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Debates - Wednesday, 22nd February, 2012
DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE FIRST SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 22nd February, 2012
The House met at 1430 hours
[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]
NATIONAL ANTHEM
PRAYER
_______
ANNOUNCEMENT BY MR SPEAKER
APPOINTMENT OF MR A. SICHULA TO SERVE ON THE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, in accordance with the provision of Standing Order No. 133 (3), I wish to inform the House that Mr A. Sichula, MP, has been appointed to serve on the Committee on National Security and Foreign Affairs.
Thank you.
_______
QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER
QUANTITIES OF FISH PRODUCED BY WATER BODIES
85. Mr Chisala (Chilubi) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock:
(a) which water bodies in Zambia produced the largest and the least quantities of fish; and
(b) what the annual fish production, in metric tonnes, at (a) above was.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Brigadier-General Kapaya): Mr Speaker, from 2000 to date, Lake Bangweulu has produced the largest quantities of fish in metric tonnes whereas the lower Zambezi has produced the least quantities of fish in metric tonnes.
Sir, on average, Lake Bangweulu produces between 15,000 metric tonnes and 16,000 metric tonnes whereas the Lower Zambezi produces between 500 metric tonnes and 600 metric tonnes of fish annually.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, it is a well-known fact that the Zambian population has been growing quickly. That being the case, could the hon. Minister indicate the methods that the ministry intends to put in place to increase fish production in the Lower Zambezi which has been producing the least amount of fish in terms of tonnes.
The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Mr Chenda): Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to restock fish in all fisheries. In addition to this, we are encouraging people to engage in aquaculture or fish farming.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
FISH SPECIES IN BANGWEULU SWAMPS
86. Mr Chisala asked the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock:
(a) how many fish species there were in the Bangweulu swamps; and
(b) of the species above, how many were of commercial importance.
Brigadier-General Kapaya: Mr Speaker, there are eighty-six fish species recorded from the Lake Bangweulu region. Of the eighty-six species recorded, thirty-three are of commercial importance.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, illegal fishing methods are currently being used by most of our fishermen in the Bangweulu region. May I, therefore, learn from the hon. Minister how he intends to protect the fingerlings from the illegal fishing methods?
Mr Chenda: Mr Speaker, indeed, it is most worrying that members of the community have adopted inappropriate fishing methods which have disturbed the nature of the breeding process of fish. However, I am glad to inform this august House that the Government, working with the village management communities, is doing everything possible to try and control the situation. However, serious challenges still remain in the observance of the fish ban.
I thank you, Sir.
LUANGWA DISTRICT POLICE COMMAND
87. Mr Ngoma (Feira) asked the Minister of Home Affairs when the Government would provide the Luangwa District Police Command with transport to enhance security operations in the area of its jurisdiction.
The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Mwaliteta): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Luangwa District Police Command was provided with a motor vehicle in January, 2012. Probably, the hon. Member has not visited the constituency.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Ngoma: Mr Speaker, I want to confirm that the district has finally received the vehicle.
BUS STATION AND MARKET CONSTRUCTION IN CHIFWENGE WARD
88. Mr Chisala asked the Minister of Local Government, Housing, Early Education and Environmental Protection why the money allocated in the 2009/2010 Budget for the construction of the bus station at Chaba and the market in Chifwenge Ward in Chilubi District was not released for the project.
The Deputy Minister of Local Government, Housing, Early Education and Environmental Protection (Mrs Banda): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that the funds that the Government has been allocating in the Yellow Book for markets or bus stations have not been specific to particular markets or bus stations, but are general allocations to markets and bus stations in the entire country. Unfortunately, due to the low allocation of funds for markets and bus stations, very few districts benefit from the annual Budget allocations.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, Zambia is in a hurry to have its rural areas developed. How does the hon. Minister intend to assist the rural people to benefit as much as their urban counterparts from the allocations in question?
The Minister of Local Government, Housing, Early Education and Environmental Protection (Professor Luo): Mr Speaker, the Patriotic Front (PF)-led Government is very conscious of the fact that there has been an imbalance in the development of this country. This is why in the ministry, as a policy, whenever we receive our grants, we sit down and make sure that the allocations take into consideration the needs of the rural parts of Zambia.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, yesterday, I saw a clip on the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) pertaining to the non-occupancy of Nakadoli Market in Kitwe. Having taken note of this sad scenario, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether it is prudent to continue constructing markets that are not being occupied by marketeers.
Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, this country is facing the challenge of dealing with the attitudes of people. Apart from us thinking that the Government will sort out everything, we really need to go on a campaign to shift the mindset of the people from the current scenario.
To this effect, we are ensuring that all the resources that we are putting together, even with our co-operating partners, are not used just for the construction of more infrastructure alone, but also for campaigns to change the mindsets of the people. This will help us to balance the construction of infrastructure with the appreciation that there is a need for law and order in the way we conduct business in this country.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Kalaba (Bahati): Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister of Local Government, Housing, Early Education and Environmental Protection indicated that the ministry does not prioritise markets or bus stations in terms of specific resource allocation. Can the hon. Minister tell this House if at all the ministry has any intentions to consider some markets and bus stations such as Senama in my constituency for resource allocation.
Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, I listened very carefully to the submission by the hon. Deputy Minister. She did not say that our ministry does not prioritise in allocating resources. However, having said this, I would like to inform the hon. Member of Parliament for Bahati that one of the exercises that we have embarked on since coming into office is taking inventory and stock of what we have, including where there are markets, the number of people trading in the markets and giving identity cards to the traders. We have identified that Senama, as a community, will require a market. Therefore, that need is on our drawing board.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Muntanga (Kalomo Central): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister admitted that Nakadoli Market is facing some problems and that there is a need to change the people’s mindset. Would the hon. Minister agree that if the Government told the people to go back to street vending, they would actually leave the markets? Would it not be proper for the Government to state clearly that the people should stop street vending and instead occupy the markets? Would this not be one way of changing their mindset?
Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, those of us who are scholars in behavioural change know that when you want to change people’s behaviour, you do not give an instruction, but dialogue with them. This is what my ministry is doing. We are conversing with the people on the street.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}
DISTRICT INFORMATION OFFICERS
89. Mr Chisala asked the Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Tourism:
(a) how many qualified district information officers there were countrywide as of 30th November, 2011;
(b) why Chilubi District had remained without a district information officer since 1999, and when an officer would be posted to Chilubi;
(c) what the staff establishment for the Zambia News and Information Service (ZANIS) Office in Chilubi District was;
(d) why funding to the Chilubi District ZANIS Office was channelled through the District Commissioner’s Office; and
(e) when the ZANIS Office in Chilubi would be provided with transport in form of a speed boat and motor vehicle.
The Deputy Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Tourism (Mr Tembo): Mr Speaker, there is a total of forty-seven qualified district information officers in the country, all with a minimum qualification of a diploma in journalism. They are distributed as follows:
Province Number of officers
Southern 10
Copperbelt 05
Northern 10
Eastern 04
Lusaka 04
North-Western 03
Luapula 05
Western 03
Central 03
Mr Speaker, the District Information Officer for Chilubi was transferred to Kaputa. This transfer coincided with the restructuring exercise that was undertaken by the then Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services. However, this exercise was later halted, as per Government instruction, which meant that certain positions had to be frozen. This has also meant that all vacancies, including the one at Chilubi, are yet to be filled.
Mr Speaker, the Chilubi ZANIS Office has a total establishment of five, namely District Information Officer, campaign van operator, driver, coxswain and office orderly. The ZANIS offices in the districts, including Chilubi, do not have bank accounts of their own. The office of the provincial permanent secretary determines how Government departments at district level receive their funding. In the case of Chilubi, funding is channelled through the Office of the District Commissioner.
Mr Speaker, the ZANIS Office in Chilubi will only be provided with transport in the form of a speed boat and a motor vehicle once the office is fully established.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister the whereabouts of an engine which was allocated to Chilubi, but was mistakenly taken to Mongu and was later taken to Samfya. I have been doing my level best in trying to locate the whereabouts of this engine, but to no avail. Could the hon. Minister be in a position to inform this august House the whereabouts of this maroon engine?
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
The Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Tourism (Mr Shamenda): Mr Speaker, that is valuable information. If the hon. Member of Parliament for Chilubi could give us the necessary information, we shall be able to make a follow up and find out where this engine is. However, if he, who is nearer to the source, does not know where it is, I think, it will take a bit of time for us from Lusaka to find it. Nonetheless, I would like to assure him that we shall make the necessary arrangements to follow up this matter.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Mr Speaker, thank you …
Mr Mwiimbu: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, thank you for according me this opportunity to raise a constitutional point of order. Last year, this honourable House was requested by the Government of the Republic of Zambia to create ministries and it authorised the creation of those specific ministries. The ministries were specifically named on the Floor of this House and money was budgeted for them under the Budget. Is the Government in order to change the nomenclature of the ministries that were created by this House, upon the request of the Government, without coming back to this august to create new ministries? We now have the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, which has not been created by this House. We also have the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Labour, which was not created by this House. Is the Government in order not to come back to this House to seek authority to make amendments and create the ministries which it wants to create?
Mr Speaker: My short ruling is that His Honour the Vice-President will come back to the House on that matter tomorrow.
The hon. Member may proceed.
Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, before I was interrupted by that point of order, I was actually trying to find out from the hon. Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Tourism why he omitted Muchinga Province from his comprehensive response which is, probably, the reason the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) officers are not functioning in our district, Chinsali. We, the people who provide news, have to fetch them to give them news when it is supposed to be the other way round. May I know what the hon. Minister is doing to correct this situation?
Mr Shamenda: Mr Speaker, as you have heard from the answer which has been given, there is a restructuring exercise going on. I think Muchinga is a new province and so, we are in the process of normalising things in the province.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa): Mr Speaker, arising from the response that Kaputa should have benefited from the transfer of the district information officer from Chilubi, an officer we have not had, may I know when this officer will come to Kaputa.
Mr Shamenda: Mr Speaker, as soon as we finish the restructuring process, we will avail this district information officer to Kaputa.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mutelo (Lukulu West): Mr Speaker, Kaoma and Lukulu are sharing one ZANIS officer and we do not know whether the Government’s intention is for this officer to be permanently in Kaoma or Lukulu.
Mr Shamenda: Mr Speaker, very soon, each of the two districts will have a district information officer.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
CANAL CONSTRUCTION IN WESTERN PROVINCE
90. Mr Njeulu (Sinjembela) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication when the Government would construct a canal from Rivungu to Shang’ombo in the Western Province.
The Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Mr Mwenya): Mr Speaker, Zambia and Angola met in 2009, in Luanda, and agreed to co-operate in the construction of a 10 km canal between Shang’ombo in Zambia and Rivungu in Angola. They are in the process of finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Sir, in this regard, the Government of Zambia has already initiated a draft MoU and submitted it to the Angolan Government for scrutiny and comments. Once the Angolan Government is through with it, the two governments will meet to consider and finally sign it.
It should, however, be noted that the entire length of the canal is in the Angolan territory and the Angolan Government has already engaged a contractor, Clay Disposal of South Africa, to undertake this project. The contractor is ready to mobilise the equipment and move on site once the two countries have signed the bilateral MoU. The project will be executed from the Zambian side.
This project is important as it will create a new trade route for Angola and Zambia and promote sustainable macroeconomic growth through the development of an integrated system of physical, social, infrastructure, eco-tourism and mining and thereby improve the living standards of the people of the two countries.
The Shang’ombo/Rivungu Canal Development Project will consist of a ferry system which will carry up to 60 tonnes or 2 x 30 tonnes truckloads and passengers between the two countries. Also planned are modern customs and immigrations offices to include police and banking facilities. This will create an enabling environment for local and foreign investors in Angola and Zambia. In addition, there will be terminal buildings and staff housing in Angola and Zambia.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Njeulu: Mr Speaker, I would like to know what exactly has delayed the signing of the MoU.
Mr Mwenya: Mr Speaker, the delay has been on the Angolan side where our colleagues have not responded after submitting our draft MoU. We understand that this has been due to two main reasons which are, firstly, that of the language barrier, as the document had to be translated into their language, Portuguese. Secondly, our colleagues were going through elections. However, despite the delay due to these two factors, the Government, through our ministry, is making a follow-up.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mufalali (Senanga Central): Mr Speaker, other than the Rivungu to Shang’ombo canal, is the ministry considering this mode of transport of using canals for other places in the Western Province where there are water bodies, more so that the Government, actually, bought a dredger for this purpose which I do not know is working or not.
Mr Mwenya: Mr Speaker, the main question was on the construction of a canal from Rivungu to Shang’ombo. Therefore, if there are other areas that the hon. Member would want us to look at and respond to, we ask him to submit a new question.
I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}
VACCINATION OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS
91. Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma) asked the Minister of Local Government, Housing, Early Education and Environmental Protection what measures the Government had taken to ensure that domestic animals like dogs that were kept in residential areas were vaccinated, and also kept under the control of the owners.
Mrs Banda: Mr Speaker, the control of dogs is done by enforcement of the Control of Dogs Act Cap 247 of the Laws of Zambia. The steps taken during this enforcement are as follows:
(i) community awareness through publications in both electronic and print media, use of the public address (PA) systems, door-to-door tours, use of megaphones and so on and so forth;
(ii) partnering with the community through the Ward Development Committees (WDCs). This partnership is in line with assisting the council in creating awareness to the residents on the need to control dogs as well as in identifying households that keep dogs and to also facilitate the actual registration of dogs with the local authorities. This partnership is, thus, extended to other stakeholders, such as veterinary clinics, both private and public; and
(iii) plans are underway to start getting rid of stray dogs and all those that are not vaccinated and to prosecute dog owners that are not complying with the Control of Dogs Act Cap 247 of the Laws of Zambia.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that a lot of …
Mr Muntanga: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, I thank you for allowing me to raise this point of order on a constitutional matter. I seek to find out whether this Government is in order to keep quiet and not clarify this constitutional matter. Recently, the hon. Minister of Home Affairs threatened to arrest anyone who opposes the translocation of a district from one area to another. This statement was echoed by the hon. Minister for the Southern Province in the Sunday Times of Zambia No. 11,842 of 19th February, 2012. In this particular statement, the hon. Provincial Minister said:
“The Government will arrest the Southern Province traditional leaders who want to cause confusion over the realignment of Chirundu and Itezhi-tezhi districts, Provincial Minister, Miles Sampa, has warned.
“The Minister said in an interview in Lusaka, during the week, that he was not happy with the behaviour of the chiefs and urged them to respect the country’s laws instead of taking matters in their own hands.”
Mr Speaker, in the Constitution of Zambia, a copy of which is available in this House, the preamble on page 7 states:
“Determined to uphold and exercise our inherent and inviolable right, as a people, to decide, appoint and proclaim the means and style to govern ourselves ...”
Mr Speaker, when we read further, the Bill of Rights, under Part III, Section 11 (b) of our Constitution, provides for the freedom of conscience, expression, assembly, movement and association.
Mr Speaker, therefore, is this Government in order to threaten people without having come here to tell us that it has amended the Constitution such that, now, people are not allowed to argue because this nation has become a police State or whatever and that every time one has a different view, they must be arrested?
Laughter
Mr Muntanga: Is this Government in order to violate the Constitution? I lay the newspaper on the Table.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Muntanga laid the paper on the Table.
Mr Speaker: My short ruling is that in order for the hon. Member for Kalomo Central to obtain a meaningful response to that point of order, I would urge him to raise a substantive question.
Interruptions
Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, may I know from the hon. Minister why the Government has allowed traders to sell dogs or puppies along the Great East road near Manda Hill.
Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, the issue that the hon. Member for Nangoma is raising is exactly one of the offshoots of breaken down systems. My ministry is, at the moment, addressing itself to this fact because that is illegal.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Ntundu (Gwembe): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out …
Hon. Opposition Members walked out of the Chamber.
Mr Speaker: May the hon. Member continue.
Interruptions
Mr Ntundu: … from the hon. Minister who, I now believe, is an able Minister of this new ministry – I did not see her when I came in. Is she around?
Interruptions
Mr Ntundu: I am still surprised about what it is going on, Sir.
Laughter
Mr Speaker: You have the Floor.
Laughter
Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, according to the hon. Minister’s proclamation, she will do everything possible to clean up the ministry and I have no doubt about this. Can I find out from her whether the Government will bring down the price for the treatment of rabies which is exhorbitant. Will the price of this drug go down or will it be free of cost?
Mr Kambwili: Question!
Mr Ntundu: This is a question for the able hon. Minister who is not like you.
Mr Speaker: Are you through with the question?
Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, I am not through. They are intimidating me.
Laughter
Mr Speaker: You do not appear to be a person who can be intimidated.
Laugher
Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, you see, …
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: Please, can you finish your question.
Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether the price of the anti-rabies vaccine will be reduced by the PF Government.
Hon. Government Members: Question!
Mr Ntundu: Are you going to bring the price down, PF Government?
Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, the Pharmaceutical Regulatory Authority falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health. Therefore, we may consider directing that question to the hon. Minister of Health. On the other hand, the sister Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock can partner with the Ministry of Health to respond to that question.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
BRIDGES IN LUKULU WEST
92. Mr Mutelo asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication when the Government would construct bridges at the following locations:
(a) Watopa Point on Kabompo River in Lukulu District; and
(b) Kashizhi School Point on Kashizhi River in Lukulu West Parliamentary Constituency.
The Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Dr Mwali): Mr Speaker, with regard to the Watopa Point, the Government has planned to construct the Katunda/Mumezhi Road, starting with feasibility studies this year and the construction works next year. The construction of the bridge at Watopa Point is included in that plan.
As for the crossing at Kashizhi School Point, firstly, we should point out that this has not yet been included in the list of priorities by the local authorities. However, we appreciate the hardships that we face when going to Kashizhi, Lubwebungu and Chinomwe. We have to go all the way to Zambezi Boma to cross the Zambezi River and then come back to Lukulu. We are waiting for the local authorities to prioritise the provision of crossings on these three rivers.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, the Katunda/Mumezhi Road is in a bad state. What immediate plans does the Government have to work on this road, especially during this rainy season?
Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, we admit that the road is in a deplorable state. We may not be able to work on that road using funds under the Road Development Agency (RDA), but we are likely to negotiate with the provincial administration so that we can use funds under the Rural Roads Unit (RRU) to carry out holding maintenance works while we wait for construction works next year.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, it is a well-known fact that some provincial roads engineers have been failing to touch the remote parts of the country because of financial constraints. Is the office of the hon. Minister considering introducing the position of district roads engineer with a view to solving this problem?
The Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Mr Mukanga): Mr Speaker, the provincial roads engineers have been experiencing mobility problems and we want to address this situation. The problem is not due to a lack of district roads engineers, because provincial engineers are capable of being everywhere if they are mobile.
I thank you, Sir.
Mrs Imenda (Luena): Mr Speaker, according to the hon. Minister, people who need to use the the crossing at Kashizhi have to go to Zambezi and cross from there in order to get to Bungwebungu and other places.
Mr Speaker, forty-seven years after independence, we still have schools in that area experiencing problems of accessibility. I would like the Government to confirm that the planning system in this country is biased against the rural constituencies.
Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, the reason people decided to bring up change is as a result of what the hon. Member is talking about. Most of the people in the rural parts of the country were not able to get the desired development. It was for this reason that the PF Government came into power on a better platform and with a better mandate to execute all the projects that will be viable and appreciated in the remote parts of Zambia. Therefore, whatever she is talking about will be considered in the shortest possible time in order for the people of Zambia to have sustainable development. The Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) can be assured of development in Luena Constituency.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, …
Mr Speaker: Continue!
Mr Ntundu raised the PF symbol.
Laughter
Mr Ntundu: I know that is what you like. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister how difficult it is to use money from the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU). I have said so because, some time last week, I passed through this bridge and the problem is serious. How difficult is it to use money from the DMMU because what we are talking about is going to take a long?
Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, what is important to realise is that there is a procedure to follow to attend to every disaster. I think the local authorities should declare that a disaster from that end and then we will address it. However, we are doing everything possible to ensure that the bridge is passable in the shortest possible time.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chishimba (Kamfinsa): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what the quality of works which have been done on these bridges countrywide is. We have heard the outcry from the Zambian people that the standard of work on these bridges is not acceptable. What measures has the ministry put in place to ensure that the quality of works on the bridges countrywide is of acceptable standards?
Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, when it comes to construction, our ministry and the PF Government is not going to compromise quality. We will ensure that every work that is done is according to acceptable standards and specification. Every contractor who is not going to follow the standards will be blacklisted.
I thank you, Sir.
POLICE AND IMMIGRATION OFFICES IN LUKULU WEST
93. Mr Mutelo asked the Minister of Home Affairs when the Government would build a police post and an immigration office at Washishi Border in Lukulu West Parliamentary Constituency.
Mr Mwaliteta: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that a police post will be constructed in the area once funds are made available, but by 2013, whilst some works for the immigration border post will commence this year.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, I would like to know how much money has been allocated to the project to be commenced within the course of this year.
Mr Mwaliteta: Mr Speaker, so far, K100 million has been set aside for this project.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, some hon. Members will recall that we had issues of Nyamulenges both in Lukulu West and Zambezi West and any delayed processes on the border lines may cost us a lot. Is it not possible to construct the border post at Washishi soon?
The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Sakeni): Mr Speaker, as a ministry, we are serious about putting up a police post at Washishi Border Post. At the moment, we send officers on operations from time to time to that area. We have taken note of your concerns, but you cannot just start putting up a building before coming up with the design and other requirements. Since we have put in, at least, K100 million, that is assurance enough to the hon. Member that we are serious about this project.
I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}
POLICE CAMPS COUNTRYWIDE
94. Mr Chungu (Luanshya) asked the Minister of Home Affairs what measures had been taken to improve the state of police camps countrywide which was very poor.
Mr Mwaliteta: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that …
Mr Kalaba. On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, is it in order for hon. Members of this august House, especially those on your left, to walk out of this House after registering for allowances?
Mr Speaker: As far as the Speaker is concerned, at this juncture, this is totally inexplicable. I have no explanation to account for their absence. However, as far as the business is concerned, we still have a quorum.
Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwaliteta: … the Ministry of Home Affairs is concerned about the poor state of the police camps countrywide. In this regard, the ministry is studying various financing options to ensure that this problem is urgently addressed.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, arising from that good answer that has just been given, I would like to know when the Government intends to build a police camp in Lukulu because there is none to date. When does the Government intend to build houses for police officers in Lukulu?
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, the Government is committed to changing the face of police camps and police offices. As the hon. Deputy Minister of Home Affairs indicated, the Government is trying to mobilise resources to put up infrastructure, such as housing for police offices and police stations. All of us are aware that most of the police stations were built before we were born, and it is important that, if these structures last over forty years, they must be redone since the population has grown. The Government is doing everything possible do address this problem. I am hopeful that, sooner than later, the nation will be informed as to, exactly, what we are going to do to redress this problem. We are actively pursuing the matter.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, this problem affects all the police stations countrywide. There are places where the situation is serious, such as Gwembe, for instance, where the district has been moved to Munyumbwe where there is literally not even a single house for a police officer. Does this Government intend to send even just tents for the police officers to live in before money is found to construct houses because, as the situation is, now, there is not even a single police officer in Munyumbwe?
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, the option we have, for now, is to intensify patrols from centres where we have limited police space. I can assure all the hon. Members that this problem of housing and police stations countrywide will be tackled from that angle. It is a serious issue and your Government is more than committed to resolving it. Even if it means borrowing, we are going to do that so that, at least, we reduce and resolve this problem for some time to come.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, the construction of houses for police officers has been concentrated in urban and peri-urban areas. When is it going to be extended to remote rural parts of this country, such as Chilubi?
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, I have answered this question. The truth of the matter is that we are not looking at the rural or urban areas. This is a countrywide problem and we are going to address it at that level.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister of Home Affairs tell this House what measures the ministry has put in place to cater for police officers who cannot live in the police camps due to inadequate housing and are now living in various shanty compounds. What measures is the ministry putting in place to ensure that they are catered for adequately?
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, it is literally the same question everybody is repeating. I would like to emphasise that our ministry is trying to mobilise resources so that we can put up infrastructure for police officers. Currently, we cannot manage to even rent enough and proper housing for our staff. All we need to do is come up with other measures by sourcing funding from outside our Government resources. We are in the process of trying to do just that and, sooner than later, this august House and Zambians will be told what we are going to do about it.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Zimba (Kapiri Mposhi): Mr Speaker, since the police camps are in a very bad state, I would like to know how much money the Government has allocated for this project so that infrastructure in police camps is rehabilitated.
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, when we considered the Budget, the hon. Member saw for himself that we had less money for projects for the Ministry of Home Affairs, hence our having to resort to looking for external resources to resolve this problem of police housing. We know that the houses are not good at Kapiri Mposhi. They are a bit modern, but they need renovations.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chitotela (Pambashe): Sir, as the Government is looking forward to rehabilitating houses for police officers, what are the immediate interventions that have been put in place for the officers who are living in shanty compounds?
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, I keep repeating the answer. We are going to do everything possible with the little resourcesthat are available. We are not going to satisfy our police officers in terms of rehabilitating their quarters. The money in the Budget is not adequate. That is why the Government is looking for finances outside our normal Budget.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Ng’onga: Sir, may I find out from the hon. Minister what it takes for a community that has constructed a police post or police housing unit and taken care of the accommodation of the police officers like it has been done in Nsumbu, which is part of Chimbamilonga, to be upgraded to a police station, instead of a police post?
Mr Sakeni: Sir, that is a question which, I think, my colleague, the hon. Deputy Minister for Luapula Province together with the Commissioner of the region can handle. That is a matter that the hon. Member can handle locally. It will be resolved because officers are there and, if you have accommodation and there is a need for a police station, we will gladly send you officers through the province.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I know that the hon. Minister has answered some of these questions and we know that it is not his fault that we are faced with this situation but, to follow up on the question of my colleague from Pambashe, our police officers who live in the compounds are exposed to a lot of danger. May I know what immediate interventions the Government will put in place to move away from that situation.
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, I have answered this question over and over again. The point is that we are not sitting idly, but looking at this matter with the urgency it deserves.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Bwalya (Lupososhi): Mr Speaker, the dress code for our men and women in uniform, especially the Zambia Police Force, leaves much to be desired. May the hon. Minister inform the nation, through this House, how many types of uniform there are for our police officers.
Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, the question on the Floor is about the poor state of infrastructure in police camps. How the issue of uniforms has come in, has surprised me.
I thank you, Sir.
HOSPITAL CONSTRUCTION IN PAMBASHE
95. Mr Chitotela asked the Minister of Health:
(a) when the Government would construct a hospital in Pambashe Parliamentary Constituency;
(b) how much money the project would cost; and
(c) what the estimated timeframe for completing the project was.
The Deputy Minister of Health (Dr Chikusu): Mr Speaker, the construction of district hospitals by the Government is being undertaken in order to provide first-level referral facilities within the districts that do not have hospitals.
District hospitals are intended to serve a minimum population of 80,000. Pambashe Constituency is under Kawambwa District, which is being served by two first-level referral hospitals. These are Mbereshi Mission and Kawambwa District hospitals. Pambashe Constituency currently has a population of 41,365 people, which is below the minimum population criterion for construction of a first-level hospital. In view of the above, the Government has no plans to construct a hospital in Pambashe Constituency in Kawambwa District.
Mr Speaker, the current cost of constructing a first-level district hospital is approximately K20 billion.
Sir, lastly, the construction of a first-level district hospital is undertaken in three phases. The completion of each phase is estimated to be undertaken in, approximately, one year. Therefore, completion of all the three phases for a fully-functional first-level hospital is estimated to take three to four years.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, after listening to the response by the hon. Minister of Health, would it mean that, as the PF, we are contradicting ourselves, considering that our manifesto states that there must be a health facility in every five kilometres, which is supposed to provide health services to the people? Pambashe Constituency stretches to about 345 km. Is it the position of the Government that the people of Pambashe must not be considered for that facility?
Mr Ntundu: Hear, hear!
The Minister of Health (Dr Kasonde): Mr Speaker, as I am virtually addressing a family, we can afford to take our time and be gentle.
Laughter
Dr Kasonde: The hon. Member for Pambashe might recall that, earlier this year, I announced the creation or construction of 650 health posts across the country. I explained that the minimum per district would be between six and ten. The intention was, and has always been, that there be a health facility within 5 km of any individual to which one can go. It seems to me a mathematically practical proposition although I appreciate the limitation of mathematics on behalf of my colleague.
I thank you, Sir.
Laughter
Mr Chilangwa (Kawambwa): Mr Speaker, following the very elaborate answer given by the hon. Deputy Minister in which he referred to two health institutions in Kawambwa District, the Kawambwa District and Mbereshi Mission hospitals, does the hon. Minister know the state of Kawambwa District Hospital? Can he update the House on the state of the hospital which is earmarked for closure due to neglect and dilapidation?
Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, I have had occasion to discuss the problems of Kawambwa District Hospital and totally concur with the hon. Member that it requires urgent attention. We recently produced our list of institutions in the health sector that we propose to reconstruct or renovate. I have not yet distributed that document and, therefore, cannot blame the hon. Member for that misunderstanding. This document will be available very soon and the hon. Member will be able to see it himself. Perhaps, I will limit myself to that on this occasion.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, in his answer, the hon. Deputy Minister said that the Government will not construct a hospital in Pambashe Parliamentary Constituency, which has only two rural health centres, Chimpepe, a mission health facility, and Mushota, which is Government-run. Since the Government is not ready to construct a district hospital there, is the hon. Minister telling us that his office will be sending a medical doctor to attend to people suffering from all sorts of diseases?
Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, the plan of the Government is to operate on the basis of teams. At any given point, there is a provision for supervision from a higher referral centre. Indeed, this would apply right across the country and individual institutions from the central hospital, district hospital to the health post. The hon. Member, therefore, need not be worried about access to health facilities for his constituents.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chishimba (Kanfinsa): Mr Speaker, the rate at which funds for unfinished health posts countrywide are being disbursed, leaves much to be desired. I would like to find out what measures the ministry has put in place to ensure that funds allocated to infrastructure development countrywide are disbursed on time so that, as the PF Government, we follow our manifesto in the health sector which is to ensure that people countrywide access quality health services in the health posts.
Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, I seem to sense some difficulties in the area of arithmetic. Perhaps, the hon. Minister of Education, Science and Vocational Training and I can work on …
Laughter
Dr Kasonde: … a curriculum for hon. Members.
Hon. PF Member: Nesukulu!
Dr Kasonde: I believe that the Budget has been made clear through the Yellow Book. I believe that in the presentation of the Budget by the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, it was made clear that the allocations are estimates of expenditure for the whole year.
It seems to me, therefore, mathematically correct that a total amount for the year cannot be disbursed in the first month.
I thank you, Sir.
Laughter
Mr Ng’onga: Mr Speaker, I am extremely delighted to hear from the hon. Minister regarding the funds which this Government intends to give to health posts or institutions in each district. I have a question regarding the labour or medical personnel required to attend to people, especially in rural areas. I would like to know where we are or where we will be at the end of the year concerning medical practitioners in Kaputa, to be specific. We only have one medical doctor and most of the clinics in the area have no medical personnel. We are still being attended to by people who are not qualified to do so.
Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, the question of human resource for health is a very important issue which I have talked about previously and, I am sure, I will continue to deal with again in the future. I am concerned, however, that the hon. Member has raised a question that does not relate to the original question. I seek your guidance on whether this matter is for this question or another.
I thank you, Sir.
TUJILIJILI
97. Mr Hamusonde asked the hon. Minister of Local Government, Housing, Early Education and Environmental Protection whether the Government had any plans to ban the production and consumption of alcohol in sachets, popularly known as tujilijili in view of its vulnerability to abuse, especially by the young people.
Mrs Banda: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that, in accordance with the provisions of the Food and Drug Regulations of 2001, the sale of alcohol in markets or any other undesignated premises is illegal.
Sir, the Government is in the process of issuing liquor regulations that will regulate the supply and sale of such alcohol. The new regulations will prohibit the sale of tujilijili so that alcohol is not sold in undesignated premises.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, may I know whether tujilijili is locally made, and if so, who authorises the sale of tujilijili.
Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, tujilijili are locally made, in some cases, even in the back yards of particular individuals. Tujilijili is absolute alcohol which is diluted with water to a percentage of the producer’s choice. The minimum percentage I know of is about 56 per cent.
Hon. Members: Hmm!
Professor Luo: Sir, in terms of who authorises them to sale, I just want to remind this august House that for the past so many years, there has been a breakdown of systems and people have done exactly as they wish.
Sir, in my previous life, despite writing a report to the Ministry of Health where I was hired as a consultant by Ministers of Health of Eastern, Southern and Central Africa that this type of alcohol was detrimental to our people, nothing was done about it.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Kapeya (Mpika Central): Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister be in a position to know the meaning of tujilijili. For example, the name ‘Njovu’ comes from elephant and ‘Mbuzi’ from goat. What about tujilijili?
Laughter
Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, I would like to believe that the hon. Member of Parliament wanted to crack a joke with his cousins from the Eastern Province. I believe that names in the Eastern Province are given in the heat of the moment. If your child is born when you are repairing a gear box, the child becomes Gearbox Mwanza …
Laughter
Professor Luo: … and if you are eating steak that day, the child becomes Steak Mwale.
Laughter
Professor Luo: It is possible that the name tujilijili was coined by the people of the Eastern Province.
I thank you, Sir.
Laughter
Mr Kazabu (Nkana): Mr Speaker, I would like to know the official operating hours for drinking places, such as bars and clubs. I ask that question against the background of some drinking places opening very early in the morning up to the next day. Could the hon. Minister please clarify the hours of work for such places.
I thank you, Sir.
Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, my ministry will bring a Bill to this Parliament to regulate the hours of sale of alcohol. At the moment, the law that is there has been abused because it dates back to before independence. It talks about opening and closing hours at the time that was there then. For example, the opening time is 6 O’clock. Therefore, when our local councils arrest people, they lose the case on technicality.
Therefore, we are bringing a law to regulate the opening and closing times that will be in tandem with the current hours of 1800 hours, 1700 hours and 2200 hours.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, what I know is that anybody selling alcohol needs to have a licence. These days, even shops, such as tuntemba are selling tujilijili. What measures is her ministry taking to curb that detrimental attitude of selling tujilijili anyhow?
Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, many hon. Members in this House know that, in the last twenty years, people were free to do whatever they wanted. During that time, you would find tujilijili being sold everywhere, including on the streets. My ministry is regulating such practices. We will bring a Bill to this House so that I can get the support of the hon. Members of Parliament in regulating the selling of alcohol. I am also aware that the local councils are the ones that give licences. I have said, many a time, in this august House that I have found problems with the way some local councils have been operating. I am working hard to see to it that we regulate even how licences are given, not only for alcohol, but also for everything else. We need to continuously monitor the system so that it does not break down.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, the consumption of tujilijili affects human life. We read in today’s paper that one of our colleagues died as a result of consuming this stuff. That being the case, would it not be wise for the hon. Minister to liaise with her counterparts in the Ministry of Home Affairs so that they can instruct the policemen to go on patrols and arrest whoever will be found selling this dangerous stuff?
Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, even if we got the police to arrest such people, being outside a regulatory framework, it would be an exercise in futility. I want to, again, emphasise the fact that in my previous life, I did not only make a study for Zambia, but also for Kenya and Rwanda where there are serious governments which acted on that report. This report has been lying idly in the drawers of the previous Government from 2004. The PF Government is going to take action by bringing appropriate legislation to this House. If it is passed, and I hope I will get the support of this House, …
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Professor Luo: … then the hon. Minister of Home Affairs will ensure that his policemen get to work.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Ms Imenda: Mr Speaker, indeed, this issue of tujilijili is very serious. When I went to visit my constituency recently, I found out that an individual had died after having consumed tujilijili.
Mr Speaker, prevention is better than cure. The hon. Minister is talking about enforcement which has failed. I think it is better to ban the production of tujilijili than to order the police to arrest anyone selling tujilijili. Do you have plans to ban the production of tujilijili?
Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, we shall not employ a piecemeal approach. The approach is to ban the production, distribution and consumption. As I had said in my earlier reply, we can also have a campaign in the communities and conversations with people to start addressing issues to do with, not only tujilijili, but also other alcohols. You may wish to know that even the producers are very worried. They have even been to my office to try and discuss with me issues to do with tujilijili. I have comprehensively studied issues to do with tujilijili. I have seen the destruction the tujilijili are doing to people in a number of communities. I have also been to Chainama Hospital, Block B, to see how young people’s lives have been curtailed. They will never have a chance to be like you and I. I am very keen to not only enforce the law, but also look at the distribution, production and consumption of alcohol.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}
TERMINAL BENEFITS FOR FORMER WORKERS OF MPELEMBE DRILLING COMPANY
99. Mr Chungu asked the Minister of Mines and Natural Resources:
(a) what measures had been taken to pay terminal benefits to former workers of Mpelembe Drilling Company who were laid off after the company was taken over by the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM) Management Buy Out Team;
(b) how many workers had already been paid; and
(c) how many were yet to be paid.
The Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources (Mr Musukwa): Mr Speaker, the House may wish to know that Mpelembe Drilling Company was privatised through a management buy-out initiative. The Government, to that effect, had no shareholding interest in Mpelembe Drilling Company. Therefore, technically speaking, we were not directly responsible for the payment of terminal benefits to these workers.
Mr Speaker, however, the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) is assisting to secure an investor to revive the operations so that the company can generate income and be able to pay its workers, and create employment for our people who have been disadvantaged for a long time.
Sir, Mpelembe Drilling Company has, during the period between 1997 and 2007, paid terminal benefits totalling well over K9,500,544,174. These benefits were paid to a total of 964 workers.
Mr Speaker, the number of workers yet to be paid is 390. This number represents a total of K19.125 billion.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Deputy Minister for his explicit reply. However, I would like to know how, in turn, we intend to assist the people who have not yet been paid their dues, especially now that we are in Government.
The Minister of Mines and Natural Resources (Mr Simuusa): Mr Speaker, I would like to let the hon. Member know that we are looking at bringing an investor on board so that this company may be revived and regenerated.
There is a lot of skill in the company as well as a lot of work to be done, especially in terms of exploration which we are going to be doing a lot of as a country. Therefore, the best way we can help this company and its employees is to quickly revamp it. This can happen sooner than later.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, I appreciate the response by the hon. Minister of Mines and Natural Resources. However, we are talking about people who have been made to live without a stable source of income for a long time. Has the ministry got a specific timeframe within which this investor will be found?
Mr Simuusa: Mr Speaker, the simple answer to the hon. Member’s question is that there is no timeframe to this because negotiations are on-going. Furthermore, the employees are being consulted on whether they will be agreeable to the options that are being put on the table.
Given the nature of the discussions, it is difficult to set a timeframe. The actions will come into effect as and when all the parties, employees, management, the Government and all stakeholders, are happy with the options and suggestions being put on the table. We will, therefore, not put a definite timeframe to that, but it will definitely be sooner rather than later so that we are all agreed.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mrs Masebo (Chongwe): Mr Speaker, considering that the PF was elected into office by a lot of these workers who were not paid by the previous irresponsible Government and most of whom have since died, I would like to find out from this very caring Government whether it has any plans to assist the bereaved families.
Mr Simuusa: Mr Speaker, as a caring Government, one of the long-term measures that we are working on is to ensure that this company is revived and regenerated. You may, however, be interested to note that payments to the workers from 1997 to 2007 have been very minimal.
The last payment, which was only K600 million, was in 2007. As a caring Government, we are engaging other measures by sourcing funds which, in the meantime, could bridge the gap. However, I will not go into details because of the sensitivity of the issue, but suffice to say that we are putting together all these measures to ultimately get the employees sorted out and the company back into a work mode.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Chishimba: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister who the directors of Mpelembe Drilling Company are.
Mr Simuusa: Mr Speaker, I would like to request that the hon. Member puts his question as a new one so that we give an adequate answer.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Speaker: Order!
_____
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 1616 hours until 1430 hours on Thursday, 23rd February, 2012