research regarding the issues at hand, I still believe that we need to do more.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, I have a special grouping in my mind and this is the police. In most of the police camps, the houses are roofed with the old version of asbestos. I want to get some comfort from our hon. Minister regarding the safety of our people who live in police camps. What measures are normally taken to ascertain their safety, having lived in those asbestos-roofed houses for so long?

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, I think that there might have been a slight misunderstanding and it is important that this misunderstanding is corrected. It is not because a person lives under an asbestos roof that has been the matter for concern. It is the processes involved in the production of asbestos that releases dangerous particles. It is important for the hon. Member to understand and distinguish between what is being said and what is reality.

I thank you, Sir.

REHABILITATION OF FEEDER ROADS IN WESTERN PROVINCE

126.    Mr Miyutu asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:

(a)    how much money was allocated for the rehabilitation of feeder roads in the Western Province in 2010;

    (b)    what the total number of kilometres to be covered by the allocation above was;
    
    (c)    how much was actually released;

    (d)    how many kilometres of the feeder roads were rehabilitated; and

    (e)    what type of rehabilitation was undertaken.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the Government of the Republic of Zambia allocated K5 billion in 2010 for feeder roads in the Western Province. The total number of kilometres that were to be covered under the above allocation is 486 km. The total amount allocated for the rehabilitation of feeder roads in the Western Province in 2010 was released in two parts. K4 billion was released in 2010 and K1 billion in 2011. The actual number of kilometres of feeder roads rehabilitated in the province is 293.9 km in 2010 and 137 km in 2011.

Lastly, the types of intervention were rehabilitation of bad sections, drainage works, new construction on some sections that were impassable, spot improvement and light grading.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out what the current Government is going to do about some parts of the newly-gravelled roads that were not well done, such as in Kalabo, where inadequate equipment was used. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether his Government will behave like the previous one, which would embark on an activity without equipment.

Laughter

Mr Miyutu: For example, it made a road without rollers and water tanks. How viable can such roads be?

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, precisely, by design, we are not like the former administration.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Mwali: Therefore, it is most unlikely that we will try to do things the way they were done by the former administration.

I thank you, Sir.

SEWAGE PONDS IN KALABO

127. Mr Miyutu asked the hon. Minister of Health:

(a)    when the works on the sewage ponds which had stalled for two years in Kalabo would resume;

(b)    how much money had, thus far, been spent on the project; 

(c)    how much money had, thus far, been paid to the contractor; and

(d)    how much money was required to complete the project.

Dr Chikusu: Mr Speaker, the sewage ponds in Kalabo are defective. It is recommended that engineering experts in waste management assess the works and advise the Government on whether they should resume and proceed to completion or the ponds be redone, and also advise on the cost implication.

Sir, K261,214,754.50 has, so far, been spent on the sewage ponds in Kalabo. The contractor, Pozzolona Engineers and Builders, has, so far, been paid K241,214,754.50, leaving a balance of K138,785,245.50. 

Mr Speaker, the actual cost of completing the work will depend on the assessment by professional engineering experts in waste management as indicated above.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, that is why I continuously wonder …

Mr Nkombo: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, I rise on a very serious point of order on the hon. Minister of Lands, Energy and Water Development. I would like to, again, state how nationalistic those of us in the United Party for National Development (UPND) are because we are concerned about affairs of the whole country. 

Mr Speaker, this point of order is intended to assist my dear friends and colleagues, the hon. Minister for Luapula Province, Mr Mwewa, the hon. Member of Parliament for Chipili, Mr Mwila, and the hon. Member of Parliament for Mansa, Mr Kennedy Sakeni, who cannot speak for themselves.

Sir, Mansa is the Provincial Capital for Luapula and is, actually, in the centre of the province. It is supposed to service all the districts from Nchelenge, Kawambwa, Mwense, Samfya, all the way across the Tuta Bridge to the Great North Road, yet, as I speak, the town does not have a single drop of fuel in all the filling stations, thereby rendering motorists, pedestrians and all the people who are traversing this country from the north to the south and vice-versa stranded. Is this Government, through the Ministry of Lands, Energy and Water Development, in order not to explain to this country what has created this shortage that has halted all motorists? 

Mr Speaker, I seek your serious ruling.

Mr Speaker: My ruling is that the relevant hon. Minister of Lands, Energy and Water Development is required to issue a statement before Friday, 2nd March, 2012.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, health is important and hygiene is part of life. We, the people of Kalabo, are eagerly waiting to see the completion of those sewage ponds. What exact date of completion of that work is the current Government going to give us because we are, now, tired of seeing the incomplete ponds? 

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, I understand the concern of the hon. Member. Indeed, we have corresponded on the urgent need for what we are describing now. However, I cannot forget the constant reminder that we should promise what we shall do, nothing more and nothing less. Therefore, going to the extent of giving the date and time of completion of a project that has not been analysed, even to state what will be done, would be less than satisfactory to the hon. Member and I.

I thank you, Sir.

ROAD TO HYDRO-POWER STATION IN SHIWANG’ANDU

129. Mr Kampyongo asked the hon. Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication when the road leading to the construction site of the hydro-power station in Shiwang’andu Parliamentary Constituency would be rehabilitated and stronger bridges constructed to facilitate the passage of heavy equipment to the site.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the road leading to the power station is not part of the planned road works in the 2012 Annual Work Plan. However, the RDA might provide technical expertise while the funding will be done by the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO). However, when the road is gazetted and becomes a public one, it will automatically fall under the RDA which will, from then, maintain it.

I thank you, Sir.

PRISON WARDERS’ HOUSES AND FACILITIES FOR PRISONERS

130. Mr Chungu (Luanshya) asked the hon. Minister of Home Affairs whether there were any plans to:

(a)    construct more houses for prison warders countrywide; and 

(b)    provide better facilities for prisoners.

The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Mwaliteta): Mr Speaker, I am glad that this question has been asked. 

Sir, I wish to inform the House that the ministry has plans to construct more houses for prison warders countrywide. Hon. Members of this House may also wish to know that twenty houses have been constructed in Kabwe while twenty more were purchased in Lusaka. The ministry will go on to build twenty more houses, which have been budgeted for this year, 2012, in other parts of the country.

Mr Speaker, the ministry has plans of providing better facilities for prisoners in the country. The ministry is also constructing various prison facilities such as at Kalabo, Luwingu, Monze, Chitumba, Mumbwa and Mwembeshi Maximum prisons. In addition, rehabilitation works are on-going at Sesheke, Mwinilunga, Mazabuka and Chainama East Mental Hospital. The ministry is also sinking boreholes in all prisons countrywide.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chungu: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that, in Luanshya Constituency, we have prison warders who are living with their families in old prison cells that are partitioned using cardboards? What could be the immediate measures for solving this problem in Luanshya?

Mr Mwaliteta: Mr Speaker, thank you very much for that question.

Mr Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1815 hours until 1830 hours.

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Mwaliteta: Mr Speaker, before business was suspended, I was saying that I am very humbled that the hon. Member of Parliament for Luanshya really feels for prison warders in that area. Indeed, after forty-seven years of independence, it is a very sad story to talk about very important civil servants living in a cell partitioned with card boxes. I am aware of this. I have been to the Copperbelt to visit those areas and one thing that makes me happy about Luanshya is that Luanshya Prison has enough land on which we can build houses for our colleagues. 

Sir, my Government is very committed to ensuring that, not only police officers, but also prison warders have a good working environment. I would likew to assure the hon. Member for Luanshya that the Government is moving in to look into that matter seriously and, very soon, you will see us doing one or two things in Luanshya.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chishimba: Mr Speaker, I would like to inform this House that my constituency is home to the biggest prison in this country where some of our colleagues who are currently on the wrong side of the law may find themselves soon. I would like to find out when the Ministry of Home Affairs will embark on construction of houses for prison warders. Currently, most of these officers are staying in nearby compounds, thereby being exposed to, sometimes, hostile communities.

Mr Mwaliteta: Mr Speaker, I would like to assure my brother, the hon. Member for Kamfinsa, that, this year, my Government is constructing houses in Kabwe. This means that we are moving stage by stage. Due to budgetary constraints, we cannot do everything at the same time. However, take note that this Government is going to turn things around. We are only four months in power and while our colleagues were in power for twenty years, …

Hon. Government Members: Twenty-one years!

Mr Mwaliteta: … but failed to build a single house, this Government will show Zambians that it will build the houses.

I thank you, Mr Speaker. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, I am happy with the programme you are indicating to this House more so that you are extending it to the Southern Province. The prison in Kalomo was built to accommodate sixty inmates but, now, it has over 200. I have not heard anything said to do with this prison. Is there anything that is going to be done in this regard?

Mr Mwaliteta: Mr Speaker, although it is a new question, I will give him a bonus answer. There is a programme now and, at the moment, something is being done about Mwembeshi, Luwingu and Kalabo prisons whose buildings will be completed this year. From there, we will move to the Southern Province and ensure that …

Mr Muntanga: Including Kalomo?

Mr Mwaliteta: Yes, we will move to the Southern Province.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, now that the hon. Minister of Home Affairs, who was a councillor in the MMD …

Mrs Masebo: He was a Mayor!

Interruptions

Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: … has gone ahead and retracted his earlier statement that we did not build anything by saying that we built the two prisons in Luwingu, can he retract the statement about the MMD not building any house because there are 119 houses built in Chipata …

Mr Speaker: Is the hon. Member of Parliament putting a question?

Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Yes, Mr Speaker. My question is: Can the hon. Minister, now, retract his statement that the MMD did not build anything?

Mr Speaker: There is no question that has been put to the hon. Minister.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, does this ministry have any intentions of procuring new uniforms for prison warders, bearing in mind that, in the past, it was difficult to differentiate a prisoner from a prison warder, especially under the past regime?

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwaliteta: Mr Speaker, it is our duty to dress our officers. Therefore, we will buy uniforms for them.

I thank you, Sir. 

MUKUBWE BRIDGE

131. Mr Ng’onga asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:

(a)    whether the Government was aware that the construction of Mukubwe Bridge in Chief Mukupa Katandala’s area had been completed;

(b)    if so, when the Government would send its officials to officially open the bridge to the public; and 

(a)    when the rehabilitation works on the Nsama/Mununga Road, on which the Mukubwe Bridge was constructed, would begin. 

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the Government is aware that the construction of Mukubwe Bridge started in March, 2008 and was completed in May, 2009, through funding from the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU). The programme of commissioning the bridge and the road is underway. Very soon, the commissioning date will be announced by the RDA and the DMMU. 

Sir, the 84 km Nsama/Mununga Road will be rehabilitated by the RRU in close collaboration with the RDA, again, with funding from the DMMU that has released K1 billion towards this project to date. The cost estimate for the rehabilitation of the road is K3 billion and works were to commence in February, 2012 with a completion period of five months. 

Mr Speaker, there has been a slight setback, as some of the equipment had broken down, hence, the works could not commence as earlier planned. The equipment has since been repaired and works will commence by the first week of March, 2012. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.   

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to. 

_____

The House adjourned at 1843 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 29th February, 2012.