Thursday, 20^th March, 2025

The House met at 1430 hours

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

_______

ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM SPEAKER

ACTING LEADER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN THE HOUSE

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I have received communication to the effect that in the absence of Her Honour the Vice-President, who is attending to other Government Business, the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Hon. Jacob Jack Mwiimbu, MP, has been appointed Acting Leader of Government Business in the House from today, Thursday, 20^th March, 2025, until further notice.

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM THE AVALON SCHOOL

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of pupils and teachers from The Avalon School in Lusaka District.

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

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM DWEB TRUST SCHOOL

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of pupils and teachers from Dweb Trust School in Lusaka District.

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

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

_______

URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

MR MICHELO, HON. MEMBER FOR BWEENGWA, ON MR CHIKOTE, HON. MINISTER OF ENERGY, ON NEWS DIGGERS NEWSPAPER HEADLINE

Mr Michelo (Bweengwa): On an Urgent Matter Without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter Without Notice is raised.

Mr Michelo: Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to raise an Urgent Matter Without Notice, which I am directing to the hon. Minister of Energy.

Madam Speaker, in Today’s News Diggers newspaper, there is the following screaming headline:

“OPEN ACCESS HITS A SNAG, as Agro-Fuel fills TAZAMA reserve tanks, hinders offloading of cheaper diesel.”

Madam Speaker, if this is true, then, Agro-Fuel Investments Limited is denting the image of the Government. If really this is true, then, the Zambian people are being denied cheaper fuel. This time around, it is very important for the hon. Minister of Energy to come to the Floor of the House and tell us and the Zambian people out there what is happening so that we can also have access to cheaper fuel. We want to know exactly what Agro-Fuel Investments Limited is doing by sabotaging the Government.

Madam Speaker, I seek your indulgence.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much. I have noticed that the hon. Minister of Energy is not here. I have seen some stories around that issue. In view of the fact that people are complaining about the high cost of living, fuel cost, electricity and so on and so forth, maybe, the hon. Minister of Energy should come to the House on Tuesday next week to render a statement on the issue raised by the hon. Member for Bweengwa concerning Agro-Fuel Investments Limited.

Mr Wamunyima (Nalolo): Madam Speaker, I was going to raise the same matter. So, I pass.

Madam Speaker: It seems the issue is popular.

MR MUTINTA, HON. MEMBER FOR ITEZHI TEZHI, ON MR SYAKALIMA, HON. MINISTER OF EDUCATION, ON THE CONTINUED LOSS OF LIVES AT THE UNIVERITY OF ZAMBIA

Mr Mutinta (Itezhi-tezhi): On an Urgent Matter Without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter Without Notice is raised.

Mr Mulenga: Same matter.

Laughter

Mr Mutinta: Madam Speaker, my Urgent Matter Without Notice is directed at the hon. Minister of Education. The University of Zambia (UNZA) is home to over 20,000 children and the students come from across the entire country. The Government has erected a bridge, but students are still not making use of the bridge and we have continued to witness loss of lives. Yesterday, one of the students was bashed and we are getting worried as parents. We just want to know what measures the hon. Minister is putting in place while working with the management of UNZA so that we can avert the continuous loss of lives of students at UNZA.

Madam Speaker: I thank you. I recall at one point, there was a barricade along the road and the students were forced to use the bridge. Unfortunately, we have continued to lose lives and one of the students who died was actually a child of one of the hon. Members in this House. Maybe, the hon. Member for Itezhi-Itezhi can file in an urgent question then, the hon. Minister can come and answer it next week.

MR KAMPYONGO, HON. MEMBER FOR SHIWANG’ANDU, ON MR CHIKOTE, HON. MINISTER OF ENERGY, ON THE CONTINUED LOAD-SHEDDING

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): On an Urgent Matter Without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter Without Notice is raised.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, my Urgent Matter Without Notice I am raising is also directed at the hon. Minister of Energy.

Madam Speaker, State House is one of the institutions with special facilities. So, the security of that area is of paramount importance. The load-shedding we have been experiencing as ordinary citizens has now extended to the parameters of State House in both camps. The hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security should be concerned that both camps surrounding State House are now being put in darkness at awkward hours. They are being load shed. Like I have said, how the Government secures that place has implications because even though the President does not reside there, he works there on a daily basis. Is the hon. Minister of Energy in order to ignore the Presidential directive and to continue load-shedding health facilities and hospitals, including office number one?

I seek your serious guidance, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: I am a bit concerned with dealing with issues relating to security at State House. I am a bit uncomfortable. The hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security and the hon. Minister of Energy have taken note of that concern. If we start debating it here, I think, we will be discussing matters relating to the security of the Head of State and the area he stays in. So, I am a bit uncomfortable with that because we might be discussing something that is not within our mandate.

Please, hon. Minister of Energy, as I have said, take note and ensure that the place mentioned is not experiencing load-shedding for whatever reason. So, whether there was load-shedding or not, or it was a fault, I am not aware. I do not know about that, but, please, make sure that the area is sufficiently supplied with electricity.

_______

BILLS

FIRST READING

THE CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION PUBLIC PROTECTION BILL, 2025

The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security (Mr Mwiimbu, SC.): Madam Speaker, I beg to present a Bill entitled the Closed-Circuit Television Public Protection Bill, 2025. The objects of the Bill are to:

1. provide the functions of the National Public Security Command Centre;
2. constitute the National Public Security Command Committee and provide for its functions;
3. provide for the regulation of closed-circuit television and mobile closed-circuit television
4. provide for an effective system for the use of closed-circuit television and mobile closed-circuit television;
5. provide for the protection of data collected through closed-circuit television and mobile closed-circuit television;
6. provide security surveillance for the protection of members of the public; and
7. to provide for matters connected with, or incidental to, the foregoing.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: The Bill stands referred to the Committee on National Security and Foreign Affairs. The Committee is required to submit its report on the Bill to the House in due course. Hon. Members who wish to make submissions on the Bill are free to do so within the programme of work of the Committee.

Thank you.

THE BORDER MANAGEMENT AND TRADE FACILITATION BILL, 2025

The Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry (Mr Chipoka Mulenga): Madam Speaker, I beg to present a Bill entitled the Border Management and Trade Facilitation Bill, 2025. The objects of this Bill are to:

1. provide for co-ordinated border management and control for the efficient movement and clearance of goods;
2. give effect to the provisions of agreements relating to one-stop border posts;
3. provide for simplified trading arrangements with adjoining States relating to the movement and clearance of goods;
4. establish control zones and provide for powers of officers in control zones;
5. provide for the development, management and maintenance of border infrastructure;
6. authorise the application of the laws of the Republic and the laws of an adjoining State in a one-stop border post;
7. repeal and replace the Border Management and Trade Facilitation Act, 2018; and
8. provide for matters connected with, or incidental to, the foregoing.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: The Bill stands referred to the Committee on National Economy, Trade and Labour Matters. The Committee is required to submit its report on the Bill to the House in due course. Hon. Members who wish to make submissions on the Bill are free to do so within the programme of work of the Committee.

Thank you.

THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS BILL, 2025

The Minister of Community Development and Social Services (Ms D. Mwamba): Madam Speaker, I beg to present a Bill entitled the Non-Governmental Organisations Bill, 2025. The objects of the Bill are to:

1. continue the existence of the office of the Registrar of Non-Governmental Organisations established as a department under the repealed Act and rename it as the Department of Non-Governmental Organisations;
2. provide for the functions of the Department of Non-Governmental Organisations;
3. provide for the registration, licensing and co-ordination of non-governmental organisations;
4. continue the existence of the Zambia Congress of Non-Governmental Organisations and redefine its functions;
5. continue the existence of the Council of Non-Governmental Organisations and redefine its functions;
6. provide for the self-regulation of non-governmental organisations;
7. enhance the transparency, accountability and performance of non-governmental organisations;
8. repeal and replace the Non-Governmental Organisations Act, 2009; and
9. provide for matters connected with, or incidental to, the foregoing.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: The Bill stands referred to the Committee on Health, Community Development and Social Services. The Committee is required to submit its report on the Bill to the House in due course. Hon. Members who wish to make submissions on the Bill are free to do so within the programme of work of the Committee.

Thank you.

_______

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

CONSTRUCTION OF A HOSPITAL IN BWACHA

265. Mr Mushanga (Bwacha) asked the Minister of Health:

1. whether the Government has any plans to construct a hospital to cater for the following areas in Bwacha Parliamentary Constituency:
2. Kalwelwe;
3. Munyama; and
4. Kasavasa;
5. if so, when the plans will be implemented;
6. what the estimated cost of the project is; and
7. if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Health (Mr Muchima): Madam Speaker, two Level I hospitals are earmarked for construction in Kabwe Central Constituency and Bwacha Constituency, specifically, Munga Ward. Construction of an ultra-modern hospital with a 120-bed capacity in Munga Ward will be undertaken by the Government with support from Bayer Zambia Limited, which has already released US$100,000 for the initial phase of the project. The people of Munga, Kalwelwe, Munyama, Kasavasa, and neighbouring districts like Chisamba and Chibombo will benefit from the facility. In addition, the facility will also help to decongest Kabwe Central Hospital and Kabwe Women and New Born Hospital. The suggested name for the hospital is Caleb Esnart Munzele Level I Hospital in honour of the family that has graciously donated the land on which the facility will be built.

Madam Speaker, the Government will also construct an ultra-modern Level I hospital in Kabwe Central Constituency with an eighty-bed capacity. The facility will come with equipment and, at least, one ambulance.

Madam Speaker, construction of the hospital in Bwacha Constituency will commence within 2025.

Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to construct a hospital. Therefore, part (c) of the question falls off.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mushanga: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the feedback he has provided to the effect that two hospitals will be constructed in Kabwe District; one in Kabwe Central and the other one in Bwacha, to be specific in Munga Ward. Munga Ward is very far from Kalwelwe, Munyama and Kasavasa. The distance between the area where the hospital will be constructed by Bayer Zambia Limited and those areas mentioned is almost 20 km. My question is specific. Does the Government have any plans to construct a hospital for the people of Munyama, Kalwelwe and Kasavasa? The hospital that is going to be constructed is almost 20 km away from the areas in the question I posed this afternoon.

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, as I said yesterday, the Government’s move to increase the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation from K1.6 million to K26 million up to K36.1 million is to encourage the construction of mini-hospitals in areas where the populations are large. All the hospitals in Kabwe can now be referral hospitals. We cannot build a big hospital and, at the same time, build smaller ones. What will be done with the CDF? The constituency can use part of the CDF to build the mini hospitals, then, we combine efforts to help one another. So much money is going to go into the construction of the Level I hospital. So, if that is being done, the constituency has to look into other areas. By the time we, as a ministry, build in those areas, the people would have suffered terribly. So, at the moment, I would urge my hon. Colleague to use part of the CDF. Even just by getting K6 million from the CDF, the constituency can build 3 x 3 block clinics in those areas. We have done so in my constituency.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Madam Speaker, we hear the hon. Minister’s call for hon. Members to construct clinics or, indeed, hospitals. However, constituencies can only build clinics from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation. The allocation cannot even help build a mini-hospital because it is costly. Not even a year’s allocation of CDF can fund such a project. The hon. Minister intimated that Bayer Zambia Limited will fund the construction of the hospital, and he mentioned a figure. I would like to hear him categorically state under what arrangement between the ministry and the company is the company funding that construction of the hospital in the ward. Is it under corporate social responsibility (CSR) or what?

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, Bayer Zambia Limited is a company that does business within Kabwe. So, as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), it wishes to donate to the community by way of constructing a hospital with a 120-bed capacity at Level I stage.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: This is a constituency-specific question. I see a lot of interest, but we need to make progress.

Mr Mushanga: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, for, yet again, giving me this opportunity to pose a follow-up question.

Madam Speaker, for the information of the hon. Minister, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation in Bwacha Constituency is used prudently. In 2023/2024, Bwacha was number four in the whole country, number one in the province, number one in the district, and number one in the constituency in terms of utilisation. Money for community projects is only something like K17.6 million. We already have allocated funds for the construction of a maternity annex at Mukobeko Maximum Prison. We have also allocated money to construct a police post near the same company that has been mentioned because of crime issues. So, I still insist that the hospital that is being constructed in Munga Ward is very far from the areas that I stated earlier. It is 20 km away. The CDF cannot respond to all the challenges that the people of Bwacha Constituency have. The people in those areas are the Government’s people and the ministry has the responsibility to take health services closer to them. Does the ministry have any plans to construct even a mini hospital or a health post for the three wards?

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, for a long time, the people of Kabwe have been crying for a Level I hospital.  Currently, the Government resources cannot be spread in only one area. We know that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is a Government initiative. That is Government money which the hon. Member should set priorities on. I sympathise with the hon. Member because 20 km is too long to cover.  I know Kabwe very well. Therefore, if the hon. Member feels that constructing a health facility nearby is critical, why not prioritise that?  If that project is not considered in 2025, it can then be done in 2026. Very soon, the 2026 Budget   shall be presented.  Our President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema said that the CDF will continue increasing every time the Budget is presented. So, the hon. Member can wait so that we include that budget line in the next Budget.

Madam Speaker, I am an Accountant by profession and I know the cost.  I have dealt with   the construction of clinics before and I have seen them being constructed.  K2.4 million is enough to build a very good clinic. So, if the hon. Member puts aside K8 million from the K36 million, he can manage to construct all the three clinics. He can start with that, then the rest will follow.  For example, Hon. Katuta has written to us that she can start the construction with K3 million.

Madam Speaker, the country is big but the resources are limited. Therefore, we cannot spend all the money on one area. The whole country needs those facilities. In Chadiza, three clinics have been constructed using the CDF.  What is remaining is the equipment. That is what we want. The CDF is money that the President of the Republic of Zambia has increased from a meagre K1.6 million to K36 million, to address such issues.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Maybe, the hon. Member is not yet satisfied.

Mr Mushanga: You are right, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: According to what I have heard, the money allocated for projects has been exhausted, and that his area is about 20 km from the hospital that is planned to be built. So, do you have any plans to address this situation or issue?

Mr Mushanga: Ema Speaker aya!

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, I said that at the moment, we do not have immediate plans because we are concentrating on putting up a bigger hospital, which the entire Kabwe has been crying for. In the meantime, he can use the resources that are available. If he has already exhausted the 2025 CDF, he can also wait for the Budget for 2026. I am sure he will still be in Parliament.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Katambo (Masaiti): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister may recall that we built the Nyama Health Post in Kalwelwe Ward. He is aware that there is also Kasavasa and the other areas mentioned in the substantive question.  We are aware that it is Government’s policy to take health facilities closer to the citizens. Does the hon. Minister not think that it is important to upgrade the Nyama Health Post into a bigger health facility?

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, let me be categorical. It is the desire of this Government to build such health facilities in every densely populated area, but there are limitations. My colleague, the hon. Member of Parliament, should look at where we are coming from. He should understand that it has not been easy to spread the meagre resources that we have across the country, especially after experiencing a drought. We do not have enough capacity to do that. I would be the happiest hon. Minister of Health if the health infrastructure was built everywhere. At the moment, we want to complete the old structures whose construction has been stalled for a long time. If money allows, why not construct that hospital? We can put it in the plan at provincial level so that we see how we can proceed.  Then, we can talk. We need to save the lives of our citizens without any distinction. Zambians deserve good healthcare from this Government.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Bwacha, maybe, engage the hon. Minister and make proposals on how you would want this issue addressed.

I thought there was a discussion about doing certain things that are going on. Would that not address the issue? I do not want to be an active participant, but I am just giving a leakage.

Laughter

CONSTRUCTION OF THE ZIMBA/NYAWA/KALOMO ROAD

266. Dr Andeleki (Katombola) asked the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development:

1. why the construction of the Zimba/Nyawa/Kalomo road has stalled;
2. what the outstanding works, in percentage terms, were as of December, 2024;
3. when the project will resume; and
4. when the project will be completed.

The Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development (Eng. Milupi): Madam, the construction of the Zimba/Nyawa/Kalomo Road has stalled due to non-performance by the contractor, resulting in the termination of the contract.

Madam Speaker, the outstanding works in percentage terms as of December 2024, stood at 81 per cent. The project shall resume in April 2025, following the successful engagement of a new contractor.

Madam Speaker, the project is anticipated to be completed within twenty-four months of commencing the works.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Dr Andeleki: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the responses that are very assuring. I would like to know from the hon. Minister, who the new contractor that has been assigned to complete those works is.

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, I think providing the name of the contractor also gives me an opportunity to expand my response a bit more for the benefit of the people, especially those in Katombola Constituency.

Madam Speaker, first of all, the Zimba/Nyawa/Kalomo Road is one of the three roads to be rehabilitated under the Improved Rural Connectivity Project (IRCP). The project was awarded to Messrs. M and N Industrial Merchants Limited at a contract price of K115,494,706.94, for a duration of five years. The project commenced on 25^th March, 2022, and will be completed on 26^th March, 2027. The contractor only managed to rehabilitate 30 km out of the total project scope of 155 km. Due to non-performance by the contractor, the contract was terminated on 12^th July, 2024. As of June 2024, a total of K20,900,253.31 was certified for payment in respect of the certified works and services. So, a new contractor is called Condril Engenharia S.A., a Portuguese company, I think, has been awarded the project for the contract sum of K217,306, 682.67. The contract was signed on 5^th March, 2025, with a duration of two years. The contractor is expected to mobilise to the site within thirty days of signing. If the hon. Member did not get the name because of the Portuguese pronunciation, he is free to come and see me personally so that I can give him the correct name of the new contractor.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister indicated that the contract for the initial contractor was terminated due to non-performance but he did not state what caused the initial contractor to fail to perform. What were the reasons for the contractor to fail to perform when everything was in place? I sense that there was even work certified to a tune of K20 million. So, if this contractor was paid as and when he was supposed to be paid, what could have been the reason for him to fail to perform?

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Lunte, first of all, for taking interest in matters concerning Katombola.

Madam Speaker, the contractor failed to perform on this contract because of his inability to perform.

Mr Kafwaya interjected.

Eng.  Milupi: I can see that the hon. Member is reacting to that. There are many reasons contractors fail to perform. These are World Bank funded-projects under the Improved Rural Connectivity Project. In certain places, we have given contracts to Zambian contractors, and this particular contractor, Messrs. M and N Industrial Merchants Limited, is a Zambian contractor, but some of them are unable to meet high standards that are expected according to the contracts. Therefore, if we find that they are not able to meet the high standards in terms of the specifications of the contracts for whatever reason, whether they have not used the money properly or they have no equipment, we are obliged to terminate the contract so that we give it to a contractor who is able to perform.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr J. Chibuya (Roan): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has partially answered my concern. However, since it is the Government who initiated the termination of the contract, the contractor surely must have been required to have deposited a performance bond and at the end of it all, the Government was inconvenienced. Did the contractor deposit any performance bond and if so, did the Government cash in that bond?

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my honourable friend, the Member of Parliament for Roan.

Madam Speaker, in matters of contract administration, when we reach conditions for termination, contractual terms are followed to the fullest. So, the hon. Member for Roan can be assured that the obligations were fully followed and they will always be followed when it comes to terminating a contract, especially as a result of failure by the contactor to perform.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Madam Speaker, allow me to thank the hon. Minister for Southern Province. I know this is where the issue of terminating the contract with the previous contractor started from because he toured this road and it was clear that the previous contractor had failed to perform. However, a number of people like the youths cleared the way where this road would pass. Now, that the contract has been terminated, may I know who is going to pay those youths because the previous contractor did not pay them?

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament is free to engage us on matters of this nature to ensure that the right thing is done. Our offices are always open as is evidenced by the note he has just sent me thanking my office for contacting him earlier today. So, the hon. Member is always free to talk to us and we will resolve whatever issues that need to be resolved.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

______

MOTION

MOTION OF THANKS

(Debate resumed)

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts (Mr Nkandu): Madam Speaker, before the House adjourned yesterday, I was explaining the issue of delimitation and I explained it clearly. So, let me just say that this action will allow for increased opportunity of empowerment especially among the young people in their respective communities, hence will reduce the rural urban migration among the citizenry.

Madam Speaker, under good governance and integrity, the President reaffirmed that the New Dawn Government remains firmly committed to upholding the tenets of good governance and integrity. To this effect, my ministry has in place a ministerial integrity committee to ensure that all members of staff adhere to the code of ethics as they execute their functions.

Madam Speaker, in order to provide policy direction in the implementation of programmes under the ministry, my ministry launched the following strategic documents:

1. the Strategic Plan 2022-2026;
2. the National Arts Policy;
3. the National Film Policy;
4. the National Youth Policy;
5. the National Sports Policy;
6. the Communication Strategy 2024-2027;
7. the e-Strategy; and
8. the Gifts and Benefits Policy.

Madam Speaker, these documents will govern the implementation of various programmes under the ministry to ensure that the tenets of good governance are adhered to through the provision of goods and services as planned for in the implementation plans.

Madam Speaker, let me conclude by saying that my ministry will continue to implement programmes aimed at raising awareness on issues of anti-doping, drug, alcohol and substance abuse, morality and ethics and provision of empowerment among the youth, sports persons and artists in order to contribute to a productive and morally upright citizenry.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

The Minister for North-Western Province (Mr Lihefu): Madam Speaker, first and foremost, on behalf of the people of the North-Western Province and Manyinga, I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity to contribute to the debate on the speech presented by Mr Hakainde Hichilema to this House on Friday 28^th February, 2025, on the Progress made on the Application of National Values and Principles.

Madam Speaker, the speech demonstrated the importance of national values and principles in directing our behaviour, fostering creator development and social cohesion. The President demonstrated in his speech that the New Dawn Administration is committed to ensuring that National Values and Principles do not only provide a moral compass for citizens, but also serve as a premise for national development through hard work, self-discipline and accountability.

Madam Speaker, under morality and ethics, the President clearly outlined his Government’s resolve to deal with social ills, such as alcohol and substance abuse, child marriage, teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence (GBV) and cybercrimes and cyber bullying. The President stated that a lot of work is being done at policy level through enactment of laws. It was satisfying to hear that the Government is concerned with the rising prevalence of cybercrimes and cyber bullying, which are new kinds of violence, particularly against women and girls. The people of the North-Western Province are pleased that the Government is working with stakeholders to strengthen cybersecurity and cybercrime laws in order to create a safer online environment.

Madam Speaker, the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Force, stressed the importance of national unity and patriotism in our society and building a strong country. The people of Kashinakashi in Manyinga are happy with the reminder by the President that national symbols remain crucial in fostering patriotism and unity within our country. The people of the North-Western Province will adhere to the call by the President to repay in full the loans taken from the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). This Administration deserves praise for fostering a culture of volunteering in the country. The results speak for themselves.

Madam Speaker, the people of Nyatanda in Chavuma are pleased to learn that the Government is still dedicated to maintaining social justice, equality, equity, human dignity and non-discrimination. The President informed the nation that with the enhanced CDF, which currently stands at K36.1 million …

Mr B. Mpundu: Question!

Mr Lihefu: … per constituency annually, our people have been given a new lease on life.

Madam Speaker, local communities in Manyinga are clearly changing and our people’s quality of life has improved. Some people are saying that the CDF cannot do everything in our constituencies. However, under the previous Administration, the one capital project implemented in Manyinga was worth only K1.6 million. We saw nothing else the whole five years. This time around, the CDF is financing many projects in rural constituencies.  

Madam Speaker, the President clearly outlined various social protection programmes, which continue to improve the welfare and standard of living of the underprivileged in Ikeleng’i District and Mwinilunga District. These consist of the Cash-for-Work Programme, Public Welfare Assistance Scheme, Food Security Pack, Social Cash Transfer (SCT) Scheme and Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP). These programmes are being carried out nationwide in a fair and non-discriminatory manner.

Madam Speaker, the Free Education Policy is working in all the twelve constituencies of the North-Western Province. Regardless of their background, a lot more children are getting an education. Some of our citizens, including the elderly, have gone back to school because of the policy, as evidenced by the story of Dorothy Kamanisha, a forty-two-year-old female student from Solwezi, who returned to school.

Madam Speaker, on the issue of resilience, the President reported that the 640 kW Kasanjiku Mini Hydro Power Station in Mwinilunga District and the Mpidi Solar Mini Grid in Zambezi District were put into service by the Government. These projects are supplying electricity to homes, schools, chiefs’ palaces, medical facilities, agricultural centres and local courts.

Madam Speaker, the North-Western Province is vast. Therefore, it needs delimitation. Delimitation is key to the development of our province because its constituencies are vast. When delimitation is done, our traditional leaders will be relieved. As you are aware, the North-Western Province has three big mines. If our constituencies continue to receive K36.1 million as CDF without delimitation, our traditional leaders will not get the relief they need.

Madam Speaker, let me take this opportunity to praise and congratulate Mr Hakainde Hichilema, the President of the Republic of Zambia, on a well-delivered update on the Progress made in the Application of National Values and Principles.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: The hon. Member for Chasefu has indicated to speak. I will use my discretion and call on him to debate. Then, we will continue with hon. Ministers.

Mr Nyambose (Chasefu): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for according me this opportunity to add my voice to the debate on the President’s Speech, delivered on 28^th February, 2025, which was last month. As you can hear from my voice, I was not well. However, I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity to debate at your discretion.

Madam Speaker, I am compelled to add my voice to the debate because we, as politicians, can break or build the country. A lot of progress has been made since 2021. However, when we go out, we see people misleading the nation. In my debate today, I will mention figures. The figures I will mention are the monies that have been received by Chasefu Constituency. In 2022, 406 people benefited from empowerment grants and the total amount that was given to the beneficiaries was K8,927,688.76. Further, the total amount of loans disbursed was K19,429,064.71 and 512 people benefitted.

Madam Speaker, 588 secondary school pupils were sponsored under bursaries to the tune of K1,842,700, K15,324,297 worth of skills development bursaries benefitted 1,578 people. I would have illustrated the various areas of skills training but, in the interest of time, I will not. I do not want to lose time. In terms of community projects, K7,866,637 was spent on equipment only with K11,154,000 spent on desk procurement and rehabilitation. I can go on and on. This is information that is there to show that we have been blessed by this Government and the President. That is the progress that the people of Zambia should know. What I am stressing is not only happening in Chasefu. All of us in this House, including those who say that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is a hoax, can attest to this. If one calls them one by one, one will note that the same money that is given to them is a blessing. We do not want to state facts because we are becoming hypocrites. We want to mislead the people of Zambia that this Government is not doing enough.

Madam Speaker, by December 2025, Chasefu would have received K120.7 million from this Government. Not only Chasefu but all hon. Members. We owe this nation good leadership. We want to mislead the people of Zambia when we come to this House that there is no progress happening. Progress is happening in our rural constituencies, which is something that did not happen in the past. All the development was concentrated at the centre but now, the people of Chasefu are blessed with a good Government. When the President comes to the House to give a report on progress, that is the progress he talks about. It is up to us, as Members of Parliament, to agree with him and say that he is a blessing to this country. He is a blessing to Chasefu. In Chasefu, we now have our own mortuary. The hon. Minister visited the constituency. We have built a police station in the bush with running water and very good housing. We have health posts built in the rural parts of Chasefu. All that is progress.

Madam Speaker, my appeal is that as we analyse issues, we should ask ourselves what could have happened if this country did not have a Government that is responsible.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nyambose: Madam Speaker, it is morally wrong for any Government to neglect the poor people in rural areas and concentrate development at the centre here, the capital city, and think that it is developing a country. Chasefu is part of this country, but it was neglected. I would like to ask the hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development when the ministry will work on the Lundazi/Chama Road.

Madam Speaker, the Government has done many things. So, when we are talking about morals, one day, ask – I do not know which segment – each hon. Member whose constituency receives money to account for that allocation. If the money is being given to us yet there are those who say that CDF and this Government are not working, then, those people are not fit to be politicians.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nyambose: Madam Speaker, we should be principled politicians. Things that are working are working.

Mr Charles Mulenga: Ema MP aba!

Mr Nyambose: Madam Speaker, another good policy by this Government, which was espoused by our President, is the Cash-for-Work programme. At a difficult moment, this Government, thought of the people of Chasefu and blessed them with money to help them during the drought. That money is really uplifting the lives of the people of Chasefu. I would like to appeal to my hardworking hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development to visit the constituency through his officers to see how the people who are charged with the responsibility of enrolment are recruiting their relatives and leaving out the vulnerable people who were targeted by the President. Further, people who have worked for many months, some since December, have not been paid their wages up to now. The system is not being corrected. However, that is an administrative issue that can be dealt with. The policy is number one. I appeal to the President, through the hon. Minister, to not discontinue the good policy because it is helping the good people of Chasefu and others in many parts of this country.

Madam Speaker, I wanted to add my voice to the debate despite my hoarse projection. Those who are trying to mislead this nation and saying that there is no progress in this country are not living in this nation. A politician should have morals and principles. If there are things that are not going well, hon. Members should state them. It is morally wrong to tell the people of Zambia that things are not working and that the CDF is a hoax.

Madam Speaker, please, compel us to be giving updates to the nation. The money is in our constituencies and we are using it to develop them.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the President of the Republic of Zambia and his Government, and to say to the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning to keep it up. He should close his ears and keep his eyes on the ball. Things are changing in Chasefu. The Government should do more. It should give us a secondary school and a road to Chama so that we can be part of this country.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker gave the Floor to Mr P. Phiri, but he was not in the Assembly Chamber.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: I have a list that I am following. The next one is the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning.

The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the speech delivered by the President two weeks ago.

Madam Speaker, the President presented a report on the progress that our country has made in the application of the National Values and Principles. In the past two weeks, hon. Colleagues have been adding their voices to the debate on that. Today, I also join in the debate. I would like to state from the outset that I must be counted among the debaters who are praising the President for the speech he delivered. Among the Opposition hon. Members and the Government hon. Members, those who are praising the President for the speech are in the majority. Well done to Mr President.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, as I compliment the speech of the President, I wish to delve into the theme, “Not Leaving Anyone Behind”. That is in reference to development. Not leaving anyone behind is clearly desirable because, as a principle, it reflects the necessity for public interventions to touch as many people as possible. The expression “not leaving anyone behind” has been heard many times before in this House. I am happy that this Government, unlike the previous one, is taking the expression seriously.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, let me just give two examples. The most glaring example is rural development. Our rural areas were seriously left behind for many years. Happily, this Government has now come with full force to reverse the situation. In that regard, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which has been enhanced year after year, has done wonders. That is carrying everyone along in practical terms. As the House may recall, at the time when we came into office, the CDF allocation was standing at K1.6 million per constituency. In 2025, each constituency has a budget of K36 million. That means that if the CDF allocation had remained where the Patriotic Front (PF) Government left it, that is, K1.6 million, it would have taken each constituency 22.5 years just to accumulate K36 million. Now, we, as hon, Members, receive all that money in one year. So, the money that each one of us would have accumulated in twenty-two years, this time, each one of us is getting it within a year. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane: Using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), the Government has managed to implement the ultimate social equalisation programme called the Free Education Policy.

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

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Please, hon. Members, let me guide the House. Let us not raise many points of order because that disturbs the flow of the debate.  I want the debate to flow. So, maybe, we can raise points of order when the hon. Minister has completed his debate.

Hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, this will be the last point of order on this segment.

Mr Kampyongo: Your guidance is most appreciated, Madam Speaker. I will stick by it.  Indeed, we are all bound by the same rules.

Madam Speaker, I am raising a point of order pursuant to Standing Order No. 71. The hon. Minister, who is on the Floor of this House, has been hon. Minister of Finance more than once. This is not his first time.  So, as he gives the narrations about the K1.6 million Constituency Development Fund (CDF) as it was in 2021, he must also talk about the K750,000 CDF that he left as hon. Minister of Finance in 2010. When we are making such narrations, it is always important that we are factual and consistent with what we churn out to the public.

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order to only single out the K1.6 million we left and leave out the K750,000 he left as the CDF in 2010, when he was the hon. Minister of Finance?

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr Kampyongo: You can only question if you were not there. Records are there, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, it was not my intention to disturb the hon. Minister, but I think it is important that he is consistent with the information he is churning out to the people. I was one of those who utilised the K750,000 as CDF in 2010.

Madam Speaker, I seek your serious guidance.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, I think we will now lose track of what the hon. Minster was saying before he was interrupted. We were following very nicely until you raised a point of order. In any event, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning was referring to the K1.6 million. The fact that he did not refer to the K750,000, you are referring to, does not mean that he is in breach of Standing Order No. 71. He is in order and he is trying to compare the current and the previous CDF. If you want him to go seven or twenty years back, you can file in a question for him to make those comparisons. Otherwise, let us not personalise these debates. Let us allow the hon. Ministers to debate the President’s Speech and answer the questions that were raised by the hon. Members.

It is a pity that the hon. Members who raised these issues are not in the House to listen to the responses. Most of them are out. I know that the hon. Member for Lunte is only here hoping to confuse me so that he can debate again.

Laughter

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: From my records, the hon. Member for Lunte debated on the first day. I am surprised why he is –

Mr Kafwaya rose.

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member! Let me finish.

Mr Kafwaya: It was a point of order!

Madam Speaker: Okay, from what I saw, I thought you were indicating to debate. However, the records show that you already debated. I am happy you are here to listen to the responses.

Yesterday, there was an important statement on the cost of living, which the hon. Member for Lunte had vigorously raised on the Floor of this House. However, when the answer was being provided by the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, the hon. Member for Lunte was not in the House. I even mentioned that I wish the hon. Member for Lunte was in the House so that he could listen to the responses. So, hon. Member for Lunte, I hope you will be in the House throughout.

Mr Kafwaya: I have this!  (waved a paper).

Madam Speaker: Okay, let us make progress. If you want to debate, answer or explain, you can come to my office.

May the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning continue.

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, using the CDF, the Government has managed to implement the ultimate social equalisation programme, namely the Free Education Policy.  Let me remind the hon. Members here that the previous Government proclaimed on the Floor of this House that it was not going to leave anyone behind but millions of children were being thrown out of school because their parents could not pay. The poor children and their children’s children were being forced into perpetual poverty without any chance of escape.

Madam Speaker, I have some very important advice for young people. If they want their free education to be guaranteed, they should vote for Hakainde Hichilema (HH) and the United Party for National Development (UPND) in 2026.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane: If they vote for any other party, that will be the end of the free education.

Madam Speaker, an example I will give regarding our policy of not leaving anyone behind is how we respond to natural calamities, especially the drought. The drought that happened in 2024 is still fresh in our minds. The drought of 2019 was also quite severe. A comparison of how the disasters were handled provides interesting insights of how the Government carries everyone along or do the opposite. The drought of 2019 was dealt with by the Patriotic Front (PF) Government while the 2024 one was dealt with by the UPND Government.  When the drought started, both Governments proclaimed that no one would be left behind. The question is:  In which year did we see better performance towards the drought in terms of the, “Not leaving anyone behind’ policy? The answer to the question is that during the 2024 drought, the Administration of the UPND performed very well.  There was superior evidence of not leaving anyone behind as compared to 2019.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane: My colleagues who were in Parliament in 2019, will remember that the response to the drought was heavily politicised. When hon. Members of Parliament pleaded for quick response to the drought, some of the responses from the Government’s side were that the affected people had voted wrongly in the 2016 elections. They were told to go and talk to HH to give them maize and mealie meal. That is what was being said. Indeed, this politicisation went deep to the grassroots. The PF officials in the villages were seen rushing to grab the lion’s share of the relief maize and mealie meal, while those considered to be non-PF members, were left with nothing. The UPND Government has managed to avoid this pitfall.

Madam Speaker, during the 2019 drought, the instruments used to alleviate the problem were the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) programme, and the relief food for the elderly and the physically challenged.  There were also a small components of Food-for-Work programme, where beneficiaries were mostly the PF officials.

Madam Speaker, further, coverage suffered significantly when the donors withheld their money for drought relief when it was discovered that their money was being embezzled or abused. This contributed to lower coverage of the areas that were affected by drought.  The 2024 response, on the other hand, saw massive improvement in terms of coverage, which comprised of the extended SCT, and Cash-for-Work programmes.

Madam Speaker, we also saw maize being delivered in most places, buying points and also in every ward. In the end, last year, the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government was able to reach nearly 60 per cent of the households in the country without discrimination on the basis of party, where one comes from and who one voted for. This is why many people in both rural and urban areas keep on praising the UPND Government for having implemented an effective drought response programme.

Madam Speaker, I could go on and on explaining the progress made by the Government. However, in summary, I wish to say, the theme that I chose to illustrate the progress being made regarding carrying everyone along is what I emphasised here. I gave specific examples, namely free education and the drought response. In both cases, I think, the UPND Government has been able to demonstrate very clearly that it is taking everybody along and no one is being left behind. To the contrary, this was not the case in the past. So, our UPND Government does not come here just to make nice statements, but it comes here and thereafter walks the talk.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr Mtolo): Madam Speaker, from the outset, I wish to indicate that we fully support the speech that was delivered by the President on the Progress made in the Application of National Values and, indeed, Principles.

Madam Speaker, first of all, let us look at page 1 of the speech by the President. The speech referred to this House as being an august House. What does that mean? It means that this House is full of distinguished, eminent, exalted, respected and totally distinguished individuals who are respectful and attract reverence; people who discuss important issues because the issues discussed here affect the lives of the citizens of this country. That should be our starting point. If we lose that, we will see people calling this document useless because they are not exalted and do not respect themselves and the person who sat there (pointed to the front) and gave us the document. There is no morality there.

Madam Speaker, as hon. Members of this House, we need to look at issues in a manner that is expected of us. Our conduct should not be questionable. Let me put things into context. In the last few days, I listened to many debates, but I noticed that hon. Members were at pains and were saying that they have been here for so many years, but they have never seen this, our failure to conduct ourselves according to what is expected of us. It starts from there. We need to question who we are and what we believe in. We need to exercise individual and maximum constraint. Morality is important.

Madam Speaker, the officers in the constituencies are at pains to manage us. If we can be a difficult group to manage here such that we have to be sent out then, who will conduct themselves properly? What morality? I am not debating ourselves. I am debating the speech. If we are able to point at your chair and say, “you are just an hon. Member of Parliament, you cannot talk to me like that” then, who are we? What morality is there?

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

Mr Mtolo: We should not be afraid to correct things –

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Chinsali!

Have you just come in?

Mr Mukosa: Yes, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: If you were here and were paying attention, you should know how I guided the proceedings.

Mr Mtolo: Which standing order has been breached?

Madam Speaker: Those are the issues that are being talked about. Pointing fingers, here and there. The three fingers are pointing at you. May we allow the hon. Minister to debate. I guided that let us desist from disrupting the debate.

Hon. Minister, may you continue, but according to our rules. I hope you have your policy statement.

Mr Mtolo: Yes, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kafwaya was about to leave the Assembly Chamber.

Mr Mtolo: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I was indicating –

Madam Speaker: May the hon. Member for Lunte resume his seat and follow the proceedings.

Mr Kafwaya resumed his seat.

Laughter

Mr Mtolo: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I really want him to listen to my debate too.

I will end, Madam Speaker, the first point by saying, we need to be the first ones to show morality and good conduct. We should not degenerate to a point where we, as your hon. Members of Parliament, point at you. That is unacceptable. If we continue with that immorality, we are giving wrong signals to the young ones. That is why we are having problems out there.

Madam Speaker, as I conclude this first point, let me say that, this House makes laws and promulgates regulation of how people should conduct themselves. We need to check the issue of social media. Now, anybody is an expert in terms of being ...

Hon. Member: Being anything.

Mr Mtolo:  … anything. Thank you, my brother. People just write anything and that is it. I feel afraid because I do not know what will come out tomorrow concerning me on social media. I am scared. It should not be like that. What type of country are we turning into? That is what the President talked to us about. That is why in the first paragraph, the President used the term august House, and I defined what an august House is supposed to be.

Madam Speaker, I will now move on to issues which are closer to agriculture than the first. On page 10 of the speech, the President said the following:

“As patriotic citizens, we must continue to promote the production and consumption of local products and local services. Your Government will continue to favour purchase of Zambian-produced goods and services through positive discrimination.”

Madam Speaker, I want to link this to page 29, which says the following:

“Following the worst drought in living memory we experienced last season, the improved rainfall in the past three months will positively impact the cost of living. We salute our gallant farmers who have answered the call to grow food despite uncertain times.”

Madam Speaker, here the President is talking about us doing the right things, other than just following what is written on paper. We, as the UPND, have shown what positive discrimination is. The hon. Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry opened a factory for fertiliser. The hon. Minister of Agriculture uses money from the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to buy fertiliser from that factory openly. There were many problems with that, yet it was a positive thing. That is what the President is promoting.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, yesterday, …

Mr Nkandu: Yesterday!

Mr Mtolo: … we opened another plant, which will be producing seed. This morning, I was at another plant that will be producing a lot of seed. We will exercise positive discrimination and buy from those companies. Whether people who do not understand things like it or not, we shall continue doing it.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, last year, our country lost 1.2 million ha of crops. What should we learn from that? What did the President tell us? As hon. Members of Parliament, when we go out there, let us remind our constituents about storage barns in villages. Where are the storage barns in villages? A long time ago, when you went to a village, you would find something like a ball. Inside that were dried vegetables. Where are those things today? When you went to a village, you would also find some maize that had been boiled and dried so that it could be consumed at a time of need. Where are those things today? Those are the things that we, as hon. Members of Parliament, should talk about. When you went to a village, you would find that someone had dug a hole, put some ash and sweet potatoes and covered it. The sweet potatoes could be in the hole for four to five months and no chemicals were added. Such food was cancer-free. Those are the things we need to be talking about. Those are the sustainable things that used to happen. Our forefathers lived like that. We have lost that way of life because of electricity, fridges, stoves and things like that. Let us go back to our roots, and people will admire us. Others will know that this is a country that has morals and principles, and that we are following what our forefathers used to do and that we have not thrown away those things in an effort to be modern.

Madam Speaker, on page 33 of the speech, the President said that every citizen of this country should continue living by our normal values and principles on a daily basis. That is what it means to be Zambian. That is following real national values and principles. However, we come here and argue about things we do not even understand. Let us go back to simple issues and manage them as Zambians and live the way we have always lived. When we do that, we will be teaching our young ones how to live properly. If we are not careful, we will lose our morals. Our future is being threatened because we, the adults, as I said at first, have no morals. We are not showing children that when you give someone power, do not insult that person. Look at the insults to the President and the former President. Who wants that? Why are we allowing such a situation?

Madam Speaker, having asked those few questions, I want to say thank you very much for giving me time to debate. We, in Chipata, are very proud and happy with President Hakainde Hichilema and we support his address. I have never seen such a well-presented document in this House.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Maybe, just for guidance and for us to remind ourselves what our Standing Orders say, hon. Ministers should present written policy statements. Why do we do that? It is to avoid contradicting ourselves. Sometimes, we can remember things off-the-cuff, but it is advisable to have a written statement. So, hon. Ministers, please, have written statements. That is just some advice and guidance.

Hon. Members who have indicated to speak, please, just give me some time. First, let us deal with hon. Ministers.

The Minister of Transport and Logistics (Mr Tayali): Madam Speaker, in accordance with the Republican Constitution, under Article 9(2), the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, on 28^th February, 2025, fulfilled his constitutional mandate by addressing this august House to report on the Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles.

Madam Speaker, kindly permit me, at this juncture, to thank you most sincerely for giving me this rare opportunity and privilege to add my voice to the debate in support of the President’s Address, for the record.

Madam Speaker, the President’s Address highlighted, among many key issues, the importance that the Government attaches to ensuring that our National Values and Principles are upheld to foster unity of purpose for us as a people as well as to achieve socio-economic development. Allow me to deliberate on some of the issues raised by the Republican President in his address to the House.

Madam Speaker, on patriotism, national unity and the reverence of national symbols, such as the national flag, the coat of arms and the national anthem, the President said that these symbols bind us together in unity and diversity, thereby augmenting the One Zambia, One Nation, One People motto, which has kept Zambia as a shining beacon of peace and stability on the continent since the birth of our Republic.

Madam Speaker, the effects of vandalism on public infrastructure, as highlighted by the Republican President, cannot be overemphasised. Key infrastructure and equipment in the road and rail transport sub-sectors have continuously been vandalised, endangering road or railway users. I, therefore, add my voice to the call by the Republican President for patriotism among citizens in resolving this scourge, which compromises road and rail transport safety. I also call upon citizens to report those committing such acts to the relevant authorities.

Madam Speaker, encroachments on railway, road and airport land pose serious risks to safety, infrastructure development and national security and are unpatriotic. We have witnessed unauthorised settlements and activities that hinder developmental projects for the betterment of the Zambian society and they compromise efficiency and increase the risk of accidents. The New Dawn Government remains committed to enforcing regulations, reclaiming encroached land and sensitising the public on the importance of safeguarding our transport infrastructure for sustainable development for the greater good of the Zambian people, rather than for a few individuals.

Madam Speaker, the call by Mr Hakainde Hichilema, the Republican President, to youths and citizenry at large to desist from alcohol and substance abuse has come at an opportune time. Those vices are rampant in the transport sector. We are grappling with consequences of actions such as drinking and driving, which is a major cause of road traffic accidents and fatalities. To address this challenge, my ministry continues to implement various measures to help reduce road traffic accidents and fatalities. Some of the interventions being implemented to curb drinking and driving include intensified public awareness campaigns and enhanced enforcement activities to safeguard the lives of all road users, including motorists and passengers.

Madam Speaker, regarding human dignity, social justice, equality and non-discrimination, the rehabilitation of feeder roads using the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF) demonstrates the Government’s resolve to ensure that transport networks and roads are improved to ease the movement of goods and passengers. This is key to achieving socio-economic development.

Madam Speaker, the Government, through my ministry, has continued to offer online services through the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA). The online services provided through the Government Service Bus (GSB) platform include road tax, payment for fitness forms and renewal of licences.

Madam Speaker, to take decision-making closer to our people, my ministry has devolved the management of harbours, dredging of canals and provision of pontoon and maritime services to local authorities. We will ensure to hold the hands of the local authorities through capacity building until they are able to operate on their own.

Sustainable Development

Madam Speaker, in order to play its role in promoting sustainable development, the transport sector needs to reduce its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. In that regard, the transport sector has, among others, adopted the use of electric and hybrid motor vehicles that will reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the effects of climate change. I am, therefore, appealing to hon. Members of this august House to start switching to electric and hybrid motor vehicles to participate in the conservation of mother earth.

All in all, Madam Speaker, I would like to commend His Excellency the President for a well-crafted speech that truly speaks to the progress that has been achieved in our country in the promotion of national values and principles.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Since the hon. Minister has saved two minutes and twenty-three seconds, I will allow the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu to debate.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Madam Speaker, I am humbled for giving me this slot to add a voice to the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the speech that was delivered by the President in fulfilling Article 9 of the Constitution. I will restrict my comments to two thematic areas; patriotism and national unity, and then briefly talk about democracy and constitutionalism.

Madam Speaker, I agree with the President that it is important for us citizens to be patriotic, and to demonstrate that patriotism is what builds the nation. Borrowing the words of the hon. Minister of Agriculture, citizens must be cultured to appreciate leadership. When I say leadership, I am talking about higher offices, hon. Members included. We must respect those who are in office today, those who were in office yesterday and those who will be in the office in the future. It does not augur well when citizens denounce offices, such as the Presidency be it the current or former. How we deal with those who demean and disrespect the current officeholder, the President, and the previous officeholder has an impact on how the next person will be treated. The current President is the seventh, and there will be an eighth President. We only have one surviving Former Head of State. So, the two must be respected for national unity, which is about mutual respect. Seeing ordinary citizens or those in leadership calling other leaders, such as the church leadership, who are shepherds of the flock, should not be the norm. I can see my hon. Colleague there, Mr Mwiimbu, SC., who is my successor. As Catholics, we believe in respecting the leadership of the Church. So, we do not appreciate it when people demean the leadership; the bishops, priests and many other leaders. So, that is a call. I have always spoken to our hon. Colleagues, like the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, about taking the lead on behalf of the Cabinet sometimes to engage the Church leadership on the concerns that it raises. We have been in authority as well, and we know that sometimes, when we are being criticised, it looks like it is contestation. However, where there is engagement and dialogue, there will always be mutual respect. So, my call on the leadership is to ensure that it finds time to create common ground.

Madam Speaker, the President spoke about constitutional matters, just as he did last year when he pointed out some lacunae. On this point, I will speak to my hon. Colleagues, the senior hon. Members who are in the Cabinet and have been in this august House long enough, and have been part of constitutional amendment processes and reviews. They know what has worked and what has not worked. I doubled, as Local Government Minister and Government Chief Whip when we dealt with the 2016 Constitution amendment process. Consensus building was thorough. I can see Hon. Mtolo, Hon. Mutati and Hon. Jack Mwiimbu, SC. and other senior hon. Members who were part of the conversations. As the Government then, we ensured that the stakeholders outside this institution were part of the conversations, because it is not just about this House and the President dealing with the Constitution as we deal with ordinary pieces of legislation. Acts of Parliament are what we implement without instruction from the citizens. On this particular one, we need to get instructions from the citizens on how we progress with the supreme document of the land.

Madam Speaker, my call on senior hon. Members is for them to help the hon. Minister of Justice and lessen the speculations. They have listened to the stakeholders. It is time to engage them meaningfully and agree on the roadmap. Let us not allow speculation. One day, one hears those who are spokespersons for the bigger office telling the nation that there is a draft Constitution and then people start wondering from where that draft came. The next day, the hon. Minister of Justice says that there is no draft and that the Government is yet to consult and ensure that it avails the roadmap on how the constitutional articles that need visitation are going to be attended to. It is important to help the hon. Minister of Justice to take the lead and take charge of this matter. Through speculations, one will hear people speaking from points of ignorance. One will hear someone talk about delimitation, which is aligned to one clear electoral system and is under a First-Past-the-Post System. In another briefing, one hears someone talk about proportional representation, which is another fundamental system that needs to be understood and appreciated. All I am saying is that issues concerning the Constitution require consensus conversations.

Madam Speaker, the stakeholders who have spoken should be brought on board and agree on what steps the Government is going to take to deal with the supreme law of the land. That way, we lessen the contestation between us, as the people's representatives, and the people we represent, because they have a stake in what we do in this House with regard to the Constitution. Then, we can have discussions in this House, as instructed by the people, on how we can proceed. We are the legislative Arm of the Government. That way, the Government lessens acrimony. At present, stakeholders are coming in and issuing statements. We cannot ignore the pronouncements that come from stakeholders.

Madam Speaker, I would like to urge my hon. Colleagues from the Cabinet to help the hon. Minister of Justice take charge and ensure that the right procedure is followed so that we can lessen the speculation that is going on regarding the Constitution making process. Otherwise, we are all expected to be in one accord when the people of Zambia, the people we represent, are in one accord.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

The Minister of Energy (Mr Chikote): Madam Speaker, I am deeply honoured to address this august House in response to the insightful National Address by the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, on the Progress made in the Application of the National Values and Principles, on Friday, 28^th February, 2025.

Madam Speaker, during his National Address, the President, re-emphasised the Government’s commitment towards preserving our national values and principles as this is essential in guiding our behaviour, building our character, and promoting social cohesion as a country. The New Dawn Government under the leadership of Mr Hakainde Hichilema, recognises that for Zambia to realise her pursuit of socio-economic prosperity and sustainable development, it is imperative for the citizenry to be aligned with the national values and principles as provided for by the Constitution.

Madam Speaker, our country is known the world over for upholding our customs and richness in values and principles. Therefore, it is important for our people to remain committed to who we are, even more critical in the wake of the devastating impact of the 2023/2024 Drought. This drought has significantly threatened our national food security, water security, and, most severely, our electricity generation.

Madam Speaker, the Government, through my ministry, is fully committed to ensuring that the energy sector remains resilient, sustainable and accessible to all Zambians. To this end, the President emphasised the need to mitigate the effects of climate change and deforestation by creating an enabling environment for investment in alternative sources of energy. As part of this commitment, the Government has continued to encourage investment in the energy sector and support citizens in adopting cleaner energy solutions.

Madam Speaker, the Government, through my ministry, is aggressively working to ensure that Zambia moves towards energy sufficiency. To achieve this, we are implementing short and long-term strategies to increase power generation capacity, improve transmission infrastructure, and explore renewable and alternative energy sources.

Madam Speaker, my ministry has continued to implement progressive policy reforms to strengthen the legal and regulatory framework in the energy sector. One such reform is the introduction of net metering, which is a significant step towards energy sustainability, reducing pressure on the electricity grid, and empowering citizens and businesses to participate in the country’s energy transformation. Additionally, the Government is implementing the electricity open access framework that allows multiple players to access the electricity grid, and also have a predictable pricing mechanism. Through this framework, the Government is fostering competition, lowering costs, and ensuring a more sustainable and reliable power supply for the nation.

Madam Speaker, my ministry has continued to work with the private sector players to scale-up solar energy projects, which will not only expand our electricity generation capacity, but also create jobs for our people. Through the Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), the Government is working towards adding 1,000 MW of solar generation by 31^st December, 2025. These partnerships demonstrate the Government’s dedication to increasing clean energy production, improving electricity supply, and ensuring energy security for Zambia. Through these interventions, the Government is making significant progress towards a greener, more sustainable, and energy for a secure future.

Madam Speaker, the President, further highlighted the Government’s concerted efforts to bridge the electricity gap between rural and urban areas through several rural electrification projects such as the Mpidi Solar Mini-Grid in Zambezi District and the 640 kW Kasanjiku Mini-Hydro Power Station in Mwinilunga District. These rural electrification projects are significantly improving the quality of life in rural areas by providing electricity to households, schools, chiefs’ palaces, health facilities, agricultural centres and local courts. By expanding access to electricity, the Government aims to enhance service delivery, support economic activities, and promote sustainable development in rural communities.

Madam Speaker, with regard to the petroleum supply chain, the President emphasised the strategic importance of fuel in driving Zambia’s key economic sectors. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to securing competitively priced fuel from global markets, lowering the cost for consumers, and supporting sustainable economic growth. Therefore, my ministry is committed to exploring opportunities that keep fuel prices affordable for ordinary Zambians.

Madam Speaker, you may wish to note that the Tanzania-Zambia Mafuta (TAZAMA) Pipeline has increased its daily diesel pumping rate from 2.8 million litres to 3.6 million litres through the introduction of the drag-reducing agent. Consequently, TAZAMA is now able to meet 80 per cent of the national demand for diesel.

Madam Speaker, to further improve efficiency and competition in fuel distribution, the Government has adopted an open access policy in the petroleum sub-sector. This policy allows multiple fuel importers and suppliers to use the TAZAMA pipeline without restrictions. By opening up access to the pipeline, the Government aims to create a more competitive fuel market, reduce inefficiencies, and lower operational costs in the fuel supply chain. This intervention is key to ensuring a stable, affordable, and reliable fuel supply for the country.

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, I would like to reiterate that my ministry is committed to ensuring that energy is available, accessible and affordable to all Zambians. To this end, under the able leadership of the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, the implementation of the open access framework of the pipeline will commence on 1^st April, 2025, in a transparent manner.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Nkombo): Thank you so much, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity to debate.

Madam Speaker, I wish to open my debate by stating that; if 28^th February, 2025, was an election day, President Hakainde Hichilema would have gotten 164 votes from this House. I have been here for a long time and have listened to many addresses by various Presidents. On that day, the House was electric. I have never seen the connection the President gave to his hon. Members, including those in the Opposition before.

Madam Speaker, the President indicated that upholding values and principles must be our daily obligation. He reiterated that so many times and said that it is the responsibility of every Zambian to uphold the principles and values that wheel this country.

Madam Speaker, the good values and principles in the speech of the President sat at the foot of what he called social ills or social vices, such as alcohol intake and substance intake. The President was very emphatic about how we must join hands to make sure that we save this country from these silence killers that are basically degrading the social outfit of many nations. I want to join the President in congratulating the two hon. Members of Parliament from the Ruling Party and the one from the Opposition. This is the manner that he said our constitutional democracy is flourishing.

Madam Speaker, when we come to this House, we must always remember that we are national leaders rather than leaders of constituencies, and it is for this reason that certain things should be completely apolitical such as issues of vices and illicit alcohol.

Madam Speaker, in his speech, the President emphasised how the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is transforming our society. It is true that poverty is one of the major drivers of social ills and, today, whether one wants to argue or not, the CDF at K36.1 million per constituency and per annum simply means the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, has moved this country twenty-two years ahead, as a matter of fact twenty-two and half years ahead of our time. The money that we are spending on our constituencies in all the components that are ring-fenced in the law was K25.7 million in the first year, K28 million in the preceding year and, now K36 million, is unprecedented. So, whether one likes it or not, the approach that the President has taken to devolve functions, decentralise in a fiscal manner, remove money from the centre and take it to our people to decide on their own their development trajectory can never be beaten by any other policy.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear! 

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, I am a very proud Minister and I actually feel fortunate. I do not know what the President saw in me to be the one superintending over this ministry. In 2021, there were people in here who said that they could not increase the CDF. I want to argue today that most of the local authorities have now made the CDF the main occupation.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkombo: Go and check if the Local Authority Equalisation Fund is as meaningful as it was before. You will find that the answer is no. In three years, we have put up 142 maternity annexes. Think around it. How many lives have you saved? How many people have you pulled from indecent living to sanitised living to give life in a place that is conducive?

Madam Speaker, we have also constructed over 269 health posts and 157 teachers’ houses. Now, we know very well that education is the biggest equaliser and 157 is a drop in the ocean considering what is happening in the Ministry of Education, the one that is spearheading another flagship programme of the Free Education Policy. Can you imagine for a second. Close your eyes and imagine how many children we are saving from oblivion if we did not have this President called Hakainde Hichilema? In short, I am saying, every time in the past when those who were saying when Mr Hakainde Hichilema becomes President, he is going to divide the country, this is what they did not want. They did not want health posts and decent roads. It is only Mr Hichilema who came and said Nkombo all councils must buy yellow machines because we cannot go on wasting money. As you know, gravel roads wash away perennially. He said every council that is serious must buy earth moving equipment so that it can grade and upgrade roads 365 days of the year at the cost of just lubricants, diesel and service unlike how it was before where a 100 km of gravel road would cost more than K5 billion. Where was the prudence there? I think, we have a good President.

Mr Mulenga: Too much.

Mr Nkombo: We must just say things as they are. This society …

Mr Mutelo: Hammer!

Mr Nkombo: … has been put straight. There is less conflict. There is no doubt in what I am saying. Even between brother and brother, there is less conflict. Go to the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) and find out how many people still drive on the right side of the road in Zambia. There are none. Three years ago, it was common to see a convoy of cars moving in the wrong lane, going this way and chanting symbols with fists.

Madam Speaker, the President has said that we must make sure that order becomes our daily obligation and for sure we are living it up. We are definitely living it up. It may sound boring, but I can assure you that had we gone on at the rate that we left in 2021, this place would not have been a country.

Madam Speaker, I have been running the councils for three and a half years, and there is no council whose staff have salary arrears as was the case before because cadres now no longer patronise markets and bus stations in the name of the Ruling Party.

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, the President told us that he heard that we are unanimous about looking at the Constitution of this Republic so that we can delimitate extra-large constituencies like Kasempa, Chongwe, Nchelenge, Chipangali and Lunte. Everybody that day said we are ready, Mr President. Here is my message to the people of this country; I would like to plead that they invest a little bit of trust in our President because he means well. The President would not be the first one to put this country on a flame. Those hon. Members, who are different from me, with small constituencies, should jump onto the band wagon and help to bring development closer to the people. There are people who take three to four months to go round their constituencies.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, I think, I have said it all. I wish I could go on, but time will not allow me. I would like to appeal to hon. Members to not be swayed in the crowd. This is the Legislative Assembly that is responsible for dealing with legislation and laws. Obviously, we must consult, but let us not lose sight of the ball.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much for that.

While the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development was debating, I heard some hon. Members mentioning their constituencies. Let me share what I witnessed yesterday. Yesterday, I went to Mpande Community, which is in the hills of Kafue, behind Shimabala. The people in that community have no road, hospital, clinic and school. They just depend and work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), yet their cobs of maize are huge and they use drip irrigation.

Please, hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development and the hon. Member of Technology and Science, remember the people in Mpande Community. Liaise with the hon. Member for Kafue. They need help but I know that the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development is constructing a bridge for them. Thank you for that; they mentioned it.

Mr Mutelo (Mitete): Madam Speaker, –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Laughter

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

[MR SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, I am grateful to you and to the heavens.

Mr Speaker, let me talk about the meaning of values. In Lozi, values are things that are important, worthy or useful. That is what we consider as values. Morals are standards of behaviour; the principles of right or wrong. Just today, the entire country has witnessed the recruitment of more than 4,000 teachers, which includes 200 persons with disabilities. Are those good values? Yes, they are. Those are the values we should talk about. In addition, the Kalengwa Mine, which was dead for forty-six years, is back to life. Are those good values? Yes, they are.

Laughter

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, is the Shaft 28 Mine worth reviving? The answer is yes. Is the Kasenseli Mine important? The answer is also yes. Is it worth connecting electricity from Lukulu to Mitete? The answer is yes. The Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which has been increased from K1.6 million to K36.1 million per constituency, is it a worthwhile programme? The answer is yes. That is what the President meant when he addressed us on values and principles.

Mr Speaker, on page 13 of the speech, the President said that in the spirit of One Zambia, One Nation, people are interacting freely. Is that a good thing? Again, the answer is yes. What used to happen in the past? If one wore a plain T-shirt, as long as it was red, he or she would not be able to move around freely. One would not be able to get on a bus at the Lusaka Intercity Bus Terminus. Is that happening now? It is not. Can anyone wear yellow, green or red clothes even on Youth Day? Yes, they can. Is that a good thing? Yes, it is. Those are the values we are talking about. That is how a country is supposed to be managed.

Mr Speaker, on page 4 of the address, the President talked about alukoho.

Laughter

Mr Mutelo: That is how we say ‘alcohol’ in Lozi. It is also called sipesu, bucwala, kachasu or tujilijili. When you get a young man and give him alcohol, he starts insulting big people. Are those good values? They are definitely not. What is happening now is how a nation is supposed to be governed. That is what the President was talking about.

Mr Speaker, let me talk about delimitation, which is a good thing. From Mumbumbu to Washishi, it is 250 km and both of these areas are in one constituency. That is the distance between those two places. The distance from Ngongo to Liuwa or Kwasibungana is 200 km. So, is delimitation a good thing? The answer is yes.

Hon. Members: Yes!

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, there was a drought in the country recently. The hon. Minister of Agriculture is now called the ‘hon. Minister of Hunger’. Good policies have been put in place to deal with the drought situation. In 2025, there will be a bumper harvest in Zambia and the name will change from the hon. Minister of Agriculture to the ‘hon. Minister of Bumper Harvest’. Are those things good? Again, the answer is yes.

Hon. Members: Yes!

Mr B. Mpundu: Question!

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, the Katunda/Lukulu/Watopa/Mumbeji Road is at the evaluation stage. This month, we will know who the contractor is. Thereafter, the contractor will be taken on-site to start work this year. Is that a good thing? The answer is yes.

Laughter

Mr Mutelo: Those are the values we are referring to. In Mitete, we call it mbwe, mbwe, mbwe, mbwe, mbwe. That means that schools are mbwe, mbwe, mbwe.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Meaning what?

Mr Mutelo: The Cash for Work Programme is also mbwe, mbwe, mbwe, mbwe, mbwe, mbwe, which means plenty, plenty, plenty. Desks are also mbwe, mbwe, mbwe. Teachers are also mbwe, mbwe, mbwe. Clinics are mbwe, mbwe. Nurses are also mbwe, mbwe. Those are the values we are talking about.

Mr Speaker, thank you very much. It is mbwe, mbwe, mbwe, mbwe.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

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

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised by the hon. Member for Nkana.

Mr B. Mpundu: Mr Speaker, I rise on a very serious point of order pursuant to Standing Order No. 71. Every discourse in this Parliament is recorded in the Hansard for future reference. This is a House of dignity and honour, and the entire Republic of Zambia follows its discourse.

Interruptions

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: State the order that has been breached, hon. Member.

Mr B. Mpundu: Yes, I am.

Mr Speaker, this point of order is on the previous speaker. Was he in order to deliberately bring pre-school politics to this House?

Interruptions

Mr B. Mpundu: Mr Speaker, he used pre-school language by talking about mbwe, mbwe, mbwe. This is a House of dignity. Is he in order to make us play sojo in this House?

Interruptions

Mr B. Mpundu: Mr Speaker –

Interruptions

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

Interruptions

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order!

The hon. Member for Mitete was just emphasising what he read and heard in the President’s speech, and to translate it into our local language. He went ahead and ensured that the “mbwe, mbwe, mbwe” …

Laughter

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: … was also translated into English. The only thing I observed is that he did not mention the Chipata/Chadiza Road or even the Katete/Chanida Road.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Let us proceed.

The Minister of Labour and Social Security (Ms Tambatamba): Mr Speaker, I cannot help but smile, gratified by the satire that we have been given in appreciating the President’s report on national values and principles. I adopt everything that the previous speaker and those before him said.

Mr Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the address delivered by the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, our visionary leader and carrier of national values, as stipulated in the Constitution, as demonstrated by previous speakers. Allow me to join other hon. Members who have already debated before me in congratulating the President on delivering an inspirational speech to this august House. The President’s Speech is a call to every Zambian to internalise and uphold national values and principles, as enshrined in our Constitution, in our everyday actions and decision-making. Time and again, many of us think that the report is about other people, but it is expected to evoke our sense of responsibility, which we must take up to ensure that those we lead, starting from our households to constituencies and all other sub-constituencies, are well guided by our conduct, as pointed out by other speakers.

Mr Speaker, on morality and ethics, on page 3, the President emphasised the need to protect our children from all forms of abuse and to promote their rights. The 2020 Child Labour Report indicates that over 430,000 children are engaged in child labour-related activities, out of which over 29,000 children are engaged in hazardous work activities. Where is our responsibility in that? Hazardous work for children includes mining and quarrying and other chores beyond what is normal at the household level. In that regard, my ministry, working with other line ministries and stakeholders, has put in place a number of interventions that include:

1. strengthening the National Steering Committee on Child Labour, which brings together different ministries and players;
2. establishment of district child labour committees;
3. enactment of Children Code Act No. 10 of 2022, which enhances the protection for children against various vices including child labour, by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services; and
4. the Employment Code Act, which allows authorised officers, the police and immigration to access premises where it is suspected that children are employed, and have them withdrawn.

Mr Speaker, in addition, the ministry has been implementing the 2020-2025 National Action Plan for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour. However, the fight and effective implementation of the national action plan requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, such as employers, unions and the community, including hon. Members.

Mr Speaker, gender-based violence (GBV) remains a cause for worry not just in our homes and communities, but also in the workplace. On page 5, the President echoed the need to address GBV in our country. As a demonstration of the Government’s commitment to eliminating the vice, in July 2024, the Government of the Republic of Zambia ratified the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 190 on the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the Workplace to complement the Anti-Gender Based Violence Act, which sums up significant provisions of the convention. Last week, I urged law enforcers and other relevant authorities to see to it that law enforcement jumps in where GBV happens. In one particular case, a Solwezi-based woman was sexually assaulted by her employers because she had a shortage of K13,000. What does the circumstance have to do with the heinous action that was taken by the employer? Law enforcement agencies must move in and secure justice for that woman. As the Government, we will not condone inhuman acts in the world of work. Employers should not resort to sexual assault as an excuse for correcting erring workers.

Mr Speaker, on patriotic citizens, in line with economic, job creation, and human development pillars and aspirations of the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), my ministry successfully hosted the National Skills, Productivity and Jobs Summit, which aims at bridging the gap between job supply and demand, and addressing productivity issues. Any patriotic citizen should move beyond just appearing at work but also ensuring that he or she contributes to productivity that will lead to the growth, growth, and more growth that the President spoke about, which will lead to economic transformation and a turnaround to get our economy on the right track for prosperity. The summit attracted fifty-six employers and exhibitors who, in the process, recruited about 528 employees. Through the same event, 152 interns and thirty-six apprentices were given opportunities for practical experience in different companies.

Democracy and Constitutionalism

Mr Speaker, democracy and constitutionalism remain a key principle that the New Dawn Government upholds and promotes in all its undertakings. On page 14 of his speech, the President highlights that the Government will seek to uphold the democratic representation of employees, employers and Government through tripartism. There is a platform in place called the Tripartite Consultative Labour Council (TCLC), which is expected by law to sit twice a year. However, to enhance the democratic space and make it available, the New Dawn Government has gone beyond the two meetings per year.  The meetings are now held three to four times over the period that it has been in governance. We are ensuring that our workers and employers are availed the space, contrary to what used to happen before, where excuses were made and meetings would be held once in a year.

Mr Speaker, the ministry shall continue to promote democracy and constitutionalism in the trade unions to ensure representation of workers in decision-making. The ministry successfully hosted the 51^st African Region Labour Administration Centre (ARLAC) governing council in February 2025, under the theme: “Innovative Approaches to Tackling Informality and Promoting Transition Towards Formality to Promote Decent Work.” This is in an effort to formalise the informal sector, and ensure the right to growth and progression of the informal sector to formality that will lead to growth.

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

Mr Speaker, on page 23, the President highlighted the need to ensure a dignified workforce. My ministry has strengthened programmes aimed at supporting labour and factory inspections to improve compliance with labour laws, preserve life and ensure safety. In 2024, the ministry conducted over 2,000 labour-related inspections, including occupation, health and safety.

Good Governance and Integrity

Mr Speaker, on page 25 of his speech, the President talked about good governance and integrity. My ministry has not been left out in the digital transformation that will enhance transparency and integrity of its operations. In 2024, the ministry began the digitalisation of services on the Electronic Government (e-Government) platform. So far, twenty-nine out of thirty-three services have since been developed and uploaded on the Government service bus for utilisation by members of the public.

Mr Speaker, I wish to conclude my statement by affirming that the speech by the Republican President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, has outlined every progressive sector-specific policy measures and programmes being implemented by the Government to promote growth and more growth for economic transformation and job creation. With this, all of us in this august House, were able to attest to that through the ululations during the President’s Address.  There was no, “Question! Question!” from your left as we usually experience in this House. That dignified way in which our hon. Colleagues from your left conducted themselves, reaffirmed that the President was on spot.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources (Mrs Masebo): Mr Speaker, thank you for according me this opportunity to contribute to the Motion on the President’s Address on the Progress made on the Application of National Values and Principles, delivered on the Floor of this House on Friday, 28^th March, 2025.

Mr Speaker, values are shared beliefs about what is good, acceptable, bad, and how people, generally, should act or behave in our everyday life. A principle on the other hand, is a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief, practice, or a guide that regulates acceptable behaviour. Our national values therefore, become ideas about what might be reasonable, acceptable and beneficial, not only to an individual but all citizens in society. Laws and regulations may change with the passage of time, but principles do not change. Our Constitution reflects certain values that form the core of our political system and governance structures. These values guide not only the Government, but also the society at large. If a society celebrates individuals that are corrupt, violent, dishonest and morally bankrupt, then there is something fundamentally wrong with that society.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, allow me to draw your attention to page 8 of the President’s Speech, which talks about the growing trend of land encroachment on private property, and the illegal allocation of land by unauthorised individuals. The concern raised by His Excellency the President, about such trends should get everyone worried because people spend more time in the courts of law, instead of engaging in productive activities that will lead to economic growth. They spend time and money trying to regain their property from individuals who have no respect for other people’s properties.

Mr Speaker, allow me to cite two recent court cases that have set precedence on how land administration is governed. Some may be familiar with the Supreme Court ruling in the of case of Prisca Lubungu vs Obby Kapango and others, and the Ndola City Council. The fifty-four individuals were offered various pieces of land in an area known as Ndola Lime Ndeke for purposes of developing residential properties. This was someone's land who had the Certificate of Title to the said land. In summary, the case took long, but justice was served, thereby, setting precedence. So, people should never build houses on the land that is on another person’s title because they will lose their property. Therefore, anyone who encroaches on another person's property does so under their own peril because the law is clear. That person loses without compensation. The fifty-four individuals did not do due diligence before acquiring those properties. I therefore, wish to appeal to the local authorities to follow laid down procedures when dealing with citizens.

Mr Speaker, there is also a citation case involving customary land. This is a case involving Duncan Silembo vs Roman Shaloomov (Sekelelea Farm). The court ruled in favour of the villagers. The court cited that procedure for conversion of land from customary to state land was not followed, and directed the Commissioner of Lands to cancel the title. So, it does not matter whether one is an international investor, an hon. Member of Parliament, or a child of a preacher man, if one does not follow the law, one loses money.  As a caring Government, the priority is on our citizens, especially the vulnerable groups. The Government will do everything and anything to ensure that the rights of the vulnerable are protected. So, when the President said that encroachments should cease, as a ministry responsible for land administration, we will implement that directive religiously.

Mr Speaker, I want to state that the issue of land in Zambia has become thorny, and I want to appeal once again, not just to the local authorities, but to the people of Zambia to not be misdirected and pay for land that has not been verified through the Commissioner of Lands. They should please do a thorough check. There are many crook stars in the market trading in land. There are a number of agents, even fake ones that have been formed. All they do is find out who is sick. When that person dies, they quickly play their tricks and go and sell somebody’s property. Those who have ears have heard.

Mr Speaker, towards the end of his speech on page 32, the President asked the people of Zambia what has happened to them. What has happened to our people and what has happened to our collective sense of cleanliness? Where has it gone? We have bylaws, but as individual citizens, we have the responsibility to keep our environment clean. We must keep Zambia clean, green, safe, and healthy. I like this subject matter. For once as Zambians, let us help the Government with our obligations, such as morality, values and principles. It was surprising to see people swim in dirty flooded water mixed with sewer. They were even taking pictures. What has happened to us? Surely, this is a Christian nation, but what has happened? Big women, mothers and fathers were letting their five-year-old children play in dirty water. When they get sick, they say, “Boma iyanganepo” really. Let us take responsibility.

Mr Speaker, I want to comment on what the President talked about relating to substance abuse. Our country is gone as regards to this issue. It is high time that Zambians came together and dealt with the issue of substance abuse. I congratulate the hon. Minister of Health, who will bring a Bill to control tobacco use. I hope this House will support the Government, but we all need to do more.

Mr Speaker, people make alcoholic drinks using substances such as fertiliser, soap, jik, dates and anything else, which they sell and our people drink. I know that we have issues in the country and the Government is aware. That is why the President deliberately introduced certain social safe nets like the Cash-for-Work programme and other programmes under various ministries such as the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, the Ministry of Agriculture and the small minister (turned to Mr Mubanga), oh sorry! Small what?

Mrs Mulyata: Small and Medium Enterprise Development.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Masebo: Madam Speaker, the President has created safety nets across all sectors under various ministries including the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. These have been created to cushion the poverty levels that the people are experiencing because of the drought and what we took over. We took over a Government without money, with debt. We spent the first three years doing nothing, but mainly talking about finding ways of ensuring that we create enough resources to do other things. That is why we are now looking at the Constitution because in the beginning, we had more important issues to consider then and at that point, the lives of the Zambians were more important than the Constitution. I want people to appreciate the fact that this Government has gone through a rough path. In the first year, we had –

Mr Nkandu: COVID!

Mrs Masebo: No! Forget about the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). We had the issue of money, the debt which took three years. Then, we had cholera, COVID-19 and we later experienced a drought. We have had all these challenges. I want Zambians to remember that the Government and the President have done everything to protect the people's lives. It is now time to look at other issues.

Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development because he understands Zambia. As a matter of principle and fact, I want to remind the hon. Members who were there in 2011 and 2016, that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) went around the country and assessed constituencies. Chiefs, councils and everybody were consulted about the constituencies and the district. We already agreed and I recall that Chongwe was divided into three constituencies and the names suggested were Chinkuli Constituency, Mainika Constituency and Chongwe Central Constituency to underscore the extent of the hugeness of the constituency. So, really –

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order!

The hon. Minister’s time expired.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: May you wind up hon. Minister, your time is up.

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, I want to wind up by saying that there is nothing new that we are going to bring. These are things that were agreed upon by successive Governments and the people of Zambia.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister for Northern Province (Mr Mbao): Mr Speaker, thank you for according me this opportunity, on behalf of the people of the Northern Province, to support and comment on the insightful and comprehensive address of the Republican President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, to this august House on 28^th February, 2025, on the Progress made in the Application of our National Values and Principles.

Mr Speaker, before I go any further, I want to quote an important and strong statement on page 17, issued by His Excellency to this House. He said the following:

“Let us use politics to drive development and build bridges to reach out to each other to compete on ideas rather than promote hate and division.”

Mr Speaker, the President gave this important message not only to this House, but even to those outside the House. The President and the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government have done many things in the past three to four years they have been in power. However, there is a lot of opposition and people are stating different issues. When we follow everyone closely, we are seeing some kind of mediocrity at play whereby, no one is interested in facing the facts. When we go out there, everyone says that the Government and the President have failed. They are also saying that all the policies that the Government has put in place are wrong. It is now four years, but I have not heard anyone come up with any alternative policy statement by saying that when they take over Government, they would sort out the debt issue differently. No one has made that pronouncement.

Mr Speaker, people are complaining about the increase in prices without giving alternatives. When given a chance to speak, they talk about maize which was sold in 2021. I do not know whether they mean that in 2025, we should have been eating maize that was produced in 2021.

Laughter

Mr Mbao: I fail to understand. The statement that the President delivered to us is a wakeup call. It is a challenge especially to our friends in the Opposition. We are running this country together. So, if our hon. Colleagues want to add value to our beloved country when they are in here, they should come up with important policy issues. As we speak, we have reached a milestone through the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning. With a debt of more than US$14 billion, we are now in a position to say that we are paying back the debt slowly. We are not in a default mode or simply put, we are not defaulting on the national debt. We are now a country that is moving forward.

Mr Speaker, some people have said that we have taken a wrong policy direction. The question to them is: If they come to power in 2026, since they claim that they are coming to power and they are going to undo the debt restructuring programme, where are they going to get the US$14 billion to pay our debtors? Where are they going to get that money from?

Mr Speaker, the Government is doing a lot, and the President’s Speech is a call to people from all walks of life in this country, including the Opposition, to work together. As I said, when our hon. Colleagues come here to debate, we want to hear their policy alternatives. They should say what they would have done if they were in our position so that people have a chance to decide which policies look better between ours and their alternatives. They should not just come here to say that food is very expensive. What are they going to do about commodity prices if they assume power? They are saying, “We do not know, but food is expensive. If we come to power, we will resolve the situation”. It should not be like that. We need to be truthful as leaders.

Mr Speaker, another pertinent issue that the President brought to the attention of the House was delimitation. He talked about amending the Constitution so that we can deal with delimitation of some constituencies. The President quoted the Constitution and said that we are going to use land size and population density as the basis for delimitation so that we can have equal distribution of resources in the country. When he visited the Northern Province, the President echoed that view. He said that the Northern Province is one province that has been really disadvantaged in terms of the size of constituencies in the country. The other one that has suffered is Lusaka Province. It has the biggest population in Zambia, but the number of constituencies in Lusaka Province is about eleven or twelve.

Mr Haimbe, SC.: Seven.

Mr Mbao: It has seven constituencies, but with a huge population. It should not be like that.

Mr Speaker, we should not allow a situation in which those who know how to talk group together and get a lot of resources, despite their constituencies being small, at the expense of people from other regions in this country.

Mr Speaker, the President very clearly said that the Constitution needs to be amended. Once we amend it, the number of constituencies will increase so that we have equal distribution of resources. In so doing, certain areas will not be left behind. For example, the Northern Province has a population of 1.7 million people and is the fifth largest province in this country, both in size and population. However, the number of constituencies in the province is very small. The distribution of the resources that are allocated to the province is quite difficult because of the huge land mass and population. So, the people of the Northern Province warmly welcome the idea to amend the Constitution so that more resources can go to the area.

Mr Speaker, everyone has seen the benefits of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). However, we have hon. Colleagues who are claiming that the CDF is not working. If we were to remove the fund from their constituencies, you would see how they would fight tooth and nail to have it restored. It is surprising that some hon. Members can come here and say that the CDF is a hoax and it is not working. The CDF is a game changer and the Northern Province has now seen development like never seen before in this country because of the fund. I can tell you that if we delimitate the Northern Province, it will have more constituencies, and if each one is given the K36.1 million currently being allocated per constituency, we will have cities in the province in the next ten years. It will no longer be a rural province. It is going to be an urban province with many cities.

Mr Speaker, I can see that I still have a minute to debate. Finally, I want to urge all of us to support the proposed amendment of the Constitution. I know that deep down our hearts, both in the Opposition and the Ruling Party, we understand the benefits of what the President was talking about. We all want to be part of the councils in our respective constituencies. We all want to see things work and move in the right direction, the way they are supposed to, unlike the case is now.

Mr Speaker, I want to take this opportunity, on behalf of the people of the Northern Province, to really support the statement that was given by the President.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister for Southern Province (Mr Nanjuwa): Mr Speaker, thank you very much for allowing me to add my voice, on behalf of the people of the Southern Province, to the debate on the speech by Mr Hakainde Hichilema on values and principles.

Mr Speaker, as the Southern Province, we are so grateful that the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, came to this House. As a result, we are today reflecting on the Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles. 

Mr Speaker, in his address, the President underscored the importance of morality and ethics as the bedrock of a just and progressive society. We, as a province, support that statement. To echo what the President said, I want to indicate what we have done as the provincial administration in the Southern Province. On the prevalence of child marriage and teenage pregnancies, we conducted sensitisation programmes and met with their royal highnesses the chiefs across the province and urged them to work with the Government to address the situation. Forty traditional leaders were sensitised in the exercise. To this end, notable progress was made, as 315 children were successfully withdrawn from child marriages, thereby safeguarding their rights and future. To address this growing social concern, seventy-six organisations as well as 221,000 individuals were equally sensitised.

Mr Speaker, the President of the Republic of Zambia highlighted issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in his speech. As the provincial administration, we took steps to curb GBV by conducting awareness campaigns across the province. Additionally, a place of safety was constructed to provide refuge and support to survivors of GBV.

Mr Speaker, the province took deliberate steps to enhance professionalism and ethical conduct in the public sector. Over 1,000 Public Service officers were sensitised on the Public Service Code of Ethics and seven integrity committee meetings were held to strengthen oversight mechanisms as well as combat corruption and unethical practices.

Mr Speaker, the President also mentioned cultural preservation. We are excited that in 2024 and 2025, the Government supported all the traditional ceremonies in the province materially and by officiating at the ceremonies. Six of the traditional ceremonies were officiated by Mr President, Hakainde Hichilema. The President has set a precedence by bringing traditional leaders together. Further, during the traditional ceremonies in 2024, as a province, we witnessed unity among the traditional leaders, not only in the province but also across the country. We recorded seventy-five traditional leaders from across the country in attendance at a recently held traditional ceremony, which the President officiated in Kazungula District.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nanjuwa: Mr Speaker, the President has demonstrated much support for cultural preservation and traditional ceremonies. We have gone a mile ahead by inviting a foreign national to become a senior village headwoman in Chief Hamusonde’s area, in Bweengwa Village. We are so grateful for that. It was an open gesture in recognition of her contribution to promoting peace, justice and Zambia’s political stability. Further, four cultural festivals were hosted in appreciation of our Zambian culture and heritage.

Mr Speaker, on democracy and constitutionalism, the people of the Southern Province uphold the norms of constitutionalism. When it comes to constitutional amendments, we are ready to support them. We are ready to support delimitation in the province because we understand that the Southern Province is one of the biggest provinces. We want to see constituencies like Katombola delimitated.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Michelo: And Bweengwa!

Mr Nanjuwa: Together with Bweengwa.

Laughter

Mr Nanjuwa: Mr Speaker, the President must be commended by all well-meaning Zambians for increasing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation from K1.6 million to K36 million. It is a milestone. The people of the Southern Province are very grateful. The Government deserves commendation for prioritising equitable development through the enhanced CDF framework, which aims to address regional disparities and promote inclusive growth. That has brought about localised infrastructure and skills development with priority community projects being identified by citizens at the ward level. Until Mr Hakainde Hichilema became the President of this Republic, that had not happened before. The people are very excited about this Government. As a province, we shall continue to work and support Government policies in the province for the good of our people.

Mr Speaker, many projects have been undertaken in the province to ensure that people who were once upon a time marginalised by the previous regime are taken care of. Even at a time when there was a drought in 2019, the people of the Southern Province suffered. This time around, they are excited about the manner in which this New Dawn Government has managed the drought situation across the country.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nanjuwa: As I conclude, Mr Speaker, the President’s Address re-affirmed our commitment to our national values and principles, which define us, as a nation. The province stands resolute in its dedication to uphold and strive to create a society that is morally upright, united, democratic and just.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister for Copperbelt Province (Mr Matambo): Mr Speaker, from the outset, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to you for giving me this opportunity to rise on behalf of the people of the Copperbelt Province to reflect on the speech delivered to this august House on Friday, 28^th February, 2025, by the able President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, on the Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles. Allow me to also commend you for your exemplary leadership, which continues to steer this House with maturity and unwavering impartiality.

Mr Speaker, I applaud President Hakainde Hichilema for his resilience, tenacity, determination and visionary leadership in steering this country to prosperity despite passing through many complex challenges. Despite the severe drought that disrupted economic and social activities last year, this Administration remained focused and steadfast in delivering development and progress to the people of Zambia. As a result of the severe drought that we experienced last year, this Government did not sit idly, but mobilised funds and introduced the Cash-for-Work programme to cushion the impact on our vulnerable but viable citizens, who are paid every ten days for the work being done. On the Copperbelt Province alone, 159,470 beneficiaries were on the programme from August 2024 to January 2025.

Mr Speaker, the President’s dynamic leadership has also ushered in a new era of progress in the mining sector, particularly on the Copperbelt Province where dormant mines are being revived, thereby, creating jobs and bringing about economic stability for our people. It is a fact that the province is all about mining. I always say that several mines, like Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) Limited, were in the intensive care unit (ICU). The Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) was in the mortuary and Luanshya 28 Mine Shaft (28 Shaft) was at the graveyard because it was closed down twenty-three years ago. This President has resuscitated all those mines. The KCM has brought life back to Chingola, Chililabombwe and Nampundwe, MCM has brought life back to Kitwe and Mufulira, and 28 Shaft has brought life back to Luanshya.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Matambo: Mr Speaker, MCM and KCM have already paid suppliers and contractors who were not paid for many years by the previous Government. As a result, companies and organisations like the Kitwe City Council (KCC), which was paid K87 million and in turn, paid all its retirees who were waiting for their money after retirement, updated their operations.

Furthermore, the Copperbelt Province has received a fair share of new projects that have been initiated by the Government, and among them, is the newly completed Luanshya/Masangano Road. If you want to go to Kitwe, Mr Speaker, do not bother to pass through Ndola because the Luanshya/Masangano Road is now complete. You can just use the Luanshya/Masangano Road and you will be in Kitwe in no time. It only takes fifteen minutes to drive from the Kitwe turnoff to Luanshya, which used to take one hour and thirty minutes sometimes.

Mr Speaker, the Government has completed the first-ever Kitwe/Chibuluma Road, which was constructed using concrete.  That road used to give truckers hell because of its bad state. The Chingola/Chililabombwe/Kasumbalesa Road has been completed, and we will be putting up a modern border post at Kasumbalesa. The Government will be constructing the Mpongwe/Machiya Road. The President directed the hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Rural Development to meet the chiefs in that area. The Government is currently working on the long-awaited Ndola/Sakanya/Mufulira Road, which has been in a bad state for almost twenty-four years.

Mr Speaker, in the health sector, we have seen the construction of several Level I hospitals. Hon. Masebo laid a strong foundation before her departure from the Ministry of Health. The President commissioned modern state-of-the-art Level I hospitals in Chifubu, Chililabombwe, and Chimwemwe. He has also given us the first-ever cancer hospital in Ndola, Copperbelt Province. We have built several other hospitals in Masaiti, Chingola, and many other places. Health posts have been constructed everywhere using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Mr Speaker, when the UPND Government took over power, the stock level of medicine in hospitals on the Copperbelt Province was at 43 per cent.  Every time a patient went to the hospital, he/she was given a prescription.  Currently, medicine is available in all the hospitals.  In all the health centres, stock levels of medicine are between 80 and 90 per cent.  

Mr Speaker, in my area, 3,000 new health workers have been deployed.  This is what has been done in the health sector, which was almost dead. For example, when one was referred to Ndola Teaching Hospital, the first thing one met was the bad roads that made them even lose hope of recovery. We have given the Ndola Teaching Hospital a facelift. The road network in that area has been worked on.  If people went there now, they would find a state-of-the-art car park. If they went there during the night time, they would think they are in Italy, yet they are at Ndola Teaching Hospital. We are doing the same at Kitwe and Kalulushi teaching hospitals.  We are upgrading the road network and car parks to good standard.

Mr Speaker, coming back to the President's Speech on national values and principles, I wish to state that it was a powerful reminder of the core ideas that build us as a nation. It reminded us of the values that reflect who we are, what we stand for, and the collective future we aspire to build together. The President articulated an inspiring vision grounded on unity, integrity, and service delivery to the people of Zambia. 

Mr Speaker, the President emphasised on unity. It is a known fact that during the 2021 election, this country was divided on tribal and political lines. The problem is that some people want to divide this state again.  The President has been attending traditional ceremonies in Zambia.  For example, he attended a traditional ceremony in Chief Nkambo’s chiefdom on the Copperbelt Province.   Sixty traditional leaders attended that ceremony and they now know each other.  The President talked about unity because he wants to walk the talk of reuniting this country again. I know that this does not sit well with those who believe and use division to gain political mileage. We cannot go back to that again.

Mr Speaker, let me talk about the Constitutional Amendment and delimitation. I am a bearer of a message from Chief Machiya, the chairperson of the Lamba Royal Establishment and the people of the Copperbelt. They say that Lufwanyama is three times bigger than some districts and towns joined together. Therefore, the people of Lufwanyama are questioning those who do not want delimitation because Lufwanyama and Mpongwe are like countries on their own. Therefore, the President only wants to give hope to the people of Lufwanyama, Mpongwe and other areas.

Mr Speaker, the President talked about having more seats for hon. Members of Parliament in the Chamber. He even talked about having more youths and women in this House. Therefore, I want to advise our colleagues who want to mislead the nation to stop it. Bola ni ninety minutes. They should wait for the white paper. They should stop talking about something which is not there. I have never seen the kind of hatred some people have on President Hakainde Hichilema before. The people who persecuted him when we were in the Opposition are the same ones who are going on top of the mountain trying to do all sorts of things but in reality, they know that he is the best President this country has ever produced.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order!

Wind-up, hon. Minister.

Mr Matambo: Mr Speaker, I support the speech by the President.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

The hon Minister’s time expired.

The Minister for Luapula Province (Mr N. Musonda): Mr Speaker, I thank you for allowing the good people of Luapula, through their first-born United Party for National Development (UPND) hon. Member of Parliament, to contribute to the debate on the Motion on the speech by the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, on the Progress made in the Application of the National Values and Principles, which was delivered to this august House on 28^th February, 2025.

Mr Speaker, from the outset, I would like to put it on record that the people of Luapula Province do support and accept this important speech. We have dissected the entire speech and will focus our debate on two thematic areas, namely democracy and constitutionalism.

Mr Speaker, as people of Luapula Province, we know that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land and while it is sacrosanct, its provisions must be respected at all times. Article 58 of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act of 2016, directs the following:

Article 58(4) says,

 “The Electoral Commission shall determine the names and boundaries of constituencies and wards.”

Article 58(5) says,

“The Electoral Commission shall, at intervals of not more than ten years, review the names and boundaries of constituencies and wards.”

Article 58(6) says, 

“The names and details of the boundaries of constituencies and wards shall be published in the Gazette and shall come into effect on the next dissolution of Parliament or councils.”

Mr Speaker, this simply means that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) will be in breach of the Constitution if the delimitation exercise is not done before the 2026 elections as the next dissolution after 2026 will only be in 2031. This means that it will be fifteen years later and that will be a total breach of the Constitution.

Mr Nkandu: Ema Ministers aya!

Mr N.  Musonda: Mr Speaker, I want to remind this august House that on 23^rd February, 2021, the then hon. Minister of Justice, Mr Lubinda, in a Ministerial statement to this august House and the nation at large, spoke about delimitation, and I have a copy of the Ministerial Statement. In the Ministerial Statement, he agreed to the idea of delimitation of constituencies. Since it is a long document, I will lay it on the Table, but I want to read the two last sentences, which say the following:

“The Patriotic Front Government generally remains committed to implementing the delimitation process and it will do so immediately after the 2021 General Elections.

Mr Speaker, …

Hon. Opposition Members interjected.

Mr Musonda: I am still quoting.

… allow me to end by stating that it is now my hope and prayer that this matter has been put to rest and may be only allowed to resurrect after the election of His Excellency Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu in August, 2021.”

Mr Speaker, this never came to pass.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr N. Musonda: In short, there is consensus. When people say they doubt what the President meant when he said there is consensus – this was already done. We are not going back to any other documents. According to this document, ninety constituencies were created under the delimitation exercise that was done by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).

Mr Nkandu: Hammer! Ema first born aya!

Laughter

Mr N. Musonda: Mr Speaker, it is disheartening that the Opposition is now loquacious complaining over the matter of delimitation and the constitutional amendment. While consensus building is fundamental in every constitutional making process, this level of hypocrisy from the Patriotic Front (PF) should not go unchecked.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr N.  Musonda: Like I have said, I will lay the paper on the Table.

Mr Speaker, during my youth days, I can confirm that through the Mung’omba Constitutional Review Commission, it was recommended that Zambia adopts the mixed-member proportional representation system. This meant that some seats were to be elected by direct votes at constituency level under first-past-the-post while others under proportional representation under the party list. The rationale behind the Ming’omba Constitutional Review Commission’s recommendation was that under proportional representation, youths, women, disadvantaged groups and differently abled persons would get into Parliament through that route.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr N. Musonda: This call has been long overdue, Mr Speaker. So, this is the right time to respect this submission and close it forever.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr N. Musonda: Mr Speaker, elections conducted under the watch of the United Party for National Development (UPND) Administration, including in Kawambwa Central and Pambashe, have been largely peaceful amid provocations from a congregation of smaller parties.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr N. Musonda: Our campaign messages in all past by-elections focused on developmental programmes initiated by the New Dawn Administration under our able and great leader of our time, President Hakainde Hichilema.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr N.  Musonda: Mr Speaker, the Kawambwa Central and Pambashe by-elections are a clear testament that the dark age of bloodshed during elections is long gone and gone for good. Never again will violence return to the Zambian political electioneering. This is not by accident, but a demonstration that President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership was the missing link to political stability and the development of our country.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr N. Musonda: He is simply from another universe.

Mr Speaker, on human dignity, equity, social justice, equality and non-discrimination, the people of Luapula Province have been neglected and subjected to untold poverty and underdevelopment for a long time. Successive Governments, especially the PF Government and its leaders, only cared to get closer to electorates, pretending to solve developmental issues during the election period. Our people in Kawambwa and Luapula in general, were enslaved and duped with the tantameni syndrome, as real development eluded them. The immediate past regime boasted about massive infrastructure in Kawambwa in Luapula Province and the rest of the northern region, but this was deceit of the highest degree because even with magnifying glasses, no one would see where the claimed infrastructure was built.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr N. Musonda: Mr Speaker, through the strong and selfless leadership provided by President Hakainde Hichilema, the people of Luapula can now attest that within three and half years, the New Dawn Administration has delivered free education from primary to secondary and this has lifted the financial burden of struggling families in the province, allowing thousands of children to access school without any hindrance.

Mr Nkandu: Quality!

Mr N. Musonda: Mr Speaker, I can confirm that Kawambwa and Luapula have had a share from the historical recruitment of over 40,000 teachers and over 11,000 health workers. As of today, no child in Kawambwa and the entire Luapula Province sits on the floor during lessons. Grants and loans have been disbursed without discrimination. Classrooms, rural health centers and maternity wings have been constructed in all wards. These efforts have not only boosted service delivery, but also reduced unemployment, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to job creation.

Mr Speaker, these are not mere political slogans. They are verifiable achievements that resonate well with ordinary Zambians. I strongly believe that had it not been for the 2023/2024 drought, the people of Luapula and Zambia in general would have seen much more development under our visionary leader, President Hakainde Hichilema, but like they say; development is not a marathon, but a sprint and conforms in project management, agile.

Mr Speaker, with the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) significantly expanded to now K36.1 million, the people of Kawambwa …

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order!

The hon. Minister’s time expired.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister, may you wind up.

Mr N. Musonda: I will wind up.

…  and Luapula Province now have a greater autonomy in addressing their developmental needs, a total shift from the bureaucratic inefficiencies of past regimes.

Mr Speaker, all get way roads in Luapula Province, the Tuta Road and the Pedicle Road, were left in a deplorable state, including all inter-district roads. Worst still, nearly all roads in the central business district (CBD) are gravel, including in Kawambwa, where I come from. I am grateful that the New Dawn Administration has now embarked on a plan to work on the Chembe/Mansa/Mwansabombwe/Nchelenge Road while the Kashikishi/Lucinda/Kaputa Road as well as the Musaila/Lubwe/Kasaba Road will be upgraded to bituminous standard. In Kawambwa alone, the road linking Chipili and Nchelenge, including the one that links to Kala Marine Barracks, which was completely impassable, will now be worked on using the CDF.

Mr Speaker, as I conclude, contrary to doomsayers during the 2021 Election that President Hakainde Hichilema will divide the country, it has been proved wrong. This can be seen by how he has been able to bring together traditional leaders from different provinces …

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr N. Musonda: … through traditional ceremonies. To reciprocate this gesture, the Chishinga people from Kawambwa, Chipili and Mwense will be extending an invitation to the President to grace the Malaila Traditional Ceremony of the Chishinga people later this year.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr N. Musonda: We have also seen equitable appointments to the Cabinet. Again, the people of Luapula are grateful to President Hakainde Hichilema for appointing the first born in the UPND as Minister for Luapula Province.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr N. Musonda: Again, the people of Luapula are grateful to President Hakainde Hichilema for appointing their first-born United Party for National Development (UPND) hon. Member of Parliament as the Minister for Luapula Province.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr N. Musonda: Lastly, Mr Speaker, I wish to end by stating that the recent Kawambwa by-election can be compared to the biblical David and Goliath fight. Truth be told, Goliath, dressed in different clothes, was defeated in Kawambwa. That was later amplified by the defeat of the Opposition in Pambashe.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr N. Musonda: Kawambwa is now red and so is Luapula.

Mr Nkandu: Hear, hear!

Mr N. Musonda: I can only declare that in 2026, the people of Luapula will make history by siding with development and the mighty UPND in all the fifteen parliamentary constituencies in Luapula Province.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr N. Musonda: Mr Speaker, the people of Luapula overwhelmingly support the President’s Speech.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order!

I can safely say that the hon. Minister is a very good debater.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: His debate was issue-based. At least, he has added a lot of value to the House. As a Presiding Officer, I am very proud of him.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister for Lusaka Province (Mrs Mulyata): Mr Speaker, after the debate of the hon. Minister for Luapula Province, the question is: ...

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Mulyata: ... Nibanani abaleteka?

Laughter

Mrs Mulyata: Nibanani abali pamu pando? It is HH. Palibe na ntota apa.

Mr Speaker, that means ‘who is in the chair or ruling?’ It is President HH himself.’ Who is ruling? It is the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government. Is there any argument here?

Hon. Government Members: No!

Mrs Mulyata: Mr Speaker, I want to thank you sincerely for according me this opportunity to contribute to the debate in support of the Speech on the Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles, presented to this august House on Friday, 28^th February, 2025, by the Republican President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, during the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly.

Mr Speaker, in the past year, we went through a challenging time after going through a drought that was declared a national disaster. The President’s Speech stands as a beckon of light at the end of the tunnel, giving us hope for the future. It also reminds us that even though our principles and values have been tested, the nation still stands united as One Zambia, One Nation.

Mr Samakayi: Hear, hear!

Ms Mulyata: Mr Speaker, the speech highlighted the Government’s commitment to ensuring that girls get an education despite the perils of teenage pregnancies and early marriages. That has been made clear through the efforts made in sensitisation programmes as well as legal reforms. When it comes to gender-based violence (GBV), the Government continues to provide support to victims through counselling, legal aid and shelter. On the matter of cybercrime and cyber bullying, the Government resolved to create a safer and more productive digital space, and it remains undeterred.

Mr Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the Government’s efforts in increasing transparency in the governance space. That allows our people to freely express themselves, associate with one another and participate in matters that affect them. This is evident by the New Dawn Government’s invitation of the United Nations (UN) Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression to assess the standards being set in our country, such as the growing media space. The Government’s desire is to ensure that every voice is heard by making it possible for every eligible voter to be able to cast his or her vote, through continuous voter registration and thirty districts now house voter registration centres.

Mr Speaker, I commend the Government, through the able leadership of the Republican President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, for its hard work in protecting human rights, fighting for equity and equality as well as social justice. The work is bearing fruit as internationally recognised independent bodies have improved Zambia’s standing in the world.

Mr Speaker, the impact of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) cannot be overemphasised. The CDF has allowed communities to be the instigators and drivers of their own development needs, and this has made it so much easier for development to reach areas that were often under-supported. This is more evidence of the Government’s commitment to transparency and efficiency. Despite this, more can be done. Therefore, I welcome the direction intended to be taken in sub-dividing of large constituencies, as it will serve as a catalyst for acceleration of development in underserved areas due to the size of some constituencies. Lusaka Province houses some large constituencies like Chongwe, Kafue and Rufunsa.

Sir, I can attest that Lusaka Province is a beneficiary of many efforts and progress highlighted in the President’s Speech. For instance, last year, the Lusaka Provincial Health Office rolled out the new mental health training package and twenty-five health care workers were trained. The activity was done to provide knowledge and skills to the health care workers to help them provide mental health services at primary health care level, which includes management of alcohol and substance use in all health facilities.

Mr Speaker, when it comes to GBV, the province managed 146 cases and all the victims were supported. We continue to work with communities to ensure that women and girls are safe and thriving.

Mr Speaker, I want to join the President in his call to put our local products and services as a priority. I want to re-emphasise that we cannot grow or develop our country if we choose to ignore home-grown products and services in favour of things made outside the country. Let us support each other, and in so doing, ensure the growth of our economy. Last year, Lusaka Province, through the Department of Small and Medium Enterprises, linked 219 businesses to empowerment funds and 524 co-operatives to large off-takers to sell their products. This is a clear indicator that so many of our people have great ideas and are willing to execute them, but they just require financial backing.

Mr Speaker, I would also like to echo the President’s sentiments encouraging us all to continue with the spirit of unity that this great country is known for. Zambia houses people from various tribes, races and religions, and they all work together seamlessly and in harmony with one another. Lusaka Province leads in this endeavour as the capital city. We see people from very different backgrounds working together in peace. Let us uphold this virtue and regard it as a point of pride and a blessing. As the President encouraged, let us continue to avoid vices like hate speech and political violence in whatever we do and wherever we are. We shall rise and, therefore, let us thrive on ideas that elevate the country.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Mulyata: Mr Speaker, as I conclude, I would like to urge this august House to support this Government as it delivers on the application of national values and principles. National values and principles call on us all to be our best selves, not the senseless things that I see in this House where a small child can call the Presiding Officer by name.

Mr Nkandu: Imagine!

Mrs Mulyata: Mr Speaker, this is a respectable House where we must show our best characters because we serve the people of Zambia.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Mulyata: Mr Speaker, the decorum of this House must be upheld.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Mulyata: Mr Speaker, I would like to appeal to you, as the Presiding Officer, to take a firmer stance so that you can save this House.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Mulyata: Mr Speaker, we cannot afford to let this House go under because of two, three or four young men who do not have manners.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Mulyata: We cannot allow that. Mr Speaker, we are here to serve the people of Zambia, and we must show our best characters, and so, it shall be.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Mulyata: As I end, Mr Speaker, I would like, once again, to speak a blessing over this nation. May God bless Zambia. May God bless the hon. Members of Parliament of the United Party for National Development (UPND), and may God bless the Presiding Officer.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mulusa (Solwezi Central): Mr Speaker, from the outset, let me appreciate all hon. Members of Parliament; the Back benchers, progressive Patriotic Front (PF) hon. Members and Independent hon. Members for being very objective in their debates.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mulusa: Mr Speaker, I also want to state that we have a limited number of hon. Members who debated against the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Speech. We are not worried. They belong to a team called alebwelelapo. They believe that those who go away can simply come back.

Mr Nkandu: Where?

Mr Mulusa: Mr Speaker, let me start my debate by quoting Mr President on page 2 of the speech, as follows:

“We thank the Zambian people for their resilience in 2024. Our values and principles were tested in the midst of the worst drought in living memory. We are looking forward to a better future.”

 

Mr Speaker, this Government has shown the people of Zambia that it cares for everyone. There is no discrimination. Even at the time when we had a drought last year, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) was already cushioning the suffering of our people through grants and loans. This Government also enhanced the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) programme by increasing the allocation, and people benefitted. This Government also introduced the Cash-for-Work programme in every constituency.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mulusa: The Zambian people are very safe.

Mr Speaker, we are not forgetting the introduction of free education. Despite the drought and other hardships, no parent was forced to pay anything for his or her children to go to school. It means that this Government looks at the future of this nation. I think, many constituencies today can attest to the fact that things have changed because of the CDF. When one hears an hon. Member saying that the speech has been the same for the past three years or four years, then, that hon. Member is not up to date. Something is missing.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mulusa: Mr Speaker, some hon. Members do not even have one good airport. This Government has constructed an airport in Nakonde. An hon. Member has to identify what is happening in his or her constituency. If an hon. Member is buried in alebwelelapo, which means that he will come back, then, he or she is wasting his or her time.

Mr Samakayi: Hear, hear!

Mr Mulusa: Mr Speaker, since time immemorial, no constituency has spent more than K100 million in less than five years. If hon. Members do not visit their constituencies, that is their problem. Money has been given to them.

Ms Kasune: Equal!

Mr Mulusa: Equal amounts have been given to every constituency. Mr Speaker, between 2016 and 2021, my constituency spent K3.2 million, and that is five years. I can count the structures that were built under that CDF allocation. We had –

Mr Michelo: It was K2.2 million!

Mr Mulusa: It was K2.2 million. Mr Speaker, in four years, every hon. Member in this House would have spent more than K100 million. It has not happened before.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mulusa: This time around, Mr Speaker, when you see an hon. Member debating the way we see some hon. Members debate, you should know that they are absentee hon. Members.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mulusa: Mr Speaker, let me talk about Solwezi Central. The constituency has structures in all the twelve wards. People can say that an area has a school, a maternity annex and a good road. Even in places where there was no road, we are opening up roads. We have opened up 40 km of the Kivuku Road to promote agriculture. There was no road in that area. We are doing that in Solwezi. There are places like Kandakande in Sanang’ombe Ward where people had not seen a clinic before. However, under this Government, they have a clinic.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mulusa: They appreciate.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mulusa: Mr Speaker, this is a working Government.

Mr Nkandu: It is working!

Mr Mulusa: Mr Speaker, let me talk about patriotism. The President was clear. He said that we should start honouring obligations, especially taxes. Some of us have been running away from taxes. We do not pay tax. Under the PF Government, most foreign companies were paying to individuals, and not to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). Today, those companies owe the ZRA huge sums of money. We urge them to start paying taxes. It happened. We have learned that some politicians who have been around for a long time owe Government institutions, which have even closed down. We urge them to pay back. They have to pay back the money. One cannot borrow something and not pay it back. They are blocking others from benefiting from the same facilities.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. UPND Members: Like DBZ (Development Bank of Zambia)!

Mr Mulusa: Yes. We are talking about the Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ). Mr Speaker, patriotism is not just about outsiders. Even in this House, as you can see on your left, how many people are present? That is not patriotism. I know that we do not debate ourselves, but we are talking about patriotism. Look at your right side. We are all here. That is patriotism. This Government means well for the people of Zambia.

Mr Speaker, I am happy with the report from the Copperbelt Province. I know that there are huge investments in the province through the mines. It is not only the Copperbelt Province. When we talk about Lusaka Province under agriculture, we have fertiliser plants. For the first time, Zambia is going to be exporting fertiliser. Also, when one travels to the North-Western Province, one will see that we have also benefited from foreign direct investment (FDI) in the mines. Kansanshi Mine is spending more than US$2 billion on expansion to put life into its operations.

Ms Kasune: What?

Mr Mulusa: Mr Speaker, that means that the youth have more life under the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government than any other Government.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mulusa: Mr Speaker, Kansanshi Mine alone is extending its life to more than twenty-five years. How many people are going to be here after twenty-five years? This Government is working for the youths. There is another investment of more than US$2 billion on the super pit in Lumwana. It is not only that, Mr Speaker. Today, under the public-private partnership (PPP), apart from the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway, that we admire, we also have the Solwezi/Mushindamo Road that will be done. Further, we are ground-breaking the MutandaKasempa/Kaoma Road. For the first time, there will be an update on the same road.

Mr Speaker, in Mwinilunga, we are going to have the first-ever one-stop-border-post in the North-Western Province, connecting to Kolwezi.

Mr Samakayi: Hear, hear!

Mr Mulusa: Mr Speaker, this is investment. It means that the North-Western Province is opening up for investment, and in ten years’ time, it will never be the same. That is the next Copperbelt of Zambia.

Mr Speaker, I know that many are worried about township roads, especially in my constituency, Solwezi. I want to assure the people of Solwezi and other districts that this Government understands what we are going through in the North-Western Province.

Mr Speaker, 10 km of township roads will be constructed.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mulusa: Mr Speaker, because of the Mutanda/Kasempa/Kaoma Road, Kasempa is benefiting from the 10 km of township roads.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mulusa: Mr Speaker, I hope Mwinilunga is benefiting from the Kambimba Road. For me, the President’s Speech means well. The President came here and he meant well. Those who are against the amendments of some clauses in the Constitution are also against the people of the North-Western Province.

Mr Speaker, we have Kasempa Constituency, which cannot be managed in six months. There are twenty-four wards in Kasempa Constituency. Under the Patriotic Front (PF), we suffered with by-elections. In Mwinilunga, we could not manage to complete a ward because one ward has a radius of 70 km. So, those who are against delimitation are enemies of the people of the North-Western Province and Zambia at large.

Mr Speaker, we have more people in Solwezi Central and that is why we want the constituency to be delimitated. This is what the people of the North-Western Province are crying for. So, many Zambians believe in the President because they can see how the economy is growing. Today, I was whispering to the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning that the national reserves have improved even after being very low when we took over the Government. Today, we boast of more than US$4 billion in the reserves.

Mr Speaker, for me, this is a very progressive speech for the people of Zambia.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order!

Hon. Minister for Luapula Province, there is a document you referred to, may you lay it on the Table.

Mr N. Musonda: Mr Speaker, I gave both documents to the Parliamentary House Messenger.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Including the document you referred to?

Mr Musonda:  Mr Speaker, I do not want to – It will be retrieved.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Alright, you may resume your seat.

_______

ADJOURNMENT

The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House (Mr Mwiimbu, SC.): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

Question put and agreed to.

_______

The House adjourned at 1845 hours until 0900 hours on Friday, 21^st March, 2025.

____________