Tuesday, 11th February, 2025

Tuesday, 11^th February, 2025

The House met at 1430 hours

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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OATH OF ALLEGIANCE

The following hon. Members took and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance:

Simon Banda

Justin Kapema

Nason Musonda

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

It is, indeed, a happy new year. I have seen that people are very happy.

We make progress.

________

ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER

VISITORS FROM THE TOBACCO CONTROL CONSORTIUM OF ZAMBIA

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of visitors from the Tobacco Control Consortium of Zambia of Lusaka District.

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

I thank you.

VISITORS FROM PETAUKE CENTRAL PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of visitors from Petauke Central Parliamentary Constituency of Petauke District.

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

I thank you.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

CHANGES TO THE COMPOSITION OF THREE COMMITTEES

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I wish to inform the House that, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order No. 176(3), I have made changes to the composition of three Committees as follows:

Committee on Local Governance, Housing and Chiefs’ Affairs

Mr Nason Musonda, MP, to replace Mr Nickson Chilangwa, MP.

Committee on National Economy, Trade and Labour Matters

Mr Simon Banda, MP, to replace Mr Ronald K. Chitotela, MP.

Committee on Youth, Sport and Child Matters

Mr Justin Kapema, MP, to replace Mr J. E Banda, MP.

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

COMMUNICATION FROM THE SPEAKER

SECOND MEETING OF THE FOURTH SESSION OF THE THIRTEENTH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, in line with Order No. 56 of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, I wish to address the House.

Hon. Members, I wish to warmly welcome you all to the Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly. I wish to address the House, in line with Order No. 56(1) of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, which provides for communication from the Speaker at the beginning of a Meeting. Let me begin by congratulating the new hon. Members from Kawambwa, Pambashe and Petauke Central Parliamentary constituencies, who have just been sworn in.

Congratulations on your victories in the just-ended elections. I wish you all the best in your Parliamentary journey.

Hon. Members, the main focus of this Legislative Meeting is the consideration of Bills. However, the House will also consider the following:

His Excellency the President’s Address;

His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, will address the House on the Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles in accordance with Article 86(1), as read with Article 92 of the Constitution of Zambia. That will be followed by debate on the Motion of Thanks on the Address for a period of ten Sitting days.

Questions for Oral Answer and Questions for Written Answers;

Ministerial Statements;

Private Members’ Motions;

Urgent Matters Without Notice; and

The Vice-President’s Question Time.

Hon. Members, as we begin a new Meeting, I would like us to reflect on the conduct of some hon. Members in the previous Meeting. It was observed that despite several reminders and guidance given by the Presiding Officers, the House continued to experience incidents of misconduct by some hon. Members, which was unbefitting of the dignity, etiquette and decorum of the House. I wish to implore all hon. Members to desist from any kind of misconduct, which includes coming late to the House at the beginning of a Sitting and after health breaks. Hon. Members should ensure that they observe punctuality throughout the Meeting. I further wish to urge all the hon. Whips to ensure that hon. Members are punctual so that the quorum is formed at all times for business to proceed unhindered.

Hon. Members, the other subject matter I would like to highlight is that of enhancing the visibility of the developmental activities going on in your constituencies. I would like to urge you to utilise the various platforms at your disposal, such as Parliament TV and Radio, and the National Assembly Facebook page and website to showcase the activities that are going on in your constituencies, such as the implementation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects.

In that regard, I further wish to implore all hon. Members, who do not have constituency offices, to step up modalities on the construction of the offices using the CDF. I urge you to take a leaf from Lundazi and Solwezi Central Parliamentary constituencies whose constituency offices have been constructed using the CDF. Their offices are scheduled to be commissioned within the course of this Meeting. In addition, Kanchibiya and Isoka Parliamentary constituencies have also started construction works for their constituency offices using the CDF while Kaoma and Mangango Parliamentary constituencies have commenced the process of procurement for the same. This is commendable. For the constituency offices that operate from rented premises, I wish to advise the concerned hon. Members to consult the Parliamentary Reforms Department for guidance.

Finally, hon. Members, I would like to urge you to actively participate in the various caucuses and other such voluntary organisations that exist in our Parliament. There are, currently, twenty-five parliamentary caucuses that are operating at the National Assembly. Caucuses are voluntary groups that are the primary fora for internal information sharing among Members of a caucus on a particular subject matter. Through caucuses, hon. Members are able to enhance their legislative, representative and oversight functions. I, therefore, wish to implore you all to take full advantage of the presence of the caucuses to enhance your parliamentary functions both in the House and constituencies.

Hon. Members, it is my expectation that this Meeting will be marked by meaningful and constructive debates, and a relentless focus on improving the lives of those we save. Together, we can meet the challenges of today and build a brighter future for all the people of Zambia.

I wish you all fruitful deliberations throughout this important Meeting and a happy new year.

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President (Mrs W. K. Mutale Nalumango): Madam Speaker, before I join you in welcoming all hon. Members to the Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, allow me to comment on what I have observed in the House. When we were receiving new hon. Members of Parliament, I saw hon. Members shaking each other’s hands and some looked very excited. That is a condition that has nothing to do with fear or failure. So, let us appreciate one another.

Madam Speaker, allow me to join you in welcoming all hon. Members to the Second –

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Please, if you want to discuss something, you are free to go outside so that other hon. Members can listen to Her Honour the Vice-President.

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, allow me to join you in welcoming all hon. Members to the Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly. This Meeting presents us a platform to debate and make decisions that will shape the future of our great nation and uplift the livelihoods of the people of Zambia, whom we are privileged to represent in this august House. It is my distinct pleasure to join you in welcoming the recently elected hon. Members of Parliament for Kawambwa Constituency, Pambashe Constituency and Petauke Central Constituency to this august House. Congratulations to them.

Madam Speaker, as they embark on this journey, I urge them to remember that they have been entrusted with a great responsibility of representing the interests of the people, who have placed their trust and faith in them. I implore them to work tirelessly towards the betterment of our great nation.

Madam Speaker, as you have rightly pointed out, this Meeting will mainly focus on the consideration of Bills. I, therefore, urge all hon. Members to participate effectively so that together, we can enhance the functioning of this institution by enacting legislation that ensures that the rule of law is upheld and a well-functioning society.

Madam Speaker, the need by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, to come and update the House on the progress made in the application of National Values and Principles is not only a constitutional matter, but also an important undertaking that enables us to evaluate the strides that we are making in that regard. I, therefore, cannot overemphasise the importance of the President’s Address to the House in that regard.

Madam Speaker, by upholding our National Values and Principles, Zambia can build a brighter future for its citizens and promote a just, equitable and prosperous society. I, therefore, urge all hon. Members to be receptive, as His Excellency the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, comes to address the House.

Madam Speaker, as we conduct business during this Meeting, I urge all hon. Members to bear in mind the immense trust that has been bestowed upon us by the people we represent. Let us approach every business and every debate with diligence, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the service of our people.

Madam Speaker, I am glad to note that you have indicated that the business to be transacted during this Meeting includes Ministerial Statements. As hon. Members are aware, we are currently experiencing severe floods in some parts of the country, which has resulted in damage to various infrastructure and outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera. In this regard, the Executive will issue Ministerial Statements to explain the measures the Government is taking, not only to mitigate the effects of floods, but to also address many other issues affecting the nation. I wish to urge all hon. Members to engage in constructive debate and assist the Government in finding solutions to the various challenges our country is facing.

Madam Speaker, the need for conducting ourselves in a manner that upholds the dignity and decorum of this august House cannot be overemphasised. I join you in calling upon all hon. Members to conduct themselves in a befitting manner.

Madam Speaker, you also touched on the subject of hon. Members highlighting activities going on in their constituencies, especially those under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). That is commendable. Hon. Members of Parliament should enhance the visibility of developmental projects going on in their constituencies. When they do that, it is for their own good. That way, they will create more chances of being voted back to the House. Highlighting the projects currently being undertaken is not the responsibility of only one side of this House. The projects to be highlighted should not only be those under the CDF, but also those facilitated by well-wishers and partners in development, such as faith-based organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), interest groups and - individuals who may be within or outside Zambia.

Madam Speaker, it is important for the people of Zambia to appreciate the development taking place in all the 156 constituencies. When projects are highlighted, hon. Members would be inspired by what is happening in other constituencies, which they would replicate in their constituencies. That would be encouraging. Once hon. Members in this House are on the same trajectory, we shall be marching forward together, as a nation. Development is about leaving no one behind as Zambia moves forward.

Madam Speaker, let me end by stating that the Executive is ready to proceed with the Business of the House for this Meeting. It is looking forward to the contributions and solutions that will be brought forth by hon. Members of Parliament regarding the various challenges that our country is facing, irrespective of which side of the House the suggestion will come from.

Madam Speaker, may God give us wisdom and guide us in our deliberations throughout this Meeting.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Does the hon. Leader of the Opposition also wish to comment on the Communication from the Speaker?

Mr Chabinga (Mafinga): Yes, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chabinga: Madam Speaker, once again, we gather in this august House on behalf of the people of Zambia. That is a privilege that my hon. Colleagues in the Opposition and I take as an opportunity to serve mother Zambia. As the Leader of the Opposition in the House, I sincerely appreciate the opportunity given to me to offer a few remarks on the communication you have just delivered to the House.

Madam Speaker, let me join you and Her Honour the Vice-President in welcoming all hon. Members to the Legislative Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly. In particular, I would like to convey my heartfelt congratulations to the three hon. Members of Parliament, who have joined us today, following the recently held by-elections in Kawambwa, Pambashe and Petauke Central Parliamentary constituencies, where they emerged winners.

Madam Speaker, I saw how happy all the parties were when our hon. Colleagues were being led into the House. I want to put on record my congratulations to the United Party for National Development (UPND) and the New Congress Party (NCP).

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chabinga: I want to put it on record that, as the Patriotic Front (PF), …

Mr Simumba: Why PF?

Laughter

Mr Chabinga: … we are not in an alliance with any political party.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

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

Mr Chabinga: Therefore, –

Interruptions

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

Mr Chabinga: The people –

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

The hon. Member for Mpika and the hon. Member for Nakonde, can you, please, observe the rules of the House.

Mr Kapyanga rose.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I did not invite you to talk.

Mr Kapyanga resumed his seat.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

I have given a chance to the Leader of the Opposition in the House to comment.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Can you, please, give him a chance. Whether you like him or not, he is the Leader of the Opposition.

We can make progress. We do not want to waste time.

The Leader of the Opposition may comment on my communication.

Mr Chabinga: Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the guidance.

Madam Speaker, it must be on record that ulila tabamuceba kukanwa. People should not continue crying in this House. We have a duty to work for the people of the Republic of Zambia.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chabinga: Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues, the new hon. Members of Parliament, who have just been elected, to be diligent and to perform their functions in this House without fear or favour. They will be intimidated, like the way they have been intimidated today. However, they should be strong, as I am solid.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chabinga: The hon. Members should be strong and act in a manner that will make their constituents happy and proud of the decision to entrust them with the huge responsibility and privilege of representing their constituents.

Madam Speaker, we do not shake; we are here for serious business.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chabinga: Madam Speaker, we, in the Opposition, are eager to listen to the address by the Republican President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, in which he will update the nation on the progress made in the application of the National Values and Principles. We need to learn the National Values and Principles. Promoting them is crucial for this House. We will hold the Government accountable by ensuring that it upholds the National Values and Principles. Further, we shall provide alternative perspectives and solutions on how to promote a deeper understanding of the National Values and Principles.

Hon. UPND Members: Hammer!

Mr Chabinga: Madam Speaker, you can see how the Frontbench is seated quietly and listening to the Leader of the Opposition in the House.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chabinga: Further, we shall provide alternative perspectives and solutions on how to promote a deeper understanding of the National Values and Principles.

Madam Speaker, some people have been asking, “Which Opposition?” It is the PF.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chabinga: Most importantly, we shall endeavour to participate in constructive debate and dialogue to promote the National Values and Principles for the betterment of our society. We shall promote a society that is just and equitable in which every member is satisfied, including the people of Mpika, from where Hon. Kapyanga comes.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chabinga: Madam Speaker, we, in the Opposition, are aware that in response to the severe drought we experienced last year, the Government implemented the Cash for Work Programme, which enabled many citizens to engage in community projects and earn a decent living. This is in addition to the Emergency Cash Transfer, which benefited many vulnerable people who were affected by the drought in all constituencies across the country. These interventions by the Government represent progress towards the improvement of the livelihoods of vulnerable people affected by the effects of the drought. Without those measures having been put in place, the situation would have been dire for many citizens. Therefore, the steps taken by the Government are commendable.

Madam Speaker, we, in the Opposition, remain steadfast in our work and are resolved to apply ourselves unreservedly in our continued pursuit of the much-needed development of the country. We shall give credit where it is due, such as the response to the drought situation highlighted above. In the same vein, we shall endeavour to use the available platforms to provide the much-needed checks and balances and point out any weaknesses we see in the governance of the country for remedial measures, but not through propaganda.

As I conclude, Madam Speaker, I urge all hon. Members to engage in constructive debate and to look beyond partisan lines in assisting the Executive, by providing solutions that will improve the livelihoods of the people of Zambia whom we are privileged to serve. I look forward to a - very productive Meeting.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

______

BUSINESS STATEMENT

The Vice-President (Mrs Nalumango): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the House Business Committee met on Monday, 10^th February, 2025, to determine and schedule the Business of the House for the period 11^th February to 21^st February, 2025.

Madam Speaker, the House Business Committee resolved to lay before the House the following business for consideration in the next two weeks:

Announcements

The Hon. Speaker may make announcements to the House on any date, when it is necessary to do so.

Rulings

The Hon. Speaker may render rulings, if there will be any.

Ministerial Statements

Hon. Ministers will render Ministerial Statements on several topical issues, if there will be any.

Private Members Motions

The following Private Members’ Motions are scheduled to be considered during this period:

Mr C. Kang’ombe, MP, will move two Motions entitled: “Formulate Guidelines on the Issuance and Management of Municipal Bonds” and “Establish Legal Aid Offices in all Districts Countrywide” on 19^th February, 2025.

Bills

The Bills listed hereunder will be considered:

The Cyber Security Bill No. 29 of 2024. This will be at the First Reading Stage and the date for consideration is yet to be determined;

The Cyber Crimes Bill No. 30 of 2024. This will be at the First Reading Stage and the date for consideration is yet to be determined;

The Penal Code (Amendment) Bill No. 17 of 2024. This will be at the Second Reading Stage and the date for consideration is yet to be determined;

The Geological and Minerals Development Bill No. 33 of 2024. This will be at the Second Reading Stage and the date for consideration is yet to be determined; and

The Plant Health Bill No. 20 of 2024. This will be at the Committee Stage and the date for consideration is yet to be determined.

Reports on International Conferences

Reports on international conferences will be considered, if there will be any.

Parliamentary Committee Reports

The following Committee reports will be considered during the period:

Subject Matter Committee Date of

Consideration

Ratification of Membership Committee on National Date is yet to

to the African50 Fund Articles Economy and Labour be determined

of Association for Project Matters

Development and Finance

Agreement on the Committee on National Date is yet to

Operationalisation Economy and Labour Matters be determined

of the SADC Region

Development Fund

Ratification of the Board Parliamentary Select Date is yet to

of Directors and the Committee be determined

Director-

General of the

Anti-Corruption

Commission

Questions for Oral Answer and Written Answer

Hon. Ministers will respond to eighty-six Questions for Oral Answer and Questions for Written Answer, as set out hereunder. The details of the questions are contained in the Notice of Questions of 13^th September, 2024, circulated to all hon. Members.

Questions on Standby

Questions on standby to replace questions that may not be placed on the Order Paper on the designated day for one reason or another are as set out hereunder:

Question No. Sector

211 Energy

101 Education

66 Energy

31 Local Government and Rural Development

80 Local Government and Rural Development

156 Education

170 Energy

157 Green Economy and Environment

167 Energy

104 Education

34 Fisheries and Livestock

108 Education

79 Agriculture

174 Education

152 Justice

37 Health

203 Health

52 Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development

75 Energy

124 The Vice-President

82 Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development

83 Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development

84 Technology and Science

85 Local Government and Rural Development

86 Youth, Sport and Arts

154 Agriculture

165 Fisheries and Livestock

166 Health

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the House Business Committee and in accordance with Order No. 44 of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, I have the pleasure to present the business for the next two weeks to this august House.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

_______

URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

MR SIMUMBA, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR NAKONDE, ON MR CHIKOTE, HON. MINISTER OF ENERGY, ON A TWO-HOUR ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

Mr Simumba (Nakonde): Madam Speaker, on an Urgent Matter Without Notice.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: An Urgent Matter Without Notice is raised by the hon. Member for Nakonde.

Mr Simumba: Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to raise an Urgent Matter Without Notice, and happy new year to you.

Madam Speaker, the matter that I wish to raise is directed at the hon. Minister of Energy. The hon. Minister came to this House, and justified why the Government was adjusting the electricity tariffs upwards. He stated that the people of Zambia would be receiving power for seven hours. However, at the moment, in Nakonde, we receive power for two hours only, even after the hon. Minister told us that the power utility company would increase the hours of electricity supply. I would like to find out where the hon. Minister has taken our money. Stealing from the people of Zambia without delivering –

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Nakonde!

You started well. Can you, please, withdraw the word “stealing”. No one is stealing.

Mr Simumba: Kimasholi!

Madam Speaker, if one has not delivered what one promised –

Madam Speaker, maybe, I can state it in this way: Why did the Government fool the people of Zambia by stating that it would increase the hours of electricity supply?

Madam First Deputy Speaker: That is unacceptable, hon. Member. Can you find a better word, and withdraw the other one?

Mr Simumba: Madam Speaker, I withdraw the word and replace it with the question: Why did the hon. Minister mislead the people of Zambia after they had started paying the new tariffs? The people are buying electricity at high rates, yet they receive power for two hours only. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister where he has taken the money that the people of Zambia are paying for electricity.

Madam Speaker, I seek your guidance.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, as we raise the matters, let us not use unparliamentary words. Those are the rules of the House. It is clear.

Coming to the matter that has been raised, it will come to the House through a Ministerial Statement. It was already approved by the House Business Committee that a Ministerial Statement should be given on the matter. So, we cannot admit it.

Hon. Members, we are going to balance the numbers of hon. Members wishing to raise Urgent Matters Without Notice since there are many who have indicated.

Hon. Member for Nkana, you may proceed.

MR B. MPUNDU, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR NKANA, ON MRS W. K. MUTALE NALUMANGO, THE VICE-PRESIDENT, ON THE SUSPENSION OF THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES FOR NINETY DAYS

Mr B. Mpundu (Nkana): Madam Speaker, on an Urgent Matter Without Notice.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: An Urgent Matter Without Notice is raised by the hon. Member for Nkana.

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, I rise on an Urgent Matter Without Notice, which I would like to direct at the hon. Minister of Health. Since I cannot see him in the House, I will direct it at Her Honour the Vice-President.

Madam Speaker, for many years, the health system in Zambia has greatly benefited from the support of co-operating partners. Part of that support comes through programmes that are managed under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and many others. Some of the interventions supported by these programmes go towards helping our citizens who suffer from different illnesses, such as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The Government of the United States of America (USA) announced the suspension of these programmes for the next ninety days. One can imagine Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs not being administered to patients for the next ninety days. You may have noted, that the officials of the USA Government have intimated that the programmes, particularly USAID, may not even be reinstated.

Madam Speaker, is Her Honour the Vice-President in order to not come to this House to inform the nation as to what the Government is doing to mitigate the looming disaster owing to the withdrawal of the support that was given to Zambia through USAID and PEPFAR?

Madam Speaker, I seek your indulgence.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Again, there is a scheduled Ministerial Statement on the effects on the health sector, among others, on the withdrawal of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programme. So, just be patient. The Ministerial Statement will be delivered to the House, and we believe that is very important, so that the nation is updated on what will happen after the withdrawal of USAID funding from the health sector.

MR MUTELO, HON. MEMBER FOR MITETE, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND INTERNAL SECURITY, MR MWIIMBU SC., ON THE PREVAILING DEMOCRACY IN THE COUNTRY

Mr Mutelo (Mitete): Madam Speaker, I would like to welcome all hon. Members of Parliament, especially the three new hon. Members to the House. Congratulations to them. I would also like to congratulate the other two newly-elected councillors, who won the ward by-elections that were held in Mpongwe and Nalikwanda.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security has remained quiet regarding the democracy that is prevailing in Zambia. Today, even former Presidents are able to travel.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mutelo: Madam Speaker, we now have a democracy where both the Opposition and the Ruling Party are winning elections without any conflicts. Is the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security not going to come to this House or should he not have done it like yesterday, to issue a Ministerial Statement on the democracy that is prevailing in Zambia?

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

Ema questions aya.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Mitete, I do not know what catastrophe will occur, or if a life will be lost if you do not raise that matter. For me, this matter does not qualify to be raised as an Urgent Matter Without Notice.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I will use my discretion to pick the last hon. Member. Do we have a woman?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

REV. KATUTA, HON. MEMBER FOR CHIENGE, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF ENERGY, MR CHIKOTE, ON THE POWER DEFICIT IN CHIENGE

Rev. Katuta (Chienge): Madam Speaker, happy new to you and to all hon. Members. Once again, congratulations to all the newly-elected hon. Members of Parliament.

Madam Speaker, I rise on a very serious matter without notice, directed at the hon. Minister of Energy.

Madam Speaker, the entire country, at least, receives power for two hours, but this is not the case in Chienge. Sometimes, we stay a week without power. If power is provided to the area, then it will only be for a few minutes. I am not saying this as a story. This power deficit has affected rural health centres and hospitals. For example, in the rural health centres, the nurses have to use their cellular phones for lighting to help out the expectant mothers because there is no power to even charge the solar batteries. My question, therefore, is: Is the ministry serious about helping the people who are suffering in Chienge, especially in the rural health centres?

Madam Speaker, I really need your serious guidance because the most affected are the expectant mothers.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you, although this question is again, asking if the ministry is serious. However, the matter that was raised by the hon. Member of Parliament for Nakonde is almost similar to the one you have just raised regarding energy. We said that the hon. Minister would come to this House to render a Ministerial Statement on the same matter. So, hon. Member for Chienge, just prepare for that Ministerial Statement so that you can ask the hon. Minister as many questions as you can regarding the people of Chienge. So, just be patient, a Ministerial Statement will be rendered to the House in due course.

_______

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member for Chimwemwe is not in the House, therefore, Question No. 155 lapses.

We make progress and move to the next question.

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Thank you, Madam Speaker. Congratulations to the three new hon. Members of Parliament, who have joined the House.

Hon. Members: hear, hear!

VACCINATION AND ANIMAL DISEASE CONTROL IN 2022 AND 2023

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

what the total number of cattle vaccinated in 2022 and 2023, countrywide, was;

what diseases were targeted during the vaccination exercise; and

what short and long-term measures are being implemented to control cattle diseases.

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

Madam First Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Chisopa: Madam Speaker, I will take you to Standing Order No. 141, discretion to allow a point of order.

Madam Speaker, this is a matter of life and death. I, therefore, seek your indulgence, if I can be allowed.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I have given you the Floor.

Mr Chisopa: Madam Speaker, thank you so much. I am aware that one of the bishops is serving a jail sentence and he was shown being beaten up by the prisoners. Further, a Zambian citizen by the name of Chanda Nonde has been missing since Saturday, and today is Tuesday. This Zambian citizen is a member of one of the civil society organisations (CSOs) and a former chairperson of the non-governmental organisation (NGO), Registration Board, under the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services.

Madam Speaker, we would like to find out from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security the whereabouts of this man. Has this man been abducted? Is he alive or dead?

Madam Speaker, I need your serious ruling.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I was actually wondering what the point of order was all about. Was it an Urgent Matter Without Notice? This is because it does not qualify as a point of order. However, I do not know if the hon. Minister can report this very important matter to the police. I do not think the hon. Minister can straightaway answer that question.

Hon. Members, for your information, the police have, in fact, said that they are investigating the matter. That is the status quo. So, we will wait for a better chance when this investigation will be concluded or, indeed, we will wait for an update on the same matter.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

I think, I have made my ruling. The police are investigating this matter and we will be updated in due course. If it will be favourable, at some point, the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security will come to the House to inform us. However, we have already been informed that the police are investigating the matter. So, the Government is aware of this matter.

We make progress.

The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock (Mr Kapala): Which question, Madam Speaker? I have two responses. Which one is the first?

Madam First Deputy Speaker: We are on Question No. 156 asked by the hon. Member for Kalabo Central.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

You may continue, hon. Minister.

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, a total of 2,355,185 and 2,264,338 cattle were vaccinated, countrywide, in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

Madam Speaker, the vaccination targeted the following diseases:

Year Disease Area

2022 Anthrax Luampa District and

Kazungula District

Contagious Bovine North-Western Province,

Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) Northern Province and

Muchinga Province

East Cost Fever Southern Province, Eastern Province

Central Province and

Copperbelt Province

Foot and Mouth Disease All provinces except Luapula

(FMD)

2023 Anthrax Southern Province, Western Province

and Eastern Province

CBPP Western Province, North-Western Province,

Northern Province and Muchinga Province

East Coast FeverSouthern Province, Eastern Province,

Lusaka Province,

Central Province and Copperbelt Province

Madam Speaker, the ministry is implementing measures to control cattle diseases. In the short-term, the following measures are being implemented:

farmer sensitisation and general public awareness campaigns;

vaccination of cattle against preventable diseases, such as FMD, CBPP, east coast fever and anthrax;

vector control through dipping and spraying of cattle;

early detection for treatment of sick animals;

rehabilitation and equipping of regional laboratories;

operationalisation of district laboratories;

enhanced service delivery through improved extension service delivery;

recruitment of additional extension service workers to improve the worker-to-farmer ratio from 1:1,200 to 1:400; and

targeted support to surveillance institutions, such as the Central Veterinary Research Institute (CVRI).

Madam Speaker, the long-term measures being implemented are as follows:

continued and enhanced farmer sensitisation and general public awareness campaigns;

implementation of disease preparedness and contingency plans;

implementation of biosecurity measures; and

completion of the construction of the viral vaccine plant.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, I want to find out something regarding laboratory services from the hon. Minister. He said that the Government intends to establish district laboratories. Before we look at district laboratories, out of the ten provinces, how many have laboratories that are operational, as we speak?

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, I do not have the actual figures. However, I know that the Southern Province and Lusaka Province have effective laboratories that are operational.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Madam Speaker, I would like to wish you a happy new year.

Madam Speaker, today is a good day. Before I ask the hon. Minister a question, I would like to say one or two words to my hon. Colleagues, as I welcome them. I will start with Hon. Simon Banda. The people of Petauke spoke clearly and helped to get him to where he is. Therefore, he should be loyal to them. Some of his hon. Colleagues in here campaigned for him and others campaigned against him. Some people lost their vehicles for being loyal to him. So, he should be loyal to them.

Interruptions

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, my hon. Colleagues from Pambashe and Kawambwa Central need to be loyal to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and the Zambia Police Service.

Laughter

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, we need to remember that voter registration in Nchelenge had stopped because there was no –

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Lunte!

You may resume your seat.

Laughter

Rev. Katuta: Iwe naku Luapula bakuconga, iwe! Ebaume aba. Bakutotela bena Chishinga. Ba kutotela, iwe. Abena Chishinga bakutotela, iwe. Well done!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Lunte –

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members on my left!

I think that the three newly-elected hon. Members of Parliament will be with us until 2026. So, we can find a better time to interact or mingle with them.

Rev. Katuta: It is about loyalty!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: For now, you are just supposed to congratulate them and end there. If you have other detailed messages, please, send them when you are outside the House.

Rev. Katuta: Ala ndume yandi abena Chishinga ba kutotela!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You may continue, hon. Member.

Mr Kafwaya: Since my words of goodwill to my hon. Colleagues have been curtailed, I will find another platform to send them the message.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you.

Mr Kafwaya: However, they need to be loyal to whoever supported them.

Madam Speaker, there is no voter registration in Nchelenge right now …

Madam First Deputy Speaker: What is your question?

Mr Kafwaya: … because elections are no longer taking place, ...

Rev. Katuta: Hear, hear!

Mr Kafwaya: … my hon. Colleagues need to be loyal to the ECZ.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: What is your question, hon. Member for Lunte?

Interruptions

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, my question to the hon. Minister –

Rev. Katuta interjected.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Chienge, please, let us have order.

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister referred to short-term and long-term plans. On what national plans are they based?

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, they are based on the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

The hon. Member for Chienge and the hon. Member for Mpika, I warned you. Please, leave us for today.

Interruptions

Rev. Katuta and Mr Kapyanga left the Assembly Chamber.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The hon. Acting Minister of Fisheries and Livestock may respond.

Interruptions

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, I am the substantive Minister.

Hon. Opposition Members: Eko babatwala. Mwalaba?

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

We make progress.

Mr Mutinta (Itezhi-Tezhi) Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Itezhi-Tezhi, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the efforts that the ministry is making in the livestock sector in the district.

Madam Speaker, I know that there are livestock service centres across the country that were under construction around 2017 and 2018, but were abandoned later. Does the ministry plan to complete the construction of those centres? Does the hon. Minister know how much the Government lost as a result of the facilities being abandoned and vandalised?

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Acting hon. Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, you may proceed.

Oh, sorry!

Laughter

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister, my apologies. I do not know what is happening this new year.

Mr Kapala: Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is the first day, I mean, everybody is bound to make some mistakes.

Madam Speaker, we are aware that the construction of many livestock centres was started in and abandoned midway, but money was paid out. We are looking into the matter to see to it that we slowly and systematically continue working at completing their construction. We have a schedule on how we are going to complete the centres that were abandoned.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mapani (Namwala): Madam Speaker, may I find out whether there is an intention by the Government to undertake another round of vaccinations, this year, to ensure that the diseases are completely wiped out and at what cost that will be.

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, in my response on the short-term measures in answer to part (c) of the question, I indicated that the vaccination of cattle against preventive diseases is an on-going exercise that we conduct every year.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mrs Sabao (Chikankata): Madam Speaker, allow me to congratulate the new hon. Members on their victories.

Madam Speaker, my question is: Does the ministry have any plans for the farmers whose animals are not kept in paddocks to avoid the spread of diseases among the animals?

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, sorry, I missed that one. I did not get the question.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: No problem.

Hon. Member for Chikankata, repeat the question.

Mrs Sabao: Madam Speaker, my question is: Does the ministry have plans to create paddocks for the animals that are not kept in paddocks so that we can avoid the spread of diseases, thereby, reducing the cost on the part of the Government?

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, the creation of paddocks is a private matter and depends on the capacity of the farmer who decides to venture into cattle rearing. However, we have a system that is coming up, very soon, in terms of compartments. So, people who would want to secure their animals can group together to form a compartment so that we can prevent the spread of diseases.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mutale (Chitambo): Madam Speaker, let me also congratulate the three hon. Members who have joined us. They are very welcome to the House.

Madam Speaker, in his answer, the hon. Minister said that there were no vaccination exercises that were carried out in Luapula in 2023 or 2024. I hope I got him right. I want to know why it was so. Was it because the ministry targeted certain diseases?

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, my ministry responds to areas where there are outbreaks of diseases.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mukosa (Chinsali): Madam Speaker, the question that I wanted to ask has been overtaken by events.

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, I want to find out from the hon. Minister whether the diseases that were included in the 2022 Livestock Survey are still prevailing in the same proportions.

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, the simple answer to that question is that we are yet to eradicate all the diseases. So, once in a while, they will pop up, and we will deal with them.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

CONSTRUCTION OF MWENDA SECONDARY SCHOOL

157. Mr Chala (Chipili) asked the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development:

when the construction of Mwenda Secondary School in Chipili District will be completed;

at what level, in percentage terms, the project was as of April 2024;
what the cause of the delay in completing the project is; and

what the cost of the outstanding works is.

The Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development (Eng. Milupi): Madam Speaker, let me also add my words of congratulations to the three hon. Members, who were ushered into this House this afternoon, and to remind us that since we came into this House in 2021, there have been five Parliamentary by-elections, and out of those, four of them have been won by this side, the Government side, ...

Hon UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Eng. Milupi: ... and the other one has been won by the New Congress Party (NCP). This means that the success rate of this side is 80 per cent and, by any measure, that is a distinction.

Madam Speaker, the construction of Mwenda Boarding Secondary School in Chipili District of Luapula Province will be completed by 31^st December, 2025.

Madam Speaker, as of April 2024, the project was at 60 per cent. The delay in completing the project is due to funding constraints.

Madam Speaker, the cost of the outstanding works was estimated at K30,626,060.36, as of 2014. However, that is likely to change after the procurement of a new contractor.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Chewe (Lubansenshi): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity you have given to me, on behalf of the good people of Lubansenshi Constituency, to ask a supplementary question.

Madam Speaker, before I proceed, allow me to welcome my fellow hon. Members and members of staff to this Meeting. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the hon. Members who have joined us.

Madam Speaker, allow me to now proceed with my question.

Madam Speaker, the cry of the people of Chipili, where that secondary school is concerned, is also the cry of the good people of Lubansenshi Constituency. According to the ministry’s position, I am happy that the hon. Minister has indicated that construction of the school will be completed in 2025.

Madam Speaker, now, let me take this opportunity to also appreciate the other projects in the constituency. Knowing fully that there was an indication that a number of projects should have been implemented by this time, including the secondary school in question, which is at 80 per cent complete, what is the Government’s position on completing the projects that are above 80 per cent?

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Lubansenshi for the supplementary question. However, as hon. Ministers, we have been advised to confine ourselves to the questions as we answer them. The question that was asked related to the construction of Mwenda Secondary School in Chipili District, for which we have given an answer. We have answered all the questions that were raised. We have stated that the completion time for the construction of the school is the end of this year, 2025. For the question relating to Lubansenshi, I advise my good friend here, Hon. Taulo Chewe, to file in another question, and we shall answer it adequately.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Chibuye (Roan): Madam Speaker, let me begin by also joining my hon. Colleagues in congratulating the three hon. Members, who have joined the House today. On behalf of my hon. Provincial Minister, I congratulate the hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Eng. Milupi, for giving us a brand-new road from Masangano to Fisenge upto Luanshya.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chibuye: You do not know what you have done, ba mudala. Where we were taking two hours, today –

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Roan, what is “ba mudala”? Who is ba mudala?

Laughter

Mr Chibuye: Madam Speaker, sorry for that. It is just a way of respecting elders.

Madam Speaker, we sincerely thank the hon. Minister for his work and we look forward to having more brand-new roads in our district.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Roan Constituency, let me also convey heartfelt condolences to the Minister for Central Province, Hon. Mwabashike, on the loss of his son when the House was on recess.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister said that the project was stopped at 60 per cent completion. Is he in a position to tell this honourable House how much was spent for the project to reach 60 per cent completion stage? Where there any outstanding interim payment certificates (IPCs) towards the same project?

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

Madam First Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mutale: Madam Speaker, thank you very much.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament for Roan has congratulated all the hon. Members of Parliament, who have joined us. I was listening very attentively, thinking that he would also congratulate you, Madam Speaker, because in Bemba we say, “umuno walaya umusunga wenda uwakonkomona”.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Meaning?

Mr Mutale: Madam Speaker, meaning that he who is promised, always expects.

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Member in order to congratulate the new hon. Members of Parliament and welcome all of us back to the House without congratulating you for not making the orchard look ripe?

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

Laughter

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, what breach has been committed? Can the hon. Member cite the Standing Order which has been breached?

Mr Mutale: Madam Speaker, the breach is that the mangoes are not ripe.

Laughter

Mr Mutale: Is the hon. Member in order to try to show that he can be strong and speak on top of his voice without mangoes?

Madam Speaker, I need your serious ruling.

Laughter

Mr B. Mpundu: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Since you have not cited the Standing Order that has been breached, your point of order is inadmissible.

I will, therefore, allow the hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development to respond.

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, in answering the supplementary question from the hon. Member for Roan, I will give more details on this particular project. The construction of Mwenda Secondary School, in Chipili District, is part of the 115 secondary school projects whose construction the Government will complete. On this particular one, the China Henan International Co-operation Group (CHICO) was contracted to construct Mwenda Secondary School, in Chipili District, at a contract sum of K68,435,804.63 and a total of K37,809,744.27 has been released towards the work. Those are the interim payment certificates (IPCs) that the hon. Member was asking about.

Madam Speaker, this work commenced in August 2013, and was expected to be completed by February 2016. It was a three-year project. However, the contract expired due to a lapse of time. The project has since been retendered and is, currently, at tender evaluation stage.

Madam Speaker, the procurement of a new contractor will be concluded by the end of the first quarter of 2025 and as I said, completion of the works will be within ten months. This means that completion of the work will be by the end of the year.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mumba (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, I would also want to associate myself to your welcoming remarks to our new hon. Members of Parliament. I would just urge them to remain focused and not to be misled.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has mentioned that the main question relates to Chipili, but in the answer that he has just given, he has referred to the 150 secondary schools whose construction the Government will complete. One of them is in my constituency and has been on the cards for completion, I think, for the long time I have been in this House. Last year, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning did make a progressive provision for money to be allocated to boarding schools whose works had stalled for ten years and above. Unfortunately, the whole of 2024, those contracts were still being reviewed by the Ministry of Justice. I have also heard the hon. Minister say that the completion of these project has been hindered by the non-availability of funds.

Madam Speaker, I want to appeal to the hon. Minister, since he has requested my colleague, the hon. Member for Lubansenshi, to file in a question, to consider issuing a Ministerial Statement on what the position is in 2025. The Ministry of Finance and National Planning has done its part and has made its commitment, but the Ministry of Justice has kept on telling us that it is still doing the contract processing. Now, we cannot tell our people what is happening. So, I would like the hon. Minister to assure us that he will come back to the House and give us information on what will happen in 2025.

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, I thank the Member for Kantanshi, Hon. Mumba, for the supplementary question. I think, he is making an appeal for more information. Suffice to say, when he makes reference to the Ministry of Justice in the procurement process, the procurement of Government projects goes through a thorough process just to make sure that everything is above board. Sometimes, because of the need to be thorough, there may appear to be some delays. I have stated on the Floor of this House, many times, that in the last administration, projects were started with the Government resources. It is the intention of this current Government to ensure that with all the resources being made available, all the projects that were started with various levels of completion will eventually be completed.

Madam Speaker, regarding the hon. Member’s request for a thorough statement, that also will be considered.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Chala: Madam Speaker, can the hon. Minister assure his people, my people and the children around that area that this school is going to be completed by December, as he put it? We need the school so that the children do not suffer when they grow up because they never had access to education. They are waiting for this project to be completed. I filed in this question in 2023, but it has come on the Floor today, after one year. Could the hon. Minister assure my children and his people that the school will be completed by December 2025.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Before the hon. Minister comes in to respond, let me say that today, being the first day of the Meeting, I will forgive the two hon. Members who were asked to leave the House because of misconduct. However, before I do that, can they apologise to the House one by one from where they are.

Rev. Katuta: Thank you, Madam Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to apologise. I thank you for forgiving us. Our conduct was out of excitement. We were in our constituencies where there is too much pressure. So, when we come here, we release our pressure. For this reason, in all honesty, I apologise to the House for the misconduct that my hon. Colleague, the hon. Member for Mpika, and I displayed when Hon. Kafwaya rose on a point of order.

I thank you, Madam Speaker, for forgiving us.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you.

I had indicated that you should apologise individually, but the hon. Member for Mpika is not around.

We make progress.

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, my colleague, Hon. Chala, the Member of Parliament for Chipili, which is a wonderful constituency, is asking me, as a Minister in the Government, to assure him that his children and my people will have this school by the end of the year. Let me assure him that once the New Dawn Government makes a statement on the Floor of this House, issues are resolved, unlike the previous Government –

Mr Kampyongo: Question!

On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Eng. Milupi: The former hon. Minister in charge of home affairs is now saying “question”.

We intend to keep our promise. Therefore, please, let me assure the children, the parents, including the hon. Member himself, that the construction of Mwenda Secondary School will be completed. To this effect, I ask him to keep getting in touch with me and the ministry in the next ten months to make sure that progress is achieved.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Do you still want to raise a point of order, Hon. Kampyongo?

Mr Kampyongo: Yes, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You may go ahead.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order pursuant to Standing Order No. 71. Today, being the first day, I have been sitting here quietly and watching the new hon. Members who have come to warm seats on behalf of the rightful owners.

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, in his response to my hon. Colleague here, the hon. Minister drew me into his debate. He said that he does not make promises, which are not fulfilled. This is the fourth year of him being the hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development. He assured the people of Shiwang’andu Constituency that Matumbo High School, whose construction started at the same time as Mwenda Secondary School, would be completed. Government projects are continuous. You leave some projects behind and others complete them. As you know, this is the last year of this Government.

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order to refer to the newly elected hon. Members? We know that the Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) party, of which he is president, has never participated in any by-election.

Mr Chisopa: He does not even have a councillor.

Laughter

Mr Kampyongo: Is he in order to state here that he fulfills what he promises?

Madam Speaker, he said that he has won elections, but we cannot see any member of the ADD here. Besides, he promised the people of Shiwang’andu that the construction of Matumbo High School would be completed.

Is he in order, Madam Speaker?

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, your point of order is not focused. I do not know whether it is a debate or not. Also, the Standing Order that you have cited is not related to what you have said. Did you cite Standing Order No. 21? That one states that the President should be heard in silence. I do not know how your point of order is connected to the Standing Order. So, because of that, your point of order is not admissible.

We make progress. The last hon. Member on the Floor was the hon. Member for Chipili.

Mr Chala: Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I have taken the hon. Minister’s assurance to my people, his people and our children in Chipili, which is that when they grow up, they will not suffer from poverty of the mind.

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

Mr Chala: I expect him to fulfill his promise.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Before the hon. Minister comes in to respond, do you have a point of order, hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development?

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, I do have a point of order. I am extremely worried about the etiquette of the House. I rise on a point of order based on the Standing Order that addresses the issue of dress code, which we all know about.

Madam Speaker, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 217 on page 126:

“(1) Except during the Ceremonial Official Opening of Parliament, the Speaker shall wear a black gown with a short peruke.

(2) On the day of Ceremonial Official Opening of Parliament, the Speaker shall wear a ceremonial gown with a long peruke.”

Madam Speaker, coming to the hon. Members of the House, it is clear that hon. Members must wear a suit or a safari suit with a scarf. Is the hon. Member of Parliament for Chipili in order to come dressed in a dinner jacket, …

Laughter

Mr Nkombo: … made of metal, to this House at this hour? According to my watch, it is 1600 hours.

I seek your serious ruling, Madam Speaker.

Laughter

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you. At least, we are all laughing.

I think that assignment was given to the whips. The Government Chief Whip should make sure that the dressing of hon. Members is in line with the Dress Code prescribed for them. So, the Government Chief Whip or the Patriotic Front (PF) whip will determine that issue. However, he looks smart.

We make progress.

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member just made a statement.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: A question was asked by the hon. Member.

Eng. Milupi: No, he just made a statement. There was no question.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Okay. It was a comment.

We make progress.

Mrs Munashabantu (Mapatizya): Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate the three hon. Members, who have joined us today.

Madam Speaker, Question No. 158.

DIP TANKS AND DIPPING CHEMICALS FOR MAPATIZYA CONSTITUENCY

158. Mrs Munashabantu asked the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock:

how many dip tanks there were in Mapatizya Parliamentary Constituency as of March 2024;

whether the Government has any plans to rehabilitate any of the dip tanks in the constituency;

if so, how many dip tanks are earmarked for rehabilitation;

when the rehabilitation exercise will commence, and

whether the Government has any plans to assist cattle farmers with dipping chemicals.

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, as of March 2024, there were twenty-seven dip tanks in Mapatizya Constituency. Of these, fourteen belonged to the Government of the Republic of Zambia and thirteen were privately-owned.

Madam Speaker, with regards to the construction of new dip tanks or the rehabilitation of existing ones, I wish to inform this august House that the New Dawn Administration remodelled the approach for the provision of those facilities by making them community-driven. Based on the needs of each community, communities that need to undertake the construction or rehabilitation of dip tanks can apply through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). The ministry, on the other hand, will provide technical support.

Madam Speaker, in view of the response to part (b) of the question, parts (c) and (d) of the question will be determined by the respective communities.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member may wish to note that control of ticks and tick-borne diseases is the responsibility of farmers. As such, the Government has no budgetary provisions for the procurement and supply of dipping chemicals for farmers. However, the ministry, through our extension staff, provides technical guidance to farmers on the control of ticks and tick-borne diseases.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Munsanje (Mbabala): Madam Speaker, may I join the House in congratulating the three newly elected hon. Members on their victories and for joining this august House.

Madam Speaker, regarding the chemicals for dipping, there are issues on both their efficacy and content as well as their expiry and other things. Some farmers have complained about the chemicals not being effective. Since the hon. Minister has said that it is the responsibility of farmers to procure their own dipping chemicals and given that the staff for extensive services is limited, I am wondering what the ministry is doing to ensure that farmers are not duped and that they are buying chemicals that are of the right quality and have the right efficacy to eradicate ticks.

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, I think, the best way to answer that question would be to say that farmers concerned should take samples to any of our stations, the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) or the Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA), so that we can determine whether the chemicals that have been supplied are of good standard or not.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mrs Munashabantu: Madam Speaker, I am always grateful to the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government for the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation and to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock for livestock restocking programmes for both cattle and goats, of which Mapatizya is a beneficiary.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: That is a comment.

Mr Kapala rose.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You want to respond to the comment?

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Member for that compliment. I can assure the House that other areas will also be provided with restocking programmes for cattle and goats.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

ENHANCEMENT OF ZNBC TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS

159. Mr Katakwe (Solwezi East) asked the Minister of Information and Media:

whether there are any plans to upgrade the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) television transmission systems to enhance picture quality;

if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

if there are no such plans, why.

Mr Katakwe: Madam Speaker, may I also congratulate our new hon. Members on their victories. It is said that new brooms sweep better than old ones. I hope that they will articulate issues in Parliament with level headedness and soberness.

Madam Speaker, with leave of the House, I wish to withdraw Question No. 159.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: So, Question No. 159 is hereby withdrawn.

Question by leave, accordingly, withdrawn.

KANSANSHI MINING PLC SHAREHOLDING STRUCTURE

160. Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa) asked the Minister of Finance and National Planning:

what the shareholding structure for Kansanshi Mining Plc in Solwezi District was, as of April 2024;

when the current shareholding structure took effect;

besides the dividends, what other benefits accrue to the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH) from its shareholding in the mine; and

how much the ZCCM-IH has earned from the mine under the current shareholding structure.

The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane): Madam Speaker, the shareholding structure for Kansanshi Mining Plc as at 30^th April, 2024, is as follows:

Kansanshi Holdings Limited – 80 per cent; and

Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH) – 20 per cent.

Madam Speaker, the current shareholding structure took effect on 20^th December, 2001.

Madam Speaker, as the House may be aware, the ZCCM-IH’s shares in Kansanshi Mining Plc were restructured in April 2023. The ZCCM-IH now receives its benefits in form of commodity royalty. Other than that, the ZCCM-IH is entitled to receive 20 per cent of the historical Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds for the period 2001 to 2023.

Madam Speaker, under the current structure, the ZCCM-IH had earned US$83,611,939 as at 31^st March, 2024. That amount is comprised of both VAT refund dividends and royalty income.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning has indicated that US$83 million is what we are currently getting from Kansanshi Mine under the new arrangement. What he is telling us is that we are no longer getting a dividend from Kansanshi Mine. We are now getting what he is calling a commodity royalty and 20 per cent of Value Added Tax (VAT) refund. Compared to the previous arrangement, is US$83 million an annual income from the mine or is it what we are getting over a period of two years? I want this to be very clear so that the public understands whether the new arrangement is giving the Zambian Government more revenue compared to if we had stuck to the old arrangement where we would wait for a dividend.

Madam Speaker, that is my first follow-up question.

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for that question.

Madam Speaker, there is no question about the fact that under the royalty model, the ZCCM-IH is getting much more money compared to the situation when it was under the dividend model and the reasons are simple.

Madam Speaker, under the dividend model, Zambia was a minority shareholder, which it still is at 80 per cent. So, the one who was determining how much dividend to pay out was not Zambia or the ZCCM-IH, but the majority shareholder. The majority shareholder’s inclination was not that of paying dividends, rather its inclination out of the profits was to keep money in reserves. Under the royalty model, whatever is produced is valued and out of that, money is paid to the ZCCM-IH. Whether the majority shareholder pays dividends or not, we get money.

Madam Speaker, to give an indication of what I am talking about, in the year 2019, the dividend model delivered US$9.4 million. In 2020, the dividend model delivered only US$2.3 million and, in 2021, US$36.8 million. From the time we moved on to the royalty model, in 2023, the royalty model delivered US$56.13 million and, in 2024, US$54 million. So, it does not require a genius in mathematics or anything else to see very clearly that the royalty model is delivering more money.

Madam Speaker, under the dividend model, one could not predict how much money they would be given as dividends. It was all dependent on the majority shareholder to determine how much money one would get. Therefore, expected incomes were unstable and unprojectable. Today, under the royalty model, the earnings are more predictable and stable. What does that mean? It means the ZCCM-IH can confidently go to a financial institution such as a bank and say, “My friends, I want to borrow money to carry out this project and I do it on the strength of these projected incomes”. So, in addition to receiving more money, one has more stability that enables them to go to the financial institution and be able to borrow money. Zambia is, therefore, better off under the royalty model.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, what rights have we surrendered under the new agreement? What authority did the Zambian Government have over Kansanshi Mine, which under the new regime, we do not enjoy? Are there any rights that we have surrendered in agreeing that instead of getting a dividend from Kansanshi Mine, we will simply be getting what the hon. Minister is calling commodity royalty and a 20 per cent of the VAT refund? What have we foregone?

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, actually, this discussion of whether to go with the royalty model or the dividend model was started by the Patriotic Front (PF). The United Party for National Development (UPND) took a look at the two models and thought that the royalty model made sense because under the dividend model, we were receiving very little money whilst under the royalty model, which the PF had started talking about, we receive more money.

Madam Speaker, the question is very simple. Sometimes, we complicate matters. Even when somebody gives you something good, more money, you want to invent complications that are difficult to understand. What is better for the hon. Member between getting more money and less money?

Laughter

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, for me, there is nothing that we surrendered. We have just received more money. He should just accept that receiving more money is more logical and better than receiving less money.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lubozha (Chifubu): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving the people of Chifubu an opportunity to ask a question.

Madam Speaker, the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Limited-Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH) converted the dividend rights in Kansanshi Mine to the royalty agreement. Could the hon. Minister explain to this House how we are managing to get these benefits by converting our dividend rights in Kansanshi Mine. How are we getting these benefits because under the dividend model, we would get our benefits through the declaration of dividends from the profits? Since we have converted these rights, how are we getting our money and from where is our money being computed0? How are these benefits accruing to us, as the owners of the company?

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, I said it very clearly that under the dividend model, we were receiving far less money and the reason is that the majority shareholder is the one who called the shots about how much dividends had to be paid. For the majority shareholder, the interest was not to pay out dividends because it wanted to retain the money in the company. In the process, the ZCCM-IH, which wanted cash to be able to do other things, was disadvantaged. So, now, we are using the royalty model, which gives more money, and this is why I am saying that it is obvious that getting more money is more beneficial than getting less money.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mabeta (Kankoyo): Madam Speaker, last year, Kansanshi Mine Plc produced over 431 metric tonnes, which is close to 48 per cent of the total copper produced in the country. This is the highest number of metric tonnes of copper produced by a single mine in Zambia. Could this be attributed to the good policies and the favourable dividend models that have been introduced under the United Party for National Development (UPND)? The mine is now producing and contributing more to the Treasury.

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, yes, the First Quantum Minerals Ltd (FQM) produced more copper in 2024 than in 2023. In spite of power shortages, FQM and Kansanshi Mine Plc produced more copper. I am sure that my hon. Colleague, the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, will come and. tell the House the quantum of the extra copper produced and how much progress we have made in producing more copper. I am sure that he is also going to tell us that in 2025, we are going to produce even more copper. Why is this is happening? The hon. Member is right to say that it is happening because of good policies. One would expect that the previous Government would have taken care of the mines after acquiring huge debts, because it is the mines that pay back debt. That is what we expected. However, what happened instead is that the previous Government drove Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM) and Mopani Copper Mines Plc (MCM) into the ground. The end result was the reduction in the copper produced. Happily, with the policies that we have put in place, more copper is being produced in spite of the electricity shortage. What will happen when more electricity is produced is that we will be sailing towards that 3 million metric tonnes of copper.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I will take the last question from the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Madam Speaker, I would like the hon. Minister to make his explanation simple for the ordinary Zambian out there to appreciate it. The hon. Minister said that the rationale behind the conversion of the shareholding dividend model to the other model that he thinks will generate money is as a result of the major shareholder calling the shots and deciding when dividends should be paid and on what profit, if I got him right. If that is the case, what guarantee do we have that the majority shareholder, who calls the shots, will be able to give the people of Zambian what is due to them using the model that the Government has proposed? In any case, that model can apply to any other mine, regardless of the shareholding.

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu for that question. Actually, I was hoping that he would help me to explain this matter because as I said, this is what the previous Government left on the table. We just took over and picked it up from where it left. Obviously, the previous Government must have had a good reason as ours, that the dividend model puts more money into the ZCCM-IH. The guarantee for royalty is based on production. If we produce more, and we can verify that, more royalty is paid. If there is low production, low royalty is paid. So, it is inherent in the agreement that we monitor whether, under this agreement, we can get a fair share of what we are supposed to receive.

Madam Speaker, I can simplify this issue by repeating that the dividend model was generating less money and that the royalty model is generating more money consistently, which can enable the ZCCM-IH to borrow money from the bank. With this kind of money, the ZCCM-IH can even open a mine, based on the fact that a cash stream is expected, plus borrowing. Under the dividend model, that was impossible because today, you would receive something, and tomorrow, nothing.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr B. Mpundu: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, I rise on this very important point of order. The question we are dealing with is very important. It would have helped if the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning had addressed an issue that has been long-standing. Part (c) of the question is as follows:

“Besides the dividends, what other benefits accrue to the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH) from its shareholding in the mine.”

Madam Speaker, whatever is submitted here is put on record. Is the hon. Minister in order not to have taken advantage of the question to address this matter? First Quantum Minerals Plc (FQM), which we are talking about, was found to have committed a crime because its managers transferred US$2.5 billion to Panama without the approval of the shareholders. That US$2.5 billion would have benefited the people of Zambia. The hon. Minister has forgotten to take advantage of this question to inform the people of Zambia as to what could have informed his decision to allow that case, a criminal case, to be washed away, and we ended up losing US$2.5 billion.

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order to forget to address this very important ingredient of the question?

I seek your indulgence, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Did you cite the Standing Order that has been breached?

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Nkana, considering the way you have raised your point of order, it would have been better if you had filed in a question. We take whatever response the hon. Minister provides as information from his ministry. He gives us information pertaining to what he has in his office. So, the question that was brought to this Floor has been adequately attended to by the hon. Minister, but you want certain information from the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, which is not connected to the question.

Hon. Member for Nkana, you have a question which is not in line with the question on the Floor. The question on the Floor is very specific and the hon. Minister has responded to it adequately. You have another issue that you would like to be addressed and I urge you to file in a question unless the hon. Minister is ready to comment.

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, yes, I think, it is important to answer that point of order. The hon. Member said that Zambia lost US$2.5 billion. That is not true. All he is saying is that at the time, Zambia made a claim of US$2.5 billion, but there was no conviction that the money was due to Zambia. Once profits are declared, it is up to companies to decide whether that money should be put back into the business or transferred elsewhere. They can do whatever they decide. At that time, the Zambian Government would have already collected its taxes.

Madam Speaker, this is why under the Patriotic Front (PF) Government, the mining sector died because the PF Government closed the mines. That happened because the previous PF Government spent all the time fighting in courts. The President said that instead of mining, the previous Government spent all the time fighting in courts on cases that had no merit. The result is that it closed mines. Are they not happy that today, the mining sector is thriving?

Madam Speaker, I think that because of the confusion which runs in the minds of my hon. Colleagues on the left about what is our money and what is not, they destroyed the economy. They should never be allowed to destroy the economy again.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

I used my discretion to allow the hon. Minister to provide an answer to that matter, which was brought through a point of order.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

[MR SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

Rev. Katuta (Chienge): Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Happy new year, Mr Speaker.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Happy new year.

Rev. Katuta: Thank you.

Mr Speaker, Question No. 161

CONSTRUCTION OF CORRECTIONAL FACILITY IN CHIENGE

161. Rev. Katuta asked the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security:

whether the Government has any plans to construct a correctional facility in Chienge District;

if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security (Mr Mwiimbu, SC.): Mr Speaker, with your indulgence, may I congratulate my three hon. Colleagues who have joined us this afternoon. You may be aware that our friends from the Patriotic Front (PF) used to tease us that Luapula Province was the ‘bedroom’ of the PF. This afternoon, we have shown the nation that we have entered into the ‘bedroom’ of the PF …

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: … and we are fully covered in the ‘bedrooms’ of the PF in Luapula Province.

Mr Speaker, I also want to congratulate the hon. Colleague who won the Petauke Central seat, which was previously held by an hon. Independent Member.

Hon. Member: Tonse!

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Tonse is an illegal organisation.

Laughter

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: The only party we know to have won the election is the New Congress Party (NCP). Congratulations.

Interruptions

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Mr Speaker, I wish to convey my condolences to the PF for not having won any seat because its members boycotted the elections.

Laughter

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to construct a 480-capacity correctional facility in Chienge District to enhance custodial services for inmates.

Mr Speaker, the House may wish to note that the Government has plans to construct correctional facilities in all the new districts.

Mr Speaker, the plans will be implemented when funds are made available.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Rev. Katuta: Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the response that he has given to the people of Chienge.

Mr Speaker, it is sad to hear the response, “Whenever funds will be available” because the population in Chienge is increasing. We do not have much of a police presence, and we are at the border. We are all aware of what is happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Mr Speaker, when the hon. Minister says that the plans will be implemented when funds are made available, the question that I have for him is: Is he aware that even the police post in Puta does not have sufficient holding cells? I want him to answer that question, then, I will ask him another one. I would appreciate it if he responded to that question. Is he aware that the police post in Puta does not have enough room to hold twelve or eighteen people?

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Mr Speaker, I am aware. That is why, as the Government, we have plans to construct a correctional facility in that area. She must be assured that immediately funds are made available, we will construct the correctional facility to take care of the issues that have been raised.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Rev. Katuta: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out when the funds are likely to be made available. I think that it is very important for us to know.

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member for Chienge is aware that this House appropriates the funds that are utilised by the various ministries. Once the appropriation is made by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, the hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development will be availed that money and the construction work will start. For now, the resources have not yet been availed. However, the hon. Member’s case is a priority and we will take into account the needs of the people of Chienge.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

ERECTION OF COMMUNICATION TOWERS IN MILANZI CONSTITUENCY

162. Ms Phiri (Milanzi) asked the Minister of Technology and Science:

whether the Government has any plans to erect communication towers in Milanzi Parliamentary Constituency;

if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Technology and Science (Mr Mutati): Mr Speaker, let me start by also congratulating the new hon. Members of Parliament who have joined us. To them I say, welcome and well done on their election victories.

Mr Speaker, in responding to the question, I wish to inform the House that the Government has plans to erect communication towers, countrywide, including in Milanzi Parliamentary Constituency. The House may wish to note that the Government surveyed four sites in Milanzi Parliamentary Constituency in the following wards:

Kapoche at Chiwalala Primary School;

Kafumbwe at Mnthimpa Rural Health Centre;

Kampamba at Zokango Primary School; and

Katuila at Katuila Secondary School.

Mr Speaker, working with a private mobile network operator, the Government has commenced the erection of a tower at Katuila Secondary School, in Katuila Ward, in Milanzi Constituency. Once the fiscal space improves, the other three areas will be prioritised.

Mr Speaker, as stated in response to part (a) of the question, the erection of towers in Milanzi Parliamentary Constituency is already being implemented.

Mr Speaker, given the responses above, part (c) of the question automatically falls off.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Ms Phiri: Mr Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Minister for his response. However, I want to remind him that I asked him a similar question in 2023, and he assured the people of Milanzi that the Government would soon start the erection of a tower at Katuila. To date, there is nothing on the ground. How far has the hon. Minister gone in implementing that project because there is nothing on the ground? Further, I want to know when the hon. Minister will implement, or should I say, put up the other three towers, as he has indicated.

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for that follow-up question.

Mr Speaker, as of this morning, I was informed that a private company is on the ground to begin the erection of the tower. I shall check that together with the hon. Member of Parliament for Milanzi.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: The question was quite specific. I will only allow two hon. Members to ask supplementary questions, starting with the hon. Member for Nyimba.

Mr Menyani Zulu (Nyimba): Mr Speaker, the question on the erection of towers has been asked since we started the First Session in 2021. We have been asking for towers to be erected across the country and we have seen it done in many constituencies. In Milanzi and Nyimba, however, there has been a problem with the exercise. Some of the areas we submit to the hon. Minister for siting of towers cut across different constituencies. For example, one area might cover Nyimba, Lusangazi and Petauke. So, certain tower sites are not just for one constituency.

Mr Speaker, my question to the hon. Minister is: Is there a problem regarding the erection of communication towers? We have been asking for towers to be erected in Milanzi Constituency and Nyimba Constituency since 2021, but to date –

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Is the question about Milanzi?

Mr Menyani Zulu: Yes, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker, is there a problem in the areas where towers have not been erected? In certain constituencies, we are able to see towers erected and completed.

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, we have always indicated to this House that one of the biggest constraints that we have is the fiscal space to implement the erection of towers. The hon. Member of Parliament for Nyimba has frequently been to our offices and has engaged my Permanent Secretary (PS) on the erection of towers in his constituency. So, I trust that he will also save the results of those engagements.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for his responses.

Mr Speaker, communication towers have become so important not only for Milanzi, but also for almost all the rural constituencies. At the moment, people in the country cannot buy –

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: You are now debating. Just ask a question.

Mr Mung’andu: Mr Speaker, I want to lay the background on the importance of communication towers, especially for Milanzi Constituency and Chama South Constituency.

Mr Speaker, the Government has introduced so many Electronic Programmes (e-Programmes). For example, people cannot buy maize from the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) without using a cellular phone. However, similar to the situation in Milanzi, in areas such as Chipala Ward and Lumezi Ward, in my constituency, there is no communication. I am aware that engineers were sent on the ground to check on underserved areas regarding communication. When does the hon. Minister think the Government will be able to attend to those areas, not only in Milanzi, but also in Chama South? We want to know if we are likely to see that done this year or next year so that we inform our people accordingly.

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, in all fairness, I think, we have surveyed many places. With the fiscal space we have currently, we will erect eighty towers. We are going to share with hon. Members of Parliament the specific places where those eighty towers will be located.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Just as I said, the question was specific. Therefore, we move to the next question by the hon. Member for Dundumwezi.

Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Mr Speaker, thank you very much and compliments of the season to you and the entire House.

UPGRADING OF SCHOOLS IN DUNDUMWEZI CONSTITUENCY

163. Mr Sing’ombe asked the Minister of Education:

when the following community schools in Dundumwezi Parliamentary Constituency will be upgraded to Government schools:

Nakalombwe;

Humbe;

Katini;

Hambweka;

Chipondo; and

Kabombo; and

(b) when the following primary schools will be upgraded to secondary schools:

(i) Mikata;

(ii) Sichibeya; and

(iii) Munyeke.

The Minister of Education (Mr Syakalima): Mr Speaker, the following community schools in Dundumwezi Parliamentary Constituency have been upgraded to Government schools:

Nakalombwe;

Humbe;

Katini;

Hambweka;

Chipondo; and

Kabombo.

Mr Speaker, the upgrade is in accordance with Section 35 of the Education Act No. 23 of 2011, published in the Government Gazette Notice No. 1055, dated 27^th September, 2024.

Mr Speaker, the Government has successfully upgraded Mikata Primary School and Sichibeya Primary School to secondary school status, with the new programme set to commence with the enrolment of Form I learners in 2025. However, Munyeke Primary School was not recommended for upgrading to secondary school status due to insufficient infrastructure to support secondary education. It is worth noting that Munyeke Primary School is conveniently located between two existing secondary schools, that is, Sichibeya Secondary School and Kasukwe Secondary School, providing accessible options to local learners.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Any supplementary question?

No indications

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member for Dundumwezi may ask his question.

No indications

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: If there are no questions, we make progress.

The hon. Member for Isoka may ask the next question.

Mr Sing’ombe: Mr Speaker, I have a supplementary question.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: You took time, hon. Member.

Mr Sing’ombe: Mr Speaker, my sincere apologies.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: You can go on.

Mr Sing’ombe: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister of Education for the response. I think that he has scored 99 per cent on the answers to the questions I asked; I am being sincere. However, he said that Munyeke Primary School was not selected for upgrading because of a lack of infrastructure. The other reason he gave is that the primary school is strategically located between Sichibeya Secondary School and Kasukwe Secondary School, which is perfect. The two secondary schools the hon. Minister mentioned do not have boarding facilities. So, how are we going to protect the girl child, who will be subjected to walking close to 10 km one way to those schools?

Mr Speaker, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to ask an extra question.

Mr Syakalima: Mr Speaker, we will embark on a programme to address that issue. The distances are quite long. So, we are putting up boarding facilities for the children. I think that I need to check some information, again, on this question.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Munsanje (Mbabala): Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister of Education for his responses to the question by the hon. Member for Dundumwezi. Dundumwezi is Mbabala Constituency’s neighbour. I further thank the hon. Minister because we handed over a preschool today, in Mang’unza, which I had been lobbying for from the ministry. So, job well done.

Mr Speaker, regarding the upgrading of primary schools to secondary schools, we have a situation in Mbabala similar to the one in Dundumwezi. Mpoma Secondary School, Chilalantambo Secondary School and other schools have been directed not to admit Grade 8 pupils, but they have been running Grade 8 classes. I want the hon. Minister to clarify the matter because this seems to be a problem in Dundumwezi as well. Could the hon. Minister clarify why some secondary schools have been stopped from admitting Grade 8 pupils when they have been running as secondary schools? This year, we have ended up with a crisis concerning our children getting secondary school spaces in some areas in Mbabala and Dundumwezi, which are in our neighbourhood.

Mr Syakalima: Mr Speaker, that is a new question. However, a circular has been issued on that matter.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Mr Speaker, I will ride on the follow-up questions from the hon. Member for Dundumwezi and my hon. Colleague, who has just asked a question. Is it possible for the hon. Minister to come to this august House to update us on the new changes that have posed a big challenge, especially for us from rural areas, where some schools have been downgraded? I hear that the teachers who are supposed to implement the new changes or the new curriculum are also confused. Is it possible for the hon. Minister to come to this august House to update us on the new changes in the education sector, especially regarding primary and secondary schools, so that we can have information to share with the people who are struggling to know what is going on?

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: The hon. Minister may comment on that.

Mr Syakalima: Mr Speaker, I will come back and update the House on that.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Dr Andeleki (Katombola): Mr Speaker, since the hon. Minister said he is going to come back to the House to issue a Ministerial Statement, I will not ask my question because it relates to the same situation of the new curriculum and the children who have been displaced in the sense that the ministry has revoked the right of nearly all secondary schools to provide Grade 8 and Grade 9 classes. In a chiefdom, maybe, only one school can provide these classes and this might be a crisis. Since the hon. Minister will come and update the House, I withdraw my question.

Ms Nakaponda (Isoka): Mr Speaker, let me congratulate the new hon. Members of Parliament, and I welcome them to this august House.

CONSTRUCTION OF STAFF HOUSES AT ISOKA DISTRICT HOSPITAL

164. Ms Nakaponda asked the Minister of Health:

whether the Government has any plans to construct additional staff houses at Isoka District Hospital in Isoka District;

if so, when the plans will be implemented;

what the estimated cost of the project is; and

if there are no such plans, why?

Mr Muchima: Mr Speaker, the Government has priorities. At the moment, we know that the Government's priority is to employ staff. The construction of staff houses is a secondary issue. However, it is catered for. Staff who are not accommodated are given 20 per cent worth of their salaries as accommodation allowance. So, they are somehow comfortable.

Mr Speaker, the last time a matter like this was raised, I said that local councils could build some flats to accommodate single young men and women using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and the local councils would benefit from that initiative. If one waits for the Ministry of Finance and National Planning’s pocket, one will find that the ministry has many priorities. As a ministry, we also have a long list of projects to be completed and buying of equipment and medicines. All those are serious priorities. So, in instances that staff are compensated with 20 per cent worth of their salary for accommodation, I think that they are comfortable for the time being. Hospital infrastructure comes with housing, especially, if it is a new project. However, at the moment, there are no funds for such.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Ms Nakaponda: Mr Speaker, in his response, the hon. Minister has mentioned that the Government has priorities. Does that mean that Isoka is not a priority?

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Nakaponda: Mr Speaker, Isoka is one of the constituencies in Zambia. To make matters worse, people in Isoka rent houses. Currently, there is no compound for medical personnel at Isoka District Hospital. Is the hon. Minister telling me that Isoka is not a priority?

Mr Muchima: Mr Speaker, I think that is out of context. I talked about the priorities of the Government in terms of funding, not Isoka as such. Hospital staff housing is a countrywide issue. I do not refer that to Isoka. When funds are available, houses will be constructed. This Government does not discriminate. Even Isoka will be included when funds are available.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Chala: Mr Speaker, does the ministry have plans to construct staff houses in Isoka and other areas? I recall the previous Government had a programme to construct staff houses. It started with constructing staff houses for the Zambia Police Service (ZPS) and the Zambia Army. We want the current Government to do the same. Does the Government have any plans on its table? When money is available and there is no plan, that money can be directed to other programmes because of many competing needs.

Mr Muchima: Mr Speaker, the priority of the Ministry of Health, at the moment, is to complete the unfinished infrastructure that was left uncompleted by the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) Government, which the Patriotic Front (PF) Government did not even consider working on. This time, we want to complete all the incomplete infrastructure and also build hospitals. So, between the construction of a hospital and a house, which one is a priority? For me, the priority is the hospital. We have an opportunity to do that. This Government has done well in allocating K36 million towards the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which has not happened before. If I were the hon. Member, I could use my initiative to build some flats at the cost of K2 million or K4 million within that allocation. Some money can be assigned for that purpose to accommodate the staff. At the moment, nurses and doctors are comfortable because they are getting 20 per cent of their gross salaries as accommodation allowance. So, it is not an issue at all. The priority is to build hospitals. The other things will come later.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Hamwaata (Pemba): Mr Speaker, let me take this opportunity to congratulate the hon. Members who have joined this honourable House.

PEMBA DAMS REHABILITATION

165. Mr Hamwaata asked the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation:

whether the Government has any plans to rehabilitate the following dams in Pemba Parliamentary Constituency:

Hakwangala in Hamaundu Ward;

Hangwanyama in Hamaundu Ward;

Munene in Hamaundu Ward; and

Likwele in Pemba Ward;

if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

what the estimated cost of the project is.

The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation (Eng. Nzovu): Mr Speaker, let me join all the hon. Members in congratulating the new hon. Members in the House.

Mr Speaker, let me congratulate the United Party for National Development (UPND) for the effective fight against corruption, as shown by the Corruption Perception Index, which has clearly shown that this Government is serious in the fight against corruption. Numbers do not lie. Independent assessors have clearly shown that the efforts that are being made by the UPND Government are working.

Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to rehabilitate small dams across the country to ensure the availability of water resources for socio-economic development. The plans include the rehabilitation of the four named dams in Pemba Parliamentary Constituency.

Mr Speaker, the Government, through my ministry, is currently conducting a comprehensive assessment of all water harvesting infrastructure in the country. The assessment will determine the necessary interventions and associated cost implications in restoring full functionality. The implementation timeline for the rehabilitation of the listed dams will be determined upon completion of the assessment process and once fiscal space improves. However, as part of on-going efforts, the ministry has prioritised the rehabilitation of Bulanda Dam in Nachibanga Ward of Pemba Constituency. The dam is scheduled for rehabilitation in the 2025 Fiscal Year. Additionally, twenty-two dams in Pemba District will undergo maintenance works, as part of the drought response plan.

Mr Speaker, the estimated cost of the project will only be determined after conducting detailed feasibility studies and engineering designs.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

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

Mr Hamwaata: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the assurance that he has given to the good people of Pemba Constituency that the dams will be rehabilitated.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

There is an indication for a point of order.

On whom is the point of order?

Mr Kafwaya: Mr Speaker, the point of order is on the hon. Minister, who was on the Floor.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Cite the rule that has been breached.

Mr Kafwaya: Mr Speaker, Standing Order No. 61.

Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister knows that not too long ago, independent assessors assessed the Republican President of Zambia as the best President in Africa. They also assessed the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning as the best Minister of Finance in Africa. Is the hon. Minister in order to bring up those assessments in the House, and to start talking about corruption when he knows that the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has reported that US$3.1 billion left the country?

Ms Mulenga: Hear, hear!

Mr Kafwaya: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order to claim that corruption in this country is reducing and to bring up the issue on the Floor of the House when he knows that hon. Ministers in the United Party for National Development (UPND) have been cited as being corrupt, and his Government has refused to publish their names?

Mr Speaker, I seek your ruling.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, I think, one thing that we should all know is that when the hon. Minister issues a statement on the Floor of the House, he speaks from a verified point of view, which also happens to be the Government’s view. So, for you to go further to make assertions about corruption, things that you cannot substantiate and do not know anything about is, I think, something we should avoid doing and misleading the public.

Interruptions

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, let us avoid misleading the public.

Interruptions

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, I have guided. Let us avoid making assertions just to please ourselves. The hon. Minister is speaking from the Government’s point of view and as such, we should all respect that because whatever is said on the Floor of the House is the Government's position and assurance.

Mr Hamwaata: Mr Speaker, before I was interrupted, I registered my appreciation with the hon. Minister on the assurance given to the good people of Pemba on the rehabilitation of dams. However, the only worry is where the time frame is not clearly stated for the good people of Pemba, especially, when we talk of the Hatwangala Dam, in Hamahundu Ward. This is the dam that has been feeding Pemba Secondary School. Likwale Dam is a dam that the whole Pemba town depends on. In a situation whereby, there is no clear assurance as to when these dams will be rehabilitated, would the hon. Minister assure the good people of Pemba on other measures that could be taken so that we do not end up having a situation such as the one we already have whereby the district does not have water because this dam does not harvest enough water.

Eng. Nzovu: Mr Speaker, let me state and restate that, indeed, numbers do not lie. We all quote the Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) when it suits us. Clearly, the TIZ has stated that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has improved. This means that there is an effective fight against corruption. It is as simple as that. So, let us accept facts.

Mr Speaker, let me assure the hon. Member of Parliament for Pemba that, indeed, we have come up with several interventions in Pemba. Working with the hon. Member, we drilled the commercial borehole as an interim measure and we are looking at rehabilitating the dam. We will be sending a team to his constituency to work with him to ensure that we carry out that assessment and bring on board various interventions to ensure that we rehabilitate that dam and give it life. So, be assured that this Government will not neglect the people of Pemba.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Jamba (Mwembezhi): Mr Speaker, I would like to welcome the new hon. Members of Parliament, who have been ushered into this House.

Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister be kind enough to give us the list of dams that are supposed to be rehabilitated in the shortest possible time. For example, one of the dams in Mwembezhi, called Mashili Dam, is dilapidated and the water is drying up. Is the hon. Minister going to be kind enough to give us the list of the dams to be worked on?

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: The question is constituency-specific. It does not talk about Mwembezhi.

Laughter

Mr Munsanje: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for his response to the question regarding Pemba, which is one of the neighbouring constituencies to Mbabala.

Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for recently bringing on board his ministry to undertake dam maintenance around the various constituencies. This includes one of the dams that we share with the people of Pemba, which is on one of the key rivers called Mutama River.

Mr Speaker, I would like to ask about the timeliness of dam maintenance in the midst of the rainy season when we would have wanted to harvest this water effectively. As an able engineer, what is the hon. Minister’s comment regarding his ministry carrying out dam maintenance in the midst of the rainy season when we want to harvest water in Pemba and Mbabala?

Eng. Nzovu: Mr Speaker, I want to agree with the hon. Member that I am a very senior engineer in this profession.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Eng. Nzovu: Mr Speaker, as a senior engineer, I will respond as follows: The maintenance of dams can be done at any time. There are certain maintenance works being carried out, right now, which we call preventative maintenance. However, there are also some where you see that the dam is at risk of being washed away and, therefore, the need to surely carryout maintenance works arises, particularly on spillways, and we have been doing that a lot. Further, some of these works were embarked on before the rainy season and they have continued even into the rainy season. So, we are okay carrying out these maintenance works even during the rainy season.

Mr Speaker, currently, I will tell the hon. Member that because of climate change, we are receiving unprecedented floods. Some of the dams were designed with low capacities on the spillways, and so, they are not able to discharge this increased flooding. What is happening, at the moment, is that on some of the dams we are, obviously, opening up the spillways to ensure that we route the flood away and because most of these are earth dams, we are able to protect them. So, any time is a good time to maintain dams.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Hamwaata: Mr Speaker, I wish to appreciate the work that the Government is doing and for the assurance that Bulanda Dam will be rehabilitated. However, when it comes to the projects that we were given, especially with the contractors who have performed badly, we, in Pemba, are sad. There are contractors that were working on Chibwe Ntolo Dam, Chimowa Water Scheme, Munyama Water Scheme and Simudima Water Scheme, who have completely failed.

Mr Speaker, what assurances is the hon. Minister giving to the good people of Pemba Constituency that the next contractors that the Government is going to contract to rehabilitate the dams will be experienced, has the necessary equipment and will deliver to the good people of Pemba for any works that they will be given to undertake under the ministry?

Eng. Nzovu: Mr Speaker, let me agree completely with the hon. Member of Parliament that we have had issues with the contractors in Pemba Constituency. We have terminated the contracts and have since started the process of recovering all the money that was paid to the contractors. Further, those contractors will not see any Government projects at all.

Mr Speaker, let me also sound a warning to all the other contractors who think it is business as usual now. We are in a state of emergency; our drought was a disaster and our policy to harvest this water is in high gear. So, we will not tolerate any shoddy work.

Further, the new contracts we are entering into with contractors now have certain performance indicators. One of them are clauses that ensure that contractors are charged for liquidated damages arising from exceeding contractual periods. Performance bonds and all of these will be encashed if terms of contracts are breached. So, we are not playing and I want to sound a very serious warning to all contractors coming on board concerning breaching of contracts.

Mr Speaker, I also want to take advantage of this question to inform the House that the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation will soon be in Lunte Constituency. I expected the hon. Member of Parliament for Lunte to ask me questions about dams rather than divert to other issues. I invite him to my office so that we talk about Lunte, other than politicking. We need to talk about water harvesting in Lunte because there are issues there that require attention.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kolala (Lufubu): Mr Speaker, happy new year to you.

Mr Speaker, on behalf of the people of Lufubu, I want to be a part of those welcoming the new hon. Members of Parliament. Congratulations to the new hon. Members of Parliament. I have seen that many Patriotic Front (PF) hon. Members are very excited. I do not know which party the hon. Member of Parliament for Petauke Central stood on.

Interruptions

Mr B. Mpundu: Iwe wawinine pesa akale?

CONSTRUCTION OF MUTENDA HEALTH POST

166. Mr Kolala asked the Minister of Health:

when the construction of Mutenda Health Post in Mukubwe Ward in Lufubu Parliamentary Constituency will be completed; and

what the cause of the delay in completing the project is.

Mr Muchima: Mr Speaker, Mutenda Health Post in Mukubwe Ward in Lufubu Parliamentary Constituency, under Ngabwe District, will be completed in the second quarter of 2025.

Mr Speaker, the cause of the delay in completing the project has been due to limited funds. I am happy to further inform the House that the project cost has been budgeted for in the 2025 Infrastructure Operational Plan (IOP), under the Ministry of Health.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kambita (Zambezi East): Mr Speaker, I noticed that in his very good answer, the hon. Minister referred to the fact that some funds have been allocated towards the health post in question in the 2025 Budget. I am alive to the fact that under the previous regime, 650 health posts were supposed to have been constructed throughout the country using a financing facility from India. I bet that Mutenda Health Post is one of the facilities that were supposed to have been constructed under that arrangement, but it is now being financed by the ministry.

Mr Speaker, we have a similar health post in my constituency and we ended up using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to complete it. I would like the hon. Minister to give guidance. The question has given the hon. Minister an opportunity to clarify whether the health posts whose construction started, and are probably at slab level, will be completed by the ministry. If not, can people go ahead and set money aside from the CDF to complete such health posts because the pressure to complete such facilities is too much?

Mr Muchima: Mr Speaker, the facility we are talking about, Mutenda Health Post, is 85 per cent complete. The remaining work is 15 per cent. As I said earlier, the Government is determined to complete the infrastructure that was abandoned. However, that depends on the availability of funds. Let us not forget that we had a drought and our Budget even had to be revisited. As such, we cannot attend to everything at once, but the Government is committed to completing the construction of various infrastructure.

Mr Speaker, the Indian contract for the construction of 650 health posts expired, but the Government will not ignore the projects that were to be implemented. When the resource envelope is better, the Government will revisit the projects. If a project is started using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), for sure, the ministry will provide some help if it has some funds because the money is from the same Government. So, we can help one another to complete projects. Our desire is to provide health care to people throughout the country. All projects will be completed either through the CDF or the Treasury.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kolala: Mr Speaker, it is consoling that the hon. Minister has assured us that in the second quarter of this year, Mutenda Health Post will be completed. People were sad because the clinic has been at 85 per cent complete since 2019. The hon. Minister said that the delay was caused by a lack of funds to carry out the 15 per cent remaining work. The people of Lufubu are questioning that excuse, but they are grateful that the hon. Minister has assured them that the health post will be completed. Now, I want him to give us another assurance. We have set aside some money for the same project and we do not want to channel it to something else. Could the hon. Minister confirm, again, that the ministry is going to complete the project within the second quarter of this year.

Mr Muchima: Mr Speaker, the remaining 15 per cent works we are talking about are estimated to cost K420,000. Surely, out of K36 million from the CDF, can we not allocate K420,000 towards completing that project? I assure the hon. Member that K420,000 to complete the 15 per cent remaining work will be found.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mumba: Mr Speaker, let me take advantage of the answers by the hon. Minister of Health because they border on the availability of the resource envelope. We have a problem at Ronald Ross Hospital, which is that the Ministry of Health issues contracts from Lusaka for projects to be carried out at the hospital. For instance, the ministry awarded a contract for a laboratory project at the hospital in good faith. In other words, there were good intentions.

Mr Speaker, I have heard the response by the hon. Minister regarding the availability of money. For the last one year, the laboratory at the largest hospital in Kantanshi, Mufulira District, has not been operational. My concern is the resource envelope because the hon. Minister clearly stated that many projects were inherited from the previous Government. Is the ministry taking time to properly separate the outstanding projects from the new ones? They seem to fall in one batch, but all of them have to be attended to with the limited resources available. Does the ministry have a plan that clearly states what is going to be done under rehabilitation or completion so that we do not have a situation like the one we have in Kantanshi? In good faith, the Ministry of Health said that it would build a new laboratory for us, but the contractor left the site. I want clarification on that.

Mr Muchima: Mr Speaker, the ministry has a strategic plan and it prioritises whatever works it does. If the hon. Member has time, particularly concerning his constituency, he can engage us and we can tell him exactly –

Mr Speaker, the question on the Floor is on Lufubu. In the hon. Member’s case, we even had a chat last time he raised the issue about me travelling to Mufulira to look at the complexity of the problem in his constituency. If it is real and very serious, and it requires immediate attention, the constituency will be given attention even with the limited fiscal space.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Next question, hon. Member for Sioma.

Mr Mandandi was not in the Assembly Chamber.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member is not in the House, the question lapses. Next question.

Hon. Member for Lunte, you may proceed.

AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF A 25 KG BAG OF BREAKFAST MEALIE MEAL AND ROLLER MEALIE MEAL BETWEEN AUGUST 2021 TO MAY 2024

168. Mr Kafwaya: Asked the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry what the average retail prices of a 25 kg bag of breakfast mealie meal and roller mealie meal, respectively, was from August 2021 to May 2024, year-by-year.

Mr Mutati (on behalf of the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry (Mr Chipoka Mulenga)): Mr Speaker, the Government is aware of the fact that mealie meal is an essential commodity. The Government has continued to monitor the prices of mealie meal. Through monitoring, the average retail prices of a 25 kg bag of breakfast mealie meal and roller mealie meal from August 2021 to May 2024, year-by-year, has been tabulated. Suffice it to say, in August 2021, the average price of a 25 kg bag of breakfast mealie meal was K141 while in May 2024, the average price was K329. The price of roller mealie meal in August 2021 was K111 while the price in May 2024 was K281. We have tabulated the prices month by month from August 2021 to May 2024 for both breakfast mealie meal and roller mealie meal.

Mr Speaker, if we give a year-by-year breakdown, we will be distorting the price because the prices given are at the end of every year. The prices fluctuate at the end of the year. So, for example, in December 2022, the average price for breakfast mealie meal was K172 while the price, as we said, in May 2024 was K329. Also, in December, the average price of roller mealie meal was K139 while in May 2024 it was K281. The increase in the price of both 25kg breakfast mealie meal and roller mealie meal in May is not significantly higher in real terms. Be that as it may, the following are the critical issues and factors that are influencing the price of mealie meal:

The Rising Cost of Living

Mr Speaker, the high cost of living in Zambia is partly due to legacy issues, namely the unsustainable debt and fiscal expenditure inherited in 2021. These features have reinforced each other leading to the rising cost of living domestically.

Global Economic Shocks

Mr Speaker, the Russian-Ukraine War worsened the situation by disrupting global supply chains, which resulted in increased prices of imports, especially agricultural imports. For example, the price of fertiliser increased from an average of US$700 per metric tonne to US$1,400. That, obviously, contributed to the increased cost of production leading to an increase in consumer prices.

Mr Speaker, the Government is not sitting idly. As hon. Members of this House are aware, this Administration is investing heavily in domesticating fertiliser production. For the first time in this country, we are exporting fertiliser to the rest of the region.

Agricultural Production Challenges

Mr Speaker, during the 2023/2024 Farming Season, Zambia experienced the worst drought in its modern history. That saw a decrease in the production of maize, which is a staple food for many Zambians. The production of maize in the 2023/2024 Farming Season reduced to 1.5 metric tonnes from 3.2 metric tonnes in the 2022/2023 Farming Season, representing a decrease of 54 per cent.

Mr Speaker, notwithstanding this severe drought, it is gratifying to note that the country enjoys national food security because of the interventions that the New Dawn Government puts in place to ensure that no Zambian dies of hunger. The Government has continued to put in place interventions to facilitate access to affordable mealie meal, including initiating any maize programme that aims at supplementing the national strategic reserve and the introduction of the Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility (SAFF), which is aimed at supporting small and medium-scale farmers in the production of maize on land ranging from 1ha to 5ha.

In addition, the Government has put in place interventions to ensure that prices are stabilised across the country to allow citizens to have access to affordable mealie meal. These measures include the introduction of community sales of maize grain by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), the distribution of Kalonga mealie meal produced by the Zambia Correctional Services (ZCS) and Eagles mealie meal produced by the Zambia National Service (ZNS).

Mr Speaker, the Government, through the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), is subsidising inputs in order to support small-scale farmers, who form the majority of our agricultural sector. Further, through the enhanced access to cheaper agro-inputs such as fertiliser, the production of fertiliser in the country has increased. Zambia is now able to export fertiliser to Botswana and Tanzania through the United Capital Fertiliser Company (UCF). Further, the Government is providing agro-finance as well as expanding the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) to K400 from K200 per month to farmers.

Availability of Electricity

Mr Speaker, the poor 2023/2024 Rainy Season has resulted in a severe deficit in electricity generation, leading to Zesco Limited introducing load management. This had an adverse effect on crop irrigation, which is needed to augment cereal production. The cost of alternative sources of energy, such as solar and thermal, are currently high. Critical investments in the sector of energy are also being undertaken.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kafwaya: Mr Speaker, you may not be aware that the hon. Minister, who is standing in for Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, is my elder brother. I took over from him in Lunte.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: What has that got to do with the question?

Interruptions

Mr Kafwaya: I am asking a question. You may not be aware, Mr Speaker, but now that –

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: No, just –

Interruptions

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, may you just ask your follow-up question.

Mr Kafwaya: Mr Speaker, I appreciate the detailed response that the hon. Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry has given. My question was straightforward. I just asked about the price of mealie meal, but the hon. Minister has given us a tremendously detailed response. This detailed response shows that the price of mealie meal has been increasing from 2021 to 2024. I can safely state that as of today, in Shoprite, breakfast mealie meal is costing K420.

Ms Mulenga: Owe!

Mr Kafwaya: This means …

Mrs Mulyata: Question!

Mr Kafwaya: … that the promise by Her Honour the Vice-President that a bag of mealie meal would cost K50 is a farfetched dream.

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr Kafwaya: With hindsight, would the hon. Minister still praise his Government’s decision to export maize, which is causing some companies to fail to pay the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) up to today? Would he still praise that decision and think that it has impacted the cost of mealie meal positively or state that it was an extremely poor decision?

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Lunte for that incisive question. A while ago, the hon. Minister of Water Development and Sanitation did invite the hon. Member for Lunte to work with him on the issues of dams. The whole purpose of that invitation was to allow for irrigation of maize in Lunte so that it could influence the price of mealie meal. So, I think, the answer for the hon. Member for Lunte is for him to take up the challenge. One cannot reduce the price without increasing production.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mutati: That is the only answer. There is no shortcut.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mutati: Therefore, Mr Speaker, let us deal with the first things first. The hon. Member should go home with the hon. Minister and construct dams for increased production.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

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

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Mr Speaker, I was listening to the Acting hon. Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry’s response to this very interesting question, which borders on food security. As we speak, our people are stressed as a result of the high cost of the staple food. In his response, he cited Kalonga Milling and Eagles Milling.

Mr Kampyongo put his hands in the pocket.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, we are not allowed to put our hands in the pocket while debating.

Mr Kampyongo withdrew his hand from the pocket.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, this issue of mealie meal is very critical. Probably, even those people who have been disbanded in the Eastern Province could just have been sacrificial lambs. The issue is about the cost of living. The hon. Minister cited the example of Kalonga Milling, which is produced by the Zambia Correctional Services (ZCS), and Eagles Milling, which is produced by the Zambia National Service (ZNS). I want to put it on record that Kalonga Milling was established to ensure that all correctional facilities were sustainable in terms of food security. In the past, we used to have unsustainable debt arising from the supply of mealie meal. For Eagles Milling, under the ZNS, the rationale behind its introduction was to ensure that the men and women in various cantonments were also supplied with basic necessities, including the staple food. What has changed now with our colleagues in the Government is that these milling plants are now operating like commercial milling plants.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, may you ask your question. You are debating.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, this is very critical.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: No –

Mr Kampyongo: I want the hon. Minister to give a measured –

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

It is not time for debate. May you ask a question.

Mr Kampyongo: Can the hon. Minister confirm, through this august House, to the people if, through the two milling plants, the ministry has introduced price controls on mealie meal. The people who are buying the mealie meal from these plants cannot even put a mark-up to cover the transport cost to the trading places. The traders are being beaten up and arrested by the ZNS for adding a mark-up to cover the transport costs. This is against the law. Has the Government started controlling the price of mealie meal using the defence forces?

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for that very good question. The question from the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu is: Have we started controlling the price through the ZNS and the ZCS? Our agenda is very clear. The role they are playing is to create competition and only competition can influence the price of mealie meal.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member for Nkana.

Ms Sefulo: Kasongo mbona webo!

Laughter

Mr B. Mpundu (Nkana): Thank you.

Mr Speaker, alitumpa umwanakashi uyu.

Laughter

Mr B. Mpundu: Mr Speaker, through you, Uncle Felix, in 2021, the price of a 25 kg bag of mealie meal was K141. When his friends on your left the Government, the price of a 25 kg bag of mealie meal was K141. He was a part of that Government at some point.

Mr Nkombo: Which Government?

Mr B. Mpundu: Today, the price of a 25 kg bag of mealie meal is K420. That is K279 more than the price at which his friends left the same bag of mealie meal.

Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister should understand that mealie meal is a commodity that is politicised and, therefore, cannot be left completely in the hands of market forces. That is why Governments throughout the history of Zambia have always intervened in the pricing of this commodity. That is why His Excellency the President promised the people of Zambia that the United Party for National Development (UPND) would reduce the price of a 25 kg bag of mealie meal to K50. That promise was made when the party knew fully well the factors at play when it comes to the pricing of mealie meal.

Mr Speaker, is the Government admitting failure? The hon. Minister has forgotten that his Government promised to reduce the price of a 25 kg bag of mealie meal to K50, but now it wants to leave the price to market forces. All the previous Governments, including the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) that he was a part of, played around with the issue of mealie meal so that its price was not left to be determined by market forces. Can the hon. Minister admit to the Zambian people that the Government has failed?

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I rise to raise a point of order on the hon. Member of Parliament for Nkana.

Mr Speaker, when we come to this House, we are supposed give all the information pertaining to the issue at hand. My dear young brother, the hon. Member of Parliament for Nkana, has failed to inform the Acting hon. Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry that when the Patriotic Front (PF) Government came into office in 2011, the price of a 25 kg bag of mealie meal was K25.

Interruptions

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: By the time the PF left office, the price was K165.

Hon. PF Members: Question!

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Mr Speaker, further, he forgot to mention that the fluctuation of the Kwacha to the United States (US) Dollar rate has had an effect on the pricing of mealie meal. When the PF assumed office in 2011, the rate was K5 per US$1, but when it left office, it was K23 per US$1. Is he not aware of these facts, which are very clear, and which facts are worse between when the PF was in the Government compared with what is happening?

Mr Speaker, is he in order to forget to tell us and the nation the problems that the PF left behind for us to solve?

Interruptions

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

I think that the hon. Minister has sufficiently debated his point of order. However, there is something that the hon. Minister did not put right. I was in the Foreign Service then. The exchange rate between the Kwacha and the United States (US) Dollar was K4,200 to US$1, and not K5,000.

May the Acting hon. Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry proceed.

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, you have assisted in part, and the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security has also assisted in part in answering Kasongo.

Laughter

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, let me just say, the hon. Member of Parliament.

Laughter

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, let me just add one factor that is critical. In his Budget Speech, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning indicated that if he had not taken the debt restructuring route, the 2025 Budget and all the money generated would have been insufficient. After paying debt and salaries, nothing would have been in the Budget. In that scenario, the price of mealie meal would have been over the roof. Prudent policies have been put in place, including debt restructuring. That is what has helped the price of mealie meal. Otherwise, it would have risen much faster.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

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

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Simushi: Mr Speaker, my point of order is on my hon. Colleague, Mr Binwell Mpundu Kasongo.

Laughter

Mr Simushi: Mr Speaker, I was seated here quietly listening to his presentation. The question is based on the fact that the price of mealie meal has been rising. So, to paint the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government –

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: You did not cite the Standing Order that has been breached.

Mr Simushi: Mr Speaker, Standing Order No. 72.

Mr B. Mpundu: Question!

Mr Simushi: Mr Speaker, during reign of the Patriotic Front (PF) Government, there was a drought. During the 2023/2024 Farming Season, we had the worst drought this country has ever seen in living memory. Now, during the PF Government era, when the situation was critical, the price of mealie meal in Sikongo and Shangombo rose to K300. To make matters worse, in an effort to intervene, the previous Government ended up giving us gaga, which is maize bran, to make sure that the people of Sikongo did not starve. So, who is better? Now, we are giving our people food. When you go to Sikongo today and say, “Zambia forward,” people say “lwacha,” which means that people are eating.

Mr Speaker, is the hon. Member in order to paint a bad picture of this Government, which has done so much to alleviate the pain of Zambians?

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, you have sufficiently debated your point of order.

The hon. Member for Chilubi may proceed.

Mr Fube: Mr Speaker, in his submission, the hon. Minister gave some statistics and said that the Government is exporting fertiliser. Maize is the best raw material for the production of mealie meal.

Mr Speaker, we have 1,024,000 farmers who receive the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) inputs. That is the production unit we are talking about. The hon. Minister went as far as saying that the Government is exporting fertiliser, yet we have 4 million farmers on the database who are supposed to receive fertiliser. Is the hon. Minister deliberately putting the Government on the firing line? From his submissions, the price of mealie meal in terms of percentage has risen by 227 per cent from 2021 to 2024. If the means of production, such as fertiliser, are not boosted, is the Government’s option of exporting fertiliser instead of supplying it to the farmers, which is a good answer to reducing the prices of mealie meal as opposed to exporting, the right one? Has the hon. Minister got my question? Instead of supplying fertiliser to the farmers who are on the database, the Government has chosen to export fertiliser.

Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister talked about means of production and the fact that production is what is going to achieve lower prices. However, the Government has chosen to export fertiliser when the farmers want more. There are just 1,024,000 farmers who receive FISP inputs, and they are the ones who are producing maize in the country. Is it the right decision by the Government to export instead of supplying more fertiliser locally? I want to get the hon. Minister’s view on that.

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, for the first time in this country, the production of fertiliser is more than the local demand. So, what is being exported, and correctly so, is surplus fertiliser. We are not exporting fertiliser at the expense of supply to local farmers. Firstly, we satisfy our farmers a hundred per cent through the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) and other programmes, then, we export the balance to Tanzania and Botswana. For the first time, we are actually not importing fertiliser. So, the Government should be commended for creating conducive investment conditions to the extent that we have significant investment in fertiliser production. The hon. Minister of Agriculture can confirm that later this year, we will be able to produce urea. So, we will be producing both D-compound fertiliser and urea to satisfy local demand, and the balance, without a doubt, will be exported.

Interruptions

Mr Mutati: The hon. Member has added a number. We will export to nine countries. So, we are a major exporter of fertiliser.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Ms Halwiindi (Kabwe Central): Mr Speaker, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to ask a question.

Mr Speaker, from the conversation that we are having in this House, you can tell that the price of mealie meal has been an issue and was even during the Patriotic Front (PF) regime. From the information that I got, the PF Government found mealie meal prices at K25. I will read an article published on 2^nd April, 2020. I was a witness to this situation. The article reads as follows:

“During the first quarter of 2020, the public raised concerns on maize supply and mealie meal prices. Specifically, major retail outlets across Zambia ran out of mealie meal and so citizens had to join long queues to buy the commodity … [at] K200 –”

Hon. UPND Members: Under the PF!

Ms Halwiindi: This was under the PF.

Mr Speaker, what I am trying to say is that successive Governments failed to control the price of mealie meal. During the United Party for National Development (UPND) regime, we have had a drought that the country has never experienced before. So, I want to thank the Government –

Interruptions

Ms Halwiindi: Give me time to speak.

Mr Speaker, I want to thank the Government because despite the problems that we, as a country, have had, it has tried by all means to come up with mitigating measures just to cushion the price of mealie meal.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, ask your question. You are debating.

Ms Halwiindi: Mr Speaker, thank very much you for the guidance.

Mr Speaker, it is a well-known fact that if we increase the production of maize, we are going to see a reduction in the cost of mealie meal in the country. I know that, at the moment, fertiliser in its current form, cannot help us much to increase production because the soil in Zambia has been spoiled. The soil is too acidic. Does the Government have any programme that can support or sensitise farmers on the use of cow dung to neutralise fertilisers? Alternatively, can packets of lime be added to the fertiliser packs that the Government gives to farmers so that the acidity of the soil can be neutralised? We can increase the production of maize in the country to subsequently reduce the price of mealie meal.

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for the preamble that she gave to her question. It has been useful.

Mr Speaker, I think that the facts are clear. During the drought, our production capacity moved from 3.2 million tonnes to 1.5 million tonnes. That is a major deficit. However, the critical question that the hon. Member has asked is how we, as the Government, can ensure that our farmers continue to produce. There are a number of interventions. The hon. Minister of Agriculture can attest to the fact that the Government has adjusted the price at which it buys maize from subsistence farmers from K150 to K330, and that is purely to encourage the production of maize. In terms of other support, the Government is also including lime packs in FISP packages to mitigate the issues that the hon. Member has raised. So, we are on the path to recovery.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kafwaya: Mr Speaker, I am happy that the question that I asked the hon. Minister concerned the period 2021 to 2024, but because of interest from hon. Members, it has been extrapolated to 2011, which put in information that I was primarily not interested in.

Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister mentioned the issues that have driven the cost of mealie meal and, among them, he said that it is the rising cost of living. I thank him for admitting that the cost of living is rising. He also mentioned unsustainable debt – I thank him for still maintaining that the debt is still unsustainable – and legacy expenditure. The Government just cancelled an agro-fuel contract and it has been single-sourcing services and works. It is paying –

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

I think you are going off what you had asked earlier and away from what the hon. Minister has said. You are talking about cancelling contracts.

Mr Kafwaya: Mr Speaker, legacy expenditure was mentioned. The point came from the hon. Minister, not me.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: No, you are talking about a different –

Mr Kafwaya: Mr Speaker, I want to tell the hon. Minister that the issues in question are not related to legacy expenditure. They are reckless decisions –

Interruptions

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Lunte!

I am giving you guidance. Let us not go in that direction. If you have other questions, ask the substantive hon. Minister in that regard, instead of asking questions that you know the hon. Acting hon. Minister may not have adequate answers for. There is an hon. Minister of Energy.

Mr Kafwaya: Mr Speaker, I am sorry that the hon. Minister may not have adequate answers.

Mr Speaker, my question is: Is the cancelling of an agro-fuel contract a legacy decision? Is the paying of over 400 civil servants, who are not working, a legacy decision? Why has the hon. Minister brought in the issue –

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, I have given you guidance and the hon. Minister –

Mr Kafwaya remained on his feet.

Interruptions

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

Mr Kafwaya resumed his seat.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: You asked the question under discussion and the hon. Minister has adequately answered it. Let us move to the next question.

Mr Kafwaya: When did he answer the question?

Interruptions

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Mpika, you may proceed.

Mr Kafwaya: But why?

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order!

Next question, the hon. Member for Mpika.

Interruptions

Mr Kapyanga (Mpika): Iwe leka Kapyanga atwalilile imilimo.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: What did you say, hon. Member? I did not hear.

Mr Kapyanga: Mr Speaker, I said, let Kapyanga continue working. Atwalilile imilimo.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: You may proceed to ask your question.

PLANS TO UPGRADE MPIKA URBAN CLINIC

169. Mr Kapyanga asked the Minister of Health:

whether the Government has any plans to upgrade Mpika Urban Clinic in Mpika District to a Level I Hospital;

if so, when the plans will be implemented;

what the estimated cost of the project is; and

if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Health (Mr Muchima): Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to upgrade Mpika Urban Clinic in Mpika District to a Level I Hospital.

Mr Speaker, the assessments for facility upgrade to Level I standard have already been completed. The implementation is being done in a phased manner. So far, the laboratory has been upgraded to modern standard and the works on the men's clinic have been completed. The other planned upgrades will include the construction of medical and surgical wards, female and paediatrics wards, a service block, a mother's shelter, an operating theatre and an Out-Patient Department (OPD).

Mr Speaker, as I mentioned, the implementation is taking a phased approach, therefore, the estimated cost will be determined at each stage of implementation. Allow me to state that K940,600 has been spent, so far, on upgrading the laboratory and the men's clinic.

Mr Speaker, the Government has plans, therefore, part (d) of the question falls off.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kapyanga: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the response.

Mr Speaker, Mpika Urban Clinic is pivotal as far as the delivery of health services is concerned, as it seats in Musakanya Ward, which has about 13,000 people. However, in the response, I did not hear the hon. Minister attach the time frame within which the works will be completed and the hospital operationalised.

Mr Muchima: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for the follow-up question.

Mr Speaker, I said that the implementation will be done in a phased approach. When a project is being implemented in a phased manner, it means that each time there is money, the contractor continues the works. I cannot say that the project will be completed at such a time because it requires colossal sums of money to complete it. There are many such hospitals in the country. So, each time money is available, we attach some of it to such projects for their works to continue. I promise the hon. Member that the work will be completed.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kapyanga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has ably answered my question. However, I am interested in knowing the contractor carrying out the work and how active the contract is. For the record, works are not moving at the facilities. Maybe, the hon. Minister can attend to that question.

Mr Muchima: Mr Speaker, earlier on, I mentioned that due to the drought, the Government came to this House to have a relook at the Budget and, as such, there was not enough money to undertake these programmes. This is February 2025, we have not even gone very far into the year. There has not been sufficient funds due to what my colleague, Hon. Mutati, has talked about. Let us not go into details. We have promised that the infrastructure, which is still incomplete, will be completed. We are not ignoring that fact except that, at the moment, the fiscal space is limited.

Mr Speaker, the hon. Member is lucky that, at least, the works are being carried out in phases. We have constructed the laboratory and other things. We have done the same in Chililabombwe and elsewhere. I was with the hon. Member the day before yesterday. He also talked about the same projects. However, we are carrying out the works in a phased manner everywhere until we complete them. If there will be an opportunity to have enough money, we will complete the projects. Mind you, the United States of America (USA) is also withdrawing from funding certain projects. That also is another issue, which is going to hamper our progress. We also have to look at the issue of fertiliser, school fees, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and so many other issues, but once we have the fiscal space, we shall complete that project.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

LEVELS OF TOMATO PRODUCTION COUNTRYWIDE

170. Mr Miyutu asked the Minister of Agriculture:

what the level of tomato production, countrywide, was, as of June 2024;

if production was low, what measures are being taken to enhance tomato production; and

whether there were secure tomato storage facilities, countrywide.

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr Mtolo): Mr Speaker, the levels of tomato production. as of June. was estimated between 25,000 metric tonnes to 26,000 metric tonnes, on a monthly basis. However, the Ministry of Agriculture is yet to conduct a horticultural survey to establish the exact levels of tomato production countrywide, as the quantities produced by small-scale farmers are not well captured.

Mr Speaker, in response to part (b) of the question, as stated in response to part (a) of the question, the ministry awaits to conduct a horticultural survey to establish the exact levels of tomato production countrywide. However, as with all crops, the Government is encouraging farmers to diversify and produce a variety of crops, including tomatoes.

Mr Speaker, generally, there are not enough cold-chain storage facilities in markets to store fresh fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes. However, most small-scale farmers produce and sell their tomatoes directly to supermarkets or on open markets.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, in terms of consumption, which private firms work hand-in-hand with the peasant farmers?

Mr Mtolo: Mr Speaker, there are several private enterprises processing tomatoes. I will give an example of two, which, I think, most of the hon. Members of the House would know. Rivonia Farm Products produces a lot of tomato paste and tomato ketchup and this is done here in Zambia, in Lusaka and on the Copperbelt. Freshpikt also produces a wide range of tomato products.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

_______

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to.

_______

The House adjourned at 1849 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 12^th February 2025.

____________

WRITTEN REPLY TO QUESTION

2020-2024 FUNDING FOR CYBER SECURITY PROGRAMMES

155. Mr Allen Banda (Chimwemwe) asked the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security:

how much money was allocated towards cyber security programmes from January 2020 to January 2024; and

of the allocated amount, how much was spent on the programmes.

The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security (Mr Mwiimbu, SC.): Madam Speaker, the cyber security programmes are implemented across various Government agencies and are co-ordinated by the SMART Zambia Institute. From January 2020 to December 2024, the following budget allocations were made:

23,514,814.98

Madam Speaker, you may wish to note that the K23,514,814.98 that was allocated was released and utilised.

Over the years, the Government has prioritised investment toward enhancing cyber security in the country and has since established the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), SMART Zambia Institute, Cyber Crimes Unit at the Zambia Police Service and the National Anti-Terrorism Centre, among others, to deal with threats in the cyberspace. The Government has also developed legal and policy frameworks to ensure the security of cyberspace.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

WATER RETICULATION SYSTEM FOR SIOMA CONSTITUENCY

167. Mr Mandandi (Sioma) asked the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation:

whether the Government has any plans to construct a water reticulation system to supply piped water to the following areas in Sioma Parliamentary Constituency:

Central Business District;

Nasale Village;

Nakatapa Village;

Libingi Village;

Malombe Village;

Mundando Village;

the new District Administration site;

Mutomena Secondary School;

Mutomena Rural Health Centre;

Mutomena Agricultural Camp; and

Mutomena Police Post;

if so, when the plans will be implemented;

what the estimated time frame for the completion of the project is; and

if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation (Eng. Nzovu): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that the Government has plans to construct water reticulation systems to supply piped water to the stated areas of Sioma Constituency.

Mr Speaker, the Government intends to implement these plans as follows:

construction of a piped water reticulation system in the central business district (CBD) will commence by the first quarter of 2025. The Western Water Supply and Sanitation Company (WWSSC) will upgrade the existing system by drilling two commercial boreholes and undertaking metering of the existing customers. Further, the network will be extended to cover the whole CBD. Community engagement has been undertaken and the project is yet to commence;

construction of four piped water reticulation systems in Nasale Village, Nakatapa Village, Libingi Village, Malombe Village and Mundando Village, through the Drought Response Plan, will be completed by the second quarter of 2025;

for the New District Administration site, the ministry had signed a twelve-month contract with Cashmo Contractors and General Dealers in October 2023 for works in Sioma District. The project scope included drilling one commercial borehole and installing a storage tank with a water reticulation system. The contract has been completed and the scheme has been handed over to the community; and

the ministry, with support from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and the local authority, procured two boreholes and a solar-powered piped network with storage tanks to cover for Mutomena Rural Growth Centre, Mutomena Secondary School, the rural health centre, the agricultural camp and police post with overall progress at 100 per cent.

Mr Speaker, regarding the implementation timeline, construction of the piped water reticulation system in the CBD will commence in the second quarter of 2025. Secondly, the construction of the piped water reticulation systems for Nasale Village, Nakatapa Village, Libingi Village, Malombe Village and Mundando Village will be completed by the second quarter of 2025, under the Drought Response Plan. Further, works at Mutomena Rural Growth Centre, Mutomena Secondary School, the rural health centre, the agricultural camp and police post are at 100 per cent, and will be handed over to the communities by the end of the first quarter of 2025.

Mr Speaker, as stated earlier, the Government has plans to construct water reticulation systems to supply piped water to the named areas of Sioma Constituency.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

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