Friday, 28^th February, 2025

The House met at 0900 hours

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

_______

TIME OF THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

The Vice-President (Mrs Nalumango): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, will arrive at 0945 hours to address the House.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: I suspend Business until the President arrives. Hon. Members are requested to remain in their seats.

Business was suspended from 0903 hours until 0958 hours.

The President entered the Assembly Chamber escorted by Madam Speaker.

(Assembly resumed)

THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, the House would like to welcome to the Assembly the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Mr President, we are honoured to have you in our midst. May I now invite you, Mr President, to deliver your address.

The President (Mr Hakainde Hichilema): Madam Speaker, good morning.

Madam Speaker indicated assent.

The President: Madam Speaker, before I proceed, with your permission, I wish to recognise the presence in this House today, of Baroness Patricia Scotland, Kings Council, and also, Secretary-General of our Commonwealth.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: I know there are many other delegates but a distinguished visitor like her needs to be recognised appropriately.

Madam Speaker, as I said good morning, we are delighted to join you, and this august House today, to report on Progress Made in the Application of our National Values and Principles. This is in accordance with Article 9(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia. Before we proceed, allow me to take this opportunity to pay tribute to an African icon, Pan-Africanist, freedom fighter and Namibia’s founding President, Dr Sam Daniel Nujoma.

Madam Speaker, with your permission, I seek that the House joins me in a moment of silence to honour President Nujoma.

Hon. Members stood in silence for a minute.

The President: I thank you.

Hon. Members resumed their seats.

The President: Madam Speaker, we wish to take this opportunity to congratulate the three newly elected Members of Parliament, Hon. Nason Musonda for Kawambwa Central Constituency, …

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: … Hon. Justin Kapema for Pambashe Constituency, and Hon. Simon Banda …

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The President: … for Petauke Central Constituency, in the Eastern Province of our beloved country, Zambia.

Madam Speaker, the Constitution, under Article 8 outlines the National Values and Principles as follows:

1. morality and ethics;

1. patriotism and national unity;

1. democracy and Constitutionalism;

1. human dignity, equity, social justice, equality and non-discrimination;

1. good governance and integrity; and

1.  sustainable development.

Madam Speaker, our National Values and Principles are essential in guiding our behaviour as a people in the nation. That is very important, Madam Speaker. We would like to thank the people of Zambia for their resilience in 2024. We all know the worst drought that affected us in 2024, in living memory. Our values and principles were tested during this period in the midst of the worst drought in living memory. Therefore, we are looking forward to a better post 2024. We are now in 2025.

Madam Speaker, we will now proceed to report on the Progress Made in the Application of our National Values and Principles.

Morality and Ethics

Madam Speaker, to promote a morally upright and ethical nation, we are addressing social ills in our communities and among them are, alcohol and substance abuse, child marriage, teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence (GBV), and cybercrimes and bullying. To tackle alcohol and substance abuse especially by our youths, the Government is working with various stakeholders in sensitising nearly four million citizens countrywide, in the period past. We thank our traditional leaders, the Church, civil society organisations (CSOs), learning institutions and media houses for participating in the sensitisation programmes.

Madam Speaker, the Government provided counselling and rehabilitation services to victims of alcohol and substance abuse. Further, 4,728 individuals involved in the production and trafficking of illicit drugs were arrested in 2024. That is quite a big number. We urge our fellow citizens, especially the youth to desist from alcohol and substance abuse. As the Government, we will continue working with all stakeholders across the country in building a society free of alcohol and substance abuse.

Madam Speaker, we have continued to address child marriage and teenage pregnancy by successfully withdrawing our girls from early marriages as much as possible, an illegal practice we strongly condemn. We keep readmitting our girls to school after giving birth. That is a very important development, Madam Speaker. Before, when a girl got pregnant, she was out of school permanently, but not anymore. Once they have raised their children, we bring them back to school. That is very important. The progress recorded is attributable to a continuous sensitisation of communities on the dangers of child marriage and teenage pregnancy. Additionally, change of the law where necessary, on the age of marriage and bursaries under the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF), Madam Speaker, has contributed to keeping our girls in school.

Madam Speaker, cases of GBV in the country remain high. These are lives affected, dreams shattered, and voices silenced. Therefore, the Government is implementing the National Gender Policy and strengthening enforcement of the Anti-Gender-Based Violence Act. To reduce incidences of the vice, we have continued to support victims of GBV through the provision of counselling services, legal aid, and indeed, providing safe spaces in the communities. A multisectoral approach to fight GBV is key. Given that family is the first line of defence in helping our girls to grow up in a good environment, we implore family members, neighbours, Church members, workmates and the community at large to take the fight against GBV seriously. All cases of GBV must be reported to law enforcement agencies so that perpetrators are brought to book.

Madam Speaker, the Government is concerned with the growing incidences of cybercrimes and bullying, a new form of violence, no question about it, especially against women and girls. Additionally, we are concerned about the escalation and sophistication of scammers using mobile money services. We are, therefore, reinforcing measures to combat this abuse. More will be done this year and going forward in this area.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: In consultation with the relevant stakeholders, we are creating a safer online environment by strengthening legislation on cybersecurity and cybercrimes. We will not relent in our effort to restore sanity in the digital space. It is for our own good. It is for the good of society. It is good for our morality and ethics. It is for the good stability of our country. No question about it.

Patriotism and National Unity

Madam Speaker, patriotism and national unity play a pivotal role in shaping our society and nurturing a strong nation. These are key factors in fostering national development which help us achieve our collective aspirations as a people. The importance of respect for our national symbols in entrenching patriotism and national unity cannot be over-emphasised. We have the national flag, the Coat of Arms, the National Anthem, the National Motto and the Public Seal. These symbols represent our country’s heritage, endowments, and truly our identity. We urge all citizens to continue respecting our national symbols without exception, as they represent our unique identity and solidarity as a people. This must be done by all of us. We must be devoted, loyal and proud of being Zambian. These characteristics of patriotism must be inculcated in every Zambian at an early age. Again, the family comes in here.  Those of us who are fathers and mothers have a rare responsibility to raise dignified citizens. It is a duty.

Madam Speaker, as patriotic citizens, we all have a duty to take care of our public and private properties. I repeat. We must all take care at individual level, properties, public or private. Unfortunately, vandalism and theft of public property have continued, making this negative trend a growing menace in our communities. In 2024, a higher number of cases of vandalism were reported. To this effect, the Government is working on legislation to stiffen punishment for perpetrators of vandalism and theft of public and private property. Property rights must be respected for they are part of who we are. A community with property is worthless. We urge all citizens to be patriotic. Citizens should refrain from and report acts of vandalism, theft of public and private assets, and sabotage to law enforcement agencies. The House knows what I mean.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Sometimes we ignore law enforcement agencies and treat them badly. That is negative behaviour as well.  To the security wings, we are confident that they will remain vigilant in the fight against vandalism in our country. The growing trend of land encroachment, illegal land occupation, particularly, on private or public property, and the illegal allocation of land is a serious concern that the Government is actively addressing and will do so definitively. This unlawful practice is unacceptable and the Government will take all necessary steps to put an end to it. There will be no segregation or special rights to any. We are all supposed to obligate ourselves to applicable laws. It is very important. We urge citizens to apply for land through legal channels to avoid the risk of having illegally acquired land repossessed. We are equally concerned about the increasing number of citizens who are borrowing loans from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and the Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) with intentions of never to pay back.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: This is contributing to the stagnated growth of these facilities whose intended objective is to create revolving fund. If some borrow and do not pay, they are shrinking this fund and denying opportunities to other deserving citizens to access the funds. It is not acceptable.

Madam Speaker, one of the attributes of patriotism is the willingness to sacrifice for the greater good of our nation. We see a good number of our citizens continue to embrace volunteering as an integral part of our culture and tradition. This is commendable. The volunteers have been providing critical support to vulnerable groups and are participating in building community infrastructure. This is a clear demonstration of our people’s resolve, a good number of them, to uphold the values of patriotism and national unity. We thank the volunteers and in particular, the health workers, teachers, Ward Development Committees (WDC), Community Welfare Assistance Committees (CWACs), Neighbourhood Health Committees NHCs), religious institutions, Constituency Development Fund Committees (CDF Committees) and many other volunteers who are doing a great job in the country. These are the unsung heroes of our communities and away from public glare, but yet, they continue to shape our nation to greatness. We thank all of them without reservation.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: We applaud our sportsmen and women for the great sense of duty, patriotism, and pride …

Mr Nkandu: Hear, hear!

The President: …they exhibit when representing our country in various sports disciplines. We notice that they have coined the “Zambia kuchalo” slogan.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: They have coined a slogan which means, “Zambia to the world.”

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Great indeed. Hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Art, well done!

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, this is the spirit we should all emulate as we represent our country in many other disciplines. In this House, we must remember that we owe it to the community, to all our people, to conduct ourselves and provide services in an exemplary manner at all times, be it in private or public environments. We should always be upright.

Madam Speaker, as patriotic citizens, we must continue to promote the production and consumption of local products and services. Consumption of local products and services must become a habit by all of us in the nation. You know what that means. It promotes the growth of the economy, creates jobs, and many other things. Your Government will continue to favour the purchase of Zambian-produced goods and services through and strongly so, positive discrimination in the procurement process. Proudly so!

Our Government stands unwavering in its commitment to building a thriving national economy, one that does more than just grow numbers, but changes lives, puts food on the table for our families and secures a brighter future for every household. This is not a one-time event nor a singular situation. It is a continuous mission. It is a journey that calls upon every citizen to play their part and they should do so with determination and indeed, with pride at all time. Attitude matters in life. When your attitude or mindset is right, you get things done properly. If you are negative, things do not work. It is simple.

Madam Speaker, from the farmers tilling our rich soils in Mpika, abena Mpika …

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The President: … to the fishermen casting their nets in Mongu, …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: … from the tireless marketeers in Soweto Market to the innovative entrepreneurs in Chiwempala, from the skilled carpenters and welders of Kalingalinga to the resilient workers of Katete and Mansa, this is our collective fight.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, the growth of a strong economy is not the responsibility of one individual, nor by the Government alone, but by the sweat, ambition, and unity of an entire nation including the private sector. We must dream big, I must say so. We must dream big and work even harder. The Government will continue to do its part in fostering unity, maintaining peace, security and stability, tackling legacy debt and creating an environment where businesses can thrive.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, I want to make an emphasis here. There is a wrong perception that when we talk about business thriving, we are talking about foreign businesses. We mean individuals who run chicken runs or small gardens.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: These are business people and they are citizens of Zambia. They, too, are included. This success will not be handed to us. It must be earned. We must rise, push forward and embrace the work that will make Zambia strong, independent and prosperous. When we achieve this, our country will prosper, create opportunities and jobs and indeed, Treasury income, and obviously a brighter future that Zambians can be proud of. That is how it works.

Madam Speaker, our destiny and ingenuity are in our hands! Let us work, work, and more hard and smart work! That is what we need. Together, we will build a Zambia that our children will be proud to inherit. As they inherit, they shall remember that there were people who set the pace for them to achieve what they will be achieving in the future. We should all be thinking ahead and be proud in advance of what we are capable of creating for our children and their grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, it is pleasing to note that a growing number of companies have registered to use the proudly Zambian campaign logo. We welcome the increasing levels of patriotism among the business community and urge more companies to come on board. We are delighted that our people are appreciating our rich tourism products. Accordingly, we re-launched our local tourism campaign dubbed “Take a holiday yamulocal.”

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: As at November 2024, the number of local tourists that visited our national heritage sites, national parks and museums doubled from 184,945 in 2023, to 326,929. This is phenomenal. Congratulations, hon. Minister of Tourism.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, an additional demonstration of patriotism is the payment of taxes. Paying tax is not just a moral or legal requirement, but an essential element to fund public services such as desks for our school children and medicines for the sick in our hospitals. That is what it means.

Madam Speaker, to enhance tax compliance, the Government introduced the smart invoice system late last year. We have also continued to implement various initiatives aimed at simplifying tax processes and making payments, easier and more efficient. The tax system has been interfaced with various standalone online platforms on the Government service bus. We are also implementing taxpayer’s education programmes to enhance compliance. We thank tax-compliant citizens. We encourage those who are not yet in that category to join the rest. Indeed, we thank companies as well for the important contribution they make and we urge all of our citizens to always adhere to tax laws and regulations. We thank the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning and his team.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, national unity is critical to our country’s existence, peace, and prosperity. It fosters citizen participation in national affairs and provides a sense of belonging in their own country. We have created a conducive environment for our people to freely interact and participate in social and national events regardless of their persuasions, religion, ethnicity, and anything else you may call it. All of our people now are mingling freely anywhere unlike ever before.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: We have witnessed our traditional leaders attending traditional ceremonies of other traditional leaders across the country. This is a totally new phenomenon that never happened before, but it is happening now.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. Opposition Members: Hmm! Question!

The President: In order to appreciate – I am talking about the magnitude. Before, there would be two or three attending but now, there will be sixty or seventy attending each other's ceremonies across the country.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Absolutely! It is all there, Madam Speaker. It is not a matter of hearsay. It is there. Last week, it was there in Chapata during the Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony. We were all there. Seventy-plus local chiefs were there. It was a big number.

In order to appreciate different cultures, this is in the way the country must be. We are doing this deliberately and intentionally so that we can make Zambians understand the value each one of them brings to the table. We did this deliberately. This is in the spirit of “One Zambia, One Nation” and indeed truly, one people.

Madam Speaker, it is the aspiration of the Zambian people to live as one, in peace, harmony, and unity. Unity is an essential ingredient towards the developmental agenda. This Administration will continue with its policy of zero-tolerance to political violence, to hate speech, and to negative cadreism.

Interruptions

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: These vices have no space in our society. All of us here and outside of this House today, must make it personal that anyone conducting themselves in this way must be told in their eyes and straight. So, our society has no space for such conduct. Not now, not tomorrow and not in the future.

Democracy and Constitutionalism

The President: Madam Speaker, our Administration is resolved to enhance and protect human rights. We are promoting and protecting freedoms of speech.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hmm!

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, this person speaking here is a daily victim but, we have no issue. That is the right that citizens have.We keep our eyes on the ball. That is our job.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, I want to repeat that we are promoting and protecting freedoms of speech, assembly, media, and universal suffrage.

Madam Speaker, citizens, political actors, civil society organisations, and religious organisations, as well as defenders and advocates of human rights, are basically conducting their business all over the country in the manner they wish, as long as they do it within the confines of the law.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, freedom of expression is important. Unlike before, I am proudly saying here that no media house has been shut down under this Government.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Not a single one, Madam Speaker, unless, they have just failed to run their business from the commercial side. We should, however, be mindful that where one’s freedom ends, another person’s freedom starts. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, let us, therefore, be responsible in exercising our freedoms in order to maintain the peace, harmony and unity, which our beautiful country is renowned for. I must say here that the country’s reputation continues to improve globally and we must exploit this as an opportunity and turn it into value such as increased investment so that we can grow our economy more and more. As part of our transparency in the exercise of these freedoms, the UPND New Dawn Administration voluntarily invited the United Nations (UN) Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Opinions.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, this is a rare phenomenon in the history of our country. This is voluntary invitation to be assessed by international standards.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: We are actually among the few countries in the world that have willingly opened ourselves to international scrutiny in this area. The UN Rapporteur just concluded her work about three weeks ago. It is not too long ago. So, we are all confident that we will share her results transparently. We would have preferred for this transparent review mechanism to have been carried out during past administrations as well so that we could have created a benchmark. How was it then and how is it today?

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, the media industry has continued to be an important tool of communication and information sharing. The liberal policies the Government has put in place have contributed to the expansion of the media industry in our country. We now have over 188 radio stations and sixty-six television stations across the country. This is the largest number ever. Most of these media houses are privately and community-owned. We urge all our radio and television stations and other media platforms across the country to be professional, to be channels of truth, promoting fairness, unity, and development. It is an obligation of any media house to conduct themselves in this manner. Short of this damages society. Anything outside of the remit damages society, and that is not in anyone’s interest.

As part of efforts to enhance access to information, the Government has launched the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) Television Channel and the Zambia Institute of Mass Communications (ZAMCOM) Radio Station. We encourage citizens to take advantage of the tax waiver on broadcasting equipment and establish radio and television stations, especially in rural areas.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

ThePresident: Please, hon. Members of Parliament in rural constituencies should encourage this to happen so that our communities can access information in real-time for development, decision-making, for health reasons and many other positives.

Madam Speaker, we want to indicate that this sector too is important not just for information dissemination, but also for creating business opportunities and jobs in the remotest parts of our country.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: One, two, five jobs are very important because one of those jobs will look after ten or so members of our community. So, we want to encourage this to happen across the country. No restrictions anymore. Let us move.

Madam Speaker, the right to vote is a cornerstone of our democracy. To this effect, the Government has continued implementing continuous voter registration exercise.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hmm!

The President: Yes, yes, yes, yes!

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: We have increased the number of districts conducting continuous voter registration to thirty. Numbers do not lie. We have increased from zero to provincial centres, and now, to thirty. Those numbers are there. The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) can provide those numbers and centres to this House. I think it is important that the ECZ does that. There is no need to take time.

I was saying that the registration centres have increased to thirty across the country. This is ahead of the upcoming mobile registration exercise. We know the limitations of the thirty. So, the mobile registration exercise is on the way. Currently, any member who is closer to these thirty points can register as a voter. That is very important. We encourage our youth who have attained the voting age of eighteen to register and exercise their right to vote. After all, they are the true owners of this country by virtue of their young age. They have more years ahead in life.

Madam Speaker, since our address to this august House in March last year, a number of by-elections have been held at ward, Council Chairperson, Mayoral and constituency levels. These elections were generally peaceful, a clear departure from the violence of the past.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. Opposition Members: Hmm!

The President: Madam Speaker, as a matter of fact and due to the peaceful nature of the elections, most citizens are sometimes are unaware of by-elections taking place. We were encouraged to see political competitors interacting and sharing political platforms on the ground across the country. This is a clear demonstration of how far Zambia has come. Anyone who would have visited this country four years ago does not even need to raise a question.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, we urge all political actors to be civil in their language. Please, be civil in your language. Ugly things start from the language. They start from how we speak to each other. Let us be civil in our languages.

Mr Nkandu: Kokolenipo apo!

The President: Let us abide by the electoral code of conduct. We are one people, Madam Speaker. Even when we compete in elections, we remain one people. After the elections, we go back to the same homes and share meals together. That is the way it should be. Politics must not divide us. They must not divide us at all! Let us use politics to drive development and build bridges towards each other. To reach out to each other is a human phenomenon. In the animal race, a human being has an extra art of excessive communication, interaction and that distinguishes it from other species. So, we are a civilised species.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: It is importantto reach out to each other and to compete in ideas rather than promote hate and division. No!

Human Dignity, Equity, Social Justice, Equality and Non-discrimination

Madam Speaker, the Government remains committed to upholding human rights, human dignity, equity, social justice, equality and non-discrimination. These principles are fundamental in fostering peace, unity, and socio-economic development in our country. Through our flagship programme, the enhanced CDF now stands at K36.1 million …

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The President: … per constituency, per year. So, we define it correctly. With the K36.1 million per constituency, per year, in all the 156 constituencies, our people across the country have been offered a new lease of life.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: There is clear transformation of local communities and improvement in the livelihoods of our people. This was our intention of introducing this tool or mechanism without segregation.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning for ensuring that when we distribute the staggered CDF releases, they are done to all the constituencies on the same day, …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: … in equal amounts.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The President: This was not normal four years ago. We are constructing schools, health facilities, maternity annexes, police posts, and rehabilitating feeder roads. We are constructing market shelters, from ramshackles to decent market shelters, water crossing points, canals, dip tanks, water points for human and animal consumption and many other facilities are being constructed across the country simultaneously. These are only a few that I am mentioning.

Madam Speaker, for the first time in the history of our country, we have a constituency police vehicle.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The President: We have a constituency developmental projects monitoring vehicle. Now, we have an ambulance …

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The President: … at the constituency level.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The President: What does that mean to quality of life? Very clear.

Interruptions

The President: Madam Speaker, this is what we can simply define as development at the national level.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The President: TheCDF is touching many lives, transforming our communities and addressing development inequalities. CDF is, indeed, a game changer. We are restoring the integrity and dignity of our citizens, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities. Go to a chief's palace today, and you will see that you are arriving at a palace. CDF is a big change across the country.

Madam Speaker, in order to improve distribution – I need the House’s attention here. In order to improve distribution and delivery of resources equitably and fairly to communities across the country, there will be a need to delimitate or subdivide overly-large constituencies.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, this is a popular subject. Some constituencies are like small countries. Some constituencies have so many people. CDF is distributed equally, but there is a bit of inequity. So, we can address this inequity through this proposal. We want to indicate, once more, that in order to improve distribution and deliver resources equitably and fairly across communities, there will be a need to delimitate or subdivide overly-large constituencies by geography and by population.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, we are aware that some hon. Members struggle to reach one corner of their constituency. It is unfair. It is iniquitous. That is why we are proposing this. However, we know that this will require a constitutional amendment, and this House is the one with a legal obligation to achieve that.

Madam Speaker,do I hear consensus on this matter?

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Thank you very much.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank all the hon. Members of Parliament for being progressive.

Madam Speaker, let us make progress. We urge the civil society and religious bodies to understand this issue. I know there are mixed feelings, but we urge them to understand this issue. Service delivery to the people must take into account these factors; distance and population. We know that there are some with negative views about this issue. I think, we should move together as a nation.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Thank you.

Madam Speaker, we urge all our community members and ordinary citizens to demand effective utilisation of the CDF. The population must demand and also pay attention to how this money is being utilised for their benefit. Hon. Members must reach out to everybody without segregation. Reach out to everyone, including to those who did not vote for you. If you know there is a ward or polling station that did not vote for you, take development there …

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The President: … because that is the right those citizens have, to have chosen who they wanted during an election, but once elections are over, we deliver development to all. That is our obligation. So, I am asking citizens to also be active. It takes two to tango. Citizens must express their needs and they have the opportunity to do that through various committees in the constituencies.

Madam Speaker, there is no longer any excuse for elected officials like these in this House to neglect their constituencies. There is no justification and there is no excuse, as they are not relying on their meagre resources as it was in the past. Now, they have the enhanced CDF. Please, hon. Members, deliver for the people in your constituencies.

Madam Speaker, I must say, on a more serious point here, that deliberate failure to utilise the CDF should be considered an act of economic sabotage particularly, against the less privileged in our country, who are experiencing positive changes in their communities. If you sit on this money because you know that the Ministry of Finance and National Planning will not claim it back, you are practicing economic sabotage. Further, mechanisms are being put in place to ensure that no hon. Member will have a right to delay development because they feel the Government in place is not what they voted for. Once you are voted for, we are one and we have to work to deliver for the people of Zambia. Finish!

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, I am saying that we are looking at mechanisms to obligate such hon. Members of Parliament to deliver services to the people. Otherwise, we will apply sanctions, and there is a way sanctions are applied in a civilized society.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, to improve the welfare and livelihoods of the less-privileged in our communities, the Government has been implementing a number of social protection programmes. These include the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), Social Cash Transfer (ordinary), Social Cash Transfer (enhanced), Food Security Pack, Public Welfare Assistance and the most popular Cash for Work Programme.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The President: The programmes are being implemented in an equitable and non-discriminatory manner countrywide. Again, they are constituency-specific. That is the beauty of decentralisation. I think that we should cherish it and grow it even more. Together, we are building a more just, a more equitable and a more prosperous country.

Madam Speaker, to ensure that our people live in sanitary environments, the Government has expanded water supply networks. We have constructed and rehabilitated water boreholes, benefiting over 4 million people across the length and breadth of our country over a three-year period. In addition, the Government has extended sanitation facilities and networks achieving 73.6 per cent urban sanitation coverage. Under the CDF, 2,352 water, sanitation and hygiene facilities have so far been constructed in schools, health facilities, markets, bus stations; the once notorious bus stations, I must correct myself, and in communities across the country. We remain resolute in ensuring that every citizen has access to clean and safe drinking water as well as improved sanitation. We are very committed to this.

Madam Speaker, our Free Education Policy is bearing fruit. Many more of our children, regardless of their background, are accessing education. I am here to speak numbers. Over 2 million learners have gone back to school in the past three years since we brought back free education in our country.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: This is giving the children and even some adults a better chance to succeed in life.

Madam Speaker, this policy has motivated some of our citizens, including the aged. For example, let us welcome our 42-year-old female pupil, Dorothy Kamanisha, from Solwezi, who has gone back to school.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Dorothy Kamanisha rose in the Speaker's Gallery.

Applause

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: She has gone back to school at 42 years, and she is in Grade 9.

Madam Speaker, let me complete this point. She has gone back to school at 42 years to take advantage of the Free Education Policy. She has come with her Head Teacher, ChrispinMumena of Rodwell Mwepu Day Secondary School.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Where are they?

Mr Chrispin Mumena and Ms Dorothy Kamanisha rose in the Speaker’s Gallery.

The President: Where is Dorothy? Wave your hand.

Dorothy waved her hand.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Where is baMumena?

Mr Mumenawaved his hand.

Applause

The President: Byepi mwane?

Mr Mumena: Bulongotu mwane.

The President: Twasanta. You may take your seats.

Dorothy and Mr Mumena resumed their seats.

The President: Madam Speaker, I think, it is important that we give Dorothy and her teacher a round of applause.

Applause

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, the message here is that there are many more people like Dorothy all over the country. We must be proud of that, as a people, without exception.

Madam Speaker, our belief is that no Zambian should be deprived of education. In our view, education is the best investment, inheritance and an equaliser across society. Many of us in this House did not get anything other than education. That is what brought us to this House. I can talk of myself because that is what brought me into this chair, to be a servant of the people. It is just education and nothing else. We want to see many more children of our country have this opportunity that we, here, have had. This is a serious issue. Education is the best investment, inheritance and equaliser.

Madam Speaker, further, we have also continued to improve the learning environment. It is not enough to introduce free education, but we need, and have been improving the learning environment. We are providing school desks, constructing and upgrading classrooms and recruiting more teachers to improve the teacher/learner ratio. The grades have shown that. Congratulations, hon. Minister of Education. The grades have shown an improvement in the last year because of these changes. Some thought that free education would degrade our quality of education, but numbers do not lie. More kids have done well in school in the last year. The taste of the pudding is in the eating. There you are.

Further, in 2024, the total number of vulnerable learners benefitting from the Home-Grown School Meals feeding programme has more than doubled from 2.2 million to 4.7 million learners who are now on the school feeding programme. No wonder the results have improved. Additionally, the district coverage increased from eighty-two districts in 2023 to 106 districts in 2024. This is truly commendable.

Madam Speaker, to ensure equity in the provision of health services,the Government has continued to recruit health workers. In 2024 alone, 4,216 additional health workers wererecruited.

Hon. UPNDMembers: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, as you know, we have been recruiting year in and year out. This number is just for 2024. This is reallycommendable. Improving health service delivery to all our people. Further, we are bringing health services closer to ourpeople through the construction of health facilities under the CDF, such as 142 maternity annexes.You may remember that a few years back,I cameto this Houseto announce that every health facility must have a maternity annex with running water so that we can protect the mother and child; saving their lives.Thatis happening, I am here to say that 142 maternity annexes, 269 healthposts and 157 medical staff houses have so far been constructed.

Madam Speaker, your Government is walking the talk.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, while essential drugs have been available inprimaryhealthcare institutions, we want to admit that the flow of specialised drugs requires improvement. We are happy to report that acontract has been signed for the Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH) to avail new radiology equipment for radiotherapytreatment in our country.Cancer is becoming a serious problem in our country, and we must work together. This House must work together to allocate more resources towards cancer treatment. I will not let the cat out of the bag, but I may have good news to announce to the nationin a month or so on the same. I will do it at an appropriate time.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, the United Party for National Development (UPND) Administration is promoting a decent workagenda in the country. In this regard, we have revised upwardsthe minimum wage and conditions of employment fordomestic, shop and general workers as well as bus andtruck drivers.  Thank you, hon. Minister of Labour andSocial Security.

Madam Speaker, access to justice is a basic principle of the rule of law. Toenhance access to legal representation by our people, for our people, in 2024, theLegal Aid Board opened district offices in Kaoma,Mporokoso, Lundazi, Zambezi and Kawambwaso that our people can access legal services closer to where they are. This is a continuing process.The number of citizens who received legal assistancecountrywide increased from 31,556 in 2023 to 45,305 in2024.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, toenhance access to quick and fair justice, we haverecruited additional magistrates and judges, andfurther introducedmobile courts in rural areas. We haveestablished specialised fast-track courts, strengthenedjuvenile courts and rolled out the digital casemanagement system.As you know, case record management has been poor in this country for many years and, sometimes, justice is delayed because a file is missing. We do not want that. No one wants that. Anyone who has experienced delays and adjournments in court cases understands what I am talking about. I am one of those.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, overcrowding in correctional facilities is progressivelybeing addressed. We completed the construction of twomodern correctional facilities in MuchingaProvinceand CentralProvince creating an additional 1,000 bed spaces.That is not enough. More needs to be done.We totally agree. We have to work towards increasing improved facilities in this area. We have converted one of –

Madam Speaker, I need the utmost attentionon on this one. We have converted one of the corruption-related re-possessed properties into a correctional facility, …

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The President: … and we are calling it the Diana Nalupya Centre for Circumstantial Children, to house female inmates with their children so that we can ensure that thosechildren live in conducive environmentswhile their mothers serve their sentences. We were detaining children who never committed crimes simply because their mothers were in detention or serving sentences. It is not right. I saw it for myself, and we made a decision to take those women out of the ordinary correctional centresto put them in decent homes yet they are in custody. I am here to report that it has now been implemented. So, we can raise our children properly in those environments. Any parent should appreciate this situation.

Good Governance and Integrity

Madam Speaker,in today’s fast-paced world, citizens are increasinglyexpecting immediate access to services. Our citizens also expect transparency and direct engagement withtheir Government.Our citizens are seeking more accessible, efficient andresponsive channels to voice their concerns and providefeedback to the Government.In this regard, theGovernment has launched the CitizensSupport Services Portal. The portal fosters real-timeengagement between citizens and their Government.Further, we have increased the number of electronicservices available on the Government Service Bus (GSB) from 300in 2023 to 321 in 2024. We need to do more in that area. We are increasing access andimproving efficiency in the delivery of public services.

Madam Speaker, we remain resolved to decentralise public servicedelivery to the last mile.We are, therefore, happy to report that five additionalfunctions have now been devolved to the localauthorities.So that we are specific,these are:

1. district agriculture services;

1. districtlivestock services’

1. district fisheriesservices;

1. districtcommunity development services; and

1. district socialwelfare services.

Again, hon. Members, please, pay attention to these services because you are the face of our communities in these areas. As we take you back to the council, …

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President:… as we take you back to the council, as you take yourselves back to the council, because you will be the deciders, pay attention to these services. This has been devolved to you now. Help ensure that the services are delivered to our people.

Madam Speaker, that brings the number of functions devolved fromthe Central Government to the local authorities tothirteenso far.Therefore, it is true to say that we are empowering communities.We are taking decision-making to ourpeople in the provinces, districts and constituencies across the country.

Madam Speaker,in our quest to uphold our national values andprinciples, we are governing the country on the basis ofthe rule of law.We will ensure that our governance and oversightinstitutions continue to operate independently andautonomously.

Madam Speaker,the fight against corruption is yielding results. I sat here, a year or so ago,and there were doubts, but I am here to say that the fight against corruption is yielding results. We arenow witnessing acquittals and convictions, and thosefound guilty are serving sentences.Unfortunately, that is the rule of law. Unfortunately.I am aware of the debate that was raging in the country about what I am about to say. However, as an additional measure, side by side with prosecution, we are alsorecovering tainted assets and restoring them to therightful owners; the Zambian people.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Earlier, Madam Speaker, I gave you an example ofa property that is nowhousing female inmates with children. That is what we are doing. That is a benefit of what we are doing for society. In addition to prosecution and asset recovery, we are committed to fully implementingalternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms. The mechanisms will assist us to be more efficient and effectiveinexpediting the resolutionof crimes and corruption-related cases.I want to urge the people of Zambia to take advantage of ADRmechanismsin solving problems. I know many countries around the world that are using ADR mechanismseffectively. We are learning, and we would like to apply this as well so that we can resolve issues faster and, sometimes, in a more holistic way because we have engaged oneanother. The ones who have committed the crime and the victims of the crime put together, I think, reconciliationcan happen in society. So, I am asking citizens to take advantage of this opportunity.

Madam Speaker, by integrating ADRmechanisms, such as mediation andnegotiation, the Government aims to enhance judicialefficiency, reduce case backlogs and ensure swift justicewhile upholding principles of accountability andtransparency. Very important.This approach aligns with international best practices incombating corruption and reinforces the Government’sdedication to strengthening the rule of law andpromoting good governance in our country. Further, the fight against corruption will continue in a non-selectivemanner. We will fight past, present and futurecorruption.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, we are encouraged by the recentTransparency International (TI) Corruption Perception Index score, which has improved for thefirst time since 2013. Since 2013, the country has been declining on the scale of the assessment. Now, we are on the up. We have improved from thirty-seven in 2023 to thirty-nine.Remember, I have said that since 2013;downhill. Since 2021/2022; uphill, and we continue to gain. We improved from thirty-seven in 2023 to thirty-nine in 2024.Further, Zambia improved on the global ranking from ninety-eightin 2023 to ninety-two out of 180 countries in 2024. I am the first one to say that we can do more and we should do more.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Sustainable Development

The President:Madam Speaker, in our pursuit of economic prosperity and sustainabledevelopment, it is imperative that we work as a team, we work as a country, we work together. I repeat.This is even more critical inthe wake of the devastating impact of climate change.Climate change has threatened our national food security, energy and water security as well as our biodiversity. Indeed,climate change has disrupted our development effortsand has highlycontributed to the increased cost ofliving.Notwithstanding the disruption, we are seizing theopportunity presented by climate change to adoptalternative solutions to improve our resilience, as acountry.Every coin has two sides. We like to see it that way.Problems or challenges on one side, opportunities on the other side. We need to maximise the opportunities to ameliorate the negatives.

Madam Speaker, as I said earlier, following the worst droughtin living memorywe experienced last rainy season, improved rainfall in the pastthree months will positively impact the cost of living, as we produce more food than last year. Wesalute our gallant farmers who answered the call togrow food despite the uncertain times. Despite the discouragement of the drought, we called on the farmers to plant and they planted. So far, the crop is looking very good across the country. Even in my friend’s constituency, whom I am looking at over there, …

Hon. PF Members: Which one?

The President:… he has even grown maize now. Kanchibiya.Kanchibiya. Kanchibiya.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The President:We are harvesting rainwater, Madam Speaker –

Hon. PF Members interjected.

The President: E’nditamukwai.

Madam Speaker, I am just agreeing. E’ndita mukwa.

We are harvesting rainwater, Madam Speaker, by constructing and rehabilitating dams across the country, especially in the drier provinces.That will enable the country to, basically,retain water to allow our people to engage in all-year-round agriculturalactivitiesthroughirrigation. You may remember that at this Table, I said that I would no longer look to planting seasons across the country because every month is a planting seasonand every month is a harvestingseason. That is what will allow us to achieve production. We are on the road to food self-sufficiency surplus so that we can take care of those who may not be privileged like us in terms of water and good soil.This is in line with the RainwaterHarvesting Strategy, which we launched last year.

Madam Speaker,to mitigate the effects of climate change anddeforestation, the Government has created an enablingenvironment for investment in alternative sources ofenergy. Weintroduced tax incentives to encourage ourcitizens to invest in alternative energy equipment, such assolar technology, and we are on a positive road in that direction. We will report to the House.For next year, we have good news that is coming. We see where we are going. We decided to go that way, and the results are showing.

Madam Speaker, the Government, through the Rural Electrification Authority (REA), has bridged the electricity gap between rural andurban areas by spearheading programmes aimed atelectrifying rural communities in an equitable and, indeed,sustainable manner.For example, wecommissioned the Mpidi Solar Mini Grid –

Mr Kambita: Hear, hear!

The President: Hon. Kambita.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, the Mpidi Solar Mini Grid in Zambezi Districtandthe 640kW Kasanjiku Mini Hydro Power Station in Mwinilunga District. Suchprojects are providing electricity to households,schools, chiefs’ palaces, health facilities, agriculturalcentres and local courts in communities that have not had any access to electricity since Independence. This is happening, and it is a humbling experience when one speaks to the beneficiaries of these facilitiesto hear what they say. Whencommissioningsuch a station with a couple of kilowattscapacity,I visited a facility where one medical staff explained how she used to use light from her phone, from her phone,at the point of helping pregnant women deliver. Now, she is doing it in broad light. It is humbling.

I want to encourage you, hon. Members,to, please, invest more in solar energy in your communities as partof the usage of CDF resources. You will be amazedatthe satisfaction, improvement in the quality of life, water, sanitation and, indeed, productivity in the local areas through irrigation. That is my encouragement.

Madam Speaker,fuel is a critical driver of economic activity. Inrecognition of its strategicimportance, the Governmentremains committed to securing competitively priced fuelfrom the global markets to lower costs and supportsustainable economic growth and stability.

 Madam Speaker, illegal miningis a menace that we are determined tostamp out, as it damages our environment and puts the lives of our young people atrisk. We have lost a few people over the yearsbecause of unsafe mining methods. We should not allow this to continue. Therefore, we will clamp down on illegal mining irrespective of location.This country does not want to hear anyone saying, ‘This is my mineral, I mine it the way I want’. Minerals are the natural resources of the country.Simple and straight. The law must apply. When people refuse to respect the law, they will be forced to obligate themselves to the law for good reasons. As I have said, we need the mining resources to help fuel growth in our economy. Simple.

Madam Speaker, our interventions to formalise artisanal mining through the provision of fair price capital, enhanced technology, jointventures and value addition will ensure a vibrant, formalmining sector, not informal, which is at the heart of our developmentaland growth agenda.

Madam Speaker,having achieved debt restructuring, which is very difficult and impossible mission,having revived the mines and investing in energy, our buzz words now are economic growth, growth and more growth.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The President: For what, Madam Speaker? For jobs, business opportunities and Treasury income so that we can look after the sick, the young, the old, the retired and those who live with disabilities. That is the way it is. No Government retiree has been queuing at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning since we took office. We have cleared a twenty-year backlog. We can only do that through economic growth. Generating revenue. This is the buzz word, and I ask this House to sing this chorus; economic growth, growth and more growth for the benefits that I have just articulated.

Madam Speaker, we are pleased to note that over 1.1 million farmers haveadopted smart agriculture technologies in 2024. We urgemore of our farmers, especially small-scale farmers, toadopt smart agricultural practices to enhanceproductivity and help mitigate the negative effects of climate change.

Madam Speaker,proper management of waste is another important aspectof sustainable development. We are concerned withthe littering and indiscriminate disposal of plastics andother waste materials in our communities by citizens and businesses. That is not acceptable. When oneis walking on the road, one sees someone throwing litter out of their car window. Why not keep that litter in the car, when one reacheshome take it out and throw it in the bin?That is responsibility at a personal level. One cleans today, tomorrow people litter again, and then they complain. Then, cholera breaks out, and the cost is high. We should not be doing things like that, as a nation. Again, the local authorities.It starts in the family, communities and constituencies. Let us take responsibility right there. Right there. I know there are some laws we need to change around plastics because they are damaging our environment. In fact, even destroying livelihoods.So, hon. Colleagues, let us work together in that area.

Madam Speaker, in the area of general cleanliness, hygiene, where is our collective sense of responsibility? Where has it gone? Who is going to bring it back? It is us. It is not anybody else. Responsibility at the personal level. We have by-laws but, as individual citizens, we have a responsibility to keep our environment clean. We mustkeep Zambia clean, green, safe and healthy.

As I conclude, Madam Speaker –

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, I see the House is in its right frame of mind today.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, I will not say it, but I know the reason.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, I just want the House to know that every time we work together, we can achieve more things, …

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President:… and there will be many good things that will be achieved.

Madam Speaker, shortly, this House will be debating issues that will bring more good news for itselfand, more importantly, for the 20 million citizens.

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, as demonstrated in my delivery, we have made progress in theapplication of our national values and principles, andstrengthened the pillars of democracy andconstitutionalism.Very important. We have pursued good governance andintegrity such that citizens now enjoy more freedoms andgreater participation in governance, and a more conducive and inclusive society throughourdecentralisation programmes that had stalled for many years. We added fuel to the momentum of decentralisation, as you may have seen from our message today.

Madam Speaker, we want our local people to make decisions that best serve them than someone in Lusaka who makes decisions about Kashinakashi, Kambombo or Shangombo, which they know little about. That is the intention of these decisions. If I ask how many citizens here in the House know Shishekano, I am sure the answers will show that very few know it.So, how can one make decisions about those people without knowing their environment and circumstances? This is why this policy of decentralisation is very important. 

Madam Speaker, Madam Speaker, let me say that issues around decentralisation, environment and resilience building must take more of our time going forward. We need people at the lower level to contribute to economic activity. No matter how small it is, we need to create jobs at that lowest point, and it will be felt more than the factories in Lusaka.

Madam Speaker, I wish to say that the journey is long, but we are walking. We are racing there. It is not an event, it is a process. We are far from reaching our destination, but we will get there. The progress we have made is part of the foundation upon which we must builda better Zambia. That is the foundation upon which ourpeace, unity and prosperity must be forever anchored. Thejourney requires our determination.Passion – I say sofrom little experience – mindset and attitude are very important. Courage, just sheer courage, is important. Defeat starts with the mind, not the body. It starts with the mind. That is the Zambia I would like all of us to see across the country.With focus,progressively, we will get there. We remain vigilant and committed to upholding national values and principles in every aspect of our national affairs. We will continue to promote morality and ethics in our conduct. We will continue to adapt our nation’s capability to respond to adversity, including the effects of climate change. No one needs to be told what we went through just a few months ago. We have not recovered yet. I am aware that one of us was calling for a declaration of a disaster. This President maintainedthe declaration of thedisaster and emergency. It is still applying. How can we declare a disaster on a declaration?

Hon. PF Members: Question!

The President: It is there. It is not possible.

Madam Speaker, we are not out of the woods yet. We need to build resilience. We need to be prepared so that next time, with or without rainfall, we will have electricity. With or without rainfall, we will have food through irrigation. That is my call. That is our call to the country.

Madam Speaker, we need commitment and positive action from all citizens. Every effort counts. With hard work, unity and patriotism, we shall triumph. Living by our national values and principles is a daily obligation. It is not a lecture, sermon or presentation. It is not the President’s Speech. It is a daily obligation. It is our duty. It iswhat we should be living by. It is what is supposed to be normal not the other way around. We must uphold ourvalues and principles. After all, we devise them ourselves. They were not handed over to us by somebody outside of this country. We generated them because we believe in them.

Madam Speaker, we must all become patriotic citizens of high values and principles in public and private.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, some of us think that we can get away with negative behaviour in private, but one of the Zambian languages tellsus that this desk has ears and eyes. Even in one’s privacy, one will be seen if oneis not conducting oneself properly. As leaders, we must conduct ourselves properly at all times. We are examples to the community and the young people. I even follow what people in this House do in their private lives, as they follow what I do. We must conduct ourselves properly.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President:Madam Speaker, let our national values and principles inspire us to build a future worthy of the generations to come. Let us all commit to accomplishing more and better, not just by quantum, but by value and quality in what we do. We can only do this if we love our country and love oneanotherirrespective of the ruling or opposition parties. This is one House. We are one House.When we behave and act like that, the country will emulate us and we will be in a better space. We should be good citizens and be willing to sacrifice for the sake of Mother Zambia. A Zambia free of discrimination, gender-based violence (GBV),teenage pregnancies, corruption, cybercrime and bullying is attainable.

Hon. Members, what we are saying is attainable if we want to achieve these things. However, pretence does not get us anywhere. A prosperous Zambia anchored onour national values and principles is truly achievable.

MayGod bless us all.

May God bless our beautiful country, Zambia.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President left the Assembly Chamber.

_______

[MADAM SPEAKERin the Chair]

________

MOTION

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Members, as you know, I am a lawyer by profession, ...

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker:… so, I charge for services. Expect a bill after this.

Laughter

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, on behalf of the House and, indeed, on my behalf, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, for the speech that he has –

Pardon?

Her Honour the Vice-President conferred with the Clerk.

The Vice-President: Apologies to the House, I was using the wrong script.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, …

Hon. Members:Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: … I think, you have done something differently.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I beg to move that at its rising today, the House adjourns until Tuesday, 4^th March, 2025.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the House and, indeed, on my behalf, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, for the speech he has just delivered on the Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles.

Madam Speaker, I have no doubt that the House will agree with me that the President has raised a number of important issues that require serious and careful analysis by all of us. Consequently, I am of the view that the House should rise now so that hon. Members have ample time to study and analyse the speech, and reflect on the important issues that the President has raised. That will enable hon. Members to make meaningful contributions during the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address, starting on Tuesday, 4^thMarch, 2025. 

Madam Speaker, this is a procedural Motion. I, therefore, request all hon. Members to support it.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chanda (Kanchibiya): Madam Speaker, allow me to put on record my sincere gratitude for the opportunity accorded to me to support the Motion moved by Her Honour the Vice-President on the occasion of the Special Address to Parliament by the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, on the Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles.

Madam Speaker, I fully support the Motion movedby Her Honour the Vice-President that the House adjourns now to accord hon. Members ample time to digest and critically analyse the speech so that when we come back to the House next week, we will be fully prepared and energised to debate the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I am very grateful to the House for its unanimous support on this Motion, as they await the debate starting on Tuesday, next week.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Question put and agreed to.

ADJOURNMENT

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

Question put and agreed to.

–––––––

The House adjourned at 1144 hours until 1430 hours on Tuesday, 4^th March, 2025.

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