Tuesday, 24th June, 2025

Tuesday, 24^th June, 2025

The House met at 1430 hours

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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ANNOUNCEMENT BY MADAM SPEAKER

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM ST EDMUND’S SCHOOL

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

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

I thank you.

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URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

MR PETER PHIRI, THE HON. MEMBER FOR MKAIKA, ON HER HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT, MRS NALUMANGO, ON THE UPCOMING BY-ELECTION IN LUMEZI

Mr Peter Phiri (Mkaika): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Mr Peter Phiri: Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to raise an Urgent Matter without Notice. The matter is directed to Her Honour the Vice-President.

Madam Speaker, in Lumezi, people will be voting on Thursday, that is, the day after tomorrow. The ballot papers arrived, but there is an anomaly on them. One candidate’s name is appearing without a sir name. I want to ask Madam Vice-President whether the election can continue with this anomaly. If this anomaly is not attended to, it can bring violence amongst members of the political parties participating in the election.

Madam Speaker, I need your serious indulgence on the matter.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much. Hon. Member for Mkaika, as you have said, the elections are happening on 26^th June, 2025, which is about two days from now. I believe that the ballot papers must have been verified and delivered. I believe that business is attended to by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). So, that issue should have been raised with the ECZ. Hon. Member for Mkaika, even if you raise it on the Floor of the House, and in the event that it is admitted, Her Honour the Vice-President will only come to respond after forty-eight hours, well after the elections have been held. So, you would not have sorted out the problem. Advise the people on the ground to get in touch with the ECZ to see how that situation can be addressed, rather than waiting to raise it on the Floor of the House because you are not trying to solve the problem. So, the matter is not admitted, as it does not qualify to be an Urgent Matter without Notice.

MR J. CHIBUYE, HON. MEMBER FOR ROAN, ON THE VICE-PRESIDENT, MRS NALUMANGO, ON COMMODITY PRICES NOT BEING REDUCED DESPITE THE KWACHA APPRECIATING

Mr Chibuye (Roan): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Mr J. Chibuye: Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to raise an Urgent Matter without Notice, and it is directed to Her Honour the Vice-President.

Your Honour the Vice-President, greetings.

Madam Speaker, the United States (US) Dollar has been kicked to a corner by the Kwacha, meaning that the Kwacha is now trading well. However, we have continued seeing the prices of commodities still not reducing. I am alive to the fact that we do not have any price control mechanisms in the country, but what is the Government doing to ensure that the people out there, the people in Roan Constituency, start benefiting from the appreciation of the Kwacha? What happens when the Kwacha depreciates? There and then, prices skyrocket. What is the position of the Government on that score?

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much, hon. Member for Roan. While we all appreciate the appreciation of the Kwacha, I believe that the matter does not qualify to be raised as an Urgent Matter without Notice. I am sure, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning is observing the situation. I am sure that at an appropriate time, he will come and brief the House, and through the House the Nation, on how the economy is fairing and what impact is expected from the strengthening of the Kwacha. So, I believe that we can give the hon. Minister some time to observe the situation and see where we are going. At the appropriate time, when he is ready, he can come and brief us. Thank you very much for raising that issue.

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MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

JOINT MINISTERIAL STATEMENT ON THE ILLEGAL MINING ACTIVITIES IN MUFUMBWE DISTRICT AND VARIOUS PARTS OF THE COUNTRY

The Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr Kabuswe): Madam Speaker, this is a joint Ministerial Statement with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security on the illegal mining activities in Mufumbwe District and various parts of the country.

Madam Speaker, thank you for granting me this opportunity to issue a joint Ministerial Statement in response to an Urgent Matter without Notice raised by the Member of Parliament for Mufumbwe Constituency, Hon. Eliot Kamondo, regarding illegal mining activities in Mufumbwe and other parts of the country, which have tragically resulted in the loss of lives and injuries.

Madam Speaker, I stand before this august House deeply saddened by the recent incidences of fatalities and injuries associated with illegal mining activities, particularly in Mufumbwe District. We, as the Government, extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish those injured a quick recovery.

Madam Speaker, Mufumbwe District, particularly in areas like Kikonge, has in the recent past witnessed an upsurge in illegal mining activities primarily in search of gold. Similar activities have also been reported in other parts of the country, such as Kasempa, Kasenseli, Mumbwa, Rufunsa, Chitambo and some parts of the Eastern Province. The illegal operations, which are often carried out without any regard for safety standards, environmental protection or the law, have contributed to mine collapses and other unsafe conditions, leading to injuries and loss of lives. As the Government, we are gravely concerned by those developments, which not only endanger lives but also undermine the integrity of the mining sector and national security.

Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House and the nation at large of the incidences that occurred in Mufumbwe. The brief facts are that on 24^th May, 2025, a discovery of gold was made by individuals who had been prospecting in Kikonge area of Mufumbwe District. News of the discovery resulted in thousands of individuals converging on the site and engaging in illegal mining activities. On 28^th May, 2025, the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development received a report on the alleged illegal gold mining activities, and dispatched a team of officers to the site on 29^th May, 2025. That was done to confirm the illegal mining activities as well as ascertain whether there was an existing licence on the said area. It was confirmed that, indeed, illegal mining activities were taking place and that the area under which the illegal mining activities were taking place was not licenced. However, there was a pending application for a large-scale exploration licence. Following confirmation of the illegal mining activities, police officers were deployed to rid the place of the illegal miners and safeguard the site.

Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that on Sunday, 15^th June, 2025, between 0730 hours and 1300 hours, police officers from the School of Public Order Maintenance conducted an operation to clear out all the illegal miners from Kikonge area. During the operation, some illegal miners reacted violently by pelting the police officers with stones and other objects, resulting in injuries to seven officers. Three of the officers sustained serious injuries while the other four sustained minor injuries. Six of the officers were attended to at Mukinge Mission Hospital, while the one who suffered head injuries was referred to Solwezi General Hospital for specialist treatment.

Madam Speaker, I wish to draw the attention of the House to the fact that after the illegal miners had been successfully driven away from the area and calm had returned, some returned using hidden bush routes and resumed the mining activities. On Tuesday, 17^th June, 2025, around 0700 hours, the Zambia Police Service received a report that illegal miners had been buried alive after a tunnel collapsed in Kikonge area of Mufumbwe District. Acting on the report, the police moved to the site and retrieved two bodies by 1000 hours and another three bodies by 1745 hours. The police retrieved three additional bodies on Wednesday, 18^th June, 2025, bringing the total to eight. Four of the deceased have been identified. The remaining four bodies have not yet been identified. All the bodies have been deposited in the Mufumbwe District Hospital mortuary awaiting post-mortem.

Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that mining activities at the site were being undertaken in an uncoordinated manner; without using appropriate mining methods. For example, trench pits were excavated without benches, and within the trench pits, horizontal tunnels were made to follow the vein of gold. In addition, the miners dug dangerously weak tunnels under loose ground. That posed a risk of earth collapse since there was neither benching in the pits nor support in those tunnels to withstand the stress. Further, there was a huge number of people on top of the tunnels, which could have contributed to the ground curving and, subsequent, loss of lives. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing to ascertain if there are any more missing persons.

Madam Speaker, the Government wishes to re-assure the nation that it has taken decisive steps to restore law and order, safeguard lives and secure the country's mineral resources. Therefore, to prevent further loss of lives and to secure the site, we have implemented the following measures:

heightened security by deploying more police officers to Kikonge area to help maintain law and order. Further, the police has been directed to remove the miners from the site, and they have since been removed;

impounded one excavator, six tipper trucks and several light vehicles used in the illegal operations;

enhanced intelligence gathering; and

constituted a team comprising the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), National Anti-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Zambia Police Service and Department of Immigration to flush out foreigners involved in illegal mining, through the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security.

Madam Speaker, to ensure that we get rid of illegal mining activities across the country, the Government, through a multisectoral approach under the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, is accelerating implementation of various interventions, which include the following:

Deployment of Security Personnel to all Areas Infiltrated by Illegal Mining Activities.

Madam Speaker, the ministry, in collaboration with other line ministries, which include the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security and the Ministry of Defence, is working on a national programme to deploy defence and security personnel to curb illegal mining activities of gold and other mineral commodities across various parts of the country where illegal mining is taking place. The areas include Rufunsa, Kasempa, Mufumbwe, Mpika, Mumbwa, Lusangazi, Chisamba, Chibombo, Luano, Lumezi, Chadiza and Vubwi.

Formalisation of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners

Madam Speaker, the Government has heightened the formalisation of artisanal and small-scale miners, including the issuance of mining licences to local communities through the formation of mining co-operatives. This intervention is also aimed at increasing the participation of Zambians in the mineral value chain. The ministry is also providing capacity building programmes in basic mining methods, occupational safety and health as well as environmental protection to promote responsible mining practices.

Licensing

Madam Speaker, to increase participation of local people in the mining value chain, the Government, through the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, has simplified the licencing system to enable local people to access mining and non-mining licences in an efficient and effective manner. To that effect, an online licencing process has been put in place to allow Zambians to apply and be granted licences without necessarily lining up at the Cadastre Mining Department, thereby, reducing the cost associated with getting mining licences.

Geological Mapping and Mineral Exploration

Madam Speaker, to ensure that mining activities are undertaken in a sustainable and proper manner, the Government is carrying out geological mapping and mineral exploration to update geological information. Availability of this information will promote sustainable mining practices.

Establishment of Gold Marketing Centres

Madam Speaker, to support the formalisation of artisanal and small-scale miners, the Government is constructing two gold marketing centres in areas with significant gold deposits, starting with Mumbwa in Central Province and Rufunsa in Lusaka Province. The centres are meant to provide an available market for mineral commodities produced by artisanal miners at a competitive price. Thus, protecting miners from being exploited by unscrupulous buyers. The initiative will also be rolled out to other parts of the country where other mineral commodities are being exploited.

Implementation of a Multisectoral Approach in Curbing Illegal Mining Activities

Madam Speaker, the ministry is implementing a multisectoral approach in enforcing various measures aimed at curbing illegal mining with institutions such as the Zambia Police Service, and the Department of Immigration as well as investigative wings such as the Office of the President (OP) at national and sub-national levels in various parts of the country where illegal mining and trading activities are taking place.

Heightened Sensitisation on Illegal Mining Activities

Madam Speaker, the ministry has heightened sensitisation on the dangers as well as the repercussions of undertaking illegal mining activities. The sensitisation campaign stresses the need for formalisation of illegal mining operations and the negative consequences of illegal mining activities to the perpetrators and the country at large.

Establishment of the Minerals Protective Unit

Madam Speaker, the Government, under the Minerals Regulation Commission, plans to establish a Minerals Protective Unit to be stationed in various parts of the country. The unit will work closely with the Joint Operations Committees (JOCs) at national, provincial and district levels to among others, ensure harmonisation of operations and curb illegal mining activities.

Institutional and Legislative Reforms

Madam Speaker, the ministry is currently being restructured aimed at enhancing the performance of the mining sector. The Minerals Regulation Commission Act, No.14 of 2024, which will usher in the Minerals Regulation Commission, will play a pivotal role in enhancing the fight against illegal mining and trading activities given its mandate on regulating the mining sector. Further, the Geological and Minerals Development Act No. 2 of 2025, will establish the Directorate of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners, which is expected to be devoted to addressing issues of artisanal and small-scale miners, including curbing illegal mining activities.

Madam Speaker, we have taken note that most illegal miners are foreigners. The Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security is currently reviewing the Immigration and Deportation Act No. 18 of 2010, to align it with the National Immigration Policy. I, therefore, call upon the august House to support the enactment of the Bill into law when it is presented before Parliament. The Bill is progressive and will enhance immigration management.

Heightened Sensitisation on Illegal Mining Activities

Madam Speaker, the ministry has heightened sensitisation on the dangers as well as the repercussions of undertaking illegal mining activities. The sensitisation campaigns stress the need for the formalisation of illegal mining operations.

Madam Speaker, I wish to use this platform to appeal to members of the public, traditional leaders, civil society and all citizens to discourage communities from participating in illegal mining activities, report illegal mining activities and financiers of such operations to law enforcement agencies, support formalisation efforts for informal (illegal) artisanal and small-scale miners in their respective constituencies.

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, I wish to reiterate to the House that the New Dawn Administration under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema is committed to protecting the lives of its citizens, ensuring responsible exploitation of mineral resources and maintaining peace and security in the country. We reassure the nation, through this august House, that when the measures are fully implemented, the situation will be brought to normalcy.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the Ministerial Statement presented by the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development.

Mr Charles Mulenga (Kwacha): Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to ask the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development a question.

Madam Speaker, the incident of deaths of illegal miners is regrettable. We have continued having mine accidents involving illegal miners in the country. If strict measures are not instituted, we shall continue to lose our youths in large numbers.

Madam Speaker, if an area is identified as having mineral deposits, does the ministry first send officers to assess the best mining practices that can be used in that particular area? What exactly happens once it is suspected that there are minerals in an area?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, if the hon. Member was following my statement correctly, I mentioned this matter in the statement. When there is an occurrence or suspected occurrence of any mineral or a gold rush, the first thing we do is send officers to assess what exactly is happening. Of course, as I said in the statement, the next thing is to ascertain whether that place is licensed or not. So, those are the steps that we take. If the place is licensed, then we go after the owner of the license. If it is not, then we restrict the area and deploy police officers to the area to regularise operations.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kamondo (Mufumbwe): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for coming to the House to update the Zambians and the people of Mufumbwe in particular.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister talked about the formalisation of mining rights, most of which is done online. When will he take a trip to Mufumbwe to sensitise the people of Mufumbwe and take them through the formalisation processes? This issue is like the story of a rat and groundnuts. It is true that traces of gold are all over. We will continue having them. They are like an outbreak. It is confirmed that there is a presence of gold deposits in Mufumbwe. The people need to be sensitised. Most of them do not know how to get artisanal licences. They need to formalise the processes and start benefiting from the God-given mineral.

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, the first point of contact for our people are their representatives, like hon. Members of Parliament. The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has limited presence countrywide. That is why we pushed for the regulator to be in place. That is where we will deposit capacity to check the activities happening countrywide. As I am speaking, the Permanent Secretary (PS) and team are in Muchinga Province for the same programme. From Muchinga, they will go to the Northern Province, then the hon. Member’s area. As the hon. Member said, illegal gold mining activities are everywhere like an outbreak. On several occasions, I have stated on the Floor of the House that we are facing this challenge because we were not mapping or surveying the country to understand what we sit on.

Madam Speaker, let me repeat what I said. The discoveries that are happening are not planned. They are abrupt discoveries. Somebody could be making a charcoal – What is it called? Mulusa, what do you call it in your language – Ichibili, the oven for making charcoal. As someone is digging, he or she discovers something. In far-flung areas, nobody knew about Kikonge until this discovery happened. It is because, as a nation, we have concentrated on Lusaka without mapping or surveying the rest of the country. The Government has made a decision to now undertake a very expensive exercise that will cost US$90 million, but it will be money well spent. We will now be able to know where our mineral resources are located. It will be easy to plan for the whole country and sensitise people. The Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development is moving around the country with a team carrying out the sensitisation that the hon. Member has asked about. However, like I said, the first point of contact for people is us, hon. Members of Parliament. If some mineral is discovered in Chililabombwe Constituency, for instance, people can quickly come to me so that I guide them on the next steps to take. I will tell them what to do and even take them to the ministry. Some hon. Members of Parliament are already doing that. They come to my office on behalf of their constituents and we help them.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mwila (Mufulira): Madam Speaker, thank you very much.

Madam Speaker, the world is watching Zambia and wondering why we have high indebtedness and high poverty levels, yet we have all sorts of minerals. As the hon. Minister has confessed here, some minerals are just being discovered by accident, yet we continue living in a country with very high poverty levels. The reason there is the so-called illegal mining is because the Government does not show leadership when minerals are discovered.

Madam Speaker, I am aware that we have a company in this country called the Zambia Gold Company Limited. The purpose of that company is to take leadership in situations where gold discoveries are made. Why is the Government not taking leadership to ensure that the Zambia Gold Company Limited achieves the purpose for which it was created so that we curtail illegal gold mining? The country is losing public revenue due to illegal mining. Why is the Government not moving in quickly to formalise gold mining so that we do not keep on losing money?

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

Madam Speaker, I do not know how much I will belabour the same point. I hope I am doing it for the last time. If the hon. Member has mango trees at his home, but he does not go out to pluck the mangoes, he cannot eat them. That is how the previous administration was running the affairs of this country. It was sitting on wealth while doing nothing about it. We have come –

Interruptions

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, I want to explain to my hon. Colleagues why we say we have wealth, yet we are still in debt and impoverished. We will take four years to map the country for minerals. The mapping alone takes two years and then there is the science of mining. There can be minerals in the ground, but if they are not mined out, the wealth will not be realised. So, we have to mine the minerals out, but before doing that, mapping has to be carried out. We have to conduct geological surveys as well as drilling. Hon. Members in here who have been involved in mining can attest to the fact that it takes a long time to drill one mine. For example, if it was not for the policies that we have put in place in Zambia today, to carrying out a mining project like Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) would take us fifteen years. Fifteen years is the turnaround time for one mine. So, if the mapping that we are carrying out now was not done, no one would discover the minerals until somebody goes out to dig them up like they are digging kandolo. So, hon. Members will see how the mapping being done by this Administration will change the game. We will now be able to open proper mines.

Madam Speaker, what is happening now is that people are discovering minerals right in their backwards. I have flown to Mufumbwe to check on the situation. Just flying into Kikonge area in Mufumbwe District by helicopter takes two hours, but the place is within Zambia. Who would know that there is gold in Kikonge if mapping was not done? No one would know until the gold is discovered by accident. So, when minerals are discovered, the Government is not sitting idly. We have moved in to make sure that we control and formalise the mining activities. I have just told the House that the PS in the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development is in Muchinga Province. We are trying to look into the formalisation gold mining. It will interest hon. Members to know – Hon. Colleagues should, please, follow the news. The Zambia Gold Company Limited was appointed as an aggregator by this Administration. The company is carrying out gold aggregation in Mufumbwe, while we are constructing marketing centres. The construction of a marketing centre does not happen in one night. It requires time. So, the things that are happening now will take time and we have to be methodical about it. It is similar to planting a crop, weeding out the unwanted plants, until the crop is ready. So, the Government is doing its work to make sure that we get the wealth that belongs to this country, but in a systematic manner.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Minister, at one point, you said, “Digging kandolo”.What does that mean?

Mr Kabuswe: Digging kandolo, Madam Speaker, means digging sweet potatoes.

I thank you, Madam.

Laughter

Mr Chinkuli (Kanyama): Thank you, Madam Speaker, for allowing me to ask a question on behalf of the people of Kanyama. I also thank the hon. Minister for the statement.

Madam Speaker, it saddens me to hear about accidents happening year in and year out. I am also affected because as we are speaking, some of my children are in the areas mentioned. So, it is, indeed, sad.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has answered part of my question. I wanted to know when the mapping procedure will be concluded and he said it will actually take a long time. Now, looking at the deaths that are occurring every year, what is it that we are going to do in the interim to stop that? Some measures have been taken before, but deaths keep on occurring. So, what are we are going to do to prevent such deaths in future?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, what needs to be done is what I explained in the statement, such as deploying security personnel. In the past, we did not have a cluster of security wings charged with dealing with illegal mining in Zambia. We have now formed the first one. There was no task force because we did not have a minerals regulator in place. Parliament has now approved the creation of a regulator. So, we will now have a regulator in place. We did not have a department to specifically deal with artisanal miners, but through the Geological and Minerals Development Act of 2024, we are going to have that in place. So, all the measures have to be put in place first. The appointment of a director for the regulator dealing with artisanal mining has to be made first. The next step is that the security cluster that we are forming will soon be presented to Cabinet for approval. It will be the first of its kind. So, those are the practical measures we are putting in place to ensure that deaths in mining areas do not occur.

Madam Speaker, allow me to use the Floor of this House to state that illegal mining is a problem that has been there for a very long time. It is not a problem that started under the reign of the New Dawn Government. What we are doing is to put in place measures that will deal with that historical problem. However, just because we have put a task force in place does not mean there will no longer be criminals. Criminals will always be there even with the police around, but the police help deter criminality. Illegal mining is a criminal offence. So, we are trying to use two fronts to deal with the situation. One is to dangle a carrot by formalising artisanal mining. The other one is to chase the chicken by putting police clusters in place.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Katakwe (Solwezi East): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for his responses. My concern is on the health aspect because not too long ago, we had thousands of Tanzanians, as part of the illegal miners in Solwezi East in Mushindamo. I visited the area and even wrote a report, which I also sent to the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development. How do we have foreigners coming in thousands, rushing for gold? Yet we have officers from the Immigration Department at certain police checkpoints. What are we really doing? The hon. Minister has talked about coming up with reforms, but how do we have many foreigners bypassing all the security checkpoints, especially that we are talking about terrorist activities? How do we have many foreigners coming at a go and bypassing all the security checkpoints? We only see them when they are at such places, as illegal miners.

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, I wish I were competent to answer on behalf of the Immigration Department as to why we have so many foreigners coming for the gold rush. Our role, as a ministry, is to control illegal mining. If foreigners are found wanting around those areas, that is our role. Suffice it to say that the statement alluded to the fact that the security cluster that we have made will include officers from the Immigration Department. So, it will be dealing with such matters. If I am not mistaken, two or three days ago, the Immigration Department moved into those areas in Mufumbwe and arrested foreigners I am sure that the hon. Member knows that many foreigners were arrested around those illegal mining areas. So, really, something is being done; people are getting arrested. I think, that cluster will deal with the matter of illegal foreign miners coming into the country.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mubika (Shangombo): Madam Speaker, I want to know from the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, whether among the injured or dead, there are locals from Mufumbwe District or we have people from outside the district.

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, permit me to go back to my response because I read out the numbers. Suffice it to say that certain –

Mr Kabuswe perused the paper.

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, I just want to make sure that I quote the numbers correctly. The police retrieved two bodies by 1000 hours, and another three bodies at 1745 hours. The total number of bodies is eight. Four of the deceased have been identified. The remaining four have not been identified. So, you can see that the people come from various areas; some could even be foreigners. Those identified come from even as far as this place, Lusaka. So, those are the statistics.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Tayengwa (Kabwata): Madam Speaker, the issue of the gold rush is actually becoming more infectious, like bacteria. Today, we are hearing of Mufumbwe. Another day, we will hear of Kasempa, Kanyelele in Mpika or Solwezi. It is actually like an outbreak. I totally agree with the hon. Minister when he says that most of the people involved in illegal mining are foreigners. Today, the hon. Minister has mentioned the Bill on immigration that is supposed to be introduced in this House. I believe that that Bill should address the issue of border guards. I want to know if the hon. Minister can clarify and give a timeframe on the Bill. When exactly are we going to see the Bill on immigration come to the House?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, yes, indeed, the Bill is coming. Except, it is supposed to be brought by my colleague, the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security. We are treating this as a matter of urgency. The Bill has to come now so that we give more power to the Immigration Department to enable it to help us remove foreigners from the gold sites.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister was saying that the issue of illegal mining is not a new thing; it is an old phenomenon. Last year, the President, His Excellency HH (Hakainde Hichilema), put measures in place to save the country. Despite the drought that hit the country, we saw the Defence Forces seriously engaging in maize production. The Zambia National Service (ZNS) and the Zambia Correctional Service played a very big role in saving the country from great hunger.

Madam Speaker, this gold, if it is the gold that we hear about, with the value that we hear about, I do not know, is this the same gold that we read about in books of geology, that others have taken advantage of gold to uplift the livelihoods of the people in their countries? Is this the same gold?

Madam Speaker, we are human beings, just like the human beings in the countries where there is the much-talked-about gold. My question is: Will there be a time in the life of this country, when we shall massively take advantage of the gold so that riches do not go to individuals but the masses, through the intervention of the Government of the Republic of Zambia? Will that not really relieve or take charge and forget about these accidents which are taking place, robbing us of the youths we are supposed to save.

Madam Speaker, if the question is not very clear, I can redo it to make it the way I want.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: I am sure that the question is clear. We do not have much time.

Hon. Minister, I am sure that the question is clear.

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

Madam Speaker, I know that it sounds like the hon. Member is preaching or joking, but I do appreciate his frustration. When Governments go to sleep, people find themselves in such issues. However, this Government is very alive. I share the fact that we cannot have so much wealth and be this poor. I think, that is the frustration in his spirit. When Governments sleep, people find themselves in such issues. However, this Government is very alive. I share in the fact that we cannot have so much wealth, but be this poor. I think that is the frustration in the hon. Member’s spirit. We thank God for the current leadership of President HH (Hakainde Hichilema). I want to repeat my point that mapping Zambia is one of the greatest decisions ever made by President HH. I would also like to thank Hon. Dr Musokotwane for the finances that are flowing towards the mapping exercise.

Mr Muchima: Hear, hear!

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, for the first time, we even suspect that we have minerals in areas we thought could not have like the Western Province because of the sand. All things being equal, indicators in the preliminary results are good. So, the answer to the hon. Member’s frustration is having the right leadership, because everything hinges on leaders who make the right decisions. Our colleagues in the Middle East have leadership. They have leaders who are bold enough to make decisions to do certain things. So, this is now the leadership that we have. It has taken us, as a nation, more than fifty years to make a decision to map the country in order to understand the wealth we are sitting on. So, I appreciate the hon. Member’s frustration. It is the same gold that has changed many countries. The jewellery we see is made of the same gold. It has been happening, except this Government has exposed it. If one listens to the history of Kasenseli Mine – The hon. Member for Mwinilunga will attest to the fact that the mine was hidden. Only selected people and leaders were ransacking it. This Government has opened Kasenseli Mine and it is now operating properly. That is what we should be doing rather than allowing the country to run on autopilot, whereby, people discover things, and the Government does nothing about it.

Madam Speaker, I want to assure the hon. Member that with his support for President Hakainde Hichilema, this Government will eventually get it right. We are determined to get this right. We have put systems in place that will help us use gold, lithium and copper to benefit this country.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: The hon. Member for Mwinilunga has been very quiet. Are the pineapples out of season?

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Now, you are enjoying the gold.

Mr Chala (Chipili): Madam Speaker, I had a similar question, but I have changed my mind because my hon. Colleague has already asked it. However, I want to know if the Government can find a way of entrusting the Zambia National Service (ZNS) to buy simple separators so that it starts processing gold to make some good money.

Madam Speaker, my question is on the people who are involved in illegal mining. I do not know whether they have lost confidence in our security personnel who have been sent to those areas. I am asking this question because of what had happened in Luapula Province, where sugilite was discovered but despite having sent police officers and military personnel, sugilite was depleted. Who depleted it? How did it deplete? So, people are worried that even after sending the security personnel there, they will be told that gold deposits have depleted. So, could it be fear that is making the people say that they should just do it themselves?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, I would not say that 100 per cent of the people who are sent to man those places are honest. Some could be cantankerous in the process, but I think the general thing is to man the areas and also formalise the operations. At present, we have already procured gold washing plants for certain miners in Central Province. We are supporting and formalising the operations of the artisanal miners who are mining gold. The issue, like I said in the speech, is that we have to deal with foreigners because they are the ones who are encouraging illegalities by being the buyers of choice. So, we need to deal with that. That is why we want the immigration law so that it deals with that aspect.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: We have run out of time.

Hon. Member for Mufumbwe, did you want to ask another question?

Mr Kamondo: Yes, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Alright, you will be the last one.

Mr Kamondo: Madam Speaker, like I said earlier, the people of Mufumbwe are law-abiding citizens. The first time the minerals were discovered and the police officers were sent, the people decided to move on their own so that they could be allowed to formalise the processes. The hon. Minister talked about the centres that have been established where people will be selling their gold. He mentioned one in, Rufunsa and another one in Mumbwa. The centres were established at a time when there were no such discoveries or outbreaks of the gold rush. Now, we have Kasenseli, Kasempa and Mufumbwe, and people are still discovering minerals those areas. I want to know whether this Government also intends to establish another off-taker in the areas I have mentioned so that when the people formalise their processes, they can have artisanal licences, which the hon. Minister has urged hon. Members to initiate. We are ready to do that for our people so that we can manage the processes, avoid many people dying and create more employment. Are we going to have one centre in Solwezi?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member should realise that the gold marketing centres are actually being constructed at present. The aggregator is already on site. It is a roll-out programme. We had to pilot the programme in Mumbwa and Rufunsa areas. Of course, it requires substantial amounts of money, but it will be rolled-out across the country, including areas like Mufumbwe. So, we will be going to those areas as we roll-out the programme.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: There is a lot of interest from the hon. Members. Hon. Members, you can continue engaging the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development if you still have any points of clarification. We have run out of time.

_______

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MADAM SPEAKER

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM NAMBE DAY SECONDARY SCHOOL

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of pupils and teachers from Nambe Day Secondary School of Kabwe District.

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

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

_______

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

WATER SUPPLY INFRASTRUCTURE IN KANCHIBIYA DISTRICT

346. Mr Chinkuli (Kanyama) (on behalf of Mr Chanda (Kanchibiya)) asked the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation:

when the Government will construct water supply infrastructure in Chalabesa, the central business district (CBD) of Kanchibiya District;

whether the infrastructure will take into account demands for water in the foreseeable future, as the population is growing;

whether the Government has any plans to supply piped water to the following areas of the district:

Luchembe;

Kasongo; and

Munkunta; and

if so, when the plans will be implemented.

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Sialubalo) (on behalf of the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation (Eng. Nzovu)): Madam Speaker, the Government will construct water supply infrastructure in Chalabesa, the central business district (CBD) of Kanchibiya Parliamentary Constituency, in 2025. Preliminary studies have already been undertaken to identify suitable sites and determine the water demands for the area.

Madam Speaker, the planned infrastructure will take into account future water demand projections in light of the growing population. This is being guided by the approved Local Government town plans, which include provisions for the location of the water treatment plant and related infrastructure.

Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to extend piped water and improve sanitation services in the areas of Luchembe, Kasongo, and Munkunta in Kanchibiya District. The interventions include upgrading five boreholes into small piped water schemes and rehabilitating twenty boreholes with hand pumps. A contract for these works is expected to be signed within this year.

Madam Speaker, the plans will be implemented this year under the 2025 Budget.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, can you tone down.

Mr Chinkuli (Kanyama): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for his response.

Madam Speaker, the main concern is whether the Government will consider the growing rural population. As you may be aware, the more the population grows, the greater the demand for whatever is required. Otherwise, the answer was very clear and satisfactory.

Madam Speaker: That was a commendation.

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, I would like to join others in sending my condolences to the family of the Sixth President and the family of our former Clerk.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister talked about boreholes and the like. Chalabesa is a central business district (CBD) for the newly created Kanchibiya District. The water ratification system there is something else. I do not know if the initiatives that the hon. Minister talked about will include piped water because I heard him talk about hand pumps. I seek clarification on whether what will be provided will be piped water befitting a CBD, as it may be.

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, in my response, I indicated that the Government will construct water supply infrastructure in Chalabesa, the CBD of Kanchibiya Parliamentary Constituency. I went on to say that there will be some schemes where the CBD will be considered. We are putting up water schemes, which will benefit other surrounding areas, and we will rehabilitate the boreholes. So, in the CBD, there will be piped water.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mutelo (Mitete): Madam Speaker, thank you so much. It is a request to raise a point of order.

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mutelo: Madam Speaker, though belated, thank you so much.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development called the people who discover precious stones as discoverers, those who go about their daily routine, such as farming, then in the process, discover precious stones, like he has indicated. Then, when it is known, the foreigners learn from those who discover the precious stones. What pains me is the hon. Minister calling those discoverers or the owners illegal miners. Whatever we are eating was at one point discovered, be it mango, shombo, which is cassava leaves, and mawawa. People had to discover all these things. So, why is the hon. Minister calling those who are discovering gold, the owners, the Zambians, as illegal miners? That was the question that I should have asked him. People discover minerals as they are farming, then foreigners follow what they discovered, and today we call those discoveries illegal. How? Was the hon. Minister in order to call the discoveries illegal? If it were somewhere, such a person would be called an explorer. It would even be documented as being found by that particular person.

Madam Speaker, I seek your ruling.

Madam Speaker: That point of order, does not qualify to be raised as a point of order. First of all, the hon. Member has not cited any breach that has occurred. He was trying to ask a question.

As I indicated earlier, hon. Member for Mitete, please, engage the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development. He will advise that minerals belong to the State. So, if you discover minerals and start benefiting from them, you will be doing something illegal because they are protected. It is like you discovering an elephant in the forest, then you decide to slaughter it. You will be doing something illegal. Just remember that precious stones are like elephants in the world. Please, do not touch.

We make progress.

REHABILITATION OF THE OLD CHILENJE LIBRARY IN KABWATA CONSTITUENCY

347. Mr Tayengwa (Kabwata) asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development:

whether the Government has any plans to rehabilitate the Old Chilenje Library in Kabwata Parliamentary Constituency;

if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

if there are no such plans, why?

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to rehabilitate the old Chilenje Library in Kabwata Constituency through the Lusaka City Council (LCC).

Madam Speaker, the library will be rehabilitated in August, 2025 and the procurement process for rehabilitation works has already commenced.

Madam Speaker, due to my responses above, part (c) of the question falls off.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Tayengwa: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the response he has given to the House.

Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is helping a lot of communities. My question is on the issue of the same library. Lusaka has a lot of council properties that are dilapidated just like the Chilenje Library. If the hon. Minister went to Chilenje Library, he would find that there are hundreds of people using it despite the state it is in.

Madam Speaker, does the ministry have any plans of rehabilitating various infrastructure dotted around the capital city and around the country using the Constitutional Development Fund (CDF)? Does the ministry have plans of visiting that infrastructure so that it can appreciate the state of such properties?

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my dear colleague, Hon. Tayengwa, for the follow up question.

Madam Speaker, I am delighted to note that the hon. Member of Parliament is concerned with the state of council property in Lusaka. I really value his suggestion that there is a need for my ministry to make visitation and assess the state of such assets. The hon. Member will be informed when that can be done so that he can be part and parcel of the inspection team.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr J. Chibuye (Roan): Madam Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity.

Madam Speaker, when the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development and I were young, we used to go to the library to find literature. Sometimes, we would be on the waiting list just to get the type of books that we wanted to read, such as the Abbott textbook.

Madam Speaker, as the ministry is waiting to rehabilitate the Chilenje Library, time is moving. Is the hon. Minister telling the people of Chilenje that the ministry is also going to equip the library with modern equipment, such as internet and computers, which will make the library meaningful, unlike equipping it with a lot of books? As the hon. Minister is aware, we are moving towards paperless interactions.

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

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I grow up in the village, where there was no library. So, him saying, “You and I”, does not apply because only he had access to such facilities.

Madam Speaker, I would like to state that we definitely have to put whatever is required in the library. The ministry has to make sure that it considers everything that is required because, at the moment, rehabilitation is underway and the budget estimate is about K250,000. After the rehabilitation, of course, we shall talk to our dear hon. Colleague, the area Member of Parliament, about whatever is required. He is controlling a lot of money under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). So, whatever the council will put in will be added to the allocation from the CDF. When that happens, the library will definitely be more attractive to users.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Tayengwa: Madam Speaker, my last question has been overtaken by events. The hon. Member of Parliament for Roan has already asked it and the hon. Minister has answered.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

PROCUREMENT OF A NEW BOAT FOR THE POLICE IN CHILUBI

348. Mr Fube asked the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security:

whether the Government has any plans to procure a new boat for the police in Chilubi District;

if so, when the boat will be procured;

what the estimated cost of the boat is; and

if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Defence (Mr Lufuma) (on behalf of the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security (Mr Mwiimbu, SC.)): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Government has plans to procure an additional boat for the Zambia Police Service in Chilubi District.

Madam Speaker, the boat will be procured when funds are made available.

Madam Speaker, the estimated cost for the procurement of a Pelican 26 fibre boat, which is suitable for that area, is K870,847. That type of boat has sufficient horsepower to navigate through swampy areas, like some parts of Chilubi District.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister said that the boat will only be procured once funds are available, which to me is indefinite.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister may wish to know that Chilubi has twenty-four wards, but we only have presence of the police in Katamba Ward, Bulilo Ward and Mpasha Ward. Mpasha Ward is where the Boma is and is the central command for the police in the constituency.

Madam Speaker, the police in Katamba Ward are ill-equipped, although they are currently using the vehicle procured with the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which usually does not even have fuel. Sometimes, the police in Bulilo Ward, who service about eight more wards, use a borrowed motorcycle. That means that the main command is Mpasha Ward.

Madam Speaker, as the hon. Minister has mentioned, for the police command to go to the swamps, for instance, it has to cover a distance of more than 300 km cutting across Lake Bangweulu. Currently, the police do not have machinery. So, when the hon. Minister says, “When funds are available” for what is considered an emergency, when is that period going to be because crime is growing every now and then?

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, I thank Hon. Fube for that follow-up question.

Madam Speaker, I seriously understand the hon. Member’s frustration and the frustrations of our police officers in that area, because they cover such a huge area without the necessary equipment. Therefore, when I say, ‘as soon as funds are available,’ I take note of the challenge. As the Government, we will endeavour to ensure that the boat is budgeted for and procured as soon as possible. The budget for this year is already done, so the earliest the procurement of the boat can happen is next year, using next year’s Budget; certainly not this year.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member mentioned the cost. I would like to think that is attached to the details and description of the boat. The people of Chilubi would be interested to know whether the boat that will be procured will have a short shaft, long shaft, and description of the horsepower; is it 110 hp or 250 hp? For the ministry to capture the price, it means that it has a proper description of the boat to be procured. The people of Chilubi are interested in knowing the description of the boat so that they can clarify if it is suitable for areas like swamps.

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, I thank Hon. Fube for the question.

Madam Speaker, I am afraid I do not have the detailed specifications. I think, the hon. Member understands why I do not have the fine details. Nevertheless, in my answer to part (c) of the response, I mentioned specifically that it would be a Pelican 26 fibre board, which is suitable for that area. So, it means that there is history to this type of boat. Chilubi Island has had this type of boat and the boats have performed. So, we are going to procure the same type of boat for the police. As to the specifications, I cannot say, but I would like to assure the hon. Member of Parliament for Chilubi that the boat will be suitable for his area.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

MINERAL DEPOSITS IN PEMBA DISTRICT

349. Mr Hamwaata (Pemba) asked the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development:

whether there are any mineral deposits in Pemba District;

if so, what type of mineral deposits there are; and

when mining activities will commence.

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, yes, there are minerals in Pemba District.

Madam Speaker, the minerals found in Pemba are granite, sand and clay.

Madam Speaker, apart from those minerals, there are mineral occurrences or indications of coal, limestone, copper, dolomite, feldspar, fluorine, fluorite, quartz, aquamarine, lead, nickel, tantalum, tin, amethyst, garnet and iron. As such, the Government, through the ministry, is currently undertaking a countrywide high-resolution aerial geophysical survey to ascertain the extent to which minerals occur, and Pemba District will be covered.

Madam Speaker, mining activities for industrial minerals, such as granite, sand and clay are already taking place in Pemba. It is worth noting that exploitation of industrial minerals is mainly being undertaken by artisanal and small-scale miners.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Hamwaata: Madam Speaker, who are the artisanal miners carrying out mining activities in Pemba?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, I do not have the details of the licensed artisanal miners carrying out those activities in Pemba. If I am asked to bring the details, I can gladly do it. Or I can give that information to the hon. Member outside the House.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Hamwaata: Madam Speaker, among the minerals that the hon. Minister has just mentioned, which minerals are being mined by artisanal miners?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, it is usually granite, sand and clay.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mutinta (Itezhi-Tezhi): Madam Speaker, earlier on, the hon. Minister mentioned that the ministry would undertake a national geological survey, which would allow all of us to understand areas where there are minerals. What is the basis of the information that he has given us? Was there a study conducted previously? I ask because the questions that the hon. Member for Pemba is asking are the same questions I have for Itezhi-Tezhi. So, what is the basis of that information?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, the basis is the information that we have at the ministry. Mining sand is done almost everywhere. Probably, it is called ‘digging sand,’ but it is mining. When you see people getting sand, they are mining. When you see people getting granite, they are mining. Usually, granite, sand and clay are mined using picks and shovels. That is artisanal mining.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: When you said that minerals include sand and clay, I was wondering if clay and sand are minerals. I was also taken aback.

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, in his answer, the hon. Minister said that he is not aware of the people mining and the licences available for the people who are mining high-grade minerals. Could the hon. Minister confirm that Pemba is one of the victims of unstructured mining going on in the country?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for the question. Please, he should pay attention when answers are being given. He has just misled the country that there is unstructured mining in Zambia. There is not. If all the mining activities in Zambia were unstructured, the Kwacha would not be behaving the way it is behaving. Does the hon. Member know why the Kwacha is behaving the way it is behaving? One of the reasons is structured and improved mining.

Laughter

Mr Kabuswe: He can laugh all he wants, but the Kwacha is gaining. He can see it for himself.

Mr Muchima: One formula!

Mr Kabuswe: Yes!

Madam Speaker, we posted an increase of 16 per cent mining production in 2024. This year, we hope to increase even further. We aim to reach one million tonnes of copper production so that the Kwacha can behave the way it is behaving. When good things happen, the hon. Member should just say, ‘thank you.’ They are happening.

Interruptions

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, I never said that we are not aware. We are aware, except the hon. Member wanted information on the specific mining licences of the people mining. If the question included that, I would have brought the answer to the Floor of the House. I was answering accordingly. That is why, sometimes, when questions are constituency-based, mwilaingila mufyabene.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Meaning?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, meaning that they should not enter other people's matters.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: The hon. Member for Chilubi was asking an innocent question. Let us be kind to one another.

Mr Malambo (Magoye): Madam Speaker, there is a foreigner is mining in Kauba area of Pemba, where there is a discovery of granite. What kind of a licence does that foreigner have?

Madam Speaker: That is very specific, though.

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, I need to investigate the type of licence it is. The House may wish to note that mining in Zambia is not only undertaken by Zambians. It is also undertaken by people who come from outside the country. The only thing is that they should not come illegally. They should come in a proper manner, because we want to invest foreign capital to help us establish a consortium them. What we probably need to investigate is who exactly is doing that and the type of licence they have. If they are illegal, we will deal with the issue. If they are legal, then, they are welcome to mine.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

OPERATIONALISING OF HEALTH CENTRES CONSTRUCTED UNDER CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT FUND IN MBABALA

350. Mr Munsanje (Mbabala) asked the Minister of Health:

when the Government will operationalise the following health centres that were constructed under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in Mbabala Parliamentary Constituency:

Kaseka, in Macha Ward;

Kafiwe, in Mapanza Ward;

Kachenje, in Nchembe Ward;

Nalube Maternity Wing, in Chilalantambo Ward;

Halumba, in Nchenge Ward;

Mutanga, in Mutanga Ward; and

Namiyanda, in Kabimba Ward.

what the cause of the delay in opening the facilities is.

The Minister of Health (Mr Muchima): Madam Speaker, allow me to, once again, mention to the House that for the Government, working through the Health Professionals Council of Zambia (HPCZ), which is the regulatory body for health facilities and practitioners other than nurses and midwives, to operationalise a health facility, the facility must, at least, satisfy the following criteria, as per national health care standards:

running water and flushable toilets;

grid or solar energy source;

staff house;

medical and non-medical equipment;

human resources for health;

incinerator for medical waste management, that is, either brick or electric; and

registration and access from the HPCZ. This is as stipulated under Part 6, Section 38 of the Health Professions Act No. 17 of 2024, which prohibits any health centre from operating without a licence.

Madam Speaker, construction of Kaseko and Kasiwe health posts, and Nalube maternity annex has been completed, awaiting medical equipment, which is under procurement, and also the HPCZ certification. That is being catered for under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Human resources for health and medical supplies have already been planned for.

Madam Speaker, Namuyanda, Halumba and Kachenje health posts require rehabilitation and upgrade of water systems, solar electrification and medical equipment.

Madam Speaker, operationalisation of the named health posts has been delayed because requisites are still being put in place in line with the national health care standards. The requirements were shared with the CDF Committee. My ministry, through the provincial and district health offices, is actively engaged with the Choma Council and the office of the Area Member of Parliament to ensure that the requisites are put in place, especially for the health posts where works have advanced. In addition, the Director of Health submitted to senior management at the local authority that all health centre projects should include critical components of medical equipment at the scoping stage.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Munsanje: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for that detailed response.

Madam Speaker, my follow-up question is on Kaseko, which has a medical officer based at the facility and is on payroll. However, the medical officer is not performing fully, despite everything being available, because the facility does not receive medical kits. Is the ministry able to provide us with medical kits for that officer to service the community? The ministry should provide health centre kits that have basic drugs that other health centres receive so that the officer can be utilised, as we go through the other processes, since everything is available at Kaseko.

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, even before we complete the operationalisation of health posts, in case of emergencies, it can be agreed that health kits be partially opened. That depends on the District Health Director. If the constituency approached and wrote to the ministry, I think, we can consider that. What matters is the health of the people. Other things can be put in place much later. The hon. Member should just provide us with information and make recommendations so that we do it.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Lubozha (Chifubu): Madam Speaker, the situation in Mbabala is almost similar to the situation in Chifubu. Mbabala has two health centres that have maternity annexes. The health centres are currently grappling with a lack of medical equipment to operationalise the maternity annexes. When an appeal is made to the district health office, the office always states that it does not have the capacity to operationalise those maternity wings. What is the ministry’s position on speeding up the process to operationalise the maternity annexes in Mbabala as well as in other constituencies with similar challenges?

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

Madam Speaker, this question is being repeated for the third time. Let me make it clear. When we are planning on how to use the CDF, there is no harm in planning for equipment. I said that the CDF is still Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) money. It is money coming from Hon. Musokotwane. It is the same resource envelope. We do not have excess money. However, there are exceptional times when we look at other sources because there are many projects demanding from one source. When we plan for a project together as a whole, it will help us. If the situation is so critical, we can come together and decide. The Government will not be able to equip every health centre at the same time. It is not possible. We have to prioritise. If there is a serious need at that particular time, we can work together and see what we have. Whenever we have equipment available, of course, we distribute it throughout the country without any discrimination. Just approach us and then we will see how we can work together.

Madam Speaker, as hon. Members are planning for projects, they should plan knowing that they have the enhanced CDF, from K1.6 million to K36.1 million. It is a lot of money. Hon. Members can spare K2 million out of that amount to buy beds and other equipment. For things like x-ray machines, hon. Members can ask for assistance. I saw a list of equipment that came from a certain constituency, and the total cost of the items was about K1 million. Spare K1 million for equipment, then we can come and operationalise the health centre.

Madam Speaker, this Government appreciates the fact that hon. Members are putting up health centres, but they should meet the required standards. If a health centre is below standard, do not hope that it will be operationalised in the near future. Hon. Members should do what they can using that money. K36.1 million is a lot of money. They should use it to the maximum. We shall appreciate, but they should involve the officers and engineers at the council or the Government, so that we move together. The CDF is Government money. So, we can work together and provide universal healthcare for our people.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Tayengwa (Kabwata): Madam Speaker, I agree with the hon. Minister that people should use the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). At Kabwata Clinic, we planned and budgeted for equipment for the maternity wing. However, the situation in Mbabala, Kabwata, Lufubu and other constituencies is almost similar because health facilities are popping up every after six months. By then, the allocation from the CDF would have been consumed. The total amount of the CDF that has been allocated for projects is close to K17 million. If we divide it by five wards, like in my constituency, it means K3 million or K4 million will go to a particular ward, meaning that other projects may not be covered. So, the question is: Is it possible for the Central Government to come in and assist with the construction of some of the health facilities? For instance, in Kabwata Constituency, we have three facilities, meaning that we will struggle with the other two. We can only plan for next year. We do not want some of the health facilities to be white elephants. How is the ministry going to come in?

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

Madam Speaker, I said that in special circumstances, we can combine efforts. As the hon. Member may be aware, hon. Members are looking to the Ministry of Health for funds, but each constituency has a stake of the CDF from the Ministry of Finance and National Planning. There is money that is readily available. When hon. Members are planning, they should prioritise. They should not go to every ward, but only to critical areas that require that service and attend to them fully, then they can go to another ward. Hon. Members should not build health posts in all the wards at the same time because they will not manage. However, be assured that Mr Hakainde Hichilema, the President of the Republic of Zambia, despite there having been the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and drought, keeps on increasing the CDF, in order to help hon. Members plan. Hon. Members should not look to the Ministry of Health for everything; they are already empowered with money. It is just a matter of prioritising. If an hon. Member thinks that equipment is not important, then it means that it is not a priority.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member should come to the ministry, and we shall help him to plan and purchase some equipment in the health sector. For big equipment, yes, we can come in and help. The hon. Member for Kabwata, can just come to our office. We shall help him. He can reserve K1 million for some basic requirements, and then we shall operationalise the health centres.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member is doing a commendable job. He should continue building, but then he should also plan how to equip the health centres because the Government is already providing the money. The Government is reducing the process at the ministry and is taking the money to the council chambers, but he is not utilising it. He should use it by prioritising. Even in a home, you do not buy a suit, food and car at the same time. You buy one thing and then buy another item next time. The CDF will continue being enhanced as long as President HH (Hakainde Hichilema) is there. Hon. Members are being empowered.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Wamunyima (Nalolo): Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to ask a question.

Madam Speaker, according to the law, the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) is the entity that has the legal mandate to procure medical equipment, including for health posts. We have had a problem with the capacity at ZAMMSA. All 156 constituencies are building health posts. I just want to get some joy from the hon. Minister, if ZAMMSA now has the capacity? When your Committee went around, it learnt that ZAMMSA is taking six months just to procure a switch for an x-ray machine. Regarding equipping a health post, the money can be there at the constituency level, but the legal mandate of the law sits with ZAMMSA. So, I do not know if ZAMMSA now has the capacity.

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, yes, the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) is an entity that is entrusted with the purchase of equipment, but that does not restrict the hon. Member from buying the equipment. ZAMMSA has the capacity, but it is limited by the availability of finances. The money available can only meet a certain category. Of course, for the equipment which the hon. Member cannot manage to purchase within his coffers, like Computed Tomography (CT) scan or x-ray machines, which are quite costly, it is our duty to plan for them. For a health post, certain requirements are needed. Other requirements are for big hospitals. The hon. Member can visit us, and we will plan together, there is no problem. What I am saying is that ZAMMSA has the capacity. If it had all the resources it needed, yes, it would have been purchasing equipment the same way it does with medicines. The problem is that it is limited by financial availability, at the moment, looking at where we are coming from.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Nalolo, your microphone is still on.

Mr Wamunyima switched off his microphone.

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

Mr Munsanje: No, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Okay.

Mr Mwambazi (Bwana Mkubwa): Madam Speaker, thank you for allowing me to ask a question, on behalf of the people of Mbabala, and I would like to thank the hon. Minister, for the answers that he is providing.

Madam Speaker, much as it is important to equip those maternity facilities for the people of Mbabala, when will the ministry come up with a policy on how to manage the equipment? I think, it is important for the officers to know the lifespan. We found that most equipment was obsolete, and the officers do not even know when that equipment was installed, just like the hon. Member for Nalolo mentioned. When will the Ministry of Health come up with a stock list of equipment dotted around the facilities to ensure that it is properly managed in terms of when an equipment needs service and when the service contract expires?

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, I appreciate the question from the hon. Member of Parliament for Bwana Mkubwa.

Madam Speaker, we have given instructions to district officers to implement the policy that is already in place. We have to take stock of the equipment we have. At the moment, we have instructed the District Health Directors to give us information on what is available and what the ideal situation should be. That way, we shall know exactly where we stand regarding the equipment in health centres. Further, there should be an inspectorate at the ministry, province and district levels to take stock of the health equipment.

Madam Speaker, we are also going to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the School of Engineering at the University of Zambia (UNZA) to start repairing some of the equipment, such as beds, so that we can renew the equipment used in hospitals. As the House may be aware, the equipment is consistently used. So, it breaks down easily. We need the stock taking to be co-ordinated at the district, provincial and national levels. That is the only way we will know that we need to provide.

Madam Speaker, the other issue is the change of mind-set. We need to look after the equipment in health centres. As hon. Members of Parliament, we have to take keen interest in seeing what happens in hospitals. The District Commissioners (DCs), Council Chairpersons and all of us should work together in looking after the equipment.

Madam Speaker, we never know that tomorrow one of us could be a patient because illness does not choose. So, we need to look after the equipment in our health facilities. One day, we might be in the constituency and fall sick and admitted in a health centre.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

_______

MOTIONS

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL GUIDANCE AND GENDER MATTERS ON THE OPERATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL GUIDANCE AND RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS

Mrs Chonya (Kafue): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this House adopts the Report of the Committee on National Guidance and Gender Matters on the Operations of the Department of National Guidance and Religious Affairs, for the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, laid on the Table of the House on 19^th June, 2025.

Madam Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

Mr Kamboni (Kalomo Central): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

Mrs Chonya:

Madam Speaker, the Committee undertook an inquiry into the operations of the Department of National Guidance and Religious Affairs in line with its function as provided for in Order No. 206 (g) of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024.

Madam Speaker, since Independence, the task of shaping Zambia’s national character has taken multiple reforms, starting from establishing fully-fledged Government ministries, setting-up a desk at State House to creating a department at the Office of the Vice-President. These institutional reforms have brought about mixed development outcomes in our efforts to preserve our national values and principles.

Madam Speaker, the Committee noted public concerns on the low application of National Values and Principles, as evidenced by undesirable behaviour such as dishonesty, cybercrime, hate speech, substance abuse and rising divorce rates. It against this background that the Committee resolved to undertake an inquiry into the operations of the Department of National Guidance and Religious Affairs, which is charged with the responsibility to provide guidance on the promotion of good morals, social justice and good governance within a Christian framework.

Madam Speaker, in studying this topical matter, the Committee anchored its inquiry on Article 8 of the Constitution of Zambia, which prescribes six National Values and Principles, namely:

morality and ethics;

patriotism and national unity;

democracy and constitutionalism;

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

good governance and integrity; and

sustainable development.

Madam Speaker, the Committee also leveraged the National Guidance and Religious Affairs Policy of 2020, as the anchor policy aimed at accelerating the application of national values, principles and ethics in governance and societal practices.

Madam Speaker, to gain deeper understanding of the operations of the department, the Committee engaged a wide range of stakeholders who made both oral and written submissions before it. The Committee also conducted tours to selected districts in the Western Province, Lusaka Province and the Southern Province, during which it held meetings with various stakeholders.

Madam Speaker, our findings indicate that the department has made some progress, especially in promoting religious affairs. However, its effectiveness has been constrained by structural, societal and informational challenges. Further, the Committee uncovered a number of pressing operational inadequacies in human, technical and financial resources.

Madam Speaker, the details of the above challenges, including our observations and recommendations, have been comprehensively covered in the report. However, in my discourse, I will discuss the prominent ones, which include the ones outlined.

Madam Speaker, after wide stakeholder consultations, the Committee noticed the absence of a robust legal framework for guiding operations of the Department of National Guidance and Religious Affairs. Therefore, it supports the enactment of a national guidance and religious affairs Bill, whose objective in part would be to provide legal authority to the department and empower it with the oversight function of ensuring the application of National Values and Principles across all implementing agencies, such as ministries, provinces and departments.

Madam Speaker, the Committee also notes that the department’s mandate to oversee the application of National Values and Principles is being overshadowed by the strong emphasis on religious affairs. This imbalance has taken away the departments core responsibility of promoting national guidance and values. On that premise, the Committee strongly recommends the review of the department’s mandate to strengthen its oversight role and ensure a structured application of National Values and Principles. Further, the Committee desires progressive decentralisation of the department’s operations by establishing district offices with clearly defined supervisory functions.

Madam Speaker, another critical concern is the inadequate funding appropriated to the department. It is expected that, with low funding, operational challenges would persist. This will have minimal impact on programmes aimed at fostering upright behaviour in our society. In this regard, the Committee recommends adequate budgetary allocations to the department, starting in 2026. This would enable the department to have a strong presence at the local level, through outreach activities, particularly in remote and underserved communities, where the majority of stakeholders are not aware of the operations of the Department of National Guidance and Religious Affairs.

Madam Speaker, after careful consideration, the Committee recognises that placing the Department of National Guidance and Religious Affairs under the Office of the Vice-President gives it greater authority to supervise implementing agencies across ministries, provinces and departments. This notwithstanding, the Committee expresses concern on the department’s reluctance to fully – maybe, the word should be incapacity, not really reluctance on its part, – utilise this favourable advantage.

Madam Speaker, as a matter of fact, in our interactions with various stakeholders, they were still a number that were of the view that the ministry responsible for national guidance and religious affairs should actually be re-established as a standalone ministry.

Madam Speaker, I do not intend to belabour the findings in the Committee’s report. Therefore, let me conclude by thanking all stakeholders who submitted written and oral evidence to the Committee. I also extend our deepest appreciation to you, Madam, for granting us the opportunity to undertake the study. Lastly, I wish to thank the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly for the invaluable technical and administrative support provided throughout the inquiry.

Madam Speaker, I beg to move.

Madam Speaker: Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?

Mr Kamboni: Now, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kamboni: Madam Speaker, from the outset, let me thank you for giving me the opportunity to second this Motion, which has been ably moved by Ms Chonya, the hon. Member of Parliament for Kafue Constituency.

Madam Speaker, national values and principles are the cornerstone of our society. They form the foundation upon which Zambia’s socio-economic, political and environmental development is built. Therefore, ensuring their application through the Department of National Guidance and Religious Affairs is significant for our country. For that reason, I wish to express my full support for the Motion, and in doing so, allow me to emphasise the prominent issues in your Committee's report.

Madam Speaker, your Committee makes a concerning revelation of the growing influence of cyber immorality and cybercrime, which often undermine the application of our national values and principles. I, therefore, support your Committee's recommendation urging the Government to strengthen strategic partnerships with information communication technology (ICT) and cybercrime regulators, content creators as well as law enforcement agencies to help sanitise Zambia’s cyberspace. I also support the introduction of stringent cyber regulations to limit the infiltration of undesirable foreign values in our country.

Madam Speaker, the increasing number of unregulated faith-based organisations operating in the country is a source of worry. Your Committee is fully alive to the fact that some faith-based organisations have good intentions. However, it is has become necessary for all such organisations, upon registration, to be required to operate under a central authority or mother body. This is meant to enforce internal controls as a means of preventing unethical practices.

Madam Speaker, your Committee also identified the lack of public awareness as a major barrier to effective engagement on national values and principles. To address this, your Committee proposes the formation of strong collaboration with media houses to air campaign messages aligned with the department's strategic documents at negligible or no cost. In addition, your Committee proposes the domestication of internationally celebrated days. Therefore, it proposes the commemoration of 15^th May as Zambia’s National Day of Families in recognition of the family unit as the primary custodian of national values and heritage. Additionally, it recommends designation of 21^st May as the National Day of Traditions and Culture to honour Zambia’s cultural diversity and shared values. Further, the Government should designate the period from 15^th to 21^st May as National Values and Principles Observance Week to promote reflection and application of national values and principles across all sectors of society.

Madam Speaker, with those few remarks, I wholeheartedly second the Motion.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

The Vice-President (Mrs Nalumango): Madam Speaker, allow me to thank your Committee on National Guidance and Gender Matters for its consideration of the topical issues on the operations of the Department of National Guidance and Religious Affairs, which was laid on the Table by the hon. Member for Kafue, chairperson of the Committee.

Madam Speaker, I extend my sincere gratitude to the chairperson of your Committee, who was the mover of the Motion.

Madam Speaker, looking at the time, it will soon be tea break.

Madam Speaker: It is okay.

The Vice-President: Okay, I will read.

Laughter

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I also wish to acknowledge the valuable contributions made by hon. Members during the debate on this report. The Government has taken note of the observations and the key recommendations highlighted in the report, as well as the views expressed by hon. Members during this debate, that is, the chairperson and the seconder. Therefore, allow me to comment on the main concerns raised by your Committee.

Review of the Mandate of the Department of National Guidance and Religious Affairs and Strengthening Institutional Capacities

Madam Speaker, your Committee highlighted the absence of a clear oversight mandate on the application of national values and principles across implementing agencies.

Madam Speaker, I wish to state that, in accordance with the Gazette Notice No. 1123 of 2021, the Office of the Vice-President holds the oversight mandate on the application of national values and principles through the Department of National Guidance and Religious Affairs. However, it is important to note that national values and principles are cross-cutting and constitutionally mandated. Therefore, all Ministries, Provinces and Spending Agencies (MPSAs) have a duty to ensure they are implemented. The role of my office is to co-ordinate implementation.

Madam Speaker, regarding the observation that a strong emphasis is placed on religious affairs in the department's mandate, it is important to note that this may not fully represent the current situation. Your Committee has rightly observed the need to amend Gazette Notice No. 1123 of 2021 to clearly provide for the functions of the Religious Affairs Section and elevate it to a full directorate. Currently, the Religious Affairs Section functions through the National Guidance portfolio function.

Madam Speaker, I wish to agree with your Committee's observation that the absence of the department at district level is a significant issue that needs to be addressed. My office has the intention and I have engaged the Management Development Division of Cabinet Office to increase the establishment of this portfolio to include the national guidance offices at the district level in order to decentralise the department's operations of the department.

Strengthen the Legal Framework

Madam Speaker, your Committee noted the lack of operative regulations and has, therefore, recommended the enactment of a National Guidance and Religious Affairs Act to formally establish the Department of National Guidance and Religious Affairs, as an overarching agency tasked to oversee the enforcement of national values and principles in all MPSAs.

Madam Speaker, I wish to emphasise the enforcement of national values and fundamentally relies on mindset change within the nation. Therefore, it may it may not be necessary to have a new Act to oversee the enforcement of national values and principles. However, there are regulations in force which codify the issues of ethics, professionalism and integrity in the professional codes of conduct of various professional bodies, including the Public Service. These include the code of ethics for the Public Service, professional codes of conduct for accountants, auditors, lawyers, human resource practitioners, teaching profession, health professionals and other similar professional bodies.

Enhance the Policy Framework

Madam Speaker, regarding your Committee's recommendation on the need for the Executive to revise the National Guidance and Religious Affairs Policy of 2020 and to consider developing a National Family Policy to institutionalise family-strengthening, marriage and parenting programmes –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, before business was suspended, I was about to move to my next point.

Madam Speaker, a good example of how national values are being promoted, in collaboration with other ministries such as the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, and the Ministry of Education, is the introduction of the programme to reduce incidences of teenage pregnancies to ensure that the girl-child attains education. That is being done through community sensitisation and outreach programmes. The programmes are delivered in partnership with traditional leaders, community structures, civil society organisations (CSOs) and other key stakeholders. In addition, through the Keeping Girls in School (KGS) initiative, the Government provides financial and material support to vulnerable girls to enable them to stay in school, reducing the risks of early marriage and teenage pregnancy.

Madam Speaker, further, the Government is implementing positive parenting programmes in recognition of the role that the programme plays in shaping morals in the community, and this helps in reducing child pregnancies and other social vices. For that reason, parenting issues have also been incorporated into the National Child Policy (NCP). I agree with the Committee on this observation and the need for a national family policy. Indeed, strong families are the bedrock of a strong nation. This understanding is reflected in the Government's enactment of the Children's Code Act, 2022, and also the Marriage (Amendment) Act of 2023. The Government recognises that it is within the family that we learn and internalise the essential values of life. By fortifying our families, we lay the foundation for a resilient and cohesive society.

Prioritise the Promotion of Cyber Responses

Madam Speaker, the Government takes note of the Committee's concerns regarding the strong influence of cyber immorality and cybercrime in the application of national values and principles. I wish to affirm that, with the enactment of the Cyber Crimes Act, No. 4 of 2025, we have made significant progress in restoring order in cyberspace. Furthermore, my office is committed to exploring collaborative efforts with social media influencers to develop innovative digital solutions aimed at negating immoral content and/or removing harmful content, especially among local online content creators. By doing so, we will ensure that our digital environment upholds the national values and principles, which are fundamental to our nation.

Institutionalising Pre-Marital and Marriage Counselling Services

Madam Speaker, to actualise the Committee's recommendation on the development of a standardised pre-marital and marriage counselling curriculum, in collaboration with traditional leaders and faith-based organisations (FBOs), we should explore avenues to ensure that pre-marital counselling programmes are made mandatory for all couples before marriage registration.

Regulation of Faith-Based Organisations

Madam Speaker, the Committee has noted the increasing number of unregulated FBOs in Zambia and recommends that, upon registration, all FBOs be required to operate under a central authority or mother body. In response to that observation and recommendation, I wish to inform the House that the revised National Guidance and Religious Affairs Policy aims to strengthen existing laws, such as the Societies Act, in that regard. That will ensure better regulation and oversight of FBOs, thereby, upholding ethical standards and practices.

Review, Re-establish and Strengthen Integrity Committees

Madam Speaker, the Committee recommends a comprehensive review and revitalisation of integrity committees. My office will continue to collaborate with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to ensure that integrity committees are revitalised to enhance inclusivity and enable them to play a central role in overseeing the implementation of national values and principles while fostering collaboration among implementing agencies, FBOs and CSOs.

Increase Public Awareness

Madam Speaker, my office has several strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing public awareness of national values and principles. The department plans to leverage the goodwill of media houses, as proposed, to actualise promotional campaigns, as outlined in the department’s strategic documents. The campaigns will focus on raising public awareness through appropriate means and community-based initiatives.

Madam Speaker, I also noted the Committee’s proposal to observe the national day of families, national day of traditions and the national day of culture to celebrate and showcase Zambia’s diverse values. These proposals would call for a lot of consultations.

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, I wish to thank you for this opportunity to contribute to the debate on this important report. The insights and recommendations provided in the Committee’s report are invaluable. They will undoubtedly guide our efforts in strengthening the application of national values and principles across our nation. I am confident that with our collective commitment and collaboration, we can achieve the goals outlined in the report.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mrs Chonya: Madam Speaker, let me start by thanking the hon. Member for Kalomo Central, who ably seconded the Motion that I was privileged to move this afternoon. I would also like to thank the rest of the hon. Members for overwhelmingly supporting the report through their silence.

Laughter

Mrs Chonya: Madam Speaker, most importantly, let me thank Her Honour the Vice-President, for the elaborate manner in which she has responded to the Committee's findings and recommendations. It is, indeed, comforting to deduce from her response that the Government seriously considered and reflected over the issues, and outlined some of the measures it will take to address some of the observed challenges.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Question put and agreed to.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to.

_______

The House adjourned at 1712 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 25^th June, 2025.

____________

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