Wednesday, 11^th June, 2025

The House met at 1430 hours

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM SPEAKER

VISITORS FROM THE EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICAN MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of visitors from the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI). The visitors are in the country to attend a training programme and are drawn from Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi and Kenya. They are accompanied by staff from ESAMI Zambia, Lusaka District.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

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

STUDENTS FROM THE LIVINGSTONE INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF TOURISM AND EXCELLENCE AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT, AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of students from the Livingstone International University of Tourism and Excellence and Business Management, and students from the University of Mary Land in the United States of America who are on an education exchange programme at the Livingstone International University of Tourism and Excellence and Business Management.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

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

I thank you.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: I noticed that Urgent Matters without Notice are not very popular these days. So, we can move to the next item.

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QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North): Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Chama North, allow me to take this opportunity to convey their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the former President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the Patriotic Front (PF), and the country at large. We would like to also convey our condolences to the family of the late Clerk of the National Assembly. May their souls rest in peace.

ZESCO ELECTRICITY SOLD TO THE COPPERBELT ENERGY CORPORATION

289. Mr Mtayachalo asked the Minister of Energy at what price ZESCO Limited was selling electricity to the Copperbelt Energy Corporation Plc, as of December, 2024.

The Minister of Energy (Mr Chikote): Madam Speaker, ZESCO Limited and the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Plc renewed a bilateral agreement in 2022, in which the selling price, which is cost-effective, was negotiated and agreed upon between the two parties. However, I am unable to disclose the commercial terms of the agreement given its non-disclosure provision.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mtayachalo:  Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister is alive to the fact that ZESCO Limited is a public utility which is open to public scrutiny. I know that before the old Bulk Supply Agreement (BSA) expired, ZESCO Limited was selling electricity to CEC at a very low price. Meanwhile, CEC was selling electricity to the mines at a very high cost.  I said that ZESCO Limited is a public utility –

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

Madam Speaker:  A point of order is raised.

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, according to our Standing Orders, everything tendered on the Floor of this House will obviously be recorded for future reference. We must also be mindful that even members of the public are following these conversations.

Madam Speaker, the role of Parliament is to provide oversight, among many other roles that it has over the Executive. I find it very disturbing that the duty of the Government to respond to the questions we ask as Parliamentarians is being underplayed in the response from the hon. Minister of Energy.

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order to suggest to this august House that the Government; the Executive, is not in a position to reveal what is disclosed in an agreement. Are we being a rubber stamp, or are we reduced to a rubber stamp where the Executive cannot respond to questions that we ask?

Madam Speaker, I seek your indulgence.

Madam Speaker: The hon. Minister said that he could not disclose the price because of the non-disclosure agreement. I do not know the content of that agreement. So, I ask that you give me more time to look at the agreement and come back with a proper answer to that question. I do not want to guess. Therefore, the ruling is reserved to another date once the information is availed to my office.

The hon. Member for Chama North may proceed.

Mr Mtayachalo:  Madam Speaker, I am aware that before the old BSA expired, ZESCO Limited was selling power to CEC at about US$0.3 per kilowatt, and CEC was selling to the mines at US$0.11 per kilowatt. That was disclosed, and nothing was hidden. So, what is so special about this particular BSA when the old one was made public?

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, I understand the concerns of the hon. Member of Parliament, but I am also guided by the laws. In this agreement, there is a provision of the law that is binding. Like I have stated, I am not in a position to disclose what was agreed in terms of the selling price.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chibombwe (Bahati): Madam Speaker, ZESCO Limited is selling about 50 per cent of what it is producing to the Copperbelt Energy Company (CEC) and it has serious financial challenges. Does the hon. Minister have plans of allowing ZESCO Limited to start selling power directly to the mines and just use the CEC as a common carrier so that the CEC just bills ZESCO Limited for the wheeling charges? Does he have such plans? Further, when is the contract between ZESCO Limited and the CEC expiring?

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, indeed, I want to make it clear that we must bear in mind that the infrastructure in the hands of the CEC belongs to the CEC. So, we have to understand and look at the current running agreement. Such kind of changes may be considered in the future, but hon. Members of Parliament must bear in mind that the infrastructure for the electricity that we are talking about is for the CEC.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr E. Tembo (Feira): Madam Speaker, allow me to also express my sincere condolences to the family of the late Sixth Republican President, myself, the people of Zambia and the Patriotic Front (PF) Party. I also extend the same to the family of the former Clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia.

Madam Speaker, the question is very important and fundamental to transparency and the fight against corruption. I want to find out from the hon. Minister, the reason for bringing up this non-disclosure agreement issue. Has it got to do with the people who have an interest in the Copperbelt Energy Company (CEC)? I do not want to mention names because it will look like I am talking about the hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development.

Mr Mposha: Question!

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Feira, maybe, let me give guidance.

Mr E. Tembo resumed his seat.

Madam Speaker: There was a point of order raised on the issue touching on the non-disclosure agreement. Since there is still a ruling pending, once I verify the information – it is advisable that we do not bring up the issue of the non-disclosure agreement until a ruling is delivered. You can ask your question, not relating to the non-disclosure agreement.

Mr E. Tembo: Madam Speaker, thank you for the guidance, but I am of the view that even before that is dealt with, it is quite sinister that such an answer could be given. Anyway, that was my question. In the absence of that opportunity, I will probably ask after you make a ruling.

Madam Speaker: Probably, it is best that we wait until we look at the non-disclosure agreement, unless the hon. Member for Feira has had sight of that agreement. Otherwise, we will all be groping in the dark.

Mr Mtayachalo: Madam Speaker, there have been calls in this country that ZESCO Limited charges cost-reflective tariffs to domestic and industrial consumers in order for it to attract private investment in the energy sector. It is a fact that the old power supply agreement, which ran for twenty years, was not in the interest of the country and ZESCO Limited. I want to find out from the hon. Minister, although he cannot mention the price, whether the new agreement is economical and is going to help ZESCO Limited come out of the current financial difficulties it is going through.

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for that question.

Madam Speaker, I stated that the selling price is cost-reflective. That was my response.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr A. Banda (Chimwemwe): Madam Speaker, may I also take this opportunity to convey my condolences to the people of Zambia, who include the people of Chimwemwe, for losing their former President and the family of the former Clerk of the National Assembly.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister of Energy is saying that the deal ZESCO Limited has with the Copperbelt Energy Company (CEC) is cost-reflective. Cost-reflective does not tell us whether we are making a profit or not. All it tells us is that the company is not making any losses. So, is ZESCO Limited making any profits from this deal because cost-reflective does not say it is a profit. You can break even or not make any losses, that is cost-reflective. Is ZESCO Limited making any profit?

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, like I have stated, the selling price is cost-reflective, meaning ZESCO Limited is able to sustain its operations.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr B. Mpundu (Nkana): Madam Speaker, perhaps, I will rely on your guidance because the question I want to ask borders on how it is possible for the hon. Minister to give us a response that there is a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) on a public company. It is not possible that ZESCO Limited, which is audited, can have NDAs. It is also not possible that the hon. Minister can come to this House and tell us that he cannot disclose the price at which we are selling electricity to the Copperbelt Energy Company (CEC). So, I will wait for your guidance.

Madam Speaker: Probably, I should first make a ruling and then after the ruling, hon. Members will be guided whether they can ask questions or not. Maybe, it is best that we defer this question until after the ruling is delivered.

Mr Anakoka: I have another question.

Madam Speaker: Is it related to the Non-Disclosure Agreement?

Mr Anakoka: No, it is not related.

Madam Speaker: Okay.

Before I come to you, hon. Member for Luena, let me first give an opportunity to the hon. Member for Nyimba.

Mr Menyani Zulu (Nyimba): Madam Speaker, in life, it is important to call a spade a spade. We need to learn from the mistakes made by the previous Government and what we are doing now.

Madam Speaker, the Copperbelt Energy Company (CEC) is the biggest beneficiary of the power generated by ZESCO Limited, meaning it spends nothing at the generation point of electricity. The profit the CEC makes is more than what ZESCO Limited as a producing company makes. In addition to that, the power is picked up, if I am not mistaken, from Ndola. Is it possible that the Government can allow ZESCO Limited to sell electricity directly to the mines so that it can compete on the pricing with the CEC on the Copperbelt?

Madam Speaker: That question was asked but, maybe, the hon. Member did not hear the answer.

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, I said that there is a contract that is binding and if there are other changes that are likely to be made, they will be made after scrutinising how this agreement is performing against ZESCO Limited.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Anakoka (Luena): Madam Speaker, allow me to take this opportunity to pass my condolences to the nation, on behalf of the people of Luena, on the demise of both the former Clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia and the former Republican President.

Madam Speaker, power purchase agreements and power supply agreements in this country are regulated by the Electricity Act, 2019. Specifically, Section 19 of that Act spells out who oversees such agreements and approves everything, including the tariffs. In this particular instance, did the ministry abrogate the law and approve or directly get involved in negotiating the power supply agreement between ZESCO Limited and the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC)?

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, the ministry never abrogated any law because approval of such agreements is the mandate of the regulator, which is the Energy Regulation Board (ERB). So, we did not approve the agreement, but it was done within the mandate of the ERB.

I thank you, Madam Speaker. 

Madam Speaker: If I may ask, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) is under which ministry?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Anyway, let us wait for the ruling. Then we can dissect the issue properly.

So, let us make progress.

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Madam Speaker, before asking a question, kindly allow me to use this opportunity to pass a word of condolences to Madam Esther Lungu, the former First Lady, and the entire Lungu family on the passing of His Excellency, Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the Sixth President of the Republic of Zambia. His death places a very heavy burden on us in Lunte Constituency.

Interruptions

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, I do not know about those who are murmuring, but for us in Lunte, this is a very sad period.

Madam Speaker, I also send my condolences to the family of the former Clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia, the late Mr Roy Ngulube. We are at a loss to even transact business today, as the people of Lunte.

DEBT ACCUMULATED FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF FUEL

290. Mr Kafwaya asked the Minister of Energy:

1. how much debt the Government had accumulated for the procurement of fuel as of July 2021; and
2. how much the debt had accumulated to as of June 2024.

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, the outstanding petroleum debt as at 31^st July, 2021, stood at US$477,798,993.10, comprising the principal amount of US$280,149,213 and late payment interest of US$197,649,779.

Madam Speaker, on 1^st October, 2022, the Government shifted its policy and disengaged from procurement of petroleum products. However, a number of orders to supply petroleum products had already been placed on the existing quantity-based contracts and were delivered up to the first quarter of 2023. Therefore, the principal debt accumulated to US$447,779,233 whilst the interest accumulated to US$431,395,924, bringing the total petroleum debt to US$877,175,157, as of 30^th June, 2024.

Madam Speaker, the supply contracts that were signed between 2016 and 2019 contained provisions for late payment interest. There have been no new supply contracts entered into by this Government. During 2024, the Government negotiated for capping of interest with all suppliers. As of 31^st March, 2024, the debt was no longer growing. Further, the Government negotiated discounts on late payment interest with Dalbit International Limited and Delta Energy Zambia Limited from US$94,076,970 to US$20,275,717. That is how good this Government is in terms of adding value to our money.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chikote: As a result, the two suppliers were paid a total sum of US$109,108,092, including the principal amounts. As of 31^st December, 2024, the outstanding petroleum debt stood at US$735,819,423.

Madam Speaker, in 2025, the Government has continued to negotiate with the suppliers such that the outstanding debt has reduced from US$735,819,423 to US$521,650,050. That is what we have done so far. Additionally, settlement agreements have been signed with ER Industries International Energy Resources and Sahara Energy Resources DMCC to dismantle the outstanding debt. Negotiations are ongoing with BB Energy and Othniel Brooks International Limited.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Lunte, you may proceed.

Mr Kafwaya interjected.

Madam Speaker: It is your question. So, I thought I should start with you. You have two chances. I am giving you the first chance now.

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, I want to find out where the amounts that we, as a nation, borrowed via a Supplementary Budget to specifically clear those arrears were directed. The hon. Minister talked about 2025 and indicated that the arrears are still in existence. However, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning presented a Supplementary Budget to specifically clear the arrears. Where did that borrowing provision go if the amount is still outstanding? (the hon. Member’s microphone volume was low).

Madam Speaker: I hope the hon. Minister heard the question.

Hon. Member, you were not very audible.

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, it is difficult to understand what the hon. Member is really trying to drive at with the question. I have stated what the Government has paid towards the legacy debt. Hon. Members also listened to the way I tabulated the figures. From US$877 million, we have reduced the debt to US$521 million. Those are the payments we have made.

Madam Speaker, on the issue pertaining to the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, the hon. Minister responsible for that ministry is there. The hon. Member can direct that question to that ministry. This Government has paid towards the debt, which was left by them, and it has reduced.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, thank you for this opportunity you have given me to direct a supplementary question to the hon. Minister.

Madam Speaker, I wish to convey my sincere condolences to the family of the Sixth Republican President.

Madam Speaker, the two questions were clear. The first one was on how much had been accumulated up to July 2021, and how much was subsisting as at June 2024. The hon. Minister took a lot of time explaining details, and along the way, we lost the figures. There is a reason there are questions for clarification, and I want to seek clarification. In July 2021, how much had accumulated and, in June 2024, how much was subsisting? That was the question asked by the hon. Member for Lunte. The people of Kamfinsa want specific answers, not the statement that the hon. Minister is reading. What are the figures as at July 2021? I think, it is for the benefit of everyone.

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, the figures are that in July 2021, the principal amount was US$477,798,993.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Let us not participate in answering the question.

Hon. Minister, you may continue.

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, because of late payments and in instances where they were not paying, the interest accumulated to US$197,649,779.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: So, that is up to July. Now, the hon. Member also wants to know what the figure was, in relation to part (b) of the question, as of June 2024; the total.

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, as of June 2024, the amount accumulated reached US$877,175,158.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Maybe, just for clarity, is the US$877 million plus the total amount from July 2021 to June 2024?

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, that is the total amount accumulated.

Madam Speaker: That is clear.

Hon. Member for Kamfinsa, you have got your answer.

We make progress.

Mr Chisanga (Lukashya): I am grateful, Madam Speaker, for this opportunity you have given me to ask a supplementary question.

Madam Speaker, I would also like to join my hon. Colleagues in registering a message of condolences to the former First Family on the demise of the Sixth Republican President, and to the family of the Clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia on the demise of the Clerk.

Madam Speaker, at the risk of sounding like I am repeating the question that was asked by my hon. Colleague from Lunte, this House approved a Supplementary Budget to pay off the expensive accumulated debt and replace it with cheaper debt. What I did not hear from the hon. Minister’s statement is how much of the debt approved by this House was deployed to repay the accumulated debt and how much is outstanding. That is what I want to find out.

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, I have stated that US$109,108,092 was paid.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Menyani Zulu (Nyimba): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister and his team for the negotiating skills they used to negotiate the interest rates. However, even though the hon. Minister had those excellent negotiating skills during the time of negotiations, what really happened? The people of Nyimba are surprised because during the previous Government or in the current Government, none of us in this House has ever gone to the filling station to get fuel on credit, maybe, as transporters, but we usually pay after a month or so. Can the hon. Minister tell the people of Nyimba what really happened for the Government to accumulate that figure in debt from 2021 up to the first quarter of 2024? In just a simple answer, where did the money go because it was paid directly as cash?

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, our Administration has been saying that the leadership that was being provided by our hon. Colleagues when they were running the Government was not helping the people of this country. All these issues emanate from the contracts that our hon. Colleagues signed with the suppliers. The hon. Member may wish to note that the contracts that the Government signs do not attract compound interest. However, the contracts, which were signed by our hon. Colleagues then, attracted compound interest. That is why this Government found a huge debt that it is struggling to dismantle. However, I want to appreciate the hon. Member for thanking this Government for providing good leadership in dismantling the debt.  This Government has managed to reduce the debt from US$877 million to US$521 million. It is determined to dismantle the debt because of its good policies and leadership.

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chala (Chipili): Madam Speaker, when the current Administration took over power, it found the debt.

Interruptions

Mr Chala: Yes, I understand that the previous Administration did not service the debt. When the current Administration took over power, it also decided to not pay the debt despite it knowing that it could accrue interest. That is a going concern. Can that be cited as negligence?

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: I was looking for a brighter suit today, but –

Laughter

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, I want to repeat myself. The current Administration has done its best for the interest of the people of this country by paying towards the debt. I have stated clearly that, firstly, the Government has made sure that the loan does not accrue interest. The debt is no longer accruing any interest. That is the first thing that this Government did through negotiations. Secondly, the outstanding debt has reduced from US$877 million to US$521 million.

Mr Nkandu: Hear, hear!

Mr Chikote: So, this is the commitment by the current Administration.  The hon. Member of Parliament must be proud that this Government is able to service the debt that it inherited.  That move has enabled this Government to continue providing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Anakoka (Luena): Madam Speaker, the issue of the fuel procurement debt is very heavy for the people of Luena Constituency. In fact, the people of Luena Constituency feel that the matter should have been subjected to a commission of inquiry to establish how possible it was for the Government that knew its responsibilities towards its citizens, to enter into Dollar-based contracts that are accumulating such huge amounts of interest. Is the hon. Minister in a position to share with this House and the nation the nature or the structure of the late payment agreements, if there were no non-disclosure agreements in the supply contracts? The nation needs to appreciate what motivated the people who signed arrangements where the Government owes US$280 million, and is paying around US$200 in interest. How is that possible? Is he in a position to share with the nation the structure of the contracts and the penalties applicable?

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, I can just summarise the answer by saying that our colleagues were very corrupt.

Laughter

Mr Chikote: They did not have the interest of this nation.

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

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, as you have seen, I have been reluctantly following the incomplete and incompetent responses from our hon. Colleague.

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, please, the language – Did you say he is incompetent?

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, the language he is using is –

Madam Speaker: No, but did you use the word “incompetent”?

 Mr Kampyongo: It is almost the same as corruption.

Madam Speaker: No, if you use the word, ‘incompetent’ because you are –

Let me guide the House.  

Mr Kampyongo resumed his seat.

Madam Speaker: If the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu directly pointed at the hon. Minister of Energy and said that he was incompetent, that is unparliamentary and unacceptable. May the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu withdraw the statement referring to the hon. Minister of Energy as incompetent without providing evidence.

Mr Kampyongo: Most obliged, Madam Speaker. I withdraw the word ’incompetent’ and replace it with ‘non-factual responses’. This is because the statement he made that the Bulk Supply Agreement (BSA) has a non-disclosure clause is not correct. To help him, your Committee will be coming on the Floor of this House with a report in which ZESCO Limited has disclosed how much the tariffs were in the BSA contract. However, is the hon. Minister in order to ignore –

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, the only problem is that you have gone back to issues that have already been dealt with. There is a pending ruling on that matter. You are now pre-empting my ruling. Let us stick to the questions that –

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, my point of order is pursuant to Standing Order No. 71 –

Madam Speaker: I have not finished, please, hon. Member, give me time.

I was saying that could you restrict yourself to the question that was being discussed on the Floor of the House. Let us not go back. So, you may raise your point of order concerning the issue that was being debated on the Floor of the House.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order to breach the Standing Orders by making a wild statement, which he cannot verify on the Floor. He alleged that some people were being corrupt without necessarily putting facts as required by the Standing Orders. As he was giving his response on the Floor, he needed to substantiate the level of corruption, who was corrupt, and at what stage. Otherwise, we risk degenerating into disorder by allowing that kind of conduct.

Madam Speaker, I seek your serious ruling.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

I was following, and what I heard the hon. Minister say is that the reason the contracts or the agreements were structured in that way was because of some form of corruption. He did not mention anyone by name, but he referred to the previous Government. He has not furnished us with evidence to show who was corrupt. I think it is not our responsibility at the moment to name the people who were corrupt because the question is not even touching on who was corrupt and what happened.

Maybe, the hon. Minister can just answer the question without making imputations on who was corrupt and under which circumstances the agreements were concluded. Maybe, the hon. Minister can desist from saying that people were corrupt without substantiating that corruption. So, the hon. Minister was out of order by saying people were corrupt.

You may answer the question, but use another word, hon. Minister. You were in the process of answering the question.

Mr Chikote: I concluded.

Madam Speaker: The hon. Minister concluded. Very well. So, we go to the next question asked by the Member for Kaumbwe.

Hon. Members, like the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu has indicated, you have an opportunity to discuss some of these issues you are bringing up in the Committees. So, please, take advantage of the Committee process to interrogate and ask all these questions, than to ask them on the Floor of the House because then, there will be nobody to provide that information. For example, if the agreements were concluded or they were arrived at by the influence of corruption because then, you would have asked the people who are on the ground from various companies to see whether or not there was any corruption that was involved.

Dr Mwanza (Kaumbwe): Thank you so much, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity to ask the hon. Minister of Energy a supplementary question.

Madam Speaker, firstly, I want to appreciate the Government’s effort in dismantling the debt from US$877 million to the current US$521,650. The hon. Minister has indicated that they signed a settlement plan for dismantling the US$521 million. When do we expect the US$521,650 to be liquidated completely?

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, like I indicated, we have signed the payment plan or agreement, but of course, a number of issues are being looked at. I am not in a position to give the exact timeframe on when we are going to conclude this matter.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kafwaya indicated to speak.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Lunte, you have already asked a question. I already gave you two opportunities.

Mr Kafwaya: I only asked one question, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Oh, it was only one? Oh, sorry.

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, allow me to express my surprise at the fact that the fuel arrear still sits on Government books. When the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning came to this Assembly to ask for a Supplemental Budget, he justified that by saying, they wanted to borrow cheap to clear expensive arrears of fuel, and this House granted him the wish. The United Party for National Development (UPND) Government has borrowed, but it has only paid US$100 million plus. That is a strong surprise for me. However, did the bad contracts the hon. Minister referred to, which were signed by what he is calling the previous Government, contain non-disclosure agreements like the one that is existing at ZESCO Limited and the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) right now?

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, the answer is no.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Thank you. The other question was directed at the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning but he is not on the Floor. So, hon. Member for Lunte, if you have any specific question, you can direct it to the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning.

Mr Hamwaata (Pemba): Madam Speaker, may I begin by appreciating the Government for the role it played in reducing the debt.

Madam Speaker, what measures has the ministry put in place to deal with the bad contracts that the Government inherited and were crafted by the technocrats so that we do not end up having the same bad contracts and bad debt?

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, indeed, there were bad contracts. As we are dismantling the debts, the issues pertaining to legal opinions are being handled by the Office of the Attorney-General, who will be guided as we continue negotiating with the suppliers and the officers are critically looking at how the contracts were signed. So, the ministry will be guided as they conclude on these matters.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kafwaya and Mr Chisanga left the Assembly Chamber.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I hope you will come back and you are not going for good.

Mr Mabeta (Kankoyo): Thank you, Madam –

Madam Speaker: Sorry, hon. Member.

Hon. Member for Lunte, your question is still on the Floor, but you are leaving. Is it so urgent?

Mr Kafwaya: Yes, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Okay, you can take leave. You do not look so well.

Mr Mabeta: Madam Speaker, we ended up having such a huge debt on the fuel the Government was buying at an expensive price and selling to filling stations who were again selling it for cash to us because the Government was involved in the procurement of fuel. Is it the policy of the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government to continue being involved in the procurement of fuel which risks us ending up with a huge debt again?

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, this is the reason this Government moved away from procuring petroleum products effective 1^st October, 2022, and left it to the private sector to take over. This policy shift was implemented by this Government. We do not intend to go back and start procuring petroleum products. This has been left to private players. Ours is to make sure that we create conducive policies that promote competition amongst our players. This is why hon. Members may have seen open access bearing fruits. The hon. Member may wish to note that even the price of diesel is going down because of the good policies we have put in place.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mutelo (Mitete): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity. Since I am opening my mouth in this Meeting for the first time, allow me to join all who have conveyed their condolences to the families of the Sixth Republican President and the former Clerk of the National Assembly.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has not come out clearly on the benefits of the good policies that are bearing fruits. Are the fruits good or not?

Can the hon. Minister come out clearly and tell us what fruits the new policy is bearing?

Madam Speaker: If it was in court, that would not have been allowed because it is a leading question. Anyway, I will allow it.

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for that question.

Madam Speaker, I said that good policies are bearing fruits. One of those fruits is the Electricity (Open Access) Regulations, which are promoting competition among players in the energy sector. Today, we are able to say that we have reduced the cost of petroleum products. For example, diesel was at K32 per litre in the past, but now, even the hon. Member for Nkana is happy with me because we have dropped the price to K25 per litre.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chikote:  Those are some of the fruits that are coming out of the good policies of the New Dawn Administration. We are committed to making sure that we continue implementing good policies for the benefit of the people of Zambia.

Madam Speaker, you may wish to note that energy is one of the sectors that drive the economy of the country. As I said, we are committed to continue implementing good policies that serve the people of this country.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

CONSTRUCTION OF A MODERN HOSPITAL IN SIAVONGA DISTRICT

291. Mr Mulunda (Siavonga) asked the Minister of Health:

1. when construction of a modern hospital in Siavonga District will commerce;
2. what the estimated cost of the project is;
3. what the estimated timeframe for completion of the project is

The Minister of Health (Mr Muchima): Madam Speaker, may I also join my hon. Colleagues in passing condolences to the families of the Sixth President and the late Clerk of the National Assembly. It is a loss to both families and to the nation.

Madam Speaker, the Government is aware of the growing population in Siavonga and the need for a modern hospital in the district. Currently, the Government has limited fiscal space to undertake construction of a modern hospital in that district. Therefore, the Government, through the Ministry of Health, will focus on rehabilitating the Level 1 hospital in Siavonga, which will be undertaken in 2026.

Madam Speaker, the estimated cost of such a project will be known once the assessment for the scope of works is concluded.

Madam Speaker, the estimated timeframe for the completion of the project will be known once all the necessary assessments have been concluded.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mulunda: Madam Speaker, I appreciate the response from the hon. Minister of Health. He has given hope to the people of Siavonga by acknowledging that the population is growing. The existing facility was meant for a very small population. We are looking forward to the commencement of works to expand and modernise our existing hospital.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: That was just a point of appreciation and acknowledgement.

So, we make progress.

FUNDS DISBURSED TO THE EDUCATION SECTOR BETWEEN 2016 AND 2024

292. Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) asked the Minister of Finance and National planning how much money, besides emoluments, the Government disbursed to the education sector in the following periods:

1.  2016 to 2021; and
2. 2022 to 2024.

The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane): Madam Speaker, from 2016 to 2021, the money that was disbursed by the Government to the education sector, besides emoluments, is K12.9 billion. That is an average of K2.15 billion per annum.

Madam Speaker, from 2022 to 2024, a total of K15 billion was disbursed to the education sector. That is an average of K5 billion per annum, indicating an increase of over 130 per cent. It also indicates that expenditure on education has risen to implement the Free Education Policy.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for that response.

Madam Speaker, from 2016 to 2022, which was a period of about five years, the expenditure on education was K12.9 million. From 2022 to 2024, which is almost two years, the expenditure on education increased to K15 million. That shows that the New Dawn Government has increased the allocation to the Ministry of Education. How was the current Government able to disburse K15 million to the education sector when the previous Government only allocated K12.9 million in five years?

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, the increase in expenditure on education follows a commitment that this Government made while still in opposition. We said that we were going to make education a priority. Therefore, money that was previously allocated to things that did not benefit the common man was re-allocated. The focus became education and other sectors that are of importance to the ordinary person. In short, commitment has been the key to achieving the increase in funding to the education sector.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

MOTOR VEHICLE FOR DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND LIVESTOCK IN KANCHIBIYA DISTRICT

293. Mr Chanda (Kanchibiya) asked the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock:

1. when the Government will provide a motor vehicle for the Department of Fisheries and Livestock in Kanchibiya District to enhance its operations; and
2. how many livestock extension officers were deployed to the district in 2024.

The Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (Mr Mubanga) (on behalf of the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock (Mr Kapala)): Madam Speaker, there is no Department of Fisheries and Livestock in Kanchibiya District, or in any other district in Zambia. Instead, the ministry operates through the Office of the District Fisheries and Livestock Co-ordinator, whose functions have since been devolved to the Kanchibiya District Council. That is a minor clarification for the hon. Member to take note of.

Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that under the Decentralisation Policy, fisheries, livestock and veterinary extension services have been moved to local authorities. As a result, all physical assets and personnel, including extension officers, have been transferred to Kanchibiya District Council. Additionally, responsibility for providing transport for extension services now lies with the local authority through funding mechanisms such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). The local authority in Kanchibiya District should be able to procure transport means to support extension services and operations, thereby, enhancing fisheries and livestock development in the district.

Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock did not receive Treasury Authority for the year 2024, which would have enabled the recruitment of livestock extension officers. Consequently, the ministry was not able to deploy additional extension officers to Kanchibiya District in 2024.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chanda: Madam Speaker, mindful of decentralisation, my question was not on dealing with operational aspects. I am talking about the sector, which clearly falls under key policy areas under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. There is an area of 8,800 km² called Kanchibiya with a livestock department that is unable to reach far-flung areas, especially when we have an outbreak of diseases. The question is: Is it the Government’s position that the council, through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), should be procuring both motor vehicles and employing extension officers?

Mr Mubanga: Madam Speaker, from my response, it is clear that the Fisheries and Livestock Department within the district has been moved to the local authorities and all assets, personnel and whatever else comes with that department are now in the hands of the local authority.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Maybe, the question can be directed to the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.

Mr Zulu indicated to speak.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Nyimba, do you have a question? The hon. Minister who is on the Floor is saying that the matter is not under his ministry.

Mr Zulu (Nyimba): Madam Speaker, we understand the operational aspect of the devolution of departments from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, which is an ongoing process. I think, the hon. Minister is aware that to-date, not all the assets have been completely transferred to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, especially with regards to the councils. In countries like Botswana, a lot of revenue is derived from departments of livestock. Part of their gross domestic product (GDP) comes from that department. It is a department we should equip and ensure that activities in our constituencies are well-managed by it. The Government is unitary. The Cabinet is practically one. The question asked by the hon. Member for Kanchibiya is simple. Even before the powers were transferred to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, did the ministry have plans to buy motor vehicles? Your predecessor in the same ministry reported on the Floor of this House that the ministry was purchasing some motor vehicles for the department. So, where have those motor vehicles gone?

Mr Mubanga: Madam Speaker, my counterpart in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development should be able to look at those assets because the entire department has been moved. I think, it is clear. We, as a ministry, would like to offer technical support. However, personnel, assets and everything else that comes with the department have been moved to the local authorities. I am sure the hon. Minister in charge of local authorities should be able to clarify that point.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Madam Speaker, it is interesting that part (b) of the question is about how many livestock extension officers were deployed to Kanchibiya District because we know that in the past, the people in the region and areas around Shiwang’andu did not keep livestock. They used to call livestock umunani. When they see cattle, they would say munani; relish. Now, they are requesting for extension officers. What has the ministry done for the people of Shiwang’andu, like the hon. Minister, and many others, to appreciate their livestock ventures? In the past, livestock used to be known as umunani, meaning relish.

Madam Speaker: The hon. Member for Chama South is now referring to the hon. Minister as someone from Shiwang’andu. Has there been a change?

Mr Mubanga: Madam Speaker, I come from Muchinga Province, in Shiwang’andu. The hon. Member has said that we used to call livestock ati umunani. We are learning, and there is a lot of movement. One finds many other brothers and sisters who come from areas where they keep cattle. So, we mingle and learn.

Madam Speaker, the policy of the Government is to encourage citizens to also look at livestock farming as one of the activities to improve our economy.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much, hon. Minister.

Hon. Member, since the question is on livestock, I do not know whether you liaised with the hon. Minister of Fisheries and Livestock to make sure that we have a full answer to the question. Right now, the answer is not satisfactory. I do not think the hon. Member has gotten the answer. So, he is left hanging.

The hon. Member should have referred the question to the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development. So, under this circumstance, since the hon. Member is not satisfied, this question should be referred to the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.

We make progress.

Dr Andeleki (Katombola): Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Katombola Constituency, allow me to join many other hon. Members who have conveyed their deepest condolences to the families of our Sixth President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, and our beloved late Clerk, Mr Roy Ngulube. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.

REHABILITATION OF PALACES IN KATOMBOLA CONSTITUENCY

294. Dr Andeleki asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development:

1. when rehabilitation of palaces for the following chiefs in Katombola Parliamentary Constituency will commence:

1. Chief Moomba;
2. Chief Sekute; and 
3. Chief Musokotwane; and

1. what the cause of the delay in commencing the rehabilitation works is, considering that the palaces are in a deplorable condition.

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Sialubalo): Madam Speaker, allow me to put it on record that the visitation of an hon. Member of Parliament at my office takes precedence over any other visit. This means that hon. Members are free to come to my office.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, we should not just be interacting here in the House, but also at the office.

Madam Speaker, the Government is constructing new palaces for chiefs throughout the country in phases. Phase II of the programme involves the construction of 110 palaces using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). The chiefs stated above will have new palaces constructed for them in subsequent phases other than rehabilitating the old structures.

Madam Speaker, the Government is constructing a palace for Chief Nyawa in Katombola Constituency. The other chiefs will have their palaces constructed in phases.

As stated in part (a) of the response, the Government is constructing new palaces for chiefs and two housing units for retainers, which will provide a more decent accommodation for our chiefs.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Dr Andeleki: Madam Speaker, when will Phase II commence because Their Royal Highnesses are living in unbefitting accommodation? 

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, the other phase commences in April 2026.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Zulu (Nyimba): Madam Speaker, I will be very frank with the hon. Minister that I appreciate everything that is being done through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), especially the construction of palaces. In my constituency, Katombola Constituency and many other constituencies across this country, only Phase I has been done from 2022 to date. Through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, what is the contractual timeframe for the construction of those places?

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I had no time to go through the contract to see what the timeframe is. So, I would not be in a position to give him a clear timeframe for the construction of these palaces.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mutinta (Itezhi-Tezhi): Madam Speaker, I want to mention that the chiefs in Itezhi-Tezhi are happy that they have received motorbikes. That has fulfilled President Hakainde Hichilema’s agenda of supporting the chiefdoms.

Madam Speaker, if these palaces are not built in a year, with the amount deducted from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), will the correctional service construct them consecutively? For example, in Katombola, if they delayed to finish projects in 2022, will they manage to construct two palaces in 2023, to bridge the delay we have witnessed across the country? 

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, as you may be aware, these resources are deducted from the CDF annually. So, if the 2024 CDF goes up to 2026, and the palace is not yet complete, then the construction of another palace will have to commence the following year because there will be another allocation.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr E. Banda (Muchinga): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister and congratulate him on his appointment as the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.

Madam Speaker, I have seen that most of the chief palaces that are under construction are open. Are they planning to change the scope of work to include wall fences because the chiefs need security?  It is like, we did not include it in the first scope of work.

Madam Speaker, I am one of the beneficiaries, and when I was on a tour, I had that interface with the chief, and such matters were also raised.

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member may be aware that this was the initiative of the Republican President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema. This means that the concern the hon. Member has raised is very genuine. We shall need to engage the initiator of the programme so that we also consider putting up wall fences.

I thank you, Madam Speaker. 

Mr C. Mpundu (Chembe): Madam Speaker, as a starting point, I want to also convey my condolences to the families of the Sixth Republican President, Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu and to the family of the Clerk of the National Assembly for their loss. May their souls rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, the construction of most of the palaces that the Government has commenced constructing is being done at a slow pace. The hon. Minister visited my constituency and he heard that complaint from Chief Kasomalwela. What mechanisms is the Government putting in place to make sure that the palaces under construction can be finished on time because chiefs are on us and they think hon. Members are the ones delaying the construction of palaces?

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I really appreciate how the hon. Member of Parliament for Chembe is using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in Chembe. I saw very beautiful buildings there. That is the way it is supposed to be. Government resources should be used for the public good. That is very commendable.

Madam Speaker, I engaged the chiefs in Chembe Constituency and what the hon. Member has raised was also raised by the chiefs. I immediately engaged the correctional service to make sure that, at least, there is a timeframe for the projects. The fact is that resources were given to the correctional service and it just has to complete the buildings within the shortest period of time so our chiefs can also enjoy the benefits of the New Dawn Administration. We are pushing the contractors.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Andeleki (Katombola): Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that in 2022, the Government brought in the issue of Chief Nyawa’s Palace? The construction of that palace began, but it is still at foundation stage. There is nothing happening there. Is the Government considering bringing in the Zambia National Service (ZNS) and other contractors to ensure that the construction of chiefs’ palaces is expedited?

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

Madam Speaker, it is news to me to learn that the building is still at foundation level. It is really a source of concern. I shall make sure that tomorrow, I give the hon. Member a full report as to why the construction is not being done at a fast pace. It is a source of concern even to the ministry because it is not good. So, we shall make a follow-up.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 MPIKA/ NABWALYA ROAD PROJECT

295. Mr Kapyanga (Mpika) asked the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development:

1. whether the Government has any plans to re-advertise the tender for the construction of the Mpika/Nabwalya Road in Mpika District;
2. if so, when the plans will be implemented;
3. what the estimated cost of the project is; and
4. if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation (Eng. Nzovu) (on behalf of the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development (Eng. Milupi)): Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to construct the Mpika/Nabwalya Road in Mpika District.

Madam Speaker, the plans to construct the Mpika/Nabwalya Road will be implemented when funds are secured by the Treasury.

Madam Speaker, the estimated cost for the works will be known once an assessment of the Mpika/Nabwalya Road is conducted.

Madam Speaker, as indicated in part (a) of the question, the Government has plans to construct the Mpika/Nabwalya Road.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Minister, the question was whether the Government has plans to re-advertise the tender, not the construction. I do not know whether you managed to get the question.

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, yes, I was speaking to the end. Once funds are made available, it will be re-advertised, indeed.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the response. Since the answer of funds not being available is not new, I can only appeal to the hon. Minister to prioritise the Mpika/Nabwalya Road whenever the funds will be available. A community of about 10,000 people has no access road to connect them to Mpika or the Eastern Province. People have to walk and they spend three or four days on the road. Some of them are eaten on the way by wild animals. So, I can only appeal to the hon. Minister to prioritise this road.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much. That was an appeal. I do not know if the hon. Minister wants to comment on the appeal.

Eng. Nzovu: Yes, Madam Speaker. As the hon. Member of Parliament is aware, this important road links Muchinga to the Eastern Province through the Mpika/Nabwalya, Chama/Matumbo and Isoka/Muyombe roads. The New Dawn Government is very committed to ensuring that this linkage from Muchinga to the Eastern Province is undertaken. So, I assure the hon. Member of Parliament that, indeed, these roads will be worked on, so that our people travel properly.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for that assurance. We look forward to the completion of the Chama/Matumbo Road, which is about 61 km, and we take two hours on a stretch of 61 km. I thank the Government for the Kampemba Bridge. It is now complete and it was commissioned. I am sure, the Government will move to Luangwa Bridge.

Madam Speaker, we know that in this year’s budget, there is a plan to work on the Chipata/ Lundazi Road up to Magodi, which means that only less than 60 km will remain for the road to reach Muyobe Turnoff. Is the Government likely to upgrade the stretch from Magodi to Muyombe to bituminous standard? If yes, when is that likely to be done so that the people of Chama can celebrate?

Madam Speaker: Although that is a completely different question. It was more of a comment and appreciation.

Acting hon. Minister, do you have any comment on that?

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, I agree with the hon. Member of Parliament that everything is being done very methodically. He mentioned the bridge and other projects. Indeed, the remaining parts will be done as the hon. Member has eloquently stated.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

CRITERIA FOR PROMOTING SCHOOL TEACHERS

296. Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) asked the Minister of Education:

1. what the criteria for promoting secondary school teachers in Kalabo District to head schools, which have been upgraded to secondary schools, are; and
2. why primary school teachers who have upgraded their qualifications to diploma and degree levels are not promoted?

The Minister of Education (Mr Syakalima): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the terms and conditions of service for the Public Service outline the criteria for considering public officers for promotion. According to these guidelines, promotions in the Public Service shall be directed by the Service Commission or the responsible officer, as the case may be, as and when vacancies occur after taking into account qualifications, competencies, experience, good conduct and performance.

In cases where schools have been upgraded, but payroll structures have not yet been operationalised, serving officers are attached to those schools to perform the duties of headteachers or any other position. Once the payroll structures are in place, priority is given to these officers for formal promotion to the respective positions.

Madam Speaker, the promotion of teachers who have upgraded their qualifications is an ongoing process, which the ministry undertakes each year for eligible officers in accordance with the established criterion. The process may seem slow because promotions are dependent on the availability of vacancies. Despite that challenge, the ministry remains committed to ensuring that qualified teachers receive the recognition and advancement that they deserve. So far, the ministry has submitted a number of cases from all over the country to the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) for consideration. There are 2,209 cases for acting appointments, 900 recommendations for sustentative promotions and 897 recommendations for direct promotions.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

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

Madam Speaker, this question was prompted by what is happening on the ground. The situation is causing displeasure among the teachers who have done everything possible to upgrade their qualifications to either undergraduate degrees or Master’s degrees, but when it comes to promotions, they are not considered. Do the teachers who have upgraded their qualifications not meet the conditions that the hon. Minister has mentioned? Is that why they are not appointed to higher positions at schools that have been upgraded from primary schools to secondary schools?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member of Parliament for the question.

Madam Speaker, I think, I answered this question at some point here in Parliament. The problem that we have is a legacy one. There are more than 29,000 teachers who have not been upgraded to new positions. All in all, if I had to upgrade everybody today, I would need about K4 billion. In my response, I said that the process appears slow because this is a legacy problem. We cannot dismantle the entire backlog which has existed for so long.  I also feel the pain of affected teachers. Some of them were not even sponsored by the Government to upgrade their qualifications. Some got loans to be able to do that. I repeat: This is a legacy problem and it has been cumulating. Each year, we will upgrade some teachers, until we remain with very few. Then, we will finish the entire backlog.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mutinta (Itezhi-Tezhi): Madam Speaker, what lessons has the hon. Minister learnt from the issue of upgrading teachers? Considering that more teachers are upgrading their qualifications, does he think we will reach a level where all of them will be upgraded to new positions? As a country, do we have the space to do that, considering that all teachers are now upgrading their qualifications? How does the hon. Minister think that can be managed?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Education cannot stop anybody from upgrading their qualifications. Teachers want higher qualifications so that they can be satisfied with their credentials. In case they are called upon to serve in higher positions, not only in the teaching fraternity, but elsewhere, such opportunities would require teachers with undergraduate degrees or Master’s degrees. So, teachers can upgrade their qualifications. It is about the motivation that somebody has. That is why I am saying that teachers can continue upgrading their qualifications. We are trying by all means to dismantle the backlog for upgrades, just like we are doing with the national debt. In fact, this is a debt, hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, which the Patriotic Front (PF) accumulated, but now the burden is on us. Slowly, we are trying to dismantle that debt.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr E. Banda (Muchinga): Madam Speaker, I just want to ask the hon. Minister a simple question. Does the ministry have data on how many teachers are in acting positions? In my constituency, teachers in all the six major secondary schools are in acting positions, starting from headmasters up to heads of departments (HoDs). This has been the case for the past four to eight years. Does the ministry have data on how many teachers need to be upgraded to new positions?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, that appears to be a new question, but, certainly, we have data somewhere because we deal with numbers.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: So, in short, the data is available.

We make progress.

PLANS TO UNBUNDLE ZESCO LIMITED

297. Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North) asked the Minister of Energy:

1. whether the Government has any plans to unbundle ZESCO Limited to separate the following functions:

1. generation;
2. transmission;
3. distribution; and
4. supply; 

1. if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

1. if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Energy (Mr Chikote): Madam Speaker, the Government has no plans to unbundle ZESCO Limited into different units for generation, transmission, distribution and supply of electricity. However, in the quest to improve efficiency and promote competition, the Government is operationalising the Electricity (Open Access) Regulations. To this effect, the Government is restructuring the power sector through the introduction of the Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO). This entails that the system operation functions, which are being performed by ZESCO Limited, will now be handled by an independent system operator to allow for non-discriminatory in the distribution and transmission of power.

Madam Speaker, as stated above, there are no plans to unbundle ZESCO Limited.

Madam Speaker, with the introduction of the Electricity (Open Access) Regulations, the Government’s intention is to improve ZESCO Limited’s efficiency and encourage competition to attract private player participation in the energy sector.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mtayachalo: Madam Speaker, at least, I am happy that the Government has no plans to unbundle the power utility because there have been some reports that there are plans to unbundle the state power utility, which I know would have serious consequences. So, it is good that there are no such plans.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: So, the hon. Member for Chama North is satisfied. His concern was on the unbundling of ZESCO Limited. Since it is not happening, he is okay.

We can make progress.

NUMBER OF DAMS IN GWEMBE DISTRICT

298. Mr Simuzingili (Gwembe) asked the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation:

1. how many dams there were in Gwembe District, as of December 2024;
2. whether the Government has any plans to construct additional dams in the district;
3. if so, when the plans will be implemented;
4. how many dams are earmarked for construction;
5. whether there are any dams earmarked for rehabilitation in 2025 in the district;
6. if so, how many dams are earmarked for rehabilitation; and
7. when rehabilitation works will commence.

The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation (Eng. Nzovu): Madam Speaker, based on the dam assessment conducted in 2024, as of December 2024, Gwembe District had six dams. The dams are Gwembe, Siyabamba, Bbondo, Nankumba, Jongolo and Ganikongo.

Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to construct a new dam in Gwembe District, which will be located in Bbondo area. Construction works on the dam are scheduled to commence in the last quarter of 2025 once detailed designs are completed and procurement of a contractor is finalised.

Madam Speaker, the ministry has allocated resources for the construction of one dam in Gwembe District, as part of the ministry’s ongoing Water Harvesting Infrastructure Construction programme.

Madam Speaker, the ministry has plans to carry out rehabilitation works on all existing dams in Gwembe District under the 2025 National Budget. Further, it plans to carry out minor rehabilitation works on five of the six dams in Gwembe District. As this question is older, the report to the hon. Member is that all five dams that were planned for rehabilitation have since been rehabilitated.

Madam Speaker, the Government remains committed to conducting routine assessments of all dams nationwide, to determine their condition, usage and location for improved planning and database management, which will, ultimately, ensure food and energy sufficiency, and surplus and lead to Zambia's economic development.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr S. Banda (Petauke Central): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, for giving me a chance to ask the hon. Minister a question on behalf of the people of Petauke Central.

Madam Speaker, before I go any further, I would like to convey a message of condolences from ‘Petaukeans’. You may be aware that ‘Petaukeans’ are the chief mourners. We are mourning. I would like to convey our message of condolences to the family of the Sixth Republican President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, Tonse Alliance and the nation at large. I also convey the same to the Ngulubes on the passing of our former Clerk.

Madam Speaker, we have seen dams being rehabilitated even in Petauke. The dams are wide and deep. The ‘Petaukeans’ would like to know if there are any plans that the ministry is putting in place to put up wall fences or wire fences around the dams, as they are also a danger to the community.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Bear with him, he is a chief mourner.

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, let me also join the chief mourners from Petauke in conveying the same message and reminding the hon. Member that, as the late Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu was a Republican President, I think, we are all mourners. We are all in national mourning for our dearly departed leader.

Madam Speaker, indeed, as the hon. Member has confirmed, dams are being rehabilitated in Petauke. In fact, all the dams we had earmarked for rehabilitation have been rehabilitated in the district.

Madam Speaker, the question that the hon. Member has asked is a good one, because once a dam is built and, obviously, water is pumped into it, and there is a reservoir behind it, it has certain places that are very dangerous. We have lost many people. At the moment, we are communicating with our people and warning them that the waters are deep in some places once a dam is constructed. The House may recall that after commissioning the Kafulafuta Dam just a few months ago, we lost a family of three. So, indeed, in certain sections of reservoir entrances, the ministry is building wire fences just to protect and prevent people from falling into the water. However, as one can imagine, reservoirs span squares of kilometres. So, it is not possible to install a fence around a reservoir. We can just communicate with our people and warn them that whilst we need that water, it can also be very dangerous. Her Honour the Vice-President, who is running the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), has been very active in ensuring that our people are protected from such disasters.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Simuzingili: Madam Speaker. I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the answers he has given. I also want to thank him for the efforts that the ministry is making for water harvesting to become a reality.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, the rate at which the ministry is working to rehabilitate the dams is slow. At the moment, not even one dam has been fully rehabilitated. My appeal is that the ministry expedites the process of rehabilitation. That way, we will really appreciate the efforts, and we appreciate the efforts.

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, I thank Hon. Simuzingili for the additional information. We will engage him directly at the ministry, and see where the shortcomings are so that we can work together and complete the works more urgently.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mapani (Namwala): Madam Speaker, in his submission, the hon. Minister indicated that the ministry will rehabilitate all five dams this year. My question is: If that act is covered in this year's Budget, what is the total cost of everything for the act to be performed?

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, the supplementary question that has been raised by the hon. Member is not part of the main question. At the moment, I do not have the exact amount that will be spent on the rehabilitation of the dams.  However, I invite my good friend, the hon. Member for Namwala, to simply walk into my office so that we can sit down together and look at the costs.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr J. Chibuye (Roan): Madam Speaker, a job well done to the hon. Minister for rehabilitating those dams. It is good that he has referred to the Kafulafuta Dam.

Madam Speaker, Zambia has a shortage of fish stocks.  Is the ministry not thinking of working in liaison with the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock to encourage farmers probably, to start fish farming by putting up cages in the dams to utilise the water in the dams? I think that would also benefit the people of Gwembe.

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament has raised a very important question. Firstly, the locations of the new dams are being done in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture because they are speaking to increasing the irrigation capacity in the country. Secondly, we are ensuring that we work closely with the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock because we want to stock all the dams with fish. Thirdly, we are also looking at improving the stocks of beef.  For example, we have planned to have a beef zone in Namwala. So, all sectors should come together to ensure that they are all catered for.

Madam Speaker, we are also trying to see how we can restock the old dams with fish. Firstly, we need to construct the conveyancing infrastructure to ensure that the water reaches the fields. So, for us, we will ensure that all the sectors are involved. We will not just abstract the water for domestic and industrial use, but also for livestock and fisheries. So, the hon. Member is spot on. We are already talking to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. In fact, the Kafulafuta Dam is planned to be restocked very soon, as Hon. Kapala confirmed.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE MPIKA/KATIBUNGA/MUKUNGULE/LUTILA/KAKOKO ROAD

299. Mr Kapyanga (Mpika) asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development:

1. whether the Government has any plans to construct the Mpika/Katibunga/Mukungule/Lutila/Kakoko road in Mpika Parliamentary Constituency;
2. if so, when the plans will be implemented;
3. what the estimated cost of the project is; and
4. if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Sialubalo): Madam Speaker, in response to the question raised by Hon. Kapyanga, I wish to inform the august House that the Government has plans to construct the Mpika/Katibunga/Mukungule/Lutila/Kakoko road in Mpika Parliamentary Constituency.

Madam Speaker, plans will be implemented once funds are made available. The actual estimated cost of the project will be known once a detailed assessment of the roads is done and Bill of Quantities (BoQ) is generated.

Madam Speaker, plans are already there as indicated at part (a) of the answer.

Madam Speaker, you may wish to note that the exercise was part of the feeder roads project whose contracts were terminated due to fiscal constraints. Currently, it is being reviewed for possible execution and completion.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, I am very grateful to the hon. Minister for his responses. Whenever we visit him at the office, he always gives us priority, which is commendable.

Madam Speaker, as I said, since the answer, “when funds are made available” is not new, I can only appeal to the hon. Minister to consider the Mpika/Katibunga/Mukungule/Lutila/Kakoko Road because it is an economical road. It   connects Mpika to the North Luangwa National Park, and tourists use it.

Madam Speaker: That was more of a comment. I am sure the hon. Minister has taken note of it.  He has already said that hon. Members are free to visit his office. Please, let us take advantage of that invitation.

Mr Mabenga (Mulobezi): Madam Speaker, first of all, the good people of Mulobezi would like to join the rest of the world in conveying their condolences to the families of the Sixth President of the Republic of Zambia, and the Clerk of the National Assembly.

MEASURES TAKEN TO PREVENT PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLE DRIVERS FROM CONTRAVENING TRAFFIC RULES

300. Mr Mabenga asked the Minister of Transport and Logistics:

1. what measures the Government is taking to prevent public service vehicle drivers from contravening traffic rules such as stopping at undesignated places for passengers to board or disembark from the buses;
2. why traffic officers do not conduct patrols in the Central Business Districts (CBDs) so as to maintain law and order;
3. what plans the Government has to rid CBDs of Public Service Vehicles, countrywide;
4. whether there are any plans for programmes to re-train Public Service Vehicle drivers before renewing their driving licences; and
5. if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Transport and Logistics (Mr Tayali): Madam Speaker, on behalf of the good people of Ndola Central and, indeed, on my behalf, kindly permit me to equally join the long list of my hon. Colleagues, in passing our sincere condolences on the demise of the Sixth Republican President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, and the passing, untimely so, of the Clerk of this august House. May their souls rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, in response to the question, I wish to state that the Government has promulgated the Road Traffic (Demerit Point System) Statutory Instrument No. 53 of 2024, to address the problem. This regulation is intended to improve road user behaviour and promote responsible and competent drivers by bringing about self-regulation among all drivers. The statutory instrument (SI) entails subtraction of points from a Driving Licence for violation of traffic laws and regulations. When all points are exhausted, the Driving Licence will be suspended and you will be required to undergo retraining before reinstatement. Currently, the Government, through the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), is sensitising drivers on the SI prior to implementation.

Madam Speaker, RTSA, working with the –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, the RTSA, working with the traffic division under the Zambia Police Service, conducts patrols and enforcement activities in the central business districts (CBDs) in order to maintain law and order. However, due to human resource, the operations are not sustained.

Madam Speaker, to address this challenge, the RTSA has commenced the process of recruiting more road traffic inspectors and procuring smart equipment and technologies to enhance enforcement efforts. The Government has no immediate plans to rid the CBDs of Public Service vehicles as this might affect the movement of goods and passengers in the CBDs and the economy. However, the Government intends to develop a sustainable transport system such as the Bus Rapid Transit System, which will significantly improve urban mobility and help reduce congestion. Further, this august House may wish to note that the Government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, plans to develop additional bus stations across the country, especially outside the CBDs. This will help decongest the CBDs.

Madam Speaker, currently, the law does not require Passenger Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers to be retrained before renewing their licences. However, plans to retrain PSV drivers and any other drivers whose driving licences have been suspended are already in place. The drivers are required to undergo specialised training in defensive driving, mentorship and re-examination before driving licences are reinstated.

Madam Speaker, as stated in part (d) of the question, the law does not require PSV drivers to undergo retraining once the licence expires.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Eng. Mabenga: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the response. I just want to found out whether there is a timeframe for the honorary road inspectors to start work because the hon. Minister has mentioned bringing in honorary road inspectors. Is there a timeframe when they will come on board?

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

Madam Speaker, suffice to state that last time, I actually made a public pronouncement where I gave an ultimatum of thirty days in which the RTSA needed to implement this particular plan of recruiting honorary traffic inspectors. I must hasten to mention that that time has just expired and I truly believe that as I get feedback in terms of clearance from the Ministry of Justice, we should be good to go insofar as the recruitment of additional road traffic inspectors is concerned.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr J. Chibuye: Madam Speaker, my question is similar to part (a) of the question by the hon. Member of Parliament for Mulobezi. In the morning, the insolence I witnessed at the Katima Mulilo Road and Zambezi Road junction from public service bus drivers was too much. They literally parked in the road and start calling passengers as other passengers disembarked from the buses. That creates a lot of inconvenience, especially for a Member rushing to come to this House. How will the ministry curb that problem? Does it not have plans to engage the public service bus owners so that they recruit drivers with proper driving licences? What happens sometimes is that public buses are driven by unlicensed drivers. Sometimes, a bus is taken by a licensed driver to a bus station. The driver then remains at the station and gives a conductor or another person the keys to drive the bus. So, is the Government trying to create a rapport with public service bus owners so that they help the ministry by being strict when recruiting drivers and following traffic rules? When bus drivers are found wanting, they should face consequences.

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for the question.

Madam Speaker, I must, indeed, concur with the hon. Member on the increased level of impunity with which drivers are conducting themselves on our roads. This problem is a very complex one. Perhaps, it can be initially attributed to dropping our guard. We have allowed, for purposes of income generation, driving schools to not impart a sense of responsibility in the people who are being trained. As a result, some drivers do not know how to conduct themselves on our roads.

Madam Speaker, the problem can also be attributed to basically lack of supervision and monitoring by the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), in so far as accreditation of driving schools is concerned. So, we are trying to tackle the problem holistically, not through education programmes for drivers alone. Ultimately, we intend to deal with those who are erring using instruments such as the demerit point system. We hope that through the process, they will be retrained. I think, the way to look at issues such as the demerit point system I have referred to is purely as a measure that can act as a deterrent. When a driver has misconducted himself or herself on the road, points are deducted from the licence. Thereafter, we can have such drivers retrained. As a country, we are losing a lot by having drivers who are reckless on our roads. Obviously, the manpower at the Zambia Police Service and RTSA is not sufficient. As a result, there is a serious backlog. More road traffic inspectors must be employed to help us curb that scourge. I think, we need to work closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security to enhance patrols. Particularly, the traffic section of the Zambia Police Service must help us to curb contravening of rules currently taking place on our roads.  

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Eng. Mabenga: Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development or the councils did a commendable job of expanding some roads. However, at the moment, some lanes that were expanded have been turned into parking lots. Does the ministry have plans to reclaim those lanes because they were not meant to be parking lots? They were meant to ease congestion on roads.

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, like the hon. Member has rightly observed, that issue is not within the ambit of the Ministry of Transport and Logistics. He has clearly identified that the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has the mandate of designating bus stops. Working with the Zambia Police Service, we should be able to punish offenders so that curb that particular scourge. We have to work with the spirit of one Government. We have to take an inter-ministerial approach because the issue does not squarely lie with the Ministry of Transport and Logistics. I shall alert my hon. Colleagues both in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development so that we see how we can bring sanity back to our roads.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Madam Speaker, I seek clarification on the removal of public service vehicles from the Central Business District (CBD). The hon. Minister has said that the Government has no intention of doing that because it may disrupt commerce. Is the Government considering restricting public buses to specific roads? You will find that during rush hour, public buses congest Cairo Road and other busy roads. Can the Government not restrict buses from certain roads like Cairo Road, not the entire CBD, so that traffic can flow? Some transporters, I do not call them bus drivers because they are very important in the movement of people, really misbehave. Is the ministry considering restricting or designating certain roads as non-public service vehicle roads?

Rev. Katuta: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

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

Rev. Katuta: Madam Speaker, before I raise my point of order, I would like to pass my condolences to the family of His Excellency Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu and to the nation. My condolences also go to the family of the late Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Ngulube.

Madam Speaker, I am so afraid. I almost ran away when I saw that we had a ghost in the House. Hon. Mung’andu is not dressed the way hon. Members of Parliament are supposed to dress. I have just forgotten the Standing Order to cite.

Madam Speaker, if you look at everyone in the House, you will see that Hon. Mung’andu’s dress is the only one that is improper. How can he come into the House dressed in clothes that have women’s powder or baby power on them? That is illegal in this House.

Madam Speaker, I feel like running away. I need your divine –

Laughter

Rev. Katuta: He is very dirty. He does not portray a picture of an honourable person in the House.

Madam Speaker, I seek your serious ruling. I know that I cannot guide you. However, I think, he needs to be sent out of the House.

Laughter

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, did you cite the Standing Order that has been breached?

Rev. Katuta: Madam Speaker, Standing Order No. 216 relates to things such as the powder on the hon. Member’s clothes and Standing Order No. 204 deals with improper looks in the House.

Laughter  

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Did you say 204? Standing Order 204 talks about the functions of the General Purposes Committee. Hon. Member, your point of order is not admissible.

Laughter

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Cite the correct Order that has been breached.

Hon. Minister, you may proceed.

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, thank you very much, and I would like to thank the ghost –

Oh! Sorry, the hon –

Laughter

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for that supplementary question.

Madam Speaker, hon. Members may wish –

Mr Mung’andu: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Let him answer your question.

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, hon. Members may wish to acquaint themselves with the responsibilities of ministries, such as the Ministry of Transport and Logistics. The ministry is in charge of transport infrastructure such as the railway sub-sector, aviation sub-sector, and the road sub-sector, in terms of designating roads, and where the Ministry of Infrastructure and Urban Development, for example, would do well to construct a new road. The ministry is nowhere near the role of designating routes for public service vehicles (PSVs), such as buses. That is remote from what the ministry is charged with. As I stated in response to the last question, that, again, is the responsibility of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development. I am sure that the ministry concerned is listening. The issue is becoming a menace. That ministry will do well to help us in that regard.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Anakoka (Luena): Madam Speaker, in the hon. Minister’s response to the question, I heard him talk about the demerit point system (DPS) for drivers, as part of improving safety on our roads, especially for public service vehicles (PSVs). The introduction of a demerit system requires a major overhaul of our licencing, training and vehicle registration systems. Is the ministry also planning to carry out necessary changes that would support the demerit system to ensure that when it is launched, it is implemented without major hurdles along the way?

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I concur with the hon. Member on the fact that the system would require the ministry to re-align the way it does things. Suffice it to say, one of the major areas the demerit point system (DPS) would be applied is on our highways, our trunk roads, where we have insisted, through the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), that PSVs ought to be equipped with global positioning systems (GPS) monitoring systems, which will be used to tell whether a vehicle has been over speeding. It is in such instances that we record major fatalities as PSV operators end up causing accidents that could have been prevented. We would like to use the DPS as a deterrent. Drivers must be made aware that, at the end of the day, even when they are on their own on the road, there is a way of ascertaining the speed a motor vehicle was moving at. I think that with a law in place, such as the DPS, drivers would not want to lose points on their licences, as it would eventually lead to the suspension of such a driver's licence. The system would inculcate behavioural change that we would like to see in drivers. So, measures are in place, such as the installation of GPS, and, in certain instances, cameras. We hope that by working with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, we can actually employ the use of some of the cameras that are installed across the country to monitor the conduct of drivers on our roads. The President of this country has insisted that we digitise services. Using technology, we believe that Zambia can take a quantum leap in enforcing traffic rules.

Madam Speaker, let me mention that we need to be bold to undertake these reforms. Last weekend, I happened to be in Botswana, in Kasane, and I saw how our colleagues across the border behave when it comes to  self-regulation on the roads. Even when no traffic officers are present, the conduct of PSV drivers is completely different from what we see in our country. My ministry, through RTSA, is determined to curb the scourge and improve our road safety profile.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mutale (Chitambo): Madam Speaker, in the hon. Minister’s answer to the question on decongesting roads, he mentioned that there are plans to build more bus stations. I want him to qualify his answer by giving us a timeline so that the answer becomes a Government assurance. When will the plans be implemented?

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I know that we, as a nation, are mourning. However, that still does not take away the fact that we need to concentrate when we are in the House.

Madam Speaker, I stated that the construction of bus stations is the responsibility of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development. I said that I am sure that the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is looking into designating more spots, particularly those outside the central business district (CBD), for the construction of bus stations. As the hon. Member may appreciate, that function does not fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Transport and Logistics.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr E. Banda (Muchinga): Madam Speaker, from the outset, let me state that this hon. Member standing on the Floor was a mini bus driver for five years; from 2000 to 2005. I have been following the many debates surrounding this topic. I will speak from experience as I ask the hon. Minister a question.

Madam Speaker, there are issues that we, as the Government, need to undertake if we are to cure the problem of bus drivers stopping at undesignated places. I used to do the same. I cannot lie.

Hon. Minister, those people go through a lot in their line of work. If you look at their conditions of service –

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Are you going to ask the hon. Minister a question?

Mr E. Banda: Sorry, Madam Speaker, through you –

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Please, ask the hon. Minister the question.

Mr E. Banda: I will. I just wanted to bring up a few things so that he can understand, Madam Speaker. If I go straight to the question –

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You can summarise and ask the question.

Mr E. Banda: I will try, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I am trying to say that if we are to cure the problem, as a Government, we first need to look at the labour issue. Many Governments have changed the rules. However, that just makes the bus drivers worse because the labour laws that govern their work are not good. Is the ministry considering collaborating with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to come up with uniform labour laws for all bus drivers, including truck drivers, as they all fall under the same category and behave the same way simply because of the labour laws that govern them?

Madam Speaker, I have many things to say, but I will leave it there.

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for confessing that he participated in contravening …

Laughter

Mr Tayali: … when he was a driver. We could obviously learn a lot from him.  

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member touched on aspects that are beyond the Ministry of Transport and Logistics. He referred to labour matters. I think that the issue goes beyond what he described.   The good behaviour and self-regulation of drivers is more important. Once we are able to inculcate the right attitudes in our drivers and perhaps, create a driver bureau beyond putting measures such as the demerit points system, we will achieve our goal.  Just like the banking system introduces a credit bureau, we must also establish a driver bureau where truant drivers who incessantly appear to be contravening or conducting themselves in a manner that is unbecoming, can be recorded.  There ought to be a reference point where an employer can have an employment history of a person who wants to be employed as a driver. ord.

Madam Speaker, I therefore, wish to inform the hon. Member that we are blessed to have him in this august House.  He should not keep his invaluable experience to himself.  I also encourage him to offer his good advice to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.  

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mulebwa (Kafulafuta): Thank you so much, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity to ask a question to our lovely hon. Minister. However, before I ask my question, kindly allow me to ride on the messages of condolences that have been conveyed to the families of our former President, His Excellency, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, and the late Mr Roy Ngulube.

Madam Speaker, it is quite obvious to me that the chaos that we have on our roads –

Mr Tayali: You are not audible, hon. Member!

Mr Mulebwa: Okay, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) desk will sort that out for you.

Madam Speaker, it is quite clear that the chaos that we have on our roads is mostly due to people who obtain driver's licences without knowing the road rules. I wish to put my finger on the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA).  Does the ministry have intentions of cleaning up the RTSA to ensure that the vice of giving driver's licences to incompetent people ends?  

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for that question. I think he is spot on in terms of where the problem lies, which is the type of training that we have imparted to our drivers. He will recall that the issuance of driver's licences to members of a political party as a way of gratis is what  brought us to where we are.

Madam Speaker, I have personally experienced that as Minister of Transport and Logistics in the early days of my assuming office, courtesy of the people of Zambia, and His Excellency the President, who appointed me.   I would receive long lists of party members requesting to be assisted with driver's licences. From the get-go, we said no to that, and we made sure that no person obtained a driver's licence without training.  That was not the case in the past. The wanton distribution of driver's licences caused what we are seeing on our roads.

Madam Speaker, we are trying to put in measures to introduce the demerit points system. That will enable us to see those without licences because they will lose their points. Their licences will be suspended, and they will be compelled to retrain so that their licences are reinstated. So, it is a problem that we are determined to nip in the bud, as it were.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

RECRUITMENT OF RESERVE POLICE OFFICERS IN THE ZAMBIA POLICE SERVICE

301. Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) asked the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security:

1. whether the Government prioritises the reserve police officers when recruiting police officers in the Zambia Police Service;
2. if the reserve police officers are not prioritised, why; and
3. under what conditions of service, the reserve police officers serve.

The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security (Mr Mwiimbu, SC.): Madam Speaker, in responding to the questions asked by the hon. Member, I wish to state that the Government does not prioritise police reservists when recruiting police officers in the Zambia Police Service. Persons recruited as police reservists are ideally supposed to be in gaining employment or other income generating activities.

Madam Speaker, according to the Zambia Police Reserve Act Section 4 and 5, reservists are regarded as volunteers who assist the Zambia Police Service in maintaining law and order, apprehending offenders and performing other duties as required. It should, however, be noted that reservists who wish to be recruited by the Zambia police service may be considered, provided they meet the following entry requirements:

1. Zambian citizenship;
2. age between eighteen and twenty-five years;
3. possession of a full Grade 12 School Certificate with five O-level passes, including credits in English, Mathematics and any science subject;
4. physical and mental fitness for service;
5. willingness to undergo a full medical examination; and
6. disengagement from any other form of employment.

Madam Speaker, this ensures that the recruitment process remains fair, transparent and based on merit.

Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that most reserve officers who apply for recruitment into the Zambia police service face the following challenges, among others:

1. employment obligations. Many reservists are already engaged in active employment and they are unwilling to resign from their jobs;
2. business commitment. Those running businesses are currently reluctant to abandon their enterprises; and
3. age restrictions. A significant number of reservists exceed the required age limit for entry into the service at the time of their application.

Madam Speaker, reserve police officers have the following conditions of service:

1. medical coverage. If a reservist sustains an injury while on duty, the Government covers their medical expenses;
2. retirement age. Reservists retire from service upon reaching the age of fifty years;
3. disciplinary matters. Disciplinary regulations applicable to regular officers also apply to reservists;
4. promotions. Reservists are eligible for promotions under the same conditions as their regular counterparts;
5. identification. Every member of the police reserve is issued a police reserve identity card;
6. driving privileges. Reservists with a valid driving licence and the authorisation to drive police vehicles are permitted to operate police motor vehicles;
7. flying privileges. Reservists holding a valid private pilot's licence may operate police aircraft if authorised; and
8. allowances. Reservists called out for special duties receive allowances equivalent to those of regular officers.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, I have heard all the responses regarding the police reservists whom we call police reserves. Some of the police reservists are below that age and have acquired a Grade 12 Certificate, but they are not employed. Why can there not be a deliberate arrangement that those who are capable should be prioritised to be recruited, because they are serving as volunteers?

Mr Mwiimbu, SC: Madam Speaker, as I indicated, persons who serve under the Zambia Police Reserve Unit are ideally supposed to be working or be in business. Hence, we cannot prioritise people who are already in employment or in business. However, if they are in the reserve unit, and have the qualifications and are ready to leave their employment, we always consider them, but not as a priority.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Tayengwa (Kabwata): Madam Speaker, in the past, we saw police reservists involve themselves in criminal activities like aggravated robberies, murder cases and even house breaking. What advice does the hon. Minister have for those who intend to join the Police Reserve Unit, yet have a criminal mind?

Mr Mwiimbu, SC: Madam Speaker, I would like to state that as a way of ensuring that only credible individuals are employed in the Zambia Police Service, we have now instituted a process of background checks on whoever is joining the Zambia Police Service. There are ways of verifying whether somebody has been involved in criminal matters through processes of fingerprints and other identifications that are used in the process of criminality investigation. If we find that such an individual was involved in a criminal matter, we will not allow him/her to join the Zambia Police Service. Obviously, there were some lapses in the past where there were no background checks, and eventually, as they joined the Zambia Police Service, they involved themselves in criminal activities. With the support of the public, we will ensure that those individuals whom we know are involved in criminal activities are not allowed to be in the Zambia Police Reserve Unit.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Rev. Katuta (Chienge): Madam Speaker, being a police officer is not something that we should take lightly in our country or that even other countries should take lightly. The ministry trains its officers for a minimum of six months or a year. What kind of training are the police reservists given? Do they even understand the Penal Code or anything? In the hon. Minister’s earlier response, he indicated that they can drive a police vehicle. I do not know if they even carry arms.

Hon. Government Members: They do!

Rev. Katuta: Now, who trains them? That is what I want to know, Madam Speaker, because these people are doing a very sensitive job, and our men and women in uniform take about a year to be trained. What kind of training is given to these officers who carry guns and are supposed to arrest or do the work that a police officer does?

Mr Mwiimbu, SC: Madam Speaker, I would like to assure my colleague, the hon. Member for Chienge, that there is in-house training for the police reservists. Also, in all situations, the police reservists are always accompanied by regular police officers. We do not allow them to work independently because they may be found in a situation where they abrogate the law, but there are also laws that regulate the Zambia Reserve Police Officers.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I will take the last person.

Mr J. Chibuye (Roan): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has itemised eight items that benefit the police reserves. How would I distinguish between a police reserve and a regular police officer from the looks since they wear the same uniform and badges, and have the same ranks? How would an ordinary person distinguish between the two?

Mr Mwiimbu, SC: Madam Speaker, the insignias on the uniform will tell you that this is a Zambia Police Reserve Officer. There are badges police reserves wear, and even the caps indicate Zambia Police Reserve.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CREDIT FACILITY

302. Mr Simunji (Nalikwanda) asked the Minister of Finance and National Planning:

1. how much money, meant for the implementation of the credit facility for small and medium enterprises, the Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) in liquidation, received from the US$750 million Euro Bond issued in 2012;
2. how many small and medium enterprises benefited from the facility;
3. when the loans were disbursed;
4. how much money had been repaid, as of October, 2024; and
5. what measures the Government is taking to ensure that the loans are repaid in full.

The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that a total of US$20 million in funding was allocated and paid to the Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) in 2014, from the US$750 million Eurobonds.

Madam Speaker, the Government of the Republic of Zambia, being the major shareholder of the DBZ, decided to convert the US$20 million received in 2014, an allocation to the DBZ, to the institution in December, 2016.

Madam Speaker, a total of thirty-seven businesses, both small and medium enterprises, benefited from this programme.

Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that loan facilities, through the thirty-seven borrowers, were disbursed between 2014 and 2015.

Madam Speaker, the House may wish to know that a total of K170,451,549 was collected as of October, 2024. This is equivalent to US$5,968,191 out of the US$20 million.

Madam Speaker, the House will recall that the Bank of Zambia (BoZ) took possession of the DBZ in July, 2023. Following the supervisory action taken by the regulator, in other words BoZ, the DBZ in possession, has continued to pursue all the outstanding debts. To enhance loan collections, the DBZ has undertaken various collection strategies and loan recovery actions, which are at various stages.

Madam Speaker, among the key strategies is foreclosure actions for defaulting clients and pursuing the finalisation of subsisting litigation for loan accounts that have pending legal matters.

Madam Speaker, for accounts with court judgements, the DBZ, which is now under possession of the Bank of Zambia (BoZ), will make recoveries through disposal of security assets and follow up on personal guarantees, which were part of the security.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Simunji: Madam Speaker, now that the DBZ is in liquidation, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are not able to borrow money for investments because most commercial banks are not interested in them. Are there plans by the Government to establish another bank that will assist SMEs?

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, yes, there are plans to set up another development financing institution. One of the problems I have just spoken about is that the loans obtained from the DBZ were not performing well. Many of the borrowers were those who had political connections. Clearly, we should not go on that path again, whereby a development financial institution is exposed to people with political influence. Therefore, the new approach is going to lean a lot more towards the private sector so that we immunise the new institution against political influence.

Madam Speaker, before the new institution is set up, obviously, temporary arrangements have been put in place to cater for the borrowers the hon. Member spoke about; small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In the past few years, I think, we have been consistent in providing financial support through various arrangements, such as the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC), the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), empowerment schemes and agricultural support programmes. So, before we have a new development bank in place, those are the initiatives that the Government has on a temporary basis to deal with small-scale borrowers.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Simunji: Madam Speaker, I want to know the full implication of the liquidation of the DBZ, especially relating to the funds that were borrowed from co-operating partners.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, did you get the question?

Dr Musokotwane: No, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Nalikwanda, repeat your question.  

Mr Amutike interjected.

Mr Simunji: This man is disturbing me, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I want to know from the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning if there are any implications for the liquidation of the DBZ relating to the funds that were borrowed from co-operating partners.

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, if I understood the question, it was: What are the implications regarding the funds that were borrowed from co-operating partners?

Madam Speaker, let me start with the source of the funds in question. As I said at the beginning, the money was part of the proceeds from the Eurobonds that were issued. Now, the fact that we issued Eurobonds does not mean that the money should be used carelessly because the Government still has to pay it back. That is the same money we have been negotiating for debt restructuring. We have to pay back the loans that we got from investors under the Eurobonds. So, one of the implications is that the Government has to ensure that those who borrowed money from the DBZ pay it back. Honestly, how can we allow a situation in which US$20 million is obtained from outside and given to a few people and after they fail to pay back the money, all of us, as a nation, must dip into our pockets to pay for them? So, we have to make sure that those who borrowed that money pay it back, especially if security was provided. The Government will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that people pay back what they borrowed. That is one of the implications.

Madam Speaker, another issue to take note of is that there is a culture or belief in this country that people who borrow money from Government institutions and do not pay back are champions. Such people consider themselves as being clever. Unfortunately, such actions just hurt all of us because other people who need the money cannot borrow. If the money from the Eurobonds was used properly and those who borrowed paid back, others would have access to it. More importantly, it would be possible for the Government to get more money to recapitalise the DBZ so that many people benefit. Since the money initially raised from the Eurobonds was used carelessly and lost, we are not able to recycle it. That being the case, we cannot go to another group of investors to ask for money to re-invest in the DBZ under the old arrangement. In the end, the whole country is losing out. So, those are some of the implications of people not paying back what they borrowed.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Tayengwa: Madam Speaker, I think, the culture of not paying back loans, especially here in Zambia, is worrisome. That is also happening with the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) loans. About K368 million was lent out to borrowers under the CDF, but less than 5 per cent of that money has been paid back. In the case of the Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ), what is the timeframe for the Government to get back the money that was borrowed by politically exposed individuals?        

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, once a bank is liquidated, in other words, once the Bank of Zambia (BoZ) takes possession of it, it becomes difficult to put a timetable on the process of recovering that money, reason being that the liquidation managers must now go after the borrowers one by one to demand that they pay back the money. Each of the borrowers is, obviously, faced with different circumstances. Some may be in a position to readily pay back, in which case, the money is collected quickly. However, others, who, in spite of having collected so much money, have lost it. The process becomes more complicated because certain cases must be taken to court to get a judgement, while in other cases, the security that was obtained against a loan must be pursued and liquidated. Buyers must be sought for that security to collect the cash. So, there is no specific timetable that I can lay on the Table. All I can say is that the clock is ticking, and the ones who are managing the collections are on the borrowers so that they can pay back the money as quickly as possible.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE AT CHILONGA DAY SECONDARY SCHOOL

303. Mr Kapyanga asked the Minister of Education:

1. whether the Government has any plans to construct the following infrastructure at Chilonga Day Secondary School in Mpika District:

1. classroom blocks;
2. administration block;
3. science laboratory; and
4. computer laboratory; 
5. if so, when the plans will be implemented; and
6. if there are no such plans, why. 

The Minister of Education (Mr Syakalima): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Government has plans to construct additional classroom blocks, an administration block, a science laboratory and computer laboratory at Chilonga Day Secondary School in Mpika District.

Madam Speaker, implementation of the plans will commence once the land matter involving the Catholic Church is resolved.

Madam Speaker, in light of the response to part (b) of the question, part (c) is not applicable.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, I would like to know how often meetings are being held to resolve the land issue with the Catholic Church, and who is involved in that process.

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, I am not quite sure. When the hon. Member asks, “How often?”, I would not know how many times they meet. However, the meetings are held often.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

NUMBER OF VOLUNTEER WORKERS IN HEALTH FACILITIES IN KALABO DISTRICT

304. Mr Miyutu asked the Minister of Health:

1. how many volunteer workers there were in health facilities in Kalabo District, as of December 2024;
2. what criteria are used in engaging the volunteers; and
3. whether the volunteers are paid any stipend.

The Minister of Health (Mr Muchima): Madam Speaker, as at December 2024, there were thirty-six health workers volunteering in Kalabo District.

Madam Speaker, the criteria used to engage volunteers are as follows:

1. the facility should have space to accommodate the volunteers;
2. a prospective volunteer is required to apply to be considered;
3. the volunteer should be qualified for the position; and
4. the volunteer should be licenced to practice by either the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ) or the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia, or any other licencing body.

Madam Speaker, currently, the volunteers are not paid any stipend and offer the services purely on a voluntary basis.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I see no indications for supplementary questions.

Next question.

CONSTRUCTION OF SPORTS FACILITIES IN MPIKA

305. Mr Kapyanga asked the Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts:

1. whether the Government has any plans to construct the following sports facilities in Mpika Parliamentary Constituency:
2. a football stadium; and 
3.  a golf course; 
4. if so, when the plans will be implemented; and
5. if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts (Mr Nkandu): Madam Speaker, the Government does not have plans to construct a football stadium and golf course in Mpika Parliamentary Constituency.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member may wish to note that, as a matter of priority, the ministry is focusing on the rehabilitation of the National Heroes Stadium and Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, which are high-value cost projects. The specific rehabilitation works include replacement of playing turf, water reticulation systems and procurement of modern technical bench chairs in order to meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulated standards.

Madam Speaker, I have appealed to hon. Members in this House through my Ministerial Statements to help the ministry by considering financing sports infrastructure development in their respective constituencies using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Last year, I made a statement in this august House urging hon. Members to consider doing that. If well harnessed, the initiatives will contribute to the development of sports infrastructure in the country.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I see no indications for supplementary questions.

Next question.

REHABILITATION OF FEEDER ROADS IN CHITAMBO DISTRICT

306. Mr Mutale asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development:

1. when the Government will complete rehabilitation of the following feeder roads in Chitambo District:

1. Chansa/Kasuko; and
2. Chalilo/Chiphundu; and
3. what the cause of the delay in completing the projects is.

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Sialubalo): Madam Speaker, the Government will complete the rehabilitation of the following feeder roads in Chitambo Districts:

1. Chansa/Kasuko; and
2.  Chalilo/Chipundu.

Madam Speaker, the delay has been caused by the constrained fiscal space.  Once funds are made available, the rehabilitation of the said roads will be done.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mutale: Madam Speaker, I appreciate the hon. Minister’s visit to Chitambo Constituency. That was very nice, and we got his ratings.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister may wish to note that the contracts for the two roads he has mentioned were terminated. The wish of the people of Chitambo is to have the roads that were constructed halfway completed.  One major road goes to the David Livingstone Memorial Site, and we all know the kind of revenue that site brings to this country. I know that these roads were budgeted for, but the contracts were terminated.  Is the hon. Minister in a position to tell the people of Chitambo if those contracts will be restored and when it will be done?

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, allow me to thank the hon. Member for Chitambo for the manner in which he is utilising the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in his constituency, which is also a district. The projects that are being done in Chitambo speak for themselves. Indeed, they show that the Government resources are being utilised properly. I ask him to convey the message of gratitude to his council officers for the manner in which they conduct business in Chitambo Parliamentary Constituency.

Madam Speaker, in response to his question, the phrase, ‘once resources are made available’ still applies.  Once resources are made available to us, definitely we shall consider those important roads in Chitambo. The delay as it stands now, is due to the constrained fiscal space. Once resources, dear hon. Colleague, are made available, surely, we shall consider moving in Chitambo. Let us continue to engage each other daily so that it serves as a reminder to me as the Minister of Local Government and the Rural Development.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT STATISTICS AS OF APRIL 2024 IN MPIKA CONSTITUENCY

307. Mr Kapyanga (Mpika) asked the Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts:

1. how many youths in Mpika Parliamentary Constituency were unemployed, as of April, 2024; and
2. what measures are being taken to create employment for the youths in the constituency.

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts (Mr Nkandu): Madam Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament for Mpika should note that the statistics on unemployed youths are provided by the Zambia Statistical Agency (ZamStats), which has the mandate to provide such information. The latest statistics for youth unemployment from ZamStats, as of 2022, are disaggregated by province, not by district or constituency. Therefore, according to the 2022 Labour Force Survey (LFS) annual statistics for unemployed youths for Muchinga Province, where Mpika Constituency is located, the number of unemployed youths stood at 8,091. Out of the 8,091 unemployed youths, 6,189 were males and 1,902 were females.  

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament may also wish to note that the ministry is aware of the high youth unemployment rate that is affecting Mpika Constituency and the country as a whole.  To this effect, the Government is implementing a number of initiatives aimed at addressing youth unemployment in the country.

In light of the above, Madam Speaker, the initiatives which the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts is implementing, which the youths in Mpika Constituency stand to benefit from, include but not limited to the following:

1. Internship, Volunteer, Apprenticeship and Graduate Programme;
2. National Youth Scheme Programme;
3. Skills Development Programme;
4. Youth in Transport Empowerment Programme; and
5. General Youth Empowerment Programme.

Madam Speaker, those are some of the ways in which we are absorbing the unemployment levels amongst the young people in our country.

Further, Madam Speaker, other measures or interventions being undertaken by this Government to create youth employment opportunities include direct employment, through the following ministries, where 90 per cent of the people being employed are below the age of thirty-five and above eighteen, as defined by the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia. So, 95 per cent of the teachers being employed in the Ministry of Education are young. I believe that Mpika Constituency is also a beneficiary. The Ministry of Health is also employing doctors, nurses and other health workers, and 95 per cent of them are young people.

 Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Defence, through the Zambia Army, the Zambia Air Force (ZAF), and the Zambia National Service (ZNS) is employing young people.  I cannot even say that 95 per cent of those being employed are young here. It is actually 100 per cent because the age limit for the recruitment is twenty-five. The young people are being employed and Mpika Constituency is a beneficiary.

Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security is also employing police officers and correctional service officers, and 95 per cent of them are young people. The Immigration Department under the same ministry, recently employed a good number of youths. So, young people are being employed.

Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Tourism employed as well. I think recently, we saw the graduation of wildlife police officers, and 95 per cent of them were young people. So those are the interventions we have put in place as the New Dawn Administration. The Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries have employed extension officers and many are young people.  

In addition, Madam Speaker, as if that is not enough, in order to create self-youth employment opportunities, the Government is also implementing the following initiatives:

1. youth skills development, financed under Constituency Development Funds (CDF);
2. disbursement of loans targeting the young people under CDF;
3. distribution of agriculture inputs, a programme that also benefits the youth farmers under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) under the Ministry of Agriculture; and

(d)       there is also an empowerment programme under the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC), which is under the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development.

Madam Speaker, these are some of the interventions that this Government has put in place to alleviate the unemployment levels in the country.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister of Youth, Sports and Art if his ministry can consider setting up a database for the youths across the country, the status in terms of employment or unemployment. At least, that would be very helpful in providing linkages with employment agencies.

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for the advice. It is well taken and it has been noted.

Madam Speaker, we are about to launch the communication strategy because the collection of data is very critical so that as we communicate to the young people and to the citizens, we will be able to tell the nation how far we have gone. So, that is very good advice and it has been noted.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chibombwe (Bahati): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has highlighted quite a number of things that his Government is putting in place in order to create employment for the youths.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, kindly speak up. We cannot get you.

Mr Chibombwe: Madam Speaker, I am saying that the hon. Minister has highlighted quite a number of measures that his Government is putting in place in order to create employment for the youth.

Madam Speaker, I have seen that his ministry has been distributing motorbikes. How many motorbikes has the ministry given to the unemployed youths of Mpika or is the ministry yet to procure and will give the youths the motorbikes later so that it can give many other youths who have not benefited from the programme, including the youths in Bahati Constituency?

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for the supplementary question.

Madam Speaker, I will start by saying that the credibility of every leadership is measured by its capacity to fulfil promises and that is very critical. I want to repeat that the credibility of every leadership is measured by its capacity to fulfil promises. During the campaigns in 2021, I remember vividly well President Hakainde Hichilema promising the Zambian people that we were going to create quality jobs for our people, and I am happy that the hon. Member was listening. I have spoken about something we have fulfilled. This Government has created so many job opportunities for our young people in this country ever since Zambia came into being.  This Government has also created quality jobs for the Zambian people ever since Zambia came into being.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, in the last three years and some months, we have really done a lot of justice to the young people when it comes to the creation of job opportunities.

Now, coming to his question, I wish to state that more than 1,000 young people have been given motorbikes. Further, there is a programme for Muchinga and Luapula provinces.  Therefore, the young people of Mpika District and Bahati will also benefit from a programme we are calling Youth in Transport where we are giving out motorbikes and other important things.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

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MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to.

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The House adjourned at 1827 hours until 1430 hours on Thursday, 11^th June, 2025.

 

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