Thursday, 12^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

 

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM FRADON SCHOOL

 

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

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

AWARENESS-RAISING AND CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP ON THE CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM PROCESS

 

Madam Speaker: I wish to inform the House that as part of the on-going constitutional reform process, the National Assembly of Zambia, through the Institute of Parliamentary Studies and Training (iPST), has organised a one-day awareness raising and capacity building workshop. The purpose of the workshop is to enhance hon. Members’ understanding of the proposed amendments to the Constitution. All hon. Members are requested to attend the workshop, which will take place on Monday, 16^th June, 2025, at Parliament Buildings, starting at 0900 hours. Hon. Members are urged to be punctual for the meeting. I encourage all hon. Members to take full advantage of this important training.

 

I thank you.

 

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URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

 

MR KATAKWE, HON. MEMBER FOR SOLWEZI EAST, ON HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT AND LEADER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN THE HOUSE, MRS NALUMANGO, ON THE SUSPENSION OF SILICOSIS SCREENING AT KONKOLA COPPER MINES

 

Mr Katakwe (Solwezi East): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

 

Mr Katakwe: Madam Speaker, yesterday on Phoenix FM Zambia, the headline was: “Silicosis screening suspended at KCM over K2.5 million debt.”

 

Madam Speaker, I direct this matter to the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development. Since he is not present, the Leader of Government Business in the House, Her Honour the Vice- President, can take it up.

 

Madam Speaker, silicosis is an examination that is done to the miners to determine the extent to which they have been exposed to silicon dust in the mines and other lung diseases. The suspension of the screening exercise by the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), which looks at occupational therapy issues, means that thousands of workers in the mines are curtailed from accessing this service, putting their health status at risk because they need this kind of screening on a regular basis. Not only that, it also affects their families if they are banned from going into the mining plants. Our economy, which depends on production of copper, would also be affected.

 

Madam Speaker, I seek your indulgence if the hon. Minister could actually clarify on the suspension of this silicosis examination especially given that it borders on human life and the economy of the country.

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Solwezi East, I suggest that you use other means. You can file in an urgent question, which the hon. Minister will be able to attend to, once it is raised.

 

MR E. TEMBO, HON. MEMBER FOR FEIRA, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT, MR SIALUBALO, ON THE FAILURE TO WORK ON THE KAVALAMANJA ROAD

 

Mr E. Tembo (Feira): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

 

Mr E. Tembo: Madam Speaker, a few days ago, I had a near-disaster calamity along Kavalamanja Road, in which about twenty people‘s lives were almost lost. This road leads to Kavalamanja Ward, a site for commemorating international events between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is quite useful for the people there because it is also used for the possible evacuation of patients.

 

Madam Speaker, Kavalamanja Road is in a very deplorable state, and I feel that because of the threat to our lives that we experienced, it is important for the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development to address this House and the people of Feira about why, even when this road was actually funded under the Improved Rural Connectivity Project, it has not been worked on.

 

Madam Speaker, I seek your indulgence.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much, hon. Member for Feira. I understand that this issue has been raised as an urgent question and is being processed. So, let us wait for it to be brought to the House and then it will be addressed. I do not know whether you are the one who raised it or somebody else did, but it seems somebody has already raised this as an urgent question. Let us wait for the question to be presented, then you will be able to ask questions.

 

Thank you very much.

 

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MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

 

ELECTRICITY DEFICIT IN THE COUNTRY

 

The Minister of Energy (Mr Chikote): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to update the nation through this august House on a matter of great national importance, our shared energy security.

 

Madam Speaker, Zambia has been grappling with a serious electricity deficit. This deficit, which was caused by severe El Niño-related drought, has deeply affected our electricity sub-sector, which relies heavily on hydropower and accounts for over 80 per cent of the total installed power generation capacity of 3,777 MW. This deficit has negatively impacted households, businesses, industries and essential public services throughout the country.

 

Madam Speaker, under the visionary leadership of the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, the New Dawn Government is fully committed to action and service delivery. We have put in place, broader and well-planned measures that will ensure energy security.

 

Madam Speaker, our focus is very clear:

 

1. to stabilise the electricity supply for households, businesses, industries and essential public services;

 

1. to diversify and expand our electricity mix in the medium to long term; and

 

1. to achieve universal access to clean, sustainable and reliable energy for all by 2030.

 

Current State of Electricity Generation and Demand

 

Madam Speaker, the average electricity generation as of 30^th May, 2025, stood at 1,806 MW, against the average national demand of 2,400 MW, resulting in a deficit of 594 MW. The House may wish to note that the 2024/2025 Rainy Season was better than the 2023/2024 Rainy Season. However, inflows into the reservoirs are still significantly lower than the historical averages needed to sustain optimal power generation.

 

Madam Speaker, based on the water situation in the reservoirs, allow me to provide a quick overview of the current power generation at our major hydro-power plants in comparison to December, 2024, which is as follows:

 

1. Kafue Gorge, with 990 MW installed capacity, is generating 513 MW compared to 393 MW in 2024;

 

1. Kafue Gorge Lower, with 750 MW installed capacity, is generating 243 MW compared to 183 MW in 2024;

 

1. Kariba North Bank, with 1,080 MW installed capacity, is generating 553 MW compared to 104 MW in 2024;

 

1. Victoria Falls, with 108 MW installed capacity, is generating 108 MW at full capacity compared to 45 MW in 2024; and

 

1. Itezhi-tezhi, with 120 MW installed capacity, is generating 51 MW compared to 25 MW in 2024.

 

Implementation of Load-Shedding

 

Madam Speaker, given the drought the country experienced during the 2023/2024 Rainy Season, ZESCO Limited introduced load-shedding, a measure meant to ensure access to limited electricity for many consumers while protecting essential services throughout this difficult situation. ZESCO Limited has continued supplying electricity to key sectors of the economy, such as mining, health, water utilities and irrigation-based agriculture. In this regard, the New Dawn Government, through ZESCO Limited, is taking action for effective management of load-shedding with retail consumers currently receiving an average of seven hours of electricity supply daily on rotational basis. To this effect, ZESCO Limited has resumed publication of load-shedding schedules and constantly informing customers.

 

Madam Speaker, let me talk about a challenge that has affected ZESCO Limited’s efficiency in supplying electricity.

 

VANDALISM

 

Madam Speaker, vandalism of electricity installations is a crime and a destructive act that undermines our collective efforts to stabilise electricity supply. The House may wish to note that between January, 2025 and May, 2025, ZESCO Limited has recorded 1,156 cases of vandalism, resulting in losses estimated at K31 million and prolonged electricity outages in affected areas. This criminal behaviour does not only cost the nation valuable resources, but also directly impacts power distribution. In this regard, the Government has stepped up actions to protect national assets through increased community sensitisation, patrols, monitoring and reinforcement of power infrastructure installations to enhance security.

 

Madam Speaker, let me take this opportunity to sternly warn people involved in the act of vandalising electricity installations to desist from such criminal activities. Otherwise, the law will soon catch up with them.

 

Short-Term Measures to Stabilise Electricity Supply

 

Madam Speaker, in the short-term, the Government continues to take decisive steps to reduce the impact of the power deficit and to stabilise electricity supply by implementing the following measures:

 

Power Imports

 

Madam Speaker, we are currently importing power from the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) to support our domestic generation. Over the last six months, Zambia has been importing an average of 200 MW. Alongside that, the country has clawed back 330 MW of exports from 520 MW in 2024. To date, we are prudently managing exports of 190 MW under existing agreements. The exports are crucial for maintaining regional energy stability as well as providing a critical financial lifeline to ZESCO Limited.

 

Madam Speaker, questions continue to arise as to why exports have continued despite the country experiencing a power deficit. Allow me to further elaborate the reasons behind that measure.

 

Madam Speaker, ZESCO Limited operates an interconnected power system that allows for regional supply stability according to the SAPP rules and regulations. We cannot isolate ourselves from the region and shut down exports and imports without disturbing the interconnected power system. Currently, we are a net importer of power.

 

Financing Obligations

 

Madam Speaker, the revenues from the existing export contracts are tied to loan servicing agreements and power projects currently under development.

 

Long-Term Contracts

 

Madam Speaker, we have pre-existing mutual contracts that we have to honour. Otherwise, we will face financial penalties, which can have long-standing effects to our national utility and external debt.

 

Emergency Tariffs

 

Madam Speaker, we have introduced emergency tariffs to contribute funds towards power imports in order to mitigate the power deficit. This measure is also expected to promote energy efficiency among consumers, persuading them to switch to alternative sources of energy such as liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and solar energy for cooking and other uses. Furthermore, the measure aims to channel the power saved to productive sectors of the economy in order to ensure business continuity.

 

Net Metering

 

Madam Speaker, a major part of our energy plan is the introduction of net metering. I would love hon. Members of this august House to pay attention to this. This is where citizens who generate electricity through solar installations can feed the surplus into the national grid and become active players in solving the energy deficit that we are facing, as a country. So far, the following progress has been recorded:

 

1. 840 applications have been initiated in the system;

 

1. 535 applications await finalisation for various reasons, such as incompatible inverters;

 

1. 305 applications have been completed; and

 

1. eighty-three prosumers, those who produce electricity, have been connected to the national grid.

 

My call to action, Madam Speaker, is that net metering presents an investment opportunity for hon. Members of Parliament, as we are leaders and role models in our communities. This is an opportunity for hon. Members of Parliament of this august House and all privileged citizens. I, therefore, call upon all well-meaning citizens, be it Government employees or private sector employees and their corporate leaders to install solar solutions at their homes and business premises as a goodwill gesture and commitment to clean and reliable energy.

 

Madam Speaker, we are also fast-tracking the launch of new power projects in response to the Republican President’s call to deliver 1,000 MW of solar power by end of the year in order to ensure security of supply. Already the 100 MW Chisamba Solar Project has been completed by ZESCO Limited’s subsidiary, Kariba North Bank Extension Power Corporation (KNBEPC), to be commissioned very soon by the Republican President. The following are some ofthe projects that have come about leading to this call:

 

1. the Solarcentuary Africa 25 MW project in Serenje District is expected to be completed by the third-quarter of 2025;

 

1. ZESCO Limited’s 50 MW solar project in Mansa is expected to be completed by the fourth-quarter of 2025;

 

1. the Cooma Solar Power Plant Phase I to produce 50 MW in Choma District is expected to be completed by the fourth-quarter of 2025;

 

1. ZESCO Limited’s 7.5 MW solar plant in Kasupe and 2 MW project in Shang’ombo to be completed by the fourth-quarter of 2025;

 

1. the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Itimpi Phase II solar project to produce 136 MW in Kitwe District will be completed by the fourth-quarter of 2025;

 

1. the Micro-Generator Scheme Project Phase I to produce 95 MW by Independent Power Producers will be completed by the fourth-quarter of 2025; and

 

1. the Get Fit Zambia projects to produce 120 MW will be completed by the fourth-quarter of 2025.

 

Medium-Term Measures

 

1. the Micro-Generator Scheme Project Phase II, which will offer us 90 MW, will be completed by the second-quarter of 2026;

 

1. the Solarcentury Africa Phase II 25 MW project will be completed by the second-quarter of 2026;

 

1. the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) projects to produce 2 MW off grid renewable energy projects will be completed in the fourth-quarter of 2026;

 

1. the Chisamba Solar Project Phase II to produce 100 MW will be completed by the second-quarter of 2026;

 

1. the 100 MW project in Siavonga will be completed by the second-quarter of 2026;

 

1. the Kafue Gorge Lower (KGL) 100 MW project will be completed by the third-quarter of 2026; and

 

1. the 100 MW solar plant in Maamba will be completed by the second-quarter of 2026.

 

Madam Speaker, there are many more projects to come. I should also underscore the fact that we have Phase II of a 300 MW coal-fired plant in Maamba scheduled to be completed by the second quarter of 2026. These projects clearly show the New Dawn Administration’s vision to deliver sustainable and stable power across Zambia.

 

Madam Speaker, allow me to state the New Dawn Government’s absolute commitment to delivering additional power generation in 2025 and beyond. Our focus for recovery is clear, increased power generation from diversified sources, enhanced grid resilience, and national commitment to energy sufficiency and surplus.

 

Madam Speaker, let me conclude by emphasising that this is a temporary challenge. Through unity, strong leadership, and smart planning, we shall overcome. Under the clear guidance of President Hakainde Hichilema, we are taking bold and effective steps to deliver energy security, economic growth, and better lives for all Zambians.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

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

 

Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the Ministerial Statement presented by the hon. Minister.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Kapyanga (Mpika): Madam Speaker, Zambia has been in the dark –

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Let us reduce on the talking.

 

You may proceed, hon. Member.

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, as a nation, we have been living in the dark for over a year now. The hon. Minister of Energy has issued statement after statement, but there has not been any difference whatsoever. Businesses have closed and more keep on closing. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister of Energy why it is important for him to continue on a rhetorical trajectory, rather than alleviating the problem that we have, as a country. Our people are suffering due to lack of electricity.

 

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, I thought that hon. Members were listening very well to what I was saying when I was updating the nation, including the leaders seated here. I am not giving mere statements. I am stating the actions that we have taken to address the power deficit. I have tabulated a number of activities the ministry is doing. So, how can that be a mere statement? Are we …

 

Hon. UPND Member: In the same place?

 

Mr Chikote: … together in terms of providing leadership to our people? If my hon. Colleagues are behind, then, they must pull up their socks to understand what this Government is doing.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Mr Munsanje (Mbabala): Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Mbabala, I join the nation in sending a message of condolences to you, and the Ngulube family, on the loss of our former Clerk, as well as the Lungu family, on the loss of Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

 

Madam Speaker, I commend the hon. Minister for the statement. The hon. Minister has talked about vandalism, as a one of the major causes of the problem of electricity supply. I noted that there was an Act with regard to vandalism which was amended in 2024 to make penalties for vandals severe. What action is the ministry taking to ensure that vandals get stiffer penalties? If the penalties are not enough, maybe, we need to make every vandalism act a life imprisonment sentence. Is the ministry considering that kind of action to ensure that we have a twenty-four-hour power supply and get rid of vandalism?

 

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, indeed, vandalism is one of the factors that has caused our citizens pain. Firstly, we are strengthening punitive measures that have been put in place against culprits. The Cabinet has already approved those measures, and what remains is to present them before this House for further implementation. That will be done very soon. As I stated, we have enhanced sensitisation efforts by bringing in our youths to participate in sensitising our citizens so that they avoid such vices.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Charles Mulenga (Kwacha): Thank you, Madam Speaker, for this opportunity to ask a question.

 

Madam Speaker, in the event of a power deficit in the country, ZESCO Limited designs load-shedding schedules so that consumers can be treated fairly and equitably. Speaking for my constituency, Kwacha, I think that the current schedule is just on paper. Most areas, especially Riverside, Kwacha and Bulangililo, go for days without power supply despite having a clear-cut schedule in place. I do not know what can be attributed to the non-adherence to the load-shedding schedules. I need the hon. Minister’s comment.

 

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, indeed, at times, we receive such complaints, but the major issue is that, firstly, the affected areas need to enhance their reporting processes to ZESCO Limited. Sometimes, information flow contributes to the problem. The other reason is vandalism, which I have already talked about. It affects ZESCO Limited’s non-adherence to the schedules. Thirdly, I have said that the ministry is enhancing the system to ensure that schedules are implemented the way we set them. It is an issue of enhancing our communication. Communities must be alert to vandalism. Sometimes, areas are load-shed for more than two days because, maybe, an installation is vandalised. All those factors are contributing to the load-shedding that our citizens are experiencing. My appeal is that we all play a role in addressing the challenges that we are facing.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mumba (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for a progressive and interesting statement. Clearly, some solutions are coming out of the challenge we have as a country.

 

Madam Speaker, I think, the hon. Minister is not supposed to be too comfortable. I heard him talk about the Chisamba Solar Plant, whose off-taker is First Quantum Minerals (FQM). So, it is not like the power that will be generated will be supplied to the people of Zambia per se. I want to draw the hon. Member’s attention to a product that has come out of the challenge we have, which is supposed to benefit us, as customers, which is the net-metering programme, an important program. However, again, this Government has failed to take advantage of the programme considering the figures that the hon. Minister has given on the number of applicants, and those who are supposed to start benefiting. What is the ministry doing about that programme so that the people of Zambia do not just feel like they are paying for investments in the energy sector, but are also getting something out that can highly benefit their families? What is the ministry doing considering what it has learned from the problem faced by ZESCO Limited?

 

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, firstly, I want to assure the hon. Member that even if the off-takers of the power produced at the Chisamba Solar Plant are the mines, if they are able to get that power, then, what we generate as a country helps us to supply to our residents.

 

Mr Nkandu: Quality!

 

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, that is the advantage, because the mines get power from the national grid.

 

Madam Speaker, coming to the hon. Member’s question, I want to start with hon. Members of Parliament. Yes, net-metering is a new idea, and certain information was lacking among us. For instance, it is not just a question of connecting an ordinary inverter that has an installation of 200 kW or 3 kW to net-metering. So, we are trying to sensitise the public. ZESCO Limited has a plan to explain to the public what is required for someone to be connected to the net-metering system. The utility will be sensitising people on the type of inverters one is supposed to have and the amount of power one needs to generate to be connected for net-metering. As it is a new idea, we may have delayed, but we are working hard to ensure that the people, especially hon. Members, who are in a privileged position, start benefiting from the net-metering programme. We are going to provide the information. I will ensure that all hon. Members are given the right information, which will facilitate their connection to net-metering.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

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

 

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

Mr Zulu: Madam Speaker, I am raising a point of order pursuant to Standing Order No. 71.

 

Madam Speaker, as my colleague, the hon. Member for Kantanshi said, this is the best time we can utilise the net metering the hon. Minister is talking about. Can the hon. Minister be factual to the Zambians and to this House concerning what is happening with the net –

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Nyimba!

 

Are you raising a point of order or asking a question?

 

Mr Zulu: It is a point of order, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Then raise a point of order.

 

Mr Zulu: Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order to tell us that net-metering is something we can benefit from when he knows very well that it is a nightmare for this country? In fact – Sorry, Madam Speaker, let me end here.

 

Madam Speaker: I do not know the basis upon which the point of order has been raised. What is it about?

 

Mr Zulu: It is about metering.

 

Madam Speaker: Oh, okay.

 

By way of guidance, hon. Minister, since you are saying you want hon. Members to be involved, I suggest that you avail that information to all of them, including the application forms. I know that many people have installed solar power, and right now it is just going to waste. So, if you can avail that information, maybe, you can get something.

 

So, we make progress.

 

Mr B. Mpundu (Nkana): Madam Speaker, in his statement, the hon. Minister clearly stated how much power they are generating against the demand, resulting in a deficit of 500 MW, but he did not mention how much power is being imported. I remember last year, he announced to the country that tariffs were being adjusted so that the citizens could contribute to ZESCO Limited raising money for it or the Government to be able to import power.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning and the hon. Minister of Energy informed this august House that they had started importing power from many countries, some of which include Mozambique. I am reliably informed that as opposed to the Government importing directly from Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), the energy company of Mozambique, Kanona Power Company Limited (Kanona) is the one importing power, and ZESCO Limited is now buying from Kanona. Why would the hon. Minister allow a private company to import power from EDM using state infrastructure; ZESCO Limited infrastructure, and the ministry, through ZESCO Limited, is buying from Kanona at US$0.12, when Kanona is buying at US$0.09 and why did he not include this issue in his Ministerial Statement?

 

Madam Speaker: I do not know how many questions those were. There were about three.

So, the hon. Minister can pick one question. However, if you can, address all of them.

 

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, in my statement, I stated that ZESCO Limited is importing 200 MW. That is what I said; simple. The company is importing 200 MW to add to our deficit, southern power plants. That is what we are importing. If somebody is getting information from nowhere, it is very difficult for me to justify it here. I cannot include it in my statement other than the factual information that is available to me.

 

Madam Speaker, we should also bear in mind that we have created reforms that allow private players to participate in the energy sector. Those reforms are very clear. So, we must understand what the Government is doing. It is very important that people understand the type of reforms that we have introduced in the energy sector before they start criticising the Government.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mubika (Shangombo): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister of Energy for that very good statement. We, from Shangombo, are beneficiaries of his good works, and that of the New Dawn Government. I would like to know when the hon. Minister of Energy will go to Shangombo to officiate the commissioning of the solar plant, which was completed more than six months ago. People are waiting for that very good initiative by the New Dawn Government.

 

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, I think that is our number one kwenyu. People are following what we are doing.

 

Madam Speaker: What does “kwenyu” mean?

 

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, it means people have to tick the best things that we have done in the energy sector.

 

To respond to the question, Madam Speaker, we are just trying to make sure that we put everything in place before we go there to officiate its opening. However, it will not take too long. Very soon we will be in Shangombo to officiate the opening of the 2 MW solar plant. I also urge Hon. B. Mpundu to ensure that he follows suit in his constituency.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr J. Chibuye (Roan): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the Ministerial Statement.

 

Madam Speaker, I am alive to the fact that my question on vandalism has been asked by my colleague, the hon. Member for Mbabala. Indeed, 1,156 cases of vandals, resulting in losses estimated at K31 million for the institution is quite colossal. We say that it takes two to tango; we have concentrated on the people who vandalise the ZESCO installations, but we have turned a blind eye to where they take those components or the equipment that they vandalise from ZESCO Limited. What is the ministry doing about this? The hon. Minister said that very soon he will bring an amendment to this House. Maybe, we can make the punishments stiffer. What will the hon. Minister do about the people who buy these ZESCO installations, whom, in my view, are the ones who encourage the people to go and vandalise so that they can sell to them? If stealing a cow can be non- bailable, why can we not take that route?

 

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, indeed, that is why I said that we will bring the suggestions where we have decided to include punitive measures. So, we are not just going to concentrate on those who vandalise, but even the off-takers are also being considered. You will see the punitive measures that will be implemented against those who buy those products.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mabeta (Kankoyo): Madam Speaker, from the information the hon. Minister of Energy has given us, I have noted that between December, 2024 and 31^st May, 2025, power generation has increased by 728 MW. However, we have not seen an increase in the number of hours we are receiving power. I want to know from the hon. Minister where the extra 728 MW of electricity is going for us to not receive additional power supply in our homes.

 

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

 

Madam Speaker, if we checked the time power was supplied in December, 2024, we would find that it was only two to three hours. However, with the increase in supply, we are able to maintain seven hours of supply to consumers. So, we have moved from three hours to seven hours of electricity supply. Further, we are making sure that we maintain the seven hours of power supply to avoid going back to two or three hours.

 

Madam Speaker, it is important to note that our reservoirs have not recovered to the water levels that existed prior to the drought the country recently experienced. People might think that the increased rainfall from the last season can lead to increased power generation, but they should not forget that the drought caused serious damage to our water bodies. So, we are trying to fill up our water reservoirs in order to continue supplying power for seven hours. People must wait and see how the measures we have put in place are going to improve the supply of power in the country.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Madam Speaker, permit me to join my hon. Colleagues in placing on record condolences, on behalf of the people of Shiwang’andu, to the Ngulube family for the loss of a dedicated public servant, Mr Roy Ngulube. In the same vein, it is very difficult for me to even find suitable words of conveying my condolences to the Lungu family for the loss of one of the gallant sons of this country, who emerged from among us in this august House to become a national leader, Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu. We hope his soul will rest in peace.

 

Madam Speaker, my question to the hon. Minister is on the short-term measures that he has shared with us. He said that the measures are meant to mitigate the challenges of load-shedding that people have been experiencing, which have had a toll on small businesses. The hon. Minister further said that the country is importing about 200 MW from the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). What is clear is that the tariffs ZESCO Limited is paying for power imports and the tariffs consumers are paying are certainly not matching. Consumers are paying tariffs ranging from 6 Cents to 8 Cents per kW. Where are we getting the money to cover the gap resulting from supplying power at lower tariffs than it is imported?

 

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

 

Madam Speaker, we are looking at reforming ZESCO Limited. In this regard, we have put in place a five-year plan for reviewing the tariffs charged by ZESCO Limited. In so doing, we will make sure that ZESCO Limited starts charging cost-reflective tariffs. That is an issue that requires systematic implementation. So, we have to help our power utility company to stand on its own to sustain its operations. ZESCO Limited is in a really difficult situation because it is importing power at a higher cost than it is supplying it. The company is not able to distribute or supply power at higher tariffs because in the past, certain reforms were not undertaken. There are things that are affecting ZESCO Limited which should have been addressed in the past. The company is struggling to sustain its operations due to lack of resources. In this regard, the New Dawn Administration will methodically keep on reviewing the tariffs that ZESCO Limited charges. So, with time, things will be fine.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the ministerial statement.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has given us the figures for the current power generation capacity of major hydro-power stations, although he has not mentioned the current generation capacity of mini-hydro power stations, such as the one at Musonda Falls or Chishimba Falls. He went further to mention the Maamba Thermal Power Station. I want to know whether the expansion of the power station in Maamba is on schedule.  The project is supposed to take two years and we are remaining with a few months before July, 2026, which was the projected deadline. An additional300 MW to the national grid is quite significant in resolving the current power deficit.

 

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

 

Madam Speaker, the updates we are getting from Maamba Energy Limited (MEL) indicate that the project is on schedule and Phase II is likely to be completed by the second quarter of 2026.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Chibombwe (Bahati): Madam Speaker, energy supply is, indeed, a thorny issue. Homes in my constituency go for about twenty-two hours without power.

 

Madam Speaker, our colleagues in the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) have surplus power because the biggest hydro-power plant on the African continent is actually in East Africa. The previous Government embarked on –

 

Mr Nkandu: Question!

 

Mr Chibombwe: Shut up!

 

Laughter

 

Mr Chibombwe: The previous Government embarked on a multi-million Dollar project called the Zambia-Tanzania-Kenya (ZTK) Power Interconnector and some works have been done. I want to know from the hon. Minister when the ZTK Power Interconnector will come online so that we can tap into the surplus power from the EAPP.

 

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector is a project that we have taken seriously, and we are very committed to. As we are talking, the processes have advanced and money has already been committed to the project. All we are doing is finalising on the contractor to be awarded the project. So, there is work in progress. Things are moving to construct that interconnector. I also want to put it very clearly that the hon. Member has wrong information. No works have been executed already on the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector. This is when we are pushing the works to start. There are no works yet.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Chikote: If there are works going on, which contractor is doing the work?  So, I think, we need to be realistic when informing the nation.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

_______

 

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

 

PLANS TO ESTABLISH A MINI-CIVIC CENTRE AT CHILONGA IN MPIKA DISTRICT

 

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

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to establish a mini-civic centre at Chilonga in Mpika District; and

 

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

 

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Sialubalo): Madam Speaker, the Government has no plans to establish a mini-civic centre at Chilonga in Mpika District because Chilonga is close to Mpika Civic Centre. As such, people can easily access the services of the local authority from there and vice-versa.

 

Madam Speaker, there are no plans to implement this because of the reason highlighted above.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, I am grateful to the hon. Minister for that response.

 

Madam Speaker, Chilonga is not close to Mpika Civic Centre; it is about 35 km away. Therefore, establishing a mini-civic centre in Chilonga would actually enhance revenue collection for the council. The importance of revenue for the council cannot be overemphasised. Would it not be okay and important, going forward, for the ministry to incorporate that good idea to ensure that the council’s revenue base is broadened?

 

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for that very important question and insight.

 

Madam Speaker, our agenda is that going forward, local authorities should have their own resources. So, the hon. Member has brought a brilliant idea to light, that the local authority in Chilonga can have some sort of revenue from there.

 

Madam Speaker, it is not only Mpika District that has found itself in such a situation. I will give a typical example of Sinazongwe. Sinazongwe Boma is about 150 km from some areas in the district. This is why the hon. Minister of Justice is trotting around the country to look at the vast constituencies so that we embark on delimitation. That way, management of these areas can become easy. So, I implore my dear hon. Colleague to buy into the delimitation process. It will help us a lot.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Zulu (Nyimba): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has made a comment on what I wanted to ask.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has realised that Chilonga is about 36 km to Mpika. Kacholola is 40 km from Nyimba Boma. Chipembi is also 40 km from Nyimba Boma. This means that areas over 100 km from the Boma still have to be administered by a single council. Now that the hon. Minister has realised that we need to have such an arrangement like other countries across the world, does he have any plans to come up with a legislation or a Motion in Parliament, so that we start coming up with satellite offices, which can act as civic centres and perform the same job as civic centres to enhance resources in councils? You know that local authorities are struggling financially. So, for us to raise the much-needed financial resources, we need to come up with these plans. Does the Government have any plans to do this so that we start the ball rolling?

 

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I thank my hon. Colleague for that supplementary question.

 

Madam Speaker, under decentralisation, development starts from the bottom, meaning that local authorities or districts come up with what is termed as Integrated Development Plans (IDPs). That is where the issue starts from. So, for instance, if Mpika and Nyimba come up with this form of development plan and submit it to the ministry, maybe, together, we can find a way forward. Indeed, our constituencies and districts are quite vast. Where a lot of resources could be collected in a faster and easier way, it becomes difficult to do so because districts are vast. So, through the IDPs, we can look at these issues collectively.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

NUMBER OF OPERATIONAL LOCAL COURTS IN KALABO DISTRICT

 

310. Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) asked the Minister of Justice:

 

1. how many local courts were in Kalabo District as of December 2023;

 

1. how many were operational;

 

1. how many were not operational;

 

1. why the local courts at (c) were not operational; and

 

1. when the local courts at (c) will be operational.

 

The Minister of Justice (Ms Kasune):  Madam Speaker, I wish to offer my condolences to the family of the Sixth President of the Republic of Zambia, the late Edgar Chagwa Lungu. May his soul rest in peace. I also offer my condolences to the family of the former Clerk of the National Assembly, the late Mr Roy Ngulube. He will be forever be missed for his work.

 

Madam Speaker, as per re, Kalabo District had eleven local courts as of December 2023. Out of the eleven, nine are operational, which leaves two not operational, namely Litulilo and Kapondo local courts. The two local courts are not operational due to the dilapidation of infrastructure. The operationalisation of Litulilo and Kapondo local courts will only be done once the two court buildings are rehabilitated.

 

Madam Speaker, in that regard, the Judiciary has, in its medium-term expenditure framework budget policy paper that was represented for 2025-2027, made a provision for capital projects to cater for the construction and rehabilitation of subordinate and local court buildings, and staff houses, countrywide. I think, previously, I also talked to the hon. Member about a similar question. The plan to rehabilitate Litulilo and Kapondo local courts is part of the aforementioned. However, implementation will only commence once all the outstanding stalled capital projects awarded in 2010/2011, which were re-tendered in 2022, are completed.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, I would like to know whether the hon. Minister is aware that structures in Litulilo that were for the Roman Catholic Church were willingly surrendered to the Government to help in the delivery of justice. I do not know whether she is aware of that arrangement because the officer-in-charge is aware of the situation.

 

Ms Kasune: Madam Speaker, that is great news to our ears. As the ministry, in collaboration with the Judiciary, we will follow-up so that we can use those alternative buildings to ensure that justice is brought closer to the people.

 

Madam Speaker, I am thankful for that initiative and the donation that has been given.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, I was whispering to Hon. Tayengwa that I am looking forward to having a female President in this country one day. I am saying so because I believe what the hon. Minister is saying. There is co-ordination and commitment. So, I am sure that Litulilo will be attended to at some point.

 

Madam Speaker: That is a compliment.

 

Hon. Minister, would you like to comment on the compliment?

 

Ms Kasune: No, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much. That goes for the women.

 

REHABILITATION OF MULOBEZI RAILWAY LINE

 

311. Dr Andeleki (Katombola) asked the Minister of Transport and Logistics:

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to rehabilitate the Mulobezi Railway Line, which is in a deplorable state;

 

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

 

1. what the cost of the project is.

 

The Minister of Transport and Logistics (Mr Tayali): Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to rehabilitate the Mulobezi Railway Line, as it is a critical link that connects the Zambia Railway Limited (ZRL) railway line to the Western Province. However, due to the limited resources allocated to ZRL for the full rehabilitation of the railway network, including the Mulobezi Railway Line, in 2025, the Government will focus on attending to critical sections of the railway line in order to increase the speeds for freight trains from 15 km per hour to 20 km per hour, and for passenger trains from 20 km per hour to 25 km per hour.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government plans to rehabilitate critical sections of the Mulobezi Railway Line before the end of 2025 and 2026. The total cost of the rehabilitation works for Mulobezi Railway Line is estimated at US$85 million.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, just an appeal, let us tone down. There is a lot of exchanging of ideas, but you are doing it so loudly that you are not even following the proceedings.

 

Mr Mubika (Shangombo): Madam Speaker, the Livingstone/Mulobezi Railway Line is in a very bad state. I was privileged to travel to the area with my Committee last week. A train travels for about two days to cover a distance of 162 km or 163 km. Immediately, we left after inspecting some portions, a train derailed. Trains derail during every trip.

 

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

 

Mr Mubika: Madam Speaker, the railway line needs urgent attention.

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Sorry, hon. Member for Shangombo. There is an indication for a point of order.

 

Hon. Member for Lunte, what is the point of order?

 

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, thank you very much for according me this opportunity to raise a point of order on Hon. Mubika Mubika, Member of Parliament for Shangombo.

 

Madam Speaker, before I raise my point of order, allow me to congratulate my friend and brother, Hon. Sialubalo on his appointment as Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Shangombo cannot mislead the House by indicating that a train moves for two days on a stretch of 162 km when he is aware that, in fact, a train takes five days. When the submission was given, he was actually leading the delegation. Is he in order to reduce the five days to two days just to make it appear as though the train is tendering a good service to the people when the people are suffering?

 

Madam Speaker, I seek your ruling on this matter.

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member, there cannot be a point of order on a point of order. Let me first deal with one point of order.

 

Hon. Member for Lunte, you are now debating the report that you considered in the Committee. I am sure you and the hon. Member for Shangombo are on the same page. You are saying that the people of Mulobezi or the people who are using the railway line are suffering. Whether the train takes two or five days to move, it does not matter; they are suffering. So, what is the hon. Minister doing about it? So, you are on the same page. Maybe, he just mistook five days for two days, or there were instances when the train took two days or five days, and we are just speculating. You are the people who are in the Committee. When the Committee report is presented, then you can discuss in detail all these issues. So, the hon. Member for Shangombo is not out of order.

 

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

 

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

Mr Mung’andu: Madam Speaker, this point of order is on the hon. Member for Shangombo.

 

Madam Speaker, this is a House of order and rules. Is the hon. Member for Shangombo in order to start debating his Committee report, which has not been presented on the Floor of this House, to the extent that they have even started arguing as Committee members over the contents of a report that has not been presented on the Floor of this House?

 

I seek your serious ruling, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Of course, we cannot debate the report before it is presented. However, the question before this House touches on the same issues as the ones in the report. So, the hon. Members of the Committee have an added advantage because they have inside information, which they can quietly bring out, to ensure that the hon. Minister is made aware of the challenges been faced. So, the hon. Member for Shangombo is in order.

 

May the hon. Member for Shangombo continue.

 

Mr Mubika: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, what I was trying to say is that the railway track is in a bad state. Some railway sleepers are actually rotten, such that the train takes a number of days, from three to five days, to cover one way. Further, the same train has wagons for cargo, cattle, farm produce, timber and passengers.

 

Madam Speaker, I am not satisfied with the hon. Minister's response that the works will be undertaken by the end of the year. The train needs urgent attention. What short-term measures does the Ministry of Transport and Logistics have to assist the people of Mulobezi urgently? This is the only mode of transport that goes to Mulobezi from Livingstone.

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, the state of the Mulobezi Railway line is not in question. It is actually a matter of fact that yes, this line is completely dilapidated, and this is as a result of many years of neglect of this critical line. It appears as though those who were here before me, may have forgotten that Zambians actually live in this part of the country. There has been no effort in the past to rectify this situation. This New Dawn Administration is the first Administration in many years, perhaps since the colonial days, to make a genuine attempt to fix the railway subsector. We realise that if we do not sort out the railway subsector, Zambia stands little chance of lowering the cost of doing business by lowering the cost of transportation.

 

Madam Speaker, when hon. Members ask about the short-term measures the Government has, this is precisely what I am talking about. The Government is literally offering a social service just to allow our people to move from one point to another, regardless of the number of days. We are making a genuine effort, just like we are on the brink of success with concessioning Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), which is also bringing forecast on the Zambia Railways and how the two must be sorted out.

 

Madam Speaker, had we had the fiscal space, this Administration would not waste time, but allocate the necessary resources so that the entire railway line from Chililabombwe to Livingstone is actually fixed. This will help us alleviate the maintenance cost of our roads. Therefore, follow hon. Members must be aware of this notorious fact that this Administration is fully aware and that every effort is being made to ensure that, sooner rather than later, we fix our railway network, notwithstanding the one from Livingstone to Sesheke via Mulobezi.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Dr Andeleki (Katombola): Madam Speaker, may the hon. Minister clarify who owns the Mulobezi Railway line, in view of the fact that Zambia Railways does not appear to own it. I am also interested in knowing if the Government has any intention of merely giving a concessionaire the right to run that particular railway line since at the moment the Government has issues regarding fiscal space.

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I must state unequivocally that yes, sometime back, the Mulobezi Railway line was not under Zambia Railways. However, owing to its dilapidated state, like I stated, the Government is offering a social service, and we have since moved in so that Zambia Railways can take care of that particular track.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member will recall that as a matter of fact, in 2023, we had a serious problem on a bridge on that particular line. My ministry had to put aside a couple of million Kwachas to attend to the problem, which was posing a serious threat of potential accidents. Yes, the line is now under Zambia Railways and that should not be in doubt.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member spoke about concessioning, but we cannot concession a track in the state that it is in. Even if we had to entice the private sector, we have to look at the potential for fleet business coming from that part of the country. It may not be commercially viable and that is why I am using the terminology that we are actually offering a social service to our citizens and we cannot neglect them.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mumba (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, I think, the response from the hon. Minister is good, but is a concern because as I was seated here, I was thinking about the Lobito Corridor and the value that it is supposed to add, meaning that Zambia Railways will equally be a beneficiary of that investment. So, if that is the case, we all know that the Government will not be able to have US$85 million that easily, considering the competing needs that we have in the country.

 

Madam Speaker, looking at the investment that is required for the Lobito Corridor Project, does the hon. Minister not think that the private sector would be interested in getting involved, considering the business that will be taking place using that corridor? I might be wrong, but I would like to hear the hon. Minister’s comment on that.

 

Madam Speaker: The main question relates to the Mulobezi Railway Line, but I believe there is some interlink with the issue the hon. Member for Kantanshi has raised. I do not know if the hon. Minister can address the issue.

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Kantanshi for the question. However, he should have been paying attention because I mentioned that serious efforts are being made to resuscitate the railway sub-sector.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member has referred to the Lobito Corridor and the prospects it will bring to the country. I would like to inform him that efforts are being made to concession the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA). He might recall that I mentioned that there is a linkage between our railway system and the Lobito Corridor. As a result, we are getting a lot of interest in the Zambia Railway Line. The interest is not coming from the private sector, but from co-operating partners, such as the European Union (EU).

 

Madam Speaker, we have realised that in order for the Lobito Corridor and the TAZARA Railway Line to be fully functional and efficient, the missing link is the Zambia Railway Line. That is what is going to provide the linkage between the east coast and west coast. In that regard, there is a lot of work happening in the background, except that it is premature for me to bring the details to the Floor of the House now on how far we have gone. Suffice to say that there is serious interest being shown in the revitalisation of our national railway network.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Dr Andeleki: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister said that the Mulobezi Railway Line now belongs to the ZRL. When did the ZRL acquire the railway line and why has the company not invested money in it? Other parts of the railway network in Zambia are working very well. What has been the problem with the Mulobezi Railway Line?

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I encourage the hon. Member, who has asked that follow-up question, to take a keen interest in the holistic picture. It is not true that other sections of our railway network, away from the Mulobezi Railway Line, are working efficiently. The trains run at 15 Km/h to 20 Km/h on the entire stretch from Chililabombwe to Livingstone. We all know that the ZRL has had major problems with finances. It is unfortunate that not many years ago, we heard of a Eurobond and US$120 million that was earmarked to be spent on improving the operations of the ZRL was not used for the intended purpose. That money did nothing to improve the operations of the ZRL. So, the current Administration will look at the problem holistically and will not segregate issues. The entire stretch of our railway network will be looked at, including the Mulobezi Railway Line.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

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

 

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, Standing Order No. 71 is very instructive on what kind of information must be given to the public through Parliament, which is the people’s House.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has endeavoured to use the Floor of this House to mislead the public regarding the Eurobond, part of which was allocated towards resuscitation of the Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL). The hon. Minister said that that money did nothing. As a public officer, two weeks ago, I was in Kabwe to interact with workers of the ZRL. I was privileged to see the equipment that was bought using the money from the Eurobond. The money was properly utilised and a report on the matter will be tabled on the Floor of this House. The hon. Minister, instead of providing accurate information and being concerned about the people of Mulobezi spending five days traveling on a stretch of 62 km –

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member, are you debating or raising a point of order?

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order to veer off the subject at hand instead of taking responsibility and thereby misleading the public with false information?

 

Madam Speaker, I seek your serious ruling so that the misleading of the public is not repeated in this House.

 

Madam Speaker: The problem that I have with that issue is that hon. Members of the Committee on Transport, Works and Supply are pre-empting the contents of their report by debating it before it is tabled in the House. Earlier, there was a question about the Eurobond and the hon. Minister responded by saying that nothing was done using the funds from that bond. He is the hon. Minister of Transport and Logistics, and I think that all of us know that the Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) is not working properly. If it is working properly, why are trains moving at 15 Km/h? So, there must be something wrong. However, we will wait for the Committee report. When that report comes before the House, it will be discussed in detail. So, the hon. Minister said that the Eurobond did nothing in response to a question. Maybe, he can clarify his statement.

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to just give context to the statement I made earlier and I am fully cognisant of the facts that I have stated on the Floor of this House. I happen to know a thing or two, perhaps, more than the hon. Member, about the ZRL. Very little money from the Eurobond, if any at all, was taken to the core business of the ZRL. I am aware that a fair portion of the money went towards refurbishing of the ZRL headquarters in Kabwe.

 

Madam Speaker, we should not bring in issues of sins of the past because we might be the ones who supplied materials for the refurbishment of offices or supplied vehicles to the ZRL. I am talking about helping a company that is limping so that it gets back on its tracks, which should have been done in the past.

 

Madam Speaker, Usain Bolt can run even faster than 15 Km/h, at which our locomotive trains move.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

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

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Lunte, please, resume your seat.

 

Mr Kafwaya interjected.

 

Madam Speaker: First, resume your seat.

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, as I earlier guided, let us not debate a report that has not been tabled. In fact, if the issue at hand is in a report and it was discussed by a Committee, the question by the hon. Member for Katombola should not have been asked. The fact that the issue will be raised again presents a challenge for us. It should not have been raised because we cannot avoid presenting what is contained in a report. So, maybe, we leave it at that.

 

Hon. Member for Lunte, did you want to raise a point of order or you wanted to ask a question?

 

Mr Kafwaya: A point of order, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: What is the point of order, and we should not debate points of order?

 

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, I want to take advantage of the fact that you gave the hon. Minister some latitude to respond after a point of order was raised on him, but he squandered the opportunity.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister is fully aware that US$120 million cannot even buy two wagons. Two wagons cannot be bought with that amount of money.

 

Madam Speaker: Is that a point of order?

 

Mr Kafwaya: It is a point of order, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: No, that is not a point of order.

 

Mr Kafwaya: It is a point of order, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: What Standing Order has been breached?

 

Mr Kafwaya: The breach is that the hon. Minister thinks that US$120 million can rehabilitate Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL). Is that not a mockery, Madam Speaker?

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order? He has been in the ministry for four years, yet he thinks that to rehabilitate ZRL, you need close to US$120 million. Is ZRL going anywhere with this kind of thinking? When US$120 million cannot even buy two wagons.

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Lunte!

 

Mr Kafwaya: Two wagons. One wagon, Madam Speaker, costs between US$80 million and US$100 million.

 

Madam Speaker: What Standing Order has been breached, hon. Member?

 

Mr Kafwaya: The breach, firstly, is the thinking. Secondly, Madam Speaker, misleading the people, …

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

 Mr Kafwaya: … and it is based on Standing Order No. 71, which requires the hon. Minister –

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Lunte!

 

Please, resume your seat.

 

Mr Kafwaya resumed his seat.

 

Madam Speaker: Is the hon. Minister’s thinking on the Floor of the House a breach of a Standing Order? Let us not be emotional. Let us debate and ask questions. Now, ask your question but, please, do not bring the issues in your report on the Floor of the House.

 

That will be the last question.

 

You may ask your question, hon. Member.

 

Mr Kafwaya: Thank you so much, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister referred to the fact that ZRL or Mulobezi Railway Line is dilapidated because of many years of neglect. I would like to agree with him and also add that the many years of neglect include the four years that he has been hon. Minister. He has been hon. Minister for four years, adding to the many years of neglect of Mulobezi Railway Line. It takes five days to cover a distance of 162 km on this railway line. Considering the suffering of the people, what are the immediate interventions to improve the speed of trains from 5 km per hour to a minimum of 30 km per hour on this railway line and reduce the travel time from five days to, at most, one day?

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for asking a very cogent question.

 

Madam Speaker, I would like to state for the record that even in today's economy, for instance, a locomotive will not cost anything more than US$10 million, even if it is from General Electric (GE) Transportation. Obviously, wagons are far much cheaper.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member has referred to what immediate plans my ministry can undertake to improve the current situation, so that we can, perhaps, see speeds go up to 30 km per hour. I want to state for the record that perhaps, the reason that the hon. Member might be getting emotive is that the previous Administration left us with no room to manoeuvre. This country is heavily indebted to the extent that we are not able to borrow for such infrastructure projects. We wish we did not inherit a bankrupt economy because we would have definitely sought to invest critical resources into such critical transport infrastructure. However, with the debt that the party that the hon. Member belongs to left us, indeed, it is difficult for us to make immediate interventions, but we are working on it.

 

 Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Madam Speaker: I think, let us make progress and leave that for future debates.

 

MEASURES TO ENHANCE CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH IN THE COUNTRY

 

312. Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) asked the Minister of Green Economy and Environment what measures the Government is taking to enhance research on climate change mitigation in the country.

 

Mr Kafwaya started walking out of the Assembly Chamber while talking.

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Lunte!

 

Please, that is not the way to behave. If you are punished, you will start complaining. We have a lot of work to do. Let us work in harmony.

 

Mr Kafwaya raised a piece of paper.

 

Madam Speaker: I do not know what that is and I cannot read it from here. You standing up and talking as you are walking, I think, is demeaning to the whole House.

 

Mr Kafwaya interjected.

 

Madam Speaker: Okay, we can give you time to go outside. Then, you can point at each other. It is better that way when we are not seeing.

 

Mr Kafwaya raised the paper for the second time.

 

Madam Speaker: It is okay, you can proceed. You were going outside? I hope you will come back.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kafwaya: I will come back, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Okay, you may proceed.

 

Mr Kafwaya left the Assembly Chamber.

 

The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation (Eng. Nzovu): (on behalf of the Minister of Green Economy and Environment (Mr Mposha)): Madam Speaker, for ease of explanation, climate change mitigation refers to actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and their levels in the atmosphere, ultimately aiming to limit global warming. The Government recognises the critical role of research in driving effective climate change actions in the country. In this regard, we have undertaken several concrete measures to enhance research, particularly in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, sustainable forest management, and carbon sequestration while ensuring that research findings inform policy and practice.

 

Madam Speaker, some of the practical ways in which we are enhancing research on climate change mitigation include the following:

 

1. strengthening partnerships with universities, research institutions, and international organisations to enhance climate research. For example, through departments such as the Green Economy and Climate Change, Forestry, and the Zambia Meteorological Department,the Government is working closely with universities and research institutions, including the University of Zambia (UNZA), the Copperbelt University (CBU), the National Institute for Scientific and Disaster Research (NISDR), and the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) to enhance research on climate-smart solutions;

 

1. just last month, my ministry, in conjunction with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) under the Facility for Climate Empowerment for Implementing National Determined Contributions (FACE-NDC) project, awarded fifteen fully-funded scholarships to focus on climate change and renewable energy. Ten of those scholarships are at PhD level while five are at Master's degree level, and these are being undertaken at UNZA; and

 

1. the Government, through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment under the Supporting Preparedness for Article 6 Cooperation (SPAR6C), has been supporting students through a research mentorship programme, by providing them with a stipend and mentorship while attached to the project as they undertake their research at both Master's degree and PhD levels. So far, students have completed their internship at Master's degree level, and another cohort of four students have been engaged.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

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

 

Madam Speaker, if commitment is there in research to mitigate climate change, how has that research trickled down to the village level where you find rampant charcoal burning?

 

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, combating climate change is a collective action by industries to individuals. One of the ways individuals can participate in ensuring that mitigation measures are upped is by ensuring that –

 

Madam Speaker, from the definition, mitigation measures are actions that ultimately reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. For a long time, the ministry has talked to several citizens about ensuring that all the actions that they take, as they live their lives, are climate-efficient. For example, individuals are encouraged to use public transport or cycling instead of driving because cars utilise diesel, which is a high CO₂ emitter. We also need to conserve energy by turning off lights and appliances when not in use. We also have to ensure that we support various companies and organisations in their productive ventures; they need to be incentivised to ensure that they use energy efficiently and conserve it. Our people need to be reminded that through their actions, for example, deforestation, rainfall patterns change. Life is becoming harder because, as a result of climate change, most areas receive less rainfall. Therefore, production and productivity in agriculture are declining.

 

Madam Speaker, one of the hardest challenges that our individuals are facing is borehole sinking. Nowadays, one has to drill to 100 m or 120 m to find water. In the old days, one only had to drill fifty metres or sixty metres. The costs are escalating. So, we are seeing all those effects of climate change. Therefore, most individuals are contributing to the mitigation measures necessary to ensure that climate change is stopped.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Zulu (Nyimba): Madam Speaker, now that the hon. Minister has included cars in his answer, I just want to know how much money, in terms of percentages, if possible, the Government spends on fighting climate change using the carbon fees that each motor vehicle pays through the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA). We are talking about climate change, and motor vehicles are the ones that emit a lot of carbon. How much of the money that the people of Zambia pay when paying for road licences at RTSA is the Government using to combat climate change?

 

Madam Speaker: That sounds like a new question. I do not know if the hon. Minister would have the information.

 

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, since the figures were not asked for in advance, I encourage my fellow hon. Member to visit our offices so that we can furnish him with the correct information.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Lubozha (Chifubu): Madam Speaker, climate change cuts across a number of ministries. What efforts are being made at the inter-ministerial level to promote research and development to mitigate this climate change, which is affecting the country?

 

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, again, when you look at my submissions, I said that the ministry has undertaken several concrete measures to enhance research, particularly in renewable energy. Already, that means that we are working closely with the Ministry of Energy because, obviously, fossil fuels have to be burned for that energy provision. So, reducing the impact on climate change is key in that sector. I also talked about sustainable agriculture. We are doing a lot in that area. One of the ways we are mitigating climate change is by ensuring that there is less deforestation, as a result of agricultural activities, by increasing productivity in the various areas where we undertake farming. The more there is productivity, the less land is used, the less forests are degraded. Sustainable forestry management and carbon sequestration as well as informed research and practice are some interventions. So, all the sectors of the economy. In fact, that is why it is called the green economy. Practices across all the sectors of the economy have to be green-oriented if we are to combat climate change.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Kalabo Central, do you have another question?

 

Mr Miyutu indicated dissent.

 

Madam Speaker: Okay! Thank you! So, we make progress.

 

Next question. Hon. Member for Chitambo.

 

Mr Mutale (Chitambo): Madam Speaker –

 

Madam Speaker: I am sorry. It is supposed to be the hon. Member for Mulobezi.

 

Apologies, hon. Member.

 

Mr Mutale: Madam Speaker, I want to withdraw the question.

 

Madam Speaker: Sorry?

 

Mr Mutale: I want to withdraw the question.

 

Madam Speaker: Okay. You will withdraw it when we get to it. Apologies.

 

NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS PRODUCED BY THE COUNTRY BETWEEN 2016 AND 2021

 

313. Eng. Mabenga (Mulobezi) asked the Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts:

 

1. how many professional golfers the country produced from 2016 to 2021;

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to rehabilitate golf infrastructure countrywide;

 

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

 

1. what measures are being taken to improve the sport in the country.

 

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts (Mr Nkandu): Madam Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament may wish to note that the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Zambia Golf Union (ZGU), produced 121 professional golfers from 2016 to 2021.

 

An hon. Minister interjected.

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, I need to be protected from my fellow hon. Ministers. They are giving me a problem.

 

Madam Speaker: Can we listen to the hon. Minister as he delivers his response.

 

You may proceed, hon. Minister.

 

Mr Nkandu:  Madam Speaker, your Government, through the ZGU, produced 121 professional golfers during the period 2016 to 2021, as follows:

 

Year                                                                          Number of Registered

                                                                                 Professional Golfers                                          

2016                                                                                        20       

2017                                                                                        20       

2018                                                                                        20       

2019                                                                                        20       

2020                                                                                        20       

2021                                                                                        21

Total                                                                                      121

 

Madam Speaker, the golf infrastructure the country has is not owned by the Government. Rather, it falls under local councils, trusts, private institutions and individuals. Maybe, the only golf infrastructure that the Government owns is the one at State House. In this regard, the Government does not have the jurisdiction over the infrastructure. So, it does not have plans to rehabilitate it. Nevertheless, the Government has been engaging owners of the facilities to ensure that routine maintenance and rehabilitation of the infrastructure in the country is undertaken.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government has put in place the following measures to improve sport in the country:

 

1. developed and launched the 2024 National Sports Policy and its implementation plan, which the country did not have the past decade. There was no sports policy;

 

1. increased budgetary allocation for sports development to about 70 per cent. The first ever in the history of the country, which in turn, has led to an increase in bonuses for athletes;

 

1. enhanced co-ordination of sporting activities with the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts to support talent identification and development;

 

1. increased financial and material support to all the fifty-seven sports associations and federations;

 

1. actualisation of equal pay for both female and male athletes. The first ever in the history of the country, where we equate bonuses of both men and women;

 

1. decentralisation of the Community Sport Programme to the 116 local authorities with matching resources of K30 million in order to increase participation of citizens in various sporting activities;

 

1. increased stakeholder engagement, such as banks, companies and individuals, to facilitate the development of sport infrastructure and procurement of sports equipment;

 

1. working in collaboration with hon. Members of Parliament on the plans to establish multi-sports facilities in all the 156 constituencies; and

 

1. recently launched the Rural Sport Development Programme, and the ministry, through the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ), has started distributing sports equipment to various sports clubs in all the districts. We were recently in Mongu and Kaputa, and I am sure the hon. Member saw the work that we did. So, very soon, we will go to other districts for the launch.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Eng. Mabenga: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has given us a good report. However, I would like to know whether there is any budget for the Zambia Golf Union.

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, we only have one allocation for all the fifty-eight sports federations. In the budget, every federation has a vote. So, as federations prepare to go for tournaments to represent Zambia, they always ask for an allocation from the NSCZ so that they can fulfil the fixtures. I may not say that golf alone has a certain budget, but that there is a budget were every federation can draw from. That is why all federations going outside the country are well assisted by the ministry so that they can fulfil the fixtures.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mutinta (Itezhi-tezhi): Madam Speaker, it is an undisputed fact that the hon. Minister is doing a good job, and I would like to thank him for demonstrating that other funds are now allocated to the constituencies.

 

Madam Speaker, I am sure, the hon. Member who asked the question is also looking forward to having a golf course in Mulobezi. In view of the money that is allocated to the councils, how is the ministry collaborating with the local authorities so that they can also focus on other sporting ventures, not just football? It is all about football, but the people of Mulobezi also want to start playing golf.

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for the compliment. Leaders always get motivated when they are complimented. It is very important for people to appreciate when the Government is doing well. When one is appreciated, one is motivated to do more.

 

Madam Speaker, I have received concerns from hon. Members of Parliament over the K30 million I talked about, which we have given to the community sports in all the local authorities. The concerns are that they are not fully participating in the implementation of those important sports activities. However, we have now come up with guidelines that will compel local authorities to involve community leaders.

 

Madam Speaker, when we are talking about community leadership, it starts from the Member of Parliament, District Commissioner (DC), Councillors, Council chairpersons and Mayors. All these are community leaders who are supposed to participate in sports activities in their respective districts and constituencies. So, the hon. Member should rest assured that with the guidelines that have been put in place, community leaders will be participating in all the sports activities in their constituencies.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr S. Banda (Petauke Central): Madam Speaker, the Petauke residents want to know how one can become a professional golfer. Does one need to have money, or just an inborn talent? I ask this question because golf courses are only found in well-to-do cities.  So, what makes one become a professional golfer? Is golf only for rich people or does one have to have an inborn talent to become a professional golfer?

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, there is no sport for the rich; every sport is for everyone.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

CONSTRUCTION OF INFRASTRUCTURE FOR CHITAMBO DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION BLOCK

 

314. Mr Mutale (Chitambo) asked the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development:

 

(a)        when will the construction of infrastructure for the Chitambo District Administration Block commence; and

 

(b)        what the cause of the delay in commencing the project is.

 

Mr Mutale: Madam Speaker, with leave of the House, I beg to withdraw the question because the administration block is being built. I think, the question is an old one.

 

Madam Speaker: Leave granted.

 

Question, by leave, accordingly withdrawn.

 

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

 

[MR SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

TEACHERS SPECIALISED IN SCIENCE SUBJECTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

 

315. Mr Miyutu asked the Minister of Education:

 

1. how many teachers in public schools, countrywide, were specialised in the following subjects as of August, 2024:

 

1. Mathematics; 

2. Biology;

3. Physics; and

4. Chemistry; and

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to recruit additional teachers specialised in the subjects above in order to enhance the performance of pupils in public schools.

 

The Minister of Education (Mr Syakalima): Mr Speaker, as of August, 2024, the number of teachers specialised in key subjects in public schools across the country was as follows:

 

Subject                                     No. of Teachers

 

Mathematics                              7,962

Biology                                     3,167

Physics                                      2,114

Chemistry                                  2,628

 

Total                                        15,871

 

 Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to recruit additional teachers specialised in mathematics, biology, physics and chemistry to address staffing gaps, particularly in rural and underserved areas, so as to enhance the performance of pupils in public schools.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

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

 

Mr Speaker, now that science subjects are taught starting from Form 1, what plans does the ministry have to make sure that the number of teachers teaching subjects like biology, physics and chemistry increases? For example, Kalabo is one of the places with the least number of teachers for those subjects. So, what plans has the ministry put in place to make sure that the number of teachers rises to substantial levels so that learners are effectively attended to?

 

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

 

Mr Speaker, as I said in my substantive answer, the Government will continue recruiting teachers, especially for specialised subjects. In fact, the number required to fill the gap is quite huge. So, we will continue recruiting more teachers. In the last ten years, if we were recruiting substantial numbers of teachers in specialised subjects, maybe, we would have made progress by now.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, I want to know what the relationship is between the teacher training schools or colleges and the Government. Is the Government satisfied with the rate at which students for specialised subjects are accepted or enrolled in colleges? Are the numbers good enough to support the Government’s intention of beefing up the number of teachers enrolling for the mentioned subjects?

 

Mr Syakalima: Mr Speaker, I must say that the number of teachers enrolling for the mentioned subjects is quite substantial. We have not reached the peak level, but the numbers are quite huge.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Ms Sefulo (Mwandi): Mr Speaker, social subjects, such as civic education and religious education, were taught from the junior high school level all the way to senior secondary school level for quite some time. We now have a situation in which biology and other science subjects are taught starting from Form 1. I want to know if the Government has any plans of halting the recruitment of teachers for social subjects. What I have observed is that there are many teachers trained in social subjects compared to those for science subjects, such as mathematics, biology, physics and chemistry. Does the Government have any intention of halting the recruitment of teachers for social subjects so that more teachers for other subjects can be recruited?

 

Mr Syakalima: Mr Speaker, we do not have plans to halt the recruitment of teachers for subjects such as civic education and religious education because they are very important for learners to understand issues such as governance. If we do that, we will end up with a society that is morally bankrupt.  

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

_______

 

MOTIONS

 

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL ECONOMY, TRADE AND LABOUR MATTERS ON THE RATIFICATION OF THE AGREEMENT ON THE OPERATIONALISATION OF THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND

 

Ms Sefulo (Mwandi): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that this House adopts the Report of the Committee on National Economy, Trade and Labour Matters on the Ratification of the Agreement on the Operationalisation of the Southern African Development Community Regional Development Fund (SADC-RDF), laid on the Table of the House on 9^th June, 2025, for the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly.

 

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

 

Mr J. Chibuye (Roan): Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

 

Ms Sefulo: Mr Speaker, your Committee, in accordance with its terms of reference as set out in the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, considered the International Agreement on the Operationalisation of the SADC-RDF. The Fund was established with the overall objective of creating a regional financing mechanism for economic development and sustainable growth in SADC.

 

Mr Speaker, I wish to state from the outset that your Committee is in support of the proposal to ratify the agreement. This is because the agreement, once ratified, has the potential to unlock access to concessional financing for strategic cross-border infrastructure projects. It is also likely to improve regional transport corridors, power interconnections and communication networks, thereby reducing the cost of doing business. Further, the agreement will stimulate exports and attract investment into Zambia’s key sectors, once operationalised.

 

Mr Speaker, the ratification of the agreement will strengthen Zambia’s commitment to regional integration. The country's active participation in the Regional Development Fund (RDF) governance structure will give our country a voice in prioritising regional projects by ensuring that its national interests are represented in the allocation of resources.

 

Mr Speaker, allow me, at this point, to highlight some of your Committee's observations and recommendations contained in the report. The observations and recommendations are based on the various concerns raised by stakeholders during their interaction with your Committee.

 

Mr Speaker, with regard to immunity of assets provided for under Article 41 of the agreement, Your Committee observed that the provision limits member states' ability to hold the Fund accountable through domestic legal channels. It is, therefore, of the view that member states establish robust oversight mechanisms at the regional level and clearly specify dispute resolution pathways in the agreement. This will provide member countries with a platform to hold the Fund accountable.

 

Mr Speaker, your Committee also observed that Article 44 of the agreement accords the Fund's official communications the same level of diplomatic privilege as that of other international financial institutions. In noting this privilege, your Committee is of the view that clear communication channels are essential for operational efficiency and that lack of transparency in communication can lead to misunderstandings or mismanagement. Your Committee, therefore, recommends that SADC-RDF formalises and publicises protocols for official communications. Your Committee also recommends that Zambia designates a specific national liaison to streamline interactions with the Fund.

 

Mr Speaker, your Committee further observed that SADC-RDF requires significant capital contributions from member states, such that Zambia is required to make payments in three annual instalments. In this regard, your Committee recommends that Zambia conducts a thorough financial review to assess its current budgetary situation and potential future commitments. This must include undertaking an evaluation of the impact of the SADC-RDF contributions on national budgets and identifying potential sources of funding that do not strain public finances.

 

Mr Speaker, I urge the House to support the ratification of the agreement because of the potential benefits that may accrue to our country once the agreement is ratified.

 

Finally, Mr Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to the stakeholders who interacted with your Committee for the valuable insights they provided. Gratitude also goes to your office and that of Madam Speaker and the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly for the guidance and support rendered to your Committee throughout its deliberations.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

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

 

Mr J. Chibuye: Now, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Speaker, allow me to sincerely thank you for allowing me to second the Motion. Before that, allow me also to sincerely thank the mover of the Motion for the manner in which she highlighted the salient matters in the Motion. Since the mover has tackled quite a number of salient matters, allow me to comment on one or two issues as I second the Motion, which are your Committee's observations and recommendations.

 

Mr Speaker, your Committee observed that while Article 50 outlines the dispute resolution mechanism, it also provides a six-month waiting period before arbitration can commence. Your Committee is of the view that the six-month waiting period before arbitration may delay urgent resolutions. Your Committee is worried about the period, as it might be overtaken by events and, as such, delay resolutions. The reliance on the Permanent Court of Arbitration for appointments may introduce external dependencies that could slow proceedings. Therefore, your Committee observed that the provision of equal cost-sharing, when seeking justice, may be burdensome for smaller member states, creating potential financial burdens for smaller partners. Your Committee therefore, recommends that SADC-RDF reviews the six-month waiting period to allow for expedited arbitration in cases requiring urgent resolutions. It is the view of your Committee that the six-month waiting period be reduced so that aggrieved parties can be given time to look at matters. Additionally, a regional arbitration mechanism could be explored to reduce dependence on external institutions.

 

Mr Speaker, lastly, your Committee also recommends that SADC-RDF considers including a provision of financial assistance or sharing contributions based on member states' economic capacity. It is not going to be fair for member states to be paying the same amount. Therefore, your Committee recommends that the contribution be looked at so that contributions from member states can be based on their economic capacity. This move will ensure fair access and cost-sharing among member states.

 

Mr Speaker, the mover has tackled all the salient matters, recommendations and observations of the Committee.

 

Mr Speaker, with those few words, I thank you.

 

Dr Kalila (Lukulu East): Mr Speaker, I rise to support the recommendations that were made by our hon. Colleagues from the Committee on Trade, Economy and Labour Matters urging all of us to ratify the agreement.

 

Mr Speaker, as you may be well aware, financing for development is increasingly becoming a challenge because of the changing geopolitical order in which traditional donors and funders, including some of our multilateral institutions, are scaling down. It is, therefore, necessary that member states begin to look inwards to finance their development. Initiatives such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Development Fund (RDF) are welcome. It is one of the answers to looking at how we can raise resources to finance our projects in the region. It is a welcome initiative. I would, therefore, recommend that we all wholeheartedly support the ratification of the agreement.

 

Mr Speaker, as a matter of fact, sometime, at the conclusion of this matter, there will be a big conference bringing nations together in Spain to look at ways and means through which financing for development in the changing world order can be done. So, I see the agreement as one of the solutions, which we can wholeheartedly embrace in this region. We are lagging on the economic ladder, and we cannot afford to continue relying on donors. We all know what has happened since Mr Trump took over, and many others have followed suit. Our colleagues in the European Union (EU) are scaling-down on funding to bolster their defence budgets because of what is happening with Ukraine.

 

Mr Speaker, I support this Motion wholeheartedly. I urge all of us to do so.

 

I thank you very much, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr E. Tembo (Feira): Mr Speaker, allow me to thank the mover of the Motion, Hon. Sibeso Sefulo, as well as the seconder, Hon. J. Chibuye.

 

Mr Speaker, on behalf of the people of Feira, I also want to add my voice to the debate on the Motion on the Ratification of the Agreement on the Operationalisation of the Southern African Development Community-Region Development Fund (SADC-RDF), which Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ministers of Finance resolved to adopt.

 

Mr Speaker, the objective of the SADC-RDF is to create a financial mechanism to mobilise resources from regional members, development partners and the private sector to support regional development and deepen integration. One of the issues I noted from the report is that the fund is meant to finance infrastructure development within the SADC region. I believe that the thinking is correct. We were just talking about the Mulobezi railway line, and it is an example of some of the infrastructure projects that can actually benefit from that initiative. 

 

Mr Speaker, allow me to bring out some of the issues that the report may not have captured. In terms of capital, the full requirement is actually US$13 billion. The start-up subscription would be US$120 million, which I think is good for starters. Now, if we think about sourcing for the funds, already, people are looking at the private sector, development partners, and in this case, I am very sure that we are talking about Western donors. One of the reasons regional integration is failing in Africa and in developing countries is that we depend on foreign-driven ideas. That has been the problem. The SADC is struggling because its secretariat is donor-funded. The African Union (AU) is still on its knees. The initiative is a good idea. However, we must look at how we are going to raise funds from our local resources within the SADC region.

 

Mr Speaker, allow me to go deeper into the number of resources we have in SADC. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) alone, has many mineral resources, land, water, timber and many other things. However, we have allowed those resources to be controlled by foreign entities. The same applies to Zambia. I have used the DRC as an example because it has more resources than the rest of the other SADC countries. We have failed to address how we are going to use our natural resources. Zambia’s resources are not being used by Zambians, or not benefiting Zambians as they should. Even 10 per cent funding would have been achieved, but all the resources are being driven out of our country. If we stood up at the SADC level, we would ensure that such an idea works.

 

Mr Speaker, immediately we start looking at the private sector, which I believe is sourcing outside Africa, as the case is with the African Development Bank (AfDB), we are not going to achieve what we have envisaged through the SADC-RDF. I am of the view that the objectives, which are infrastructure development, industrial development, integration and economic adjustment, including social development, can be achieved if we generate enough resources. We will be able to finance our social needs; hunger and disasters, such as drought. We will not have a problem because we will have an easy source to look at.

 

Mr Speaker, it is not possible at this age for a country to be used by another country. We have debated and refused that notion in this House. What is known as neo-colonialism and imperialism is what I am talking about. I am glad that I posed a question to the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation about imperialism. He said that those are issues we study in universities. It is happening now. The loan schemes we are getting into are part of tying us up and enslaving us. My emphasis is that we need to control copper, gold, timber and other things.

 

Mr Speaker, I also noted that one of the issues brought out in the report is the financial burden towards the idea. When an idea seems to be working, we should not worry much about how much we pay for it. If we fully support it, and the two-thirds member states that signed the agreement deposit their assent, then, things will start moving. Having said that, I clearly want to say that we should not look elsewhere for funding for the SADC-RDF. We should look internally.

 

Mr Speaker, I truly support the Motion.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Mapani (Namwala): Thank you very much, Mr Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to add a few sentences to the debate on the Motion, which is before us.

 

Mr Speaker, it is good that the 150^th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) assembly was held. A couple of issues were highlighted during the meeting. Allow me to look at workers’ rights as one of the items that was debated during the IPU meetings. First of all, it is very important to understand workers’ rights. It is from that we can measure whether it is worth belonging to the platform or not. If we are just going to generalise the way it has been done before –

 

Mr Speaker, looking at the current report that is before this House and the report that was submitted to this House before 2021 and 2019, they are almost the same. The question is: What mechanisms have we put in place to ensure that we can measure whether workers’ rights that have been debated on the forum before have been achieved?

 

Mr Speaker –

 

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

 

I have been observing how you are debating, and it seems you are debating a different issue. You are not talking to the report. There should be relevance in your debate. The matter under discussion is the ratification report that has been presented and issues have been raised. As such, confine yourself to the issues in the report.

 

You may proceed in that regard.

 

Mr Mapani: Mr Speaker, in the report, on the items that have been listed, workers' rights have been enshrined. It is from that angle that –

 

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: I have the report before me. There is nowhere where it speaks to that.

 

Mr Mapani: Mr Speaker, I think, the report that I have could be different, and because of that, I rest my case.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

The Minister of Technology and Science (Mr Mutati): Mr Speaker, allow me to thank the Committee on National Economy, Trade and Labour Matters for scrutinising the proposal to ratify the agreement to make operational the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Development Fund (RDF)

 

Mr Speaker, from the outset, let me thank the chairperson of the Committee and the seconder of the Motion, and hon. Members who have debated and supported the report.

 

Mr Speaker, the Committee has raised several issues and made some very important recommendations. Therefore, allow me to comment on some of the main concerns raised by your Committee.

 

Operational and Implementation Challenges

 

Mr Speaker, I have noted the Committee’s recommendation for Zambia to establish a formal consultation framework with the SADC RDF. This will ensure alignment of project priorities before proposals reach an advanced level in order to mitigate operational conflicts that may be experienced.

 

Mr Speaker, the House may be aware that SADC holds annual meetings at Presidential and ministerial levels. Therefore, the SADC RDF stands to follow precedents by undertaking formal engagements with member states to review, evaluate, and make recommendations on how best the fund can effectively be implemented to meet the intended objectives.

 

Governance and Decision Making

 

Mr Speaker, the recommendation for Zambia to assess its maximum shareholding in the SADC RDF to ensure the country has sufficient voting rights to influence decision-making processes has been noted.

 

Mr Speaker, we have no objection to the recommendation. The House may be aware that Zambia has continued to enjoy warm diplomatic relations with her neighbouring countries in the region since Independence.

 

Immunity of Assets

 

Mr Speaker, I take note of the Committee’s concern that while Article 41 of the agreement provides for immunity of the SADC RDF assets from seizure, confiscation, or legal action, it limits member states’ ability to hold the fund accountable through domestic legal channels. The Committee, therefore, recommended that member states should establish robust oversight mechanisms at the regional level and clearly specify dispute resolution pathways in ratification of agreements.

 

Mr Speaker, SADC has a Committee of Minsters of Justice and Attorney-Generals, which among others, provides legal guidance and clearance to all SADC legal instruments. This ensures that SADC operations are aligned with national, regional and international legal frameworks.

 

Privilege for Communication

 

Mr Speaker, I note the Committee’s recommendation for the SADC RDF to formalise and publicise protocols for official communication. I further note that the Committee recommended that Zambia designate a specific national liaison, to streamline interactions with the fund. I wish to inform this House that all matters pertaining to the SADC RDF will be co-ordinated by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation as the entry ministry for all international and regional organisations.

 

Financial Commitments and Funding Constraints

 

Mr Speaker, regarding the SADC RDF requiring significant capital contribution from member states, and the recommendation that Zambia should conduct a thorough financial review to assess its current budgetary situation and potential future commitments, I wish to inform this august House that the Government, through the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, has been undertaking an exercise to streamline Zambia’s subscriptions to the various international organisations. In this regard, the streamlining process will provide an opportunity for the Government to realise savings, which may be channelled towards the RDF.

 

Mr Speaker, as I conclude, let me once again thank the Committee for its work. Further, I wish to state that ratification of the agreement has become imperative given the anticipated and actual reduction of support towards donor funded programmes. I, therefore, would like to urge the hon. Members of this august House to support the Motion to adopt the Report on the Ratification of the Agreement to Operationalise the SADC RDF.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Ms Sefulo: Mr Speaker, let me take this opportunity to thank the hon. Member for Lukulu East, Dr Kalila, and the hon. Member for Feira, Mr E. Tembo, for debating our report. With that said, I submit.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Minister of Justice and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House (Ms Kasune): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

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The House adjourned at 1740 hours until 0900 hours on Friday, 13^th June, 2025.

 

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