DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE FIRST SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH ASSEMBLY

The House met at 0900 hours

Friday, 23rd December, 2011

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

________

RULING BY MR SPEAKER

RULING BY THE HON. MR SPEAKER ON A POINT OF ORDER RAISED BY HON. N. CHILANGWA, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR KAWAMBWA PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY REGARDING A STATEMENT ATTRIBUTED TO MR HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED PARTY FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (UPND) IN AN ARTICLE ENTITLED: “ARREST ME, H. H. DARES SATA”, PUBLISHED IN THE ZAMBIA DAILY MAIL NEWSPAPER OF FRIDAY, 9TH DECEMBER, 2011

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members will recall that on Friday, 9th December, 2011, when the House was considering the Motion of Supply on the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the year 1st January, 2012, to 31st December, 2012, and the Hon. Member for Katombola Parliamentary Constituency, Hon. D. Livune, MP, was debating, the hon. Member for Kawambwa Parliamentary Constituency, Hon. N. Chilangwa, MP, raised a Point of Order relating to a statement attributed to the President of the UPND in an article entitled “Arrest Me, H.H. Dares Sata” published in the Zambia Daily Mail Newspaper, Volume 15, No. 281 of Friday, 9th December, 2011.

In his Point of Order, Hon. N. Chilangwa, MP, stated, amongst other matters, as follows:

“Mr Chairperson, I rise on a very serious point of order which hinges on the sanctity and authority of this August House.

“At Article 87 (1)(2), this House is provided with strict privileges and immunities. This is so because the citizens of Zambia expect Parliament to exercise its oversight function on national matters. Its work should be devoid of any intimidation or victimisation by anyone.

“It is on this basis that Chapter 12 of the Laws of Zambia at Section 3 provides:

‘There shall be freedom of speech and debate in the Assembly. Such freedom of speech and debate shall not be liable to be questioned in any court or place outside the Assembly.’

“Sir, I put emphasis on the aspect of questioning debate outside this Assembly.

Mr Chairperson, as the House may recall, on 25th November, 2011, when the hon. Deputy Minister for Lusaka Province was debating, Hon. Livune raised the following point of order:

‘Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister and colleague, in order to debate so provocatively and reduce the dignity of some chiefs in some regions by debating in that manner and bringing a tribal issue on the Floor of the House when he is the one protecting the tribe he has mentioned and is failing to condemn tribalism in his own Cabinet?’

“Mr Chairperson, in the ruling, the hon. Mr Speaker had this to say:

‘The hon. Minister is trying to counsel against tribalism and, in so doing, I urge him to keep that line of thought and conclude the debate.’

“Mr Chairperson, the simple interpretation of this ruling is that the hon. Mr Speaker was encouraging counsel against tribalism. To add to this, the hon. Deputy Minister on a later date, when he realised that his statement could have injured some people, categorically apologised and took back his words as is expected of any mature and upright person.

“Mr Chairperson, I seek your serious ruling on whether people should be allowed to insult the integrity and decorum of the Speaker, who is the head of this honourable House.

“Mr Chairperson, in the Zambia Daily Mail Newspaper of today, 9th December, 2011, on page 2, which I will lay on the Table, under the headline ‘Arrest Me H. H. Dares Sata’, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, the President of the UPND is quoted as follows:

‘Mr Hichilema also accused the Speaker of the National Assembly, Patrick Matibini, of being biased against the Opposition in the House. ‘I do not mind being taken to court. How could the Speaker allow Miles Sampa to issue tribal remarks on the Floor?” he asked.

‘Mr Hichilema said that he doubted the credibility of the Speaker whom he described as a “good Judge”. Mr Hichilema was making reference to an incidence where Mr Sampa said in Parliament that Tonga men should consider marrying Bemba women if they are to ascend to the presidency. Mr Sampa apologised and withdrew his statement in Parliament. Mr Hichilema accused the Speaker of siding with PF Members of Parliament and ignoring points of order raised by the UPND Members of Parliament.’

“Mr Chairperson, surely should it be tolerated for Mr Speaker’s innocent ruling to cause that his integrity, which he has earned through many years of impeccable performance, be ridiculed in the public and press in the manner that Mr Hichilema has done?

“Mr Chairperson, I seek your serious ruling on whether the conduct of Mr Hakainde Hichilema does not constitute a serious breach of the Constitution and Chapter 12 of the Laws of Zambia and whether it is not a serious affront against the integrity of the Hon. Mr Speaker, and the whole House. I beg for your ruling.”

As Hon Members will recall, the Chairperson’s immediate remarks on the point of order, were as follows:

“In view of the fact that the point of order has raised a number of important issues, I, therefore, defer my ruling to a later date to enable me to adequately study all the points that have been raised.”

Hon Members may wish to know that I have since studied the point of order and now wish to make my ruling.

Hon. Members are further informed that in line with Parliamentary Practices and Procedures, the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly wrote to the Managing Director of the Zambia Daily Mail, requesting him to confirm whether or not the contents of the article which is the subject of the point of order was correctly attributed to Mr Hakainde Hichilema. The House may wish to know that the Zambia Daily Mail Newspaper responded to the letter, and confirmed that the article and its contents had been correctly attributed to Mr Hakainde Hichilema.

Hon Members, the point of order raised, generates the following issues:

(i) breach of Parliamentary privilege vis-à-vis an outsider interfering with the freedom of speech in the House;

(ii) breach of Parliamentary privilege and contempt of the House vis-à-vis an outsider casting aspersions on the Speaker by questioning the Speaker’s impartiality in the conduct of Parliamentary Business; and

(iii) breach of Parliamentary privilege and contempt of the House vis-à-vis an outsider publishing misleading information on the proceedings of the House.

I will begin with the first. In his point of order, Mr N. Chilangwa, MP, alleged that by writing the article complained of, Mr Hakainde Hichilema contravened Article 87 of the Constitution and Chapter 12 of the Laws of Zambia, namely the National Assembly Powers and Privileges Act.

Article 87 of the Constitution, hon. Members may wish to note, enacts as follows:

“The National Assembly and its Members shall have such privileges, powers and immunities as may be prescribed by an Act of Parliament.”

Hon. Members may wish to note that these powers, in fact, are provided for in the National Assembly Powers and Privileges Act. One of the privileges guaranteed to hon. Members of this House is the freedom of speech, and I have referred to Section 3 above.

In his article, Mr Hakainde Hichilema attacked my decision in relation to the debate of the then hon. Deputy Minister for Lusaka Province, Mr Miles Sampa. By so doing, he impeached my integrity and freedom to make decisions without undue influence.

Hon. Members, this amounts to a prima facie case of breach of Parliamentary Privilege and contempt of the House.

In his Point of Order, Mr N. Chilangwa, alleged that Mr Hakainde Hichilema had attacked my integrity by claiming that I tend to side with the hon. Members of Parliament from the  Ruling Patriotic Front (PF) when presiding over the affairs of the House.

Hon. Members, I wish to guide the House on the role of the Speaker with regard to the conduct of Business in the House.

Mr Speaker, as Presiding Officer in the House, I am mandated by Law and Parliamentary Practice to perform the fundamental role of maintaining order and enforcing discipline in the House. This is done by interpreting and enforcing the rules and practices of the House.

In performing this role, I have absolute authority and my decisions cannot be questioned by any person or authority except through a substantive Motion in the House. This not only ensures that the proceedings of the House are conducted in an orderly and unfettered manner, but also helps to maintain the dignity and decorum of the House.  In discharging this function, I am required to act impartially.

M. N. Kaul and S. L. Shakdher, in their book entitled “Practice and Procedure of Parliament,” Sixth Edition, on pages 294 95 observes as follows:

“The Office of the Speaker is constitutional. Once he is elected to office, he, while conducting the House, nevertheless acts in a total impartial manner. Impartiality is, therefore, an integral attribute vis-à-vis the Office of the Speaker. Hence, reflections on the character or impartiality of the Speaker in the discharge of his duties as Speaker of the House have been held to constitute a breach of privilege and contempt of the House.”

The Speaker demonstrates his or her impartiality by according hon. Members, irrespective of their political affiliation, an equal opportunity to debate freely within the confines of the rules of debate.  In the same vein, the Speaker proscribes offensive and unparliamentary language or, indeed, any other breaches of the procedure of the House by Members. This is done in order to promote an atmosphere that enables hon. Members to debate freely. 

Further, section 19 of the National Assembly, Powers and Privileges Act, protects the dignity of the House and the Office of the Speaker when it provides as follows:

“Any person shall be guilty of an offence who:

(a) shows disrespect in speech or manner towards the Speaker; or

(b) commits any other act of intentional disrespect to or with reference to the proceedings of the Assembly or to any person presiding at such proceedings.”

Hon. Members, it will be recalled that in the case of Dingiswayo Banda, a former hon. Member of Parliament for Lundazi Parliamentary Constituency, who challenged the decision of the Speaker outside the House, it was ruled as follows:

“The statement was a clear attack on the Hon. Mr Speaker’s impartiality and, according to section 19(d) of the National Assembly, Powers and Privileges Act, the hon. Member was guilty of an offence.  It was a breach of privilege to reflect upon the impartiality of the Speaker or upon his character and conduct, whether inside or outside the House.”

Hon Members, on the basis of the preceding authorities, it is self-evident that it is a breach of parliamentary privilege and contempt of the House for any person to question the impartiality of the Speaker without following the laid down procedures.

In the article which is the subject of the point of order, Mr Hakainde Hichilema is reported to have accused me of being biased towards the Patriotic Front in my decisions. This clearly amounts to challenging my impartiality.

Hon. Members, in the article in question, it is alleged that Mr Hakainde Hichilema accused me of not allowing points of order from UPND hon. Members of Parliament.

The House might wish to note that during the current meeting of the House, 109 points of order were raised by hon. Members on the Floor of this House. Of these, forty-two were raised by hon. Members from the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) while sixty-seven were raised by hon. Members from the Opposition as follows:

Political Party Points of Oder Raised

UPND 38

MMD 27

Independent 2

Hon. Members, these statistics are in the public domain and can readily be accessed from the verbatim reports of the House, which are free and also available on the Parliament Website.

From the foregoing statistics, it is self-evident, again, that Mr Hakainde Hichilema’s allegations are not only unfounded but, also, made recklessly without any attempt to confirm the veracity of the information with the National Assembly. In this regard, Mr Hichilema not only brought the Office of the Speaker of the National Assembly, and the House as a whole, into public ridicule, but also published misleading information on the proceedings of the House. This amounts to a prima facie case of breach of parliamentary privilege and contempt of the House.

Section 25 of the National Assembly, Powers and Privileges Act, provides as follows, and I quote:

“Any person who publishes any false or scandalous libel on the Assembly, or any report which willfully misrepresents, in any way, any proceedings of the Assembly or any Committee shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding five thousand penalty units or to imprisonment with or without hard labour for a term not exceeding twelve months or to both.”

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, I now wish to guide the House and the public at large. As can be discerned above, the House is empowered by law to deal with any person or institution that is found to be in breach of parliamentary privilege and in contempt of the House. This power to punish for breach of privilege and contempt of the House is meant, obviously, to maintain the dignity of the House and of course, the Office of the Speaker. In this respect, those who make unwarranted attacks on the House or the Office of the Speaker, or interfere with its hon. Members or officers in the performance of their duties, risk being arraigned before the Committee on Privileges, Absences and Support Services, to answer to charges of breach of privilege and contempt of the House, for which the following sanctions are liable to be imposed on persons who are found guilty:

(i) admonition or reprimand at the Bar of the House; or

(ii) prosecution by the Director of Public Prosecutions, in line with section 27 of the National Assembly, Powers and Privileges Act which may result in the following penalties:

(a) a fine; or

(b) imprisonment.

Hon. Members may note that the breaches committed by Mr Hakainde Hichilema are grave and, in my considered opinion, warrant his prosecution under the provisions of the National Assembly, Powers and Privileges Act.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members and the public may further wish to note that, in the past, the House has not hesitated to bring to book persons or institutions that have breached its privileges.

However, rather than refer this matter to the Committee on Privileges, Absences and Support Services, I have graciously elected to use this opportunity to counsel Mr Hakainde Hichilema and the public at large to desist from unduly attacking the House and the Office of the Speaker or in engaging in any conduct that is likely to result in the breach of parliamentary privileges and contempt of the House. I also remind the House and the public at large that, once elected, the Speaker of Zambia owes allegiance only to the Constitution and Laws of the land.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker:  In the House, the Speaker sits neither on the left nor on the right.  He or she sits at the centre. The Speaker of Zambia is uniquely and proudly above partisan politics.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: To ensure that his impartiality is further seen and demonstrated, the Speaker, amongst his many functions, allows equal opportunity to the hon. Members, irrespective of their political affiliation, to debate freely within the rules of debate.  This is done to promote an atmosphere conducive to the exercise and enjoyment of freedom of speech.  

The Office of the Speaker of the National Assembly is dignified, and commands utmost esteem both nationally and internationally. In this regard, it is most inappropriate for any member of society, and more so those who aspire to occupy the highest office of the land, to make unsubstantiated statements that have the potential of undermining and casting aspersions on the office of the Speaker. Needless to say, there are laid-down procedures through which an hon. Member aggrieved by any decision of the Speaker can seek redress. I, therefore, advise Members of the House who wish to challenge decisions from the Chair to familiarise themselves with these procedures.

I further wish to state that the words complained of were published without making any effort, whatsoever, to verify the information with the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly. This has the potential to mislead the public and tarnish, unjustifiably, the image of the Office of the Speaker and the House in general.

I, therefore, wish to strongly urge the media houses to practise responsible journalism, by ensuring that they properly investigate any information they receive before publishing it.  I further urge the members of the public to familiarise themselves with the rules of procedure, privileges and powers of the House.

Hon. Members, may also wish to note that, in the light of the reforms that Parliament has embarked on in the last decade, information on it is readily accessible to the public and the media from a variety of sources, including the Office of the Clerk, the Parliament Website and Parliament Radio, which has a wide coverage across the country. The radio transmits live parliamentary debates and assists in the dissemination of information on the proceedings of the House and operations of the National Assembly.  Members of the public and the media are, therefore, urged to use these avenues to obtain factual and official information on the rules, procedures, and proceedings of the National Assembly.

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

____

HIS HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT’S QUESTION TIME    

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, I recall that, in the last sitting of this House, my colleagues on the right and we, the UPND, used to condemn the MMD Government very graciously on the issue of appointments of Opposition hon. Members of Parliament into the Government. Of late, however, we have noticed that our colleagues were envious of what the MMD was doing. As a result of that envy, they have, now, decided to govern this country with the defeated MMD. I would like to find out whether the PF Government has, now, gone into a coalition Government with the MMD, whom they claim to have defeated, yet they have eight MMD hon. Members of Parliament serving as Deputy Ministers. 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President (Dr Scott): Mr Speaker, the term ‘coalition Government’ implies the willingness of the leadership of the partners in that coalition. So far as I am aware, there has been no consultation between the Front Bench and the MMD as to whether we shall govern together or not. The President is looking for good and strong people who are willing to do their patriotic duty …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: … and the eight of them have chosen to accept his offer.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kabala (Bahati): Mr Speaker, three days ago, one of the daily tabloids reported that the fourth Republican President, Mr Rupiah Banda, had complained that the Government had intentions of arresting him. Can His Honour the Vice-President tell this House whether, indeed, the Government has those intentions?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I am not in the loop as far as arresting people are concerned and, normally, the people who claim to be about to be arrested are also not in the loop. Therefore, I think that this question should remain in abeyance indefinitely.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sianga (Sesheke): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from His Honour the Vice-President when the construction of the Katimamulilo and Imusho border posts will be completed and commissioned.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, all I can say is that construction is on-going and, at any time, they will be completed. Just as a hint to hon. Members, it is not usually a bad idea, when one intends to ask a very specific question requiring dates, to sneak the question somewhere before the Question Time so that I can do the research.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Konga (Chavuma): Mr Speaker, can His Honour the Vice-President confirm to the nation that the National Assembly uses stolen Government money to purchase motor vehicles for hon. Members of Parliament as is the case in which, after an intensive nine-hour search by the police at my residence, …

Mr Speaker: Order! 
 
Mr Konga: … the only motor vehicle that the police impounded …

Mr Speaker: Order!

Could you ask a specific question and not narrations?

Mr Konga: Thank you, Mr Speaker, I have declared interest.

I was just giving the background that the National Assembly bought a vehicle, which the police have impounded on the basis that it was bought using stolen money. My question is: Does the National Assembly steal money from the Government to buy vehicles which are given to hon. Members of Parliament?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, as far as I am aware, Parliament is not supposed to be used for enquiries into on-going investigations …

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Mr Mukanga: Yes!

The Vice-President: … by interested parties who have not declared interest. Sir, I think I will decline to answer that question, if you are agreeable.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Mr Speaker, yesterday, we reluctantly passed a Supplementary Budget which contained irritating figures to some extent. Is the Government going to verify how the implementation of some of the purported activities took place so that it can establish whether the supplementary estimates were necessary and then provide a report regarding how the money was spent to this House?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, as far as I am aware, the fact that supplementary estimates have been approved by this House does not preclude subsequent investigations by the Auditor-General or other similar bodies, into whether money was utilised properly or improperly.

Mr Mukanga: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Since there was no debate or questioning whatsoever from the Opposition regarding the numbers, we took it that the hon. Members were satisfied with the estimates. I am sure that if there are cases, the book is not closed.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kalila (Lukulu East): Mr Speaker, during the Presidential Address when opening the National Assembly this year, His Excellency the President stated on page 28 of his address that in order to link the Western and North-Western provinces, the Kaoma/Luluku/Zambezi Road will be constructed. I have noted that this road has not been included in the Yellow Book and the address by the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning. When will the Patriotic Front (PF) Government implement this pronouncement by His Excellency the President?

Ms Imenda: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, luckily, I found a note on the floor and picked it up and it says, response: The Government through the Road Development Agency (RDA) has planned for a feasibility study, detailed engineering designs and tender document preparation for the Katunda to Lukulu/Watopa Road in 2012 Road Sector Annul Work Plan. The project appears as: “Feasibility and Detailed Designs and Tender Document preparation for the Kaoma to Mwembezhi Road”. In the Yellow Book, it is under Head 21/01 – Loans and Investments, Programme 3087 – Techno-Economic Feasibility Studies and Designs, Activity 023 – Feasibility and Detailed Designs and Tender Documents for Kaoma/Mwembezhi Road on page 380. The activity has a total budget allocation of K5,200,000,000. It is envisaged that the feasibility study and detailed engineering designs and tender document preparation will commence in 2012. The study will run for nine months. The upgrading works are scheduled to commence thereafter. This document even has a small map which the questioner can peruse.

Laughter

The Vice-President: Generally, as the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning made it very clear, we intend to maximise infrastructural investment through all possible means using the Budget or any other possible ways.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

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

Professor Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, every trip outside the country conducted by any member of the Executive has a cost to it, and hopefully some benefits. His Honour the Vice-President has just returned from a long tour of the Peoples’ Republic of China. Could he inform the nation what he considers to be the benefits of that tour for our country?

Interruptions

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, it is part of the MMD’s legacy to answer questions like that.

Laughter

The Vice-President: I met senior officials of the Chinese Communist Party. It was partly a party-to-party visitation. Just like them, I raised a number of issues during our discussions concerning certain unresolved problems. The issues that I raised, in particular, concern problems especially in respect to relations between Chinese management and Zambian workers in certain companies. I also talked about the potential role and the misuse of the trade unions in the same companies. We made it very clear that we needed resolutions to a number of these problems because the Chinese investment in Zambia has been controversial. I think we have to face that fact. Also, we needed to clear misunderstandings that were created regarding Chinese diplomats campaigning for the MMD in election campaigns …

Laughter

The Vice-President: … and other similar occurrences. We had harmonious discussions. Unlike the MMD, we are capable of telling people the results of our ministerial trips.

Laughter

The Vice-President: I will be very happy to avail more information to anyone who is interested in what it is like to drive past the …

Mr Kambwili: Hear, hear!

Laughter

The Vice-President: … Forbidden City and China’s Main Square.

Laughter

The Vice-President: I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Laughter

Mr Mutelo (Lukulu West): Mr Speaker, the onset of the rains has made the state of the Katunda/Lukulu Road to deteriorate further. What immediate plans does the Government have in place to repair this road as it is becoming impassable?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, emergency repairs will be undertaken by the provincial roads office. As I said earlier in response to this question, a study will run for nine months before the implementation of intense works can start.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Pande (Kasempa): Mr Speaker, why has the PF Government not informed the nation that from now onwards, when women hold kitchen party meetings or when people hold Isambo Lyamfwa which is a meeting held after somebody has died, they are supposed to get a police permit otherwise it will be declared an illegal gathering, following the instruction which the Government gave to the police to arrest members of the MMD who were meeting to discuss party issues?

Hon. MMD Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the eminent questioner is trying to put words in my mouth to the effect that the police are going to declare all the gatherings he mentioned illegal if they are not notified about them. There is no intention to do anything of that nature. The police themselves determine whether a gathering requires a permit using their common sense. I am sure they will continue handling matters the same way.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Namulambe (Mpongwe): Mr Speaker, next month our national football team is going to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations. Can His Honour the Vice-President indicate whether the Government is going to adequately sponsor the team?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, yes.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamudulu (Siavonga): Mr Speaker, may His Honour the Vice-President tell this House and the whole nation whether street vending in Zambia is now legal.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, perhaps, it would help if I clarified the difference between where we are intending to get to and where we are at the moment. As I responded about three weeks ago to a similar question about street vending, our intention is to have all vending to take place in properly designated areas whether it is car washing, selling goods that people have brought from China or food.

However, there are problems emanating from the control of some markets and vending areas by cadres of certain political parties. On the other hand, we have no wish to be overly dictatorial when dealing with people who are just simply making a living in a practical way at this time. We expect to arrive at the ideal solution in future, but we do not intend to use force and unnecessary cruelty at this point in order to achieve this.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sing’ombe(Dundumwezi): Mr Speaker, may His Honour the Vice-President state the official immigration status of His Excellency President Michael Sata in Malawi.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I believe that matter is in court in Malawi, if I am not mistaken. I am certainly not privy to detailed information on that subject anyway.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo West): Mr Speaker, just like other members of the public, I am at a loss in trying to understand who is entitled to national mourning. Do we have a policy regarding it?

Mr Speaker: The question is on the policy with regard to national mourning.

Laughter

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the policy is there and it obviously encompasses former hon. Ministers and so on and so forth. However, to say exactly who is covered by the policy, I would have to return to this House after having researched further on the subject.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Masebo (Chongwe): Mr Speaker, today marks ninety days of the Patriotic Front (PF) being in power and obviously the people of Zambia are very happy because generally they have been liberated from poor governance …

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Masebo: … by the previous Banda-led administration. Could the Vice-President inform this House and the people of Zambia at large what the PF Government has so far done in the last ninety days.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member has stolen many of the words from my mouth already. I think I will decline to give a full answer to that question at this stage because that will take up the rest of time that is available for us to conduct other business in this House. However, I will mention in passing some of the achievements of Government when I come to move the Motion for adjournment sine die.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Matafwali (Bangweulu): Mr Speaker, I want to find out from the Vice-President whether we have had any response from the western world concerning our request for them to lift sanctions on Zimbabwe.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I think that matter would be better left confidential at this stage.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Imenda (Luena): Mr Speaker, I note in the Yellow Book that K6 billion was budgeted for the grading of feeder roads in the Western Province this year. Could the Vice-President tell this House and the Zambian people, especially those from the Western Province, whether that money was released and which roads were graded.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I think for detailed information regarding Hon. Imenda’s question, it is necessary to wait for the Auditor-General’s report. I certainly do not have any details at my disposal. I think the question by the hon. Member for Lukulu should serve as an object lesson for me to learn how to prepare for such questions. If I get some sneak preview of the Auditor-General’s report, I can provide a very intelligent answer.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Antonio (Kaoma Central): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from His Honour the Vice-President what plans the Government has to work on the bad stretch of our road from TBZ to Katunda that has caused deaths of a lot of our brothers and sisters.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I sympathise with the questioner. That is a nasty portion of the road which you come across after cruising through the game park. I understand that money for works on the road are in this year’s Budget. The works will be done. At least works on the road will start this year.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Sililo (Mulobezi): Mr Speaker, may I know when the Government will pay farmers who have not been paid in Sesheke District for maize supplied to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the exercise is ongoing. I will just say, because I am going to repeat or emphasise this point later, that there are too many big and powerful people who were taking advantage of the situation to sell their maize to the FRA at the subsidised or beefed-up price that the previous Government called the floor price. This has left a lot of the real small-scale farmers, who are working off four bags of fertiliser, to sleep under trees to wait for their money.

Mr Speaker, I think let this serve as a marker. We are not going to allow this corrupt situation to continue through the years. We are struggling daily to try and sort of the problem. I have been involved in meetings with the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock and the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning to try and resolve the issue of the remaining 10 per cent which the FRA is owing to suppliers.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mutati (Lunte): Mr Speaker, one of the key governance pillars of the PF Government is the Ten Commandments. Can His Honour the Vice-President, on the basis of the Ten Commandments, indicate when the District Commissioners (DCs) that have been dismissed will be paid.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, if the questioner had been paying attention to the supplementary estimates of expenditure yesterday, he would have noted that a provision for this exercise was made. On the other hand, I am not sure which commandment he is referring to, but I presume …

Interruptions

The Vice-President: … that the real question is on the payment of the DCs.

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter

Mr Simbao (Senga Hill): Mr Speaker, I would like to learn from His Honour the Vice-President what defines a citizen of Zambia.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I do not really understand the question. People who are entitled to be Zambian citizens are those who are born here, especially and particularly of Zambian parents, or those who, being entitled to other citizenship, unless it has changed, but I am sure it has not, have renounced their citizenship by the time they are twenty-one and claim their Zambian citizenship. That is my simple layman’s understanding of the definition of being a Zambian and the Constitution is very clear on this issue.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lubinda: There is a copy here.

Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, we want to thank the Government for increasing the moneys for chiefs’ affairs, but I would like to find out what percentage will be given to the civil servants.

Interruptions

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, there was a report drawn up by an ad hoc commission earlier this year that has not yet been presented to His Excellency the President. When that report has been presented, presumably, negotiations, industrial negotiations and so on and so forth will take place. Right now, I cannot say anything more than that.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Kalima (Kasenengwa): Mr Speaker, I would like the Vice-President to tell this House and the nation at large the intentions the Government has on the mission in Tripoli considering that the staff are back home and I noticed, in the estimates, that there was no allocation. What intentions does the PF Government have for Tripoli?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, a Cabinet memo will have to be drawn up and Cabinet will have to consider it and its decision will become policy. At that point, I will be able to answer that question should the hon. Member still be interested.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Muntanga (Kalomo Central): Mr Speaker, may I know the official position of the Government as regards the new added human rights, as per the meeting held in Geneva, such as allowing of same sex marriages and banning of polygamy and dowry. What is the official position of the Government?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, Zambia has its own laws and it has not entered into these controversies …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: … as have other states. I have answered this question before when it was posed by your neighbour, Hon. Garry Nkombo. This was about six weeks ago and I am sure Hon. Muntanga remembers the question and the answer that was given and he is just trying to embarrass me.

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter

Dr Chituwo (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, this House makes laws and we recognise the economic value of street vending. However, currently, street vending is illegal. Can His Honour the Vice-President confirm that he will bring an amendment to this House in order to legalise street vending.

Mr Speaker: This question has been answered.

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Laughter

Mr Mbulakulima (Chembe): Mr Speaker, in his answer to the hon. Member for Monze Central over the coalition, His Honour the Vice-President mentioned that the Government is looking for good people for appointments. Is that a confirmation that those who are not appointed are of poor quality?

Laughter

Mrs Masebo: They will beat you outside.

Interruptions

Dr Scott: Mr Speaker, that is …

Mr Speaker: Order! You have asked a question and the Vice-President would like to answer.

The Vice-President: …. for the hon. Member who has posed the question himself to judge and to advise us on improvements that we might be able to make in our Government as a loyal citizen of Zambia.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ndalamei (Sikongo): Mr Speaker, today, marks the Patriotic Front’s (PF) ninety-day timeframe within which certain pronouncements were to be fulfilled and we have not heard anything on the Barotse Agreement. How long are we going to wait?

Mr Speaker: Order! The Vice-President’s question time has expired.

__________

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

63. Mr Namulambe (Mpongwe) asked the Vice-President:

(a) which authority was responsible for the appointment of District Commissioners (DCs); and

(b) whether the Government had reported those who corruptly employed DCs on the Copperbelt Province to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

The Vice-President (Dr Scott): Mr Speaker, it seems to be my day to answer questions. The appointing authority for the DCs, just like any other civil servant, is the President, in this case, through the Public Service Commission.

Mr Speaker, I wish to place on firm record that there was no corruption involved in the appointment of the DCs on the Copperbelt Province and, as such, no reports have been made to the ACC.

The new DCs were appointed in order to depoliticise the position of the DC. It is worth mentioning that the officers that have been appointed as DCs have been appointed on merit and possess requisite qualifications. The officers were identified from the Human Resource Database maintained by the Public Service Management Division and they were cleared in the normal way for all Public Service employees before they were appointed on probation for six months.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Namulambe: Mr Speaker, the current DCs on the Copperbelt were temporarily suspended by the Permanent Secretary on allegation that they were corruptly employed and it was both in the print and electronic media. Was that statement false or not?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, well, one has to assume that if it has not been followed up by any action, then, either the allegation is still under consideration or it was, indeed, false.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Pande (Kasempa): Mr Speaker, why were the DCs suspended and later reinstated?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I think I have given the position.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chipungu (Rufunsa): Mr Speaker, what will happen to the salaries of those who were suspended, I do not know for how many days? Will they be paid for the period that they were on suspension?

The-Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I am not sure they were even on suspension and I, certainly, would call it a different question in the event that they were.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Katambo (Masaiti): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from His Honour the Vice-President why it has taken so long to appoint a DC in Lufwanyama District.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, that is a matter for the Public Service Commission or I could have answered it as part of the Vice-President’s Question Time if I had been given some warning.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}
 
UNIVERSITIES IN ZAMBIA

64. Mr Kalaba (Bahati) asked the Minister of Education, Science and Vocational Training:

(a) how many universities had been operating in Zambia as of October, 2011;

(b) whether there had been any universities operating illegally; and

(c) if so, what measures the Government would take on such institutions.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Vocational Training (Professor Willombe): Mr Speaker, there were twenty universities operating in Zambia as at 31st October, 2011. Out of the twenty, seventeen were private universities while three were public universities.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Vocational Training is not aware of any university that is operating illegally. If there is such an institution, the ministry will engage with that institution to ensure that it meets the minimum standards and seek to have the institution registered within a period of six months. Further, if the institution fails to meet the minimum requirements that will be given, a notice will be raised by the ministry to close the institution. When all these measures have failed, the ministry will enforce the Education Act of 2011, Part VI, Section 47 (i) and (ii) accordingly.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, in view of the growing population in the country, what measures has the Government taken to encourage private companies to work with the Government in the enhancement of creation of more universities?

The Minister of Education, Science and Vocational Training (Dr Phiri): Mr Speaker, the Government does encourage the private sector to invest in higher education. It is my hope that, under the private-public-partnership (PPP) programme, many private institutions will come on board.

I thank you, Sir

Dr Kazonga (Vubwi): Mr Speaker, I would like to learn from the hon. Minister of Education, Science and Vocational Training how far the Government has gone in the creation of the Higher Education Authority that will look at quality assurance mechanisms for both public and private universities.

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, I am tempted to say that, it is outside the question asked. However, I will answer it because it is very important to our ministry that we prepare you, as hon. Members of Parliament, for what is to come.

The Higher Education Authority Bill will be tabled soon. This is an effort that we are inheriting from the previous administration. I think we will benefit from such an institution to govern the mushrooming of higher education institutions in this land. As you heard, there are twenty universities and out of those, seventeen are privately owned. That is the solution to safeguarding the quality of tertiary education in the country.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mpundu (Nchelenge): Mr Speaker, my question has been taken care of by Hon. Dr Kazonga’s question.

Professor Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, higher education is offered through virtue institutions. I would like to know from the hon. Minister what measures are in place or will be established to monitor academic credentials that are being acquired through virtue institutions in the country.

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, in addition to the Higher Education Authority that we are thinking of, we are also thinking of bringing to this House a body that will safeguard the accreditation of certificates, diplomas, and degrees and so on and so forth in tertiary institutions.

I thank you, Sir.

________

MOTIONS

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS 20 AND 21(1)

The Vice-President (Dr Scott): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that Standing Orders 20 and 21(1), if necessary, and Standing Order101 be suspended to enable the House to complete all business on the Order Paper and all matters arising therefrom and that, on such completion, this House do adjourn sine die.

Mr Speaker, this meeting of the House commenced on the 14th of October, 2011.

Interruptions

The Vice-President: I do apologise, Sir, for my breach of etiquette.

Sir, this meeting of the House commenced on the 14th of October, 2011, and, as of today, the House has been sitting for a total of forty-two days. This Motion is aimed at enabling the House to conclude its business and allow hon. Members to retain to their respective constituencies and/or ministerial posts to attend to other equal important national duties.

During this meeting, a total of eighty questions were considered by the House. In addition, five Government Bills were presented and passed. Further, a total of thirty annual reports from the Government and Quasi Government Departments were tabled while five ministerial statements explaining Government policies and clarifying issues raised by hon. Members were made during the meeting.

Further, the House considered three Motions to ratify Presidential appointments and three Private Members’ Motions.

Mr Speaker, in addition to the business that I have outlined above, the House, by the end of today, will have considered and voted for the monies required for implementing various development programmes and projects the Government has lined up for 2012. We will, in other words, have completed the passing of the Budget.

Sir, allow me to thank all the hon. Members for their dedication to their duty and invaluable contributions made during the conduct of business of this House.

I believe, quite by coincidence, that the forty two days of sitting coincides with ninety days since the Patriotic Front’s (PFs) formation of this Government. I also believe that the Budget has fulfilled many of the promises that were made during the campaign for the first ninety days. The exemption threshold has been adjusted to give an extra K1 million of relief to all workers paying tax on PAYE.  The mines also have been taxed an extra 3 per cent of royalties which, the former hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning will note, is a turnover tax and not a profit tax.

There have been redirections of Government’s fiscal emphasis towards the key sectors such as health, where user fees have been expunged. We are also aiming at a similar situation with education. I believe that we have achieved a lot although we had to hurriedly align our policy priorities with the half-completed framework of the Budget and the legislation that goes with it.  I wish to congratulate the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, in particular on performing a good job. Yes, he has done it before, but it is not that easy to do it in such a hurry and competent fashion.

Mr Chairperson, let me remind hon. Members that the rainy season has just began. I hear talk of a drought, but I think it is a rather early for anybody to announce a drought for this season. Hopefully, we will experience favourable weather conditions. However, whether we do or not, I would request hon. Members to do what they can to assist in the agricultural season when they get back to their constituencies, particularly the rural constituencies. They should also take into account the policy priorities of this Government because whether they like it or not, they are stuck with us for the time being, in fact, maybe, for many years and preach the gospel of diversification, growing sunflower, groundnuts, and soya beans and of looking after animals in a more thorough fashion than has been the case so far and not to simply depend upon the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) as a buyer of first resort which is what it has effectively become in order to take tax payers’ money and pour it into the pockets of everybody even the people who are not the intended beneficiaries of the fifth programme and the FRA programme.

Mr Speaker, this House has been informed that my Government is making good progress with regard to the distribution of farming inputs. So, again I will just emphasise that, please, let us ensure that these inputs get to the right people. Those are the poor people or the million peasant farmers that we have been hearing about, not the people with two canter trucks to their name and a hummer vehicle.

Laughter

The Vice-President:  Mr Speaker, may I take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to you, Sir, the hon. Deputy Speaker and the hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House for the effective and efficient manner in which you handled the proceedings of the House.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Your guidance, fair rulings and wise and effective leadership encouraged and inspired hon. Members, thereby contributing to the success of the business of this House. Allow me also, of course, to pay tribute to the Clerk of the National Assembly and her staff for the excellent services they continue to render to this House. I should also commend the offices, that is, Office of the Vice-President and Parliamentary Business Division as well as officials of the Government ministries and departments, including those from the provinces who played a part in making the work of this august House a resounding success. We have had our fights but, for now, they are deemed to be swept under the carpet and we will renew them when the time is ripe. I urge them all to continue working hard for the betterment of our country.

Mr Speaker, finally, I wish you and all hon. Members a very happy festive season and a prosperous and productive 2012.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Pande (Kasempa): Mr Speaker, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to contribute to debate on the Motion which I support.

Sir, first of all, let me say that we, indeed, deserve to adjourn today sine die as moved by His Honour the Vice-President. When you look back, this is a period where we have had people sitting on the Opposition for the first time and, some, getting into Government. It has been an exciting period. Initially, there was a cloud of doubt as to whether the Opposition will fully support the PF Government, particularly the Budget. There were also rumours that the Opposition were bent on trying to frustrate the Budget, but it has turned out that we are a responsible Opposition because the Budget has been passed.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Pande: When we blow the whistle, it means that there is absolutely something wrong and we will stick to that.

Mr Speaker, this is a period where we have seen our colleagues in the Government, struggle as much as possible try and fulfill the promises that they made during the campaign period. As far as they are concerned, they have achieved, but they are not the best judges. The judges are the people out there, particularly the youth and ourselves.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Pande: So, it is important that you pay attention to the issues that will be raised by the people, whether or not the promises have been fulfilled in ninety days. If you say you have fulfilled them, you will be sitting on your laurels.

Mr Speaker, I would also like to say that as we go back to our constituencies, the Opposition will critically look at the promises that the PF Government made during the campaign period and see which ones have been fulfilled. There are a lot of expectations from our people in the constituencies. Many questions will be asked. The farmers were promised a pack each of fifteen bags of fertiliser. What has happened? All these questions have to be answered. So, if you hear the Opposition telling the people that the PF Government has failed on that score, do not brush it aside as mere politicking because these are facts.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Pande: Mr Speaker, as we go back to our constituencies, we should all bear in mind that whatever we are going to do or say in our various constituencies will be in the interest of this nation. I believe Zambia is more important that the political parties to which we belong. As politicians, let us ensure that nothing, be it tribe or region, divides this country. Anything that dares to bring division will be condemned by the people of Zambia. Zambia has been a unitary State for many years and has practiced the motto of One Zambia, One Nation. It is only with the coming of the Patriotic Front that we have seen division showing its ugly face in the country.

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr Speaker: Order!

I would like to guide hon. Members that this is essentially a procedural Motion. So, please, bear that in mind.

Mr Pande: Mr Speaker, I thank you for your guidance. In short, I am saying that we have worked hard and deserve to go and rest. However, it will not really be total rest because we now have to go back and report to our constituents what has been taking place in the House and explain the Budget to them. Some of the shortfalls in the Budget will be explained to the people in the constituencies. Our colleagues should not take this as politicking, but real issues which we will find on the ground.

Mr Speaker, with these few remarks, I thank you.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member for Chongwe, bear in mind the caveat I have issued.

Mrs Masebo (Chongwe): Mr Speaker, I stand to support the Adjournment Motion. In so doing, I want to say that it is an important Motion as it gives us an opportunity, as hon. Members of Parliament, to go back to our constituencies and face the challenges that our people are also facing.

Mr Speaker, I am sure you are aware that there was an outbreak of cholera in one of the wards in Chongwe which is near Lusaka. This is Ngwerere Kabwayambale in a compound named Masebo. I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the Government, especially the Ministries of Local Government, Housing, Early Education and Environmental Protection, and Health to help with water supply and sanitation in the area, the lack of which is causing the outbreak of cholera. I also want to use this opportunity to appeal to the people living in that area to avoid gatherings because that is another way of cholera spreading.

Mr Speaker, fertiliser distribution has been going on throughout the constituencies and Chongwe, in particular. I want to thank the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries for allocating extra inputs to our constituency for the many peasant farmers who have been attracted to grow maize.

Mr Speaker, I have a problem that I would like the hon. Minister of Education to help me address urgently. This is an area in my constituency called Twatasha …

Mr Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Chongwe, I had indicated that this is essentially a procedural Motion that is very specific in nature and is meant to govern how we conduct our business this morning as well as this afternoon. His Honour the Vice-President was very clear when he proposed how we should proceed. That is the suspension of these specific orders. So, we should confine our debate to the Motion at hand. I have been quite liberal in this regard.

The hon. Member may proceed.

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, I thank you for your further guidance. I was supporting the Motion and, in so doing, I want to appeal to the Government to release the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) early, preferably in the first half of the year so that the money can help us deal with the many challenges in our constituencies.

In winding up my support for the Adjournment Motion, I would like to urge the hon. Minister of Education and Vocational Training to intervene in an issue regarding the Twatasha School that has been taken over by Meanwood Properties, and yet it is a community school. This is a critical issue.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Members who have contributed to debate on this Motion and I note no opposition to it. I, therefore, beg the House to approve it.

I thank you, Sir.

Question put and agreed to.

REPORT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SELECT COMMITTEE TO SCRUTINISE THE APPOINTMENT OF DR MICHAEL GONDWE TO SERVE AS GOVERNOR OF THE BANK OF ZAMBIA

Mr Mucheleka (Lubansenshi): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do adopt the Report of the Select Committee appointed to scrutinise the Presidential appointment of Dr Michael Gondwe to serve as Governor of the Bank of Zambia laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 22nd December, 2011.

Mr Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

Mr Kapeya (Mpika Central): Mr Speaker, I beg to second.

Mr Mucheleka: Mr Speaker, the appointment of Dr Gondwe to serve as Governor of the Bank of Zambia is made pursuant to section 10 (1) and (2) of the Bank of Zambia Act, No. 43 of 1996 of the Laws of Zambia which empowers the President to appoint, for a period not exceeding five years, a person with recognised professional qualifications and experience in financial and economic matters as Governor of the Bank of Zambia.

 In order to ascertain the suitability of the nominee, your Committee invited various stakeholders who appeared before it and tendered both oral and written submissions. These witnesses included Government security wings, professional bodies and business associations. In addition, your Committee had an opportunity to interact with the nominee.

Sir, the witnesses who appeared before your Committee, supported the appointment of Dr Michael Gondwe to serve as Governor of the Bank of Zambia. In supporting the appointment of the nominee, the security wings informed your Committee that they had no adverse records against Dr Michael Gondwe.

The Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ) and the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) affirmed that the nominee has sufficient qualifications for the position of Bank of Zambia Governor. He also has relevant experience as he has served in the banking industry for a reasonable period of time.

Sir, the witnesses further argued that the nominee was in possession of a Master of Laws Degree with a Bias to Finance and Economics, and a Master of Business Administration Degree with a Bias to International Finance and Economics. This gave him an added advantage to be at the helm of the Central Bank.  As such the witnesses were optimistic that the nominee will be able to discharge his duties effectively.

Furthermore, the witnesses were of the view that the nominee will use his experience gained when he served at the Bank of Zambia and the PTA Bank where he currently holds the senior position of Head of the Bank, to achieve the mandate of the Central Bank of formulating and implementing monetary policy and supervisory policies. This will, among other results, ensure the maintenance of price and financial stability, and the promotion of a balanced macroeconomic development in the country.

Mr Speaker, while the professional bodies supported the nomination of the nominee, they, however, held the view that it would have been better if the nominees’ major qualifications were in economics. The witnesses, thus, advised that in the absence of this, there was a need for the Deputy Governor of Operations and the Director of Economics at the Bank of Zambia to have a strong background in economics.

In this regard, your Committee urges the nominee, if ratified, to work on building a team of qualified and competent staff that would assist him, as Governor, to move the Bank in the right direction.

Mr Speaker, in view of the findings highlighted by your Committee in its report and the interaction with the witnesses and the nominee, your Committee supports the ratification of the nomination of Dr Michael Gondwe to serve as Governor of the Bank of Zambia. Your Committee is of the view that the nominee is a man of integrity, qualified and brings with him a wealth of experience in banking to serve as Governor of the Bank of Zambia.

Sir, your Committee, therefore, urges the House to support the ratification of the nomination of Dr Michael Gondwe, to serve as Governor of the Bank of Zambia.

I wish to conclude by thanking all the witnesses who appeared before your Committee for their valuable input in the deliberations of your Committee. I also wish to thank you, Mr Speaker, for appointing your Committee to scruitnise the appointment of Dr Michael Gondwe as Governor of the Bank of Zambia. Gratitude also goes to the Clerk of the National Assembly and her staff for the services rendered to your Committee during its deliberations.

Mr Speaker, I beg to move.

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

Mr Kapeya: Now, Sir.

Mr Speaker, I rise to second the Motion urging this august House to ratify Dr Michael Gondwe as Governor of the Bank of Zambia.

Sir, I wish to begin my debate by commending the Government for nominating Dr Gondwe, subject to ratification by this House.

Mr Speaker, the position has been vacant for close to three months.

Mr Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1045 hours until 1100 hours.{mospagebreak}

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Kapeya: Mr Speaker, I wish to begin my debate by commending the Government for nominating Dr Gondwe, subject to ratification by this House. The position has been vacant for close to three months and this has not been in the best interest of the nation.

Sir, I am sure that many hon. Members of Parliament may not be familiar with the person being considered for the position of Bank of Zambia Governor. However, going by his curriculum vitae contained in the report of your Select Committee, one is bound to conclude that the appointee is an authority in the banking sector. He is also a man of unquestionable integrity and a performer, going by the achievements of the PTA Bank during the ten years that he has been President and Chief Executive Officer. The appointee is also not a stranger to the Bank of Zambia as he once served as Board Secretary for a period of four years.

Mr Speaker, as the mover of the Motion has clearly stated, the witnesses that your Committee interacted with, in scrutinising the suitability of the nominee, supported the nomination though some with reservations.

Sir, the reservations were mainly centered on the qualifications of the appointee. They were as a result of differences in what I can describe as layperson’s interpretations of Section 10(1) of the Bank of Zambia Act of 1996.

Mr Speaker, the practice in Zambia has been to appoint Governors who have qualifications in economics. This has worked reasonably well, indeed. However, when one closely looks at the provision, it simply provides that for any person to be appointed Governor, he or she should have recognised professional qualifications and experience in financial and matters of economics.

Sir, the only institutions that are mandated to interpret the law are the courts of law. Therefore, for us, the fact that Dr Gondwe is a lawyer with post-graduate qualifications with components of finance and economics, made us conclude that he is sufficiently qualified to serve as Bank of Zambia Governor.

Mr Speaker, I wish to believe that when Dr Gondwe takes up the position, he will put in place a structure that will serve him adequately.

With these few remarks, I second the Motion.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mutati (Lunte): Mr Speaker, I would like to support the Motion as ably presented by the Chairman of the Select Committee and the seconded by Hon. Mwansa Kapeya. One of the key functions of the Central Bank is pricing and anchorage of financial stability. Therefore, it is at the centre of ensuring the macro-economic stability of the economy. In supporting the nomination of the new Governor, we need to present him with a score card on which we will assess his performance annually. Some of the things they have mentioned about his academic qualifications can be compensated by his performance at the Central Bank.

Sir, one of the key concerns that we have always had is the overall issue of the cost of money, the interest rates. The hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning has done some work in encouraging the reduction of the reserve ratios. He has also, through the Budget that we are debating, pushed down the profit chargeable for the Central Bank. In consequence, the interest rates have come down marginally. If we want to continue to lower the interest rates, we need a paradigm shift. We need to target inflation because we have already given what we have in our hands. We cannot reduce the reserve ratio further because it is literally at its lowest. We cannot continue to reduce the profits. Therefore, the score card for the new Governor is to shift the determination of interest rates so that it should be more in line with inflation. Currently, our interest rates are at 300 per cent of inflation. This clearly shows a gross distortion in the economy.

Mr Speaker, the second point on his score card is the issue of minimum capital. The amount of capital that the banks are required to have in their position is critically important and will play positively in influencing the interest rates. At the moment, they are required to have US$2 million. That is very small in comparison to the requirements of borrowings in the economy. One of the issues that the new Governor should consider is that of alleviating the minimum capital requirement so that we focus on the scale. With big scale, the capacities of the banks to lend will be enhanced and, therefore, influence the cost of money. This is critically important and it has been done in other countries such as Nigeria, as referred to in the report. 

Sir, the third point on his score card is the simplification of the process of borrowings. Most of our citizens continue to complain the complex nature, not only of the forms, but also of the security that is required to anchor borrowings. I think this needs to be further simplified. Most of our citizens have also complained about what I referred to as hidden charges. All these charges must come to the surface so that people know about them. We need to have banks that make us feel comfortable to go in so that this kaloba business is done away with. The reason why people go to kaloba is that the process of …

Mr Speaker: Order! Hon. Member, you have lost us.

Laughter

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, kaloba is a form of lending whose process is simplified and based on trust. Neither too many forms nor questions are required. It is a very quick process. The point I am trying to make is that we need to simplify the process of borrowing. We also need to simplify the security that anchors borrowing. That is the main point that we want.

Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Hear, hear!

Mutati: Sir, I am saying so because in most of these banks, the security that they demand is probably 200 per cent to 300 per cent of the money that is borrowed and, therefore, they mortgage one’s whole security, be it property or other forms of security.

Mr Speaker, the next point on the score card is that for the Central Bank to continue to anchor financial stability, its independence remains key. I think this independence will be further enhanced if we shifted the basis of determining interest, where the Central Bank takes the centre stage in the management and running of the financial sector as opposed to the current regime where, in effect, the banks are much more in control compared to the Central Bank. In supporting the ratification of the nomination of the new Governor, I wish to urge him to address himself to the cost of money, the minimum capital and the simplification of borrowings, in particular, the security that is required. He also needs to continue to anchor the independence of the Central Bank.

Sir, I have known him from the Preferential Trade Area (PTA) Bank. He has the capacity, vision and strength. I know that the task at the Central Bank may be harder, but I think he will be able to dwell on the reserves that he has in terms of experience to meet the challenge head on. I look forward to the prosperity of the Central Bank increasing. If there is anything, these four points will be the basis for assessing his performance yearly.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Namugala (Mafinga): Mr Speaker, I also stand to support the ratification of the nomination of Dr Gondwe.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr M. H. Malama: Ebanakashi aba!

Laughter

Ms Namugala: Mr Speaker, Mr Gondwe is one of the many professionals who are serving in other countries and adding value to other economies. Therefore, it is right that a man of his calibre should come back to help rebuild our country.

Mr Speaker, I have known Dr Gondwe for some time and I know that he is a man of good character who will, indeed, offer the necessary leadership at the Bank of Zambia.

Mr Speaker, as can be seen from his curriculum vitae, the nominee has the necessary exposure and experience to head the Bank of Zambia. On the issue raised by the Chairperson of the Committee that there was a feeling by some witnesses who appeared before it that Dr Gondwe did not have a strong economic background for him to provide the necessary leadership at Bank of Zambia, I wish to refer the House to page 9 of the report which stipulates that in 1982, Dr Gondwe was appointed as Board Secretary of the Bank of Zambia. This is a long time ago and, from that time, he has remained very well linked to the operations of the Bank of Zambia.

Mr Speaker, on the same page, the nominee submitted that he has been at the PTA Bank for twenty-five years, ten of which he has been Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Further, when Dr Gondwe joined the PTA Bank, it had a capital of US$200,000, but it now has capital of US$1.4 billion.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Namugala: Mr Speaker, he is a good asset for Zambia.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Namugala: Speaking of the score card that Hon. Mutati referred to on page 10, the nominee says that one of the key performance indicators will be that prosperity trickles down to the local people and that the banks lend to local people.

Mr Speaker, we have heard our people continuously complain that even though we talk about the growth of the gross domestic product (GDP), it is not felt at the low level. Dr Gondwe is saying, by his own submission, that he will ensure that the GDP trickles down to the local people. We all agree, as hon. Members of Parliament, that there is a need for us to economically empower our people through lending by commercial banks and good policies.

Mr Speaker, with these remarks, I support this very good nomination by the Government.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mucheleka: Mr Speaker, let me take this opportunity to appreciate the hon. Members of this House who have supported the Motion.

Mr Speaker, on behalf of the Select Committee,  I am very grateful to all the witnesses, the nominee and the appointing authority for having given us the opportunity to make the recommendation to this august House for the ratification of the nomination of Dr Michael Gondwe as Bank of Zambia Governor.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Question put and agreed to.

_____

BILLS

THIRD READING

The following Bill was read the third time and passed:

The Customs and Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2011

 _____
 
COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY

 [THE CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the 
 Chair] 

(Consideration resumed)

Vote 93/19 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/23 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/24 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/25 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/35 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/36 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/37 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/40 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/41 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/42 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/43 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/44 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/46 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/48 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/49 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/51 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/52 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/53 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/55 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/56 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/01 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/02 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/07 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/09 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/16 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/17 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/18 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/19 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/23 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/24 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/25 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/35 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/36 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/40 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/41 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/42 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/43 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/44 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/46 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/47 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/48 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/49 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/51 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/52 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/53 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/54 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/55 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/01 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/02 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/03 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/09 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/16 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/17 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/18 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/19 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/23 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/24 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/25 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/35 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/36 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/40 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/41 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/42 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/43 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/44 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/46 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/47 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/48 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/49 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/51 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/52 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/53 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/55 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/01 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/02 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/03 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/09 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/16 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/17 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/18 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/19 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/23 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/24 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/25 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/35 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/36 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/37 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/40 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/41 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/42 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/43 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/44 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/46 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/48 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/49 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/51 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/52 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/53 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/55 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/01 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/02 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/03 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/09 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/16 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/17 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/18 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/19 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/23 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/24 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/25 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/35 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/36 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/40 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/41 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/42 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/43 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/44 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/46 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/47 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/48 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/49 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/51 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/52 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/53 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/54 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/01 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/02 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/03 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/08 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.{mospagebreak}

VOTE 98/09 – (Office of the President – Southern Province – Buildings Department – K2,063,383,729).

The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Mr Chikwanda): Mr Chairperson, I beg to move the following amendment:

Under 01 Human Resource Administration Unit, Programme: 6001 General Administration, Activity 018 Office Administration – Senanga, by the deletion of the words “Office Administration-Senanga” and the substitution therefor of the words “Maintenance of Office Equipment”.

Amendment agreed to. Vote amended accordingly.

Vote 98/09, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/16 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/17 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/18 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/19 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/23 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/24 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 98/25 – (Office of the President – Southern Province – Cultural Services Department – K1,016,679,336).

Mr Chikwanda: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move the following amendment:

(i) Under 01 Human Resource Administration Unit, Programme: 6001 General Administration, Activity 003 Office Administration, by the insertion of “K100,000,000”; and

(ii) Under 01 Human Resource Administration Unit, Programme: 6021 Culture and Development, Activity 001 Promotion of Arts and Culture, by the deletion of “K247,  375,  375,  000” and the substitution therefor of “K147, 375, 000”.

Amendment agreed to. Vote amended accordingly.

Vote 98/25, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/36 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/37 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/40 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/41 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/42 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/43 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/44 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/45 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/46 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/48 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/49 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/51 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 98/54 – (Office of the President – Southern Province – Internal Audit Department – K1, 013,920,428).

Mr Chikwanda: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move the following amendment:

Under 01 Human Resource Administration Unit, Programme: 6003 Capacity Building, Activity 001 Adult Literacy, by the deletion of the words “Adult Literacy” and insertion therefor of the words “Staff Development”.

Amendment agreed to. Vote amended accordingly.

Vote 98/54, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/55 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 99 – (Constitutional and Statutory Expenditure – K 3,777,081,231,016).

Mr Chikwanda: Mr Chairperson, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning remains committed to the effective and efficient co-ordination of national planning, economic management, financial and economic resources mobilisation and management in a transparent and accountable manner in order to foster national development and enhance the quality of life of the people of Zambia.

Further, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning sees the need for new financing under the Sixth National Development Plan (SNDP) to cater mainly for the much-needed infrastructure development notably in the transport, …

The Chairperson: Hon. Minister, I think I am a little bit lost. We are considering head 99/04 – (Constitutional and Statutory Expenditure – Contingency – K 120,000,000,000). The information I have is that there is supposed to be an amendment.

The Chairperson consulted with the Clerks at the Table.

I am advised that you are actually correct.  The hon. Member may proceed.

Mr Chikwanda: Mr Chairperson, I am sorry for the misdirection. I beg to move that Vote 99/04 be amended with words as circulated.

The Chairperson: Hon. Minister, I think it is not your fault, but that of the Chair. Did you finish making your policy statement or I interrupted you? If I did, continue with your policy statement.

Mr Chikwanda: Mr Chairperson, further, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning sees the need for new financing under the SNDP to cater mainly for the much-needed infrastructure development, notably in the transport, energy and communications sectors.

In support of this resolve and financing needs, the ministry will, beginning 2012, implement strong debt management measures aimed at effectively controlling and utilising expenditures under Head 99 in order to maintain debt sustainability.

Sir, it is under this Head that the Constitutional and Statutory Expenditures are provided for in the Budget. The expenditures include the estimated external and domestic debt service for the year. Payments in respect of the medium term pay reforms and contingencies such as disasters and other unforeseen calamities.

 Mr Chairperson, domestic borrowing by the Government is mainly conducted through the local financial markets in which Government securities in the form of bonds and treasury bills are issued to the general public. Conversely, external borrowing is contracted from multilateral, bilateral and private financing institutions domiciled outside Zambia through legal loan agreements in order to augment domestic resources. In 2012, however, the Government intends to issue an international bond to the tune of US$500 million. This amount could be upgraded depending on the demand and the final outcome of the bond tender.

As I mentioned in my Budget Speech, the issuance of the bond will not only provide additional long-term development resources, but also establish a pricing benchmark for future bond issuance by both the private and public sector. It will also enhance Zambia’s visibility as a favourable destination for investment.

Mr Chairperson, the Government’s debt management objectives in 2012 will focus on financing the Budget gap at least cost, maintaining debt sustainability and promoting debt market development. In this regard, the Government will continue to revise debt management strategies in line with the changing economic conditions so as to continually improve public debt management.

Mr Chairperson, in order to finance growth critical infrastructure that is needed to foster economic development, focus will be on concessional external borrowing. Most notably, non-concessional borrowing will only be utilised on projects with high economic and social returns across the country. Capacity, in this regard, will be built to enable us evaluate cost against benefit of a particular project.

Mr Chairperson, as regards domestic borrowing, the Government will continue to use the domestic market to raise funds at competitive interest rates and in line with our macro-economic objectives regarding domestic borrowing. Funds offered by the commercial banks will only be used when they offer competitive interest rates. Therefore, strengthening debt management and project appraisal will be key ingredients to our approach on debt policy.

Mr Chairperson, I thank all the hon. Members for their support.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Vote 99/01 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 99/02 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 99/04 – (Constitutional and Statutory Expenditure – Contingency – K120,000,000,000).

Mr Chikwanda: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move the following amendment:

Under 01 Contingency, Programme: 3089 Contingency, Activity 001 Contingency by the deletion of “120,000,000,000” and substitution therefor of “90,100,000,000”.

I thank you, Sir.

Amendment agreed to. Vote amended accordingly.

Vote 99/04, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 99/05 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

__________

HOUSE RESUMED

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

The Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure (Including Capital and Constitutional and Statutory Expenditure) for the year 1st January, 2012 to 31st December, 2012, were reported to the House as having passed through Committee with amendments.

Report adopted and Mr Speaker appointed the Minister of Finance and National Planning to be a committee of one to bring in the necessary Bill to give effect to the resolution of the Committee of Supply.

__________

BILL

FIRST READING

The following Bill was read the first time:

The Appropriation Bill, 2011

Second Reading, now.

SECOND READING

THE APPROPRIATION BILL, 2011

The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Mr Chikwanda): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the Bill be read a second time.

Sir, the Bill before the House brings us to the conclusion of the noble and important task that we started in the Committee of Supply.

Mr Speaker, allow me to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for the way in which you have guided the conduct of the Business in the House. My sincere appreciation goes to the hon. Deputy Speaker and the Deputy Chairperson of the Committee of Supply whose valuable contribution and effort to this entire process I humbly recognise.

Sir, let me commend the contributions made by the Leader of Government Business in the House, His Honour the Vice-President, in organising the Business of this House, thereby, making the whole process move successfully.

Mr Speaker, I am indebted to the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly and her staff for the invaluable assistance rendered during the deliberations on the Motion.

Sir, lastly but not the least, may I pay tribute to my hon. Colleagues, through the various committees and individually, for their input and contributions in the entire process and their advice on the many issues that arose during the debates. I am informed that this House has broken another record by approving the 2012 Budget in less than six weeks and, therefore, this deserves a round of applause.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chikwanda: Mr Speaker, as this House appropriates the 2012 Budget, we have to understand that the greater work is about to start. That is, the implementation and execution of the Budget so that our policy pronouncements and the accompanying allocations in the Yellow Book can produce tangible results with positive impact on the lives of the Zambians we serve. The ministry will make greater efforts to ensure that financial resources are mobilised and timely released to ministries, provinces and other spending agencies so that the objectives of the Budget can be attained. In particular, I call upon ministries, provinces and other spending agencies to prepare themselves and utilise resources in the most prudent, effective, accountable and transparent manner. The ministry will increase its effort in monitoring the implementation of the various capital projects across the country.

Sir, I wish to implore my hon. Colleagues to continue with their noble and civic duties of getting fully involved in the implementation of the Budget and particularly, the capital projects as they are on the ground and closer to the electorates. They are very welcome to alert the Government of any shortcomings in the Budget implementation process so that remedial measures can be taken appropriately, quickly and timely. May I also appeal to other stakeholders, including individual Zambians, to develop a great interest and participate in developmental issues because these affect their lives. Let them partner with the Government in monitoring the execution of the 2012 Budget so that we can make an extra mile in making Zambia a better place.

Mr Speaker, in conclusion, I wish to state that the Government and, in particular, my ministry has taken note of the various issues raised during the debate of the Budget Motion and some of them will be attended to in future budgets. The infrastructure needs in our country are truly a reality and have to be addressed if high levels of growth of our economy have to be sustained. The PF Government is determined to mobilise resources to ensure that all inter-district roads are worked on and water supply and sanitation in the other seven provincial capitals are improved to the benefit of our people.

Mr Speaker, I beg to move.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chikwanda: Mr Speaker, I wish to thank the hon. Members for the unanimous support of the Bill.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

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

Committed to a committee of the Whole House.

Committee today, Friday, 23rd December, 2011.

_________

HOUSE IN COMMITTEE

[THE CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the 
Chair]

THE APPROPRIATION BILL, 2011

Clauses 1 and 2 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Schedule, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Long Title agreed to.

_________

HOUSE RESUMED

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

The following Bill was reported to the House as having passed through Committee without amendment:

The Appropriation Bill, 2011

Third Reading today.

THIRD READING

The following Bill was read the third time and passed:

The Appropriation Bill, 2011

________

 ANNOUNCEMENT BY MR SPEAKER

ARRANGEMENTS FOR LUNCH

Before the House adjourns, I have an announcement to make. I would like to inform the House that the following arrangements have been made for lunch this afternoon. Lunch will be served at 1300 hours. Lunch for hon. Members will be served in the National Assembly Restaurant here at the Parliament Buildings and lunch for members of staff and Government officials will be provided at the National Assembly Motel, courtesy of the Speaker.

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

_____

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT SINE DIE

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

Question put and agreed to.

____

The House adjourned accordingly at 1247 hours on Friday, 23rd December, 2011, sine die.