Thursday, 26^th June, 2025

The House met at 1430 hours

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM SPEAKER

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM CHOOMO TRUST DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL

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

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

I thank you.

VISITORS FROM SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES PERMACULTURE ZAMBIA

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of visitors from the Schools and Colleges Permaculture (SCOPE) Zambia, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), that promotes sustainable land use and ecological agriculture through the principles of permaculture, in Lusaka District.

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

I thank you.

STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES ASSOCIATION DEBATE COMMITTEE

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the public Gallery, of students from the University of Zambia (UNZA) School of Humanities and Social Sciences Association Debate Committee, in Lusaka District.

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

I thank you.

PARLIAMENTARY CAUCUS ON CHILDREN IN COLLABORATION WITH UNICEF ORIENTATION WORKSHOP

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to inform the House that the Parliamentary Caucus on Children (PCC), in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), will hold a two-day orientation workshop for all hon. Members of Parliament on Child Rights and Child-Sensitive Programming.

The workshop will take place on Saturday, 28^th June, 2025, and Sunday, 29^th June, 2025, at Sandy’s Creations in Chilanga, starting at 0830 hours each day. The objective of the workshop is to enhance hon. Members' understanding of the status of child rights implementation in Zambia and to strengthen their capacity in advocating, legislating, and providing oversight on child-related issues.

Please, note that hon. Members will attend the workshop in two separate groups: one group on Saturday and the other on Sunday. A circular indicating the groupings has been circulated accordingly.

In this regard, all hon. Members are encouraged to attend the workshop.

I thank you.

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URGENT MATTER WITHOUT NOTICE

MR KANG’OMBE, HON. MEMBER FOR KAMFINSA, ON HER HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT, MRS NALUMANGO, ON POOR STATE OF ROADS IN KAMFINSA CONSTITUENCY

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, allow me, first of all, to thank you for giving me the opportunity to raise an Urgent Matter without Notice, directed at Her Honour the Vice-President, the Leader of Government Business in the House.

Madam Speaker, in 2022, I directed Question No. 215 to the then hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, regarding the poor state of roads in Kamfinsa Constituency. In 2023, I directed another question, that is, Question No. 383, to the then hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, again, regarding the poor state of the roads in Kamfinsa Constituency. Again, more recently in 2024, under Question No. 374, on the Floor of this House, I requested the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development to work on the roads in my constituency. Unfortunately, when an opportunity presented itself for roads to be worked on in Kitwe, Kamfinsa Constituency was excluded from the list of areas where the roads would be worked on. I have engaged the previous and new hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, but, the assurance to work on roads in Kamfinsa Constituency within a specified timeline has never been given.

Madam Speaker, is Her Honour the Vice-President, as the Leader of Government Business in the House, in order to not resolve the issue of not including Kamfinsa Constituency on the Government’s programme of road works in Kitwe?

Madam Speaker, I seek your indulgence.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Kamfinsa, while we note your concerns and displeasure in that matter not being sufficiently addressed, although you have been bringing it up from 2022 to 2024, I believe the manner in which you are trying to bring it before the House is not the correct one. Please, explore other means and ways to bring it to the attention of the hon. Minister and, through him, before the House. The matter does not qualify to be admitted as an Urgent Matter without Notice. So, use other options.

Hon. Members, let us also use the Committee system. We have Committees at our disposal and they do a lot of work. Such issues can be raised in Committee meetings. We have the Committee on Transport, Works and Supply and many others. So, let us ensure that we utilise them.

There is no other indication. So, we move on to the next item, which is the presentation of Supplemental Estimates.

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MOTION

SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES NO. 1 OF 2025

The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane): Madam Speaker, I beg to present Supplementary Estimates No. 1 of 2025.

Madam Speaker, in accordance with Article 203 of the Constitution, where the amount appropriated in an Appropriation Act is insufficient to meet expenditures in that financial year, the Minister responsible for finance is expected to lay before the National Assembly the Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for approval.

Madam Speaker, by virtue of the authority conveyed in the Article of the Constitution quoted above, I now present the Supplementary Estimates -

Interruptions

Mr Kampyongo: Why have the Clerks-at-the-Table not advised?

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member, please, we are not doing this for the first time. Even the hon. Minister is not doing it for the first time.

Can we proceed.

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, by virtue of the authority conveyed in the Article of the Constitution quoted above, I now present Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure No. 1 of 2025. The total supplementary budget I am presenting today stands at K33.6 billion. Allow me to bring out the notable proposed expenditure allocations contained in the Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure.

Madam Speaker, out of the recommended K33.6 billion, K11 billion, or 32.9 per cent, has been allocated towards loans and investments for dismantling outstanding fuel arrears. K105 million is meant for disaster mitigation under the Africa Risk Capacity (ARC) Insurance Programme. K8.5 billion, or 23.5 per cent of the Supplementary Estimates, will be dedicated to constitutional and statutory expenditure.

Madam Speaker, our debt payment obligations have risen following the conclusion of a number of agreements in the external debt restructuring exercise. External debt service has increased due to past interest that should have been paid in 2023 and 2024, had we signed bilateral agreements on time. Further, additional payment is required on domestic debt service due to additional borrowing contracted in the fourth quarter of 2024 to finance the Budget, mainly drought-related.

Madam Speaker, K531.7 million is proposed to be reserved as contingency for any other unforeseen and unavoidable expenditure. K6 billion, or 17.7 per cent of the Supplementary Estimates, will be utilised in the agricultural sector. Of that amount, K5.8 billion will be dedicated to the implementation of the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) for the 2025/2026 Farming Season and US$5.6 million for counterpart funding under the Zambia Growth Opportunities (ZAMGRO) Project, in view of its extension.

Madam Speaker, K1.9 billion, or 5.6 per cent of the Supplementary Estimates, will be channelled towards the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services. Of that amount, K1.6 billion will be for the regular Social Cash Transfer (SCT) Scheme in order to maintain the transfer value at K400 for current beneficiaries for the period July to December, 2025. K318 million is additional donor funding for the Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods for Human Capital Project (GEWEL 2) from the World Bank.

Madam Speaker, K1.8 billion, or 5.3 per cent of the Supplementary Estimates, will be channelled to the Ministry of Education. Of that amount, K1.7 billion is for additional funds required to continue the construction and rehabilitation of schools and universities across the country with support from co-operating partners such as the World Bank and the European Union (EU).

Madam Speaker, to finance the Supplementary Estimates No. 1 of 2025, K11 billion will be declared as savings across various institutions in the approved 2025 National Budget due to varying expenditures. Additional financing of K14.8 billion will come from the domestic markets as borrowing. K4.9 billion is from additional revenue collections, which are not part of the 2025 Budget, of which additional revenue of K3.9 billion will be from new revenue measures, while K1 billion will be levies raised from the Energy Regulation Board’s (ERB) Fuel Marking Programme, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) and community resources boards (CRBs), among others.

Madam Speaker, a further K2.7 billion will be actualised as additional donor funds provided by co-operating partners, which were not part of the 2025 approved Budget.

Lastly, K144.3 million of these Supplementary Estimates are carry-over funds or unspent balances from the 2024 Financial Year.

Madam Speaker, in addition to the Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure No.1 of 2025, I will also be bringing an amendment to the 2025 Annual Borrowing Plan for consideration and approval by this august House.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: The Estimates stand referred to the Expanded Planning and Budgeting Committee for consideration. The Committee is required to submit its report on the Supplementary Estimates to the House by Wednesday, 2^nd July, 2025.

Before we proceed, hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, I would like to refer you to Standing Order No.156 for that issue that you were trying to raise. You will be accordingly guided by that Standing Order.

We make progress.

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QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

INTERNS ENGAGED AT KANYAMA LEVEL I HOSPITAL

353. Mr Chinkuli (Kanyama) asked the Minister of Health:

how many interns were engaged by the Government at Kanyama Level I Hospital in Kanyama Parliamentary Constituency, under the Internship Programme from 2021 to 2024, year by year; and

of the interns above, how many had been employed by the Government during the same period, year by year.

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Sialubalo) (on behalf of the Minister of Health (Mr Muchima)): Madam Speaker, allow me to take this opportunity to inform the House that the entry level into the Civil Service by a doctor has traditionally been as a Junior Resident Medical Officer (JRMO) who is also referred to as an intern. In the past, all the JRMOs (interns) were automatically employed by the Government upon assumption of internship. Currently, however, some interns are not employed by the Government. They, instead, volunteer their services as they do an internship.

Madam Speaker, at Kanyama Level I Hospital, the following were the numbers of interns engaged in the period under review:

Year Number of Interns

2021 3

2022 11

2023 3

2024 8

Madam Speaker, the number of interns employed year by year is as follows:

Year Employed

2021 0

2022 0

2023 3, out of that, 2 were employed in the Government while the other was employed in the private sector.

2024 5 out of 8 were employed by the Government and deployed to other facilities.

Madam Speaker, according to the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ), an intern is described as a medical officer practicing under the supervision of a specialist and cannot practice independently. A JRMO is given a provisional license until completion of internship, upon which they are referred to as Senior Resident Medical Officers (SRMOs).

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Chinkuli: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for the response.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister may wish to note that people apply for internships for a variety of reasons. It could be to gain experience or for upscaling. However, the main issue that motivates people to apply for internship, which I know and is on the ground, is the hope that at some point, when there is an opening, they will be engaged. Looking at the numbers that the hon. Minister has put across, a number of interns were not engaged. Could it be that they did not have the requisite qualifications?

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, indeed, the Government cannot absorb all the interns at once. You may be aware that we are coming from a situation whereby we had a backlog of medical staff who were unemployed. So, it is not only Kanyama that is affected but other constituencies as well. In a way of balancing, we are allocating available spaces equally to all constituencies. This is a programme that the Government has embarked on, to give opportunities to those who have volunteered. Basically, even those who are not employed now, stand a better chance of being considered in the near future. So, not all positions could be given to Kanyama alone. There were other constituencies that needed medical personnel to be employed as well.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, the Acting hon. Minister of Health has confirmed that the Government does employ those who have qualifications. There is a difference between internship and volunteering. An internship means that one is still a student and wants to acquire skills as one gets an opportunity to be employed. A volunteer, on the other hand, is someone who is already academically qualified and wants to work for the Government and offers their services. We want the hon. Minister to clarify for the benefit of the volunteers in Kamfinsa, Monze, and in various districts across Zambia, what the policy is on volunteers and internships. These are separate individuals we are dealing with. We might mislead people who are looking for opportunities to be employed based on the response that has been provided.

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, under the HPCZ, internship is a prerequisite for doctors. For one to qualify to be called a doctor, one should have done internship. So, arising from his question, like I said, all the opportunities are given equally to all the constituencies. So, not everything should be given to Kamfinsa, even Sinazongwe needs to have a portion from those who did internship. It is a prerequisite, it is not like those other professions where anyone, even those at college, can do internship. So, someone who has completed his studies in medicine needs to do what is termed internship to gain experience.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

Hon. Members, let me just clarify that point. It is like lawyers. Before one is admitted to the bar, one has to do internship. So, even for medical doctors, it is part of their training to undergo internship. It is different from volunteering.

Mr Sampa (Matero): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Kanyama for asking this very important question because it cuts across all constituencies.

Madam Speaker, the Acting hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning may be aware that some of the intern nurses or doctors –

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Matero, the question is directed at the Acting hon. Minister of Health, not the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning. Maybe, it is because you were Deputy Minister of Finance and National Planning. So, your mind is just on money.

Mr Sampa: My sincere apologies, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, my mind was on the Supplementary Budget that has been presented by the hon. Minister. Be that as it may, I wish to state to the hon. Minister of Health that the students cannot be trained and go straight into jobs. They have to learn through internship. Some of them have been interns for over five years especially the nurses and doctors.

Madam Speaker, it is on record that during the cholera outbreak, His Excellency the President visited Heroes Stadium and told intern nurses that they would be employed. It has been two to three years now, and they have not been employed.

Madam Speaker, how does the Government expect people who are not paid to do a good job? How do we entrust them with the task of taking care of our sick relatives when we are not paying them? How do we expect them to look after the sick for over five year when they have no money for lunch or for home?

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

Madam Speaker, truth be told. Many of our dear young ones, the nurses and doctors, who were promised jobs by His Excellency the President were employed. Truth be told. Like I said before, the hon. Member of Parliament for Matero needs to differentiate between a volunteer and an intern.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Matero, there is a difference between interns and volunteers. The ones you are referring to are volunteers. I hope it is clear.

Mr Sampa indicated assent.

Madam Speaker: Yes. Thank you.

Mr Chinkuli: Madam Speaker, I thank the Acting hon. Minister of Health for the responses.

Madam Speaker, looking at the discrepancy of those who were employed and those who were not, I can see that many would want to be engaged. Going forward, is the Government not looking at engaging those that are within health institutions each time there are openings so that we encourage many people to first join as interns and then, be engaged?

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I thank you so much.

Madam Speaker, I also want to thank the hon. Member for Kanyama for the follow-up question.

Madam Speaker, it is the desire of the New Dawn Government that those who are qualified should be given the opportunity. The opportunity can only be given after considering the Treasury authority. So, once there is a gap from the Treasury authority to employ, definitely, those who are not yet employed will be employed. So, this case is not only in Kanyama, but also in Sinazongwe and many more Parliamentary constituencies. We have many volunteers and interns, and there is a good will from this Government that those who were trained will get an opportunity to be employed.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Lubozha (Chifubu): Madam Speaker, internship offers valuable career exploration, skills development and networking opportunities to interns. Therefore, the internship serves as a talent pipeline for identifying and recruiting future employees. What policy has the ministry put in place to ensure that the ministry keeps a track record of how people who were given the opportunity performed so that they are given an opportunity for recruitment in future?

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, there is no policy for the ministry. It is the Government policy and the New Dawn Administration in particular.

Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Health has a qualified management team at every facility that are monitoring the performance of the young ones who have just gotten their qualifications and want to go straight into performance. So, management is at each health institution.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kandafula (Serenje): Madam Speaker, let me thank you for strengthening our friendship with the hon. Minister of Education. You have squared up our friendship and I thank you, once again.

BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION ACROSS MBASWA STREAM

354. Mr Kandafula asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development:

when the Government will reconstruct the bridge across Mbaswa Stream, connecting the Mbaswa and Makopa Settlements in Serenje District;

what the cost of the reconstruction is; and

what the time frame for the completion of the works is.

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Sialubalo): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Government will reconstruct the bridge across Mbaswa Stream, connecting the Mbaswa and Makopa Settlements in Serenje District as soon as funds are made available. The cost for the projects cannot be determined now as no detailed surveys and designs of on the bridge have been done. The timeframe for the completion of the works cannot be known yet due to reasons in (b).

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

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

As indicated earlier on, this bridge is very economical in terms of transporting farm inputs from farming areas and the Central Business District (CBD). People are paying a lot of money when it comes to transporting their merchandise. I want to inform the House that they are paying more than three times the actual amount. Now, the hon. Minister has said the bridge will be worked on when the money becomes available even when the costing has not yet been done. Would the hon. Minister kindly, give a comment as whether he will send people to at least help us with the assessment.

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, the most important thing is that this issue has been brought to the attention of the Government. The Government has assured that a team of experts will be sent to assess the bridge and that is when we shall know the cost. There is that assurance, hon. Member of Parliament.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

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

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, thank you for allowing me to raise a point of order. As you know, I rarely rise on points of order, unless there is something so compelling that I have no other choice.

Madam Speaker, my point of order is anchored on the practice of this House and the precedents set by this House. That is the nature of the point of order I am about to raise.

Madam Speaker, in the last Parliament, an issue arose on this Floor relating to the then former Minister of Defence, Hon. Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba. He assigned a motorcade to himself, which he came with to Parliament, went with it home and to Shoprite stores. The Presiding Officer ruled that a motorcade was a preserve of the Presidency.

Madam Speaker, I now raise my substantive point of order. I have witnessed, in the last few days, the leader of Citizens First (CF), Mr Harry Kalaba, hold a press briefing to address the nation –

Hon. PF Members interjected.

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Let us wait. Let me understand. I will make the ruling myself.

You may proceed, hon. Minister.

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, I was saying that I witnessed the leader of CF, Mr Harry Kalaba, addressing the nation, and, by his side, was the Zambian flag. Similarly, this morning in South Africa, a group of Zambians calling themselves ‘Tonse Alliance’ had a press briefing which ended up in a fiasco, because another gang of the same grouping, Tonse Alliance, showed up to disrupt that press briefing, reminiscent of their usual behaviour. However, what caught my attention was that in the midst of that political fiesta was the Zambian flag, which was planted by the side as the group was addressing people in that press briefing, bringing the national flag into total ridicule, contrary to the intentions of the Constitution in Article 6, which recognises the national flag as one of our national symbols.

Madam Speaker, is this grouping, and any other such individuals who have no State authority, in order to continue planting the Zambian flag besides them as they address the nation, as if they are representing the nation and have powers to represent the country?

Madam Speaker, I need your serious ruling.

Madam Speaker: Now, I do not know whether our House should extend the sittings to Johannesburg, South Africa. However, hon. Minister, maybe, you can explore other means to address that issue. That issue does not qualify to be raised as a point of order. I believe that there are other authorities that can enforce the law regarding the decision to use the national flag without authority. Probably, you can explore other ways and means of addressing the matter. Definitely, –

Mr Chisopa interjected.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

There was order here at one point. What is happening?

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Laughter

Madam Speaker: So, because of that, I am having difficulties making a ruling on that matter. First of all, it did not happen on the Floor of this House, in accordance with our Standing Orders. The group was out of jurisdiction. So, maybe, we can look to the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security to enforce the law. Some of those members are not even hon. Members of Parliament, and the incident did not happen on the Floor of this House.

Mr Kang’ombe interjected.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Kamfinsa, I do not need your assistance. Please, I believe, I am capable, and I have guided accordingly.

So, let us make progress.

Mr Chala (Chipili): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister stated in his response that the Government was going to construct the bridge when money is made available. Since availability of money is a song that all ministries sing, where is the ministry going to get the money to construct the bridge? Could the hon. Minister tell the people of Serenje where the ministry is going to get the money? If the ministry is not going to do anything let it say that, so that the people of Serenje forget about it.

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

Madam Speaker, money comes from the Ministry of Finance and National Planning. We, as hon. Members of Parliament, approve the Budget.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, in his response, the hon. Minister indicated that an assessment has to be done, and that the assessment will inform the planning decision to implement the project. From the time that the hon. Member of Parliament lodged this particular question, quite a number of months have elapsed. Today, the matter has been brought back to the august House. Is the hon. Minister able to indicate whether Serenje Town Council has a team that is capable of quickly doing the assessment so that progress is made? Clearly, without planning being done, the hon. Member of Parliament will keep complaining that works have not been implemented.

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

Madam Speaker, the ministry will instruct the local authority in Serenje to do due diligence and undertake the prerequisites.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

MEASURES TO ARREST INFLATION IN THE COUNTRY

355. Mr Fube (Chilubi) asked the Minister of Finance and National Planning:

what measures the Government is taking to arrest the rise in inflation in the economy; and

what factors contribute to the rise in prices of essential commodities.

The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane): Madam Speaker, arresting the rise in inflation requires addressing the factors that cause it. Generally, inflation rises when the prices of food and non-food items, such as petroleum products, increase. To reduce inflationary pressure, it is imperative to curb the rise in prices of food items by enhancing agricultural production. The Government has been promoting increased food production, not only of maize, by implementing the Comprehensive Agriculture Support Transformation Programme (CATSP). This programme covers most areas required for boosting agricultural production, such as provision of financing to our farmers, irrigation development and mechanisation.

Madam Speaker, arresting the rise in prices of non-food items requires a number of measures. These include ensuring stability of the exchange rate to avoid pass-through effects on domestic prices from a high import bill caused by excessive depreciation of the Kwacha against major convertible currencies. We are continuously ensuring the stability of the Kwacha by enhancing and diversifying our export earnings’ base. Further, the Bank of Zambia (BOZ) continues to ensure that excess volatility of the exchange rate is avoided through market support. Related to the exchange rate is import substitution. For example, we are now producing fertiliser, thereby reducing pressure on the exchange rate through local production.

Madam Speaker, the Government also employs monetary policy instruments through the BOZ, primarily the monetary policy rate (MPR).

Madam Speaker, with respect to the factors that contribute to the rise in prices of essential commodities, allow me to cite a few:

elevated demand amidst low supply. Prices tend to rise when there is slow production of essential commodities;

shocks to the economy, such as the recent drought, which adversely affected agricultural production and the energy sector;

disruptions in the supply chain, such as those caused by geopolitical tensions leading to an increase, for instance, in the price of petroleum products; and

adverse exchange rate movements. The appreciation and depreciation of the Kwacha against major trading currencies, such as the United States (US) Dollar, always affects the pricing of commodities.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, for starters, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for acknowledging that inflation has been rising.

Madam Speaker, some of the methods that are used to measure inflation are the consumer price index (CPI), the producer price index (PPI), the gross domestic product (GDP) deflator and the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index. The hon. Minister pointed to the fact that maize prices, for instance, have been affecting inflation in some way, especially for food products and others. I want the hon. Minister to address the issue of inflation, bearing in mind that we are talking about how want-based and need-based expenses have been affected. Inflation in Zambia has affected both essential and non-essential goods and services. Given that scenario, the hon. Minister pointed to the monetary policy rate (MPR) and other factors, but –

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member, ask your question for us to appreciate it. We are all getting lost. What is the question? I am failing to follow what you are saying.

Mr Fube: Let me summarise the question, Madam Speaker. For –

Madam Speaker: Ask the follow-up question, hon. Member.

Mr Fube: Yes, Madam Speaker. The first question is: What measures is the Government putting in place to arrest rising inflation? I said that the hon. Minister has appreciated the maize factor. For instance, as things stand, meal meal prices have started reducing. The same maize he mentioned has many by-products, such as stock feed, whose price has increased by almost 300 per cent. So, I did not understand his answer, which is why I was giving a preamble to build-up to my question. Are the measures the Government has put –

Interruptions

Hon. UPND Members: Ask your question!

Mr Fube: I am asking, alo. This is a technical question. You may not understand it. Yes. So, –

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

Allow the hon. Member for Chilubi to ask his question.

Please, proceed, hon. Member for Chilubi.

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister identified one factor, which I agree with him on, but one finds that the variables in terms of meal meal –

Hon. Opposition Member: Meal meal?

Mr Fube: Meal meal, yes. That is what I call it.

Mr Mabeta: Technical!

Interruptions

Mr Fube: You are being trivial. Yes. So, mealie meal, as he calls it, but I call it meal meal, prices are reducing, but the prices of stock feed, which is produced from the same base material called maize, are increasing. Madam Speaker, what could be causing that, because the ministry has put measures in place to address inflation generally? We have been told in this Parliament that the price of mealie meal is reducing. The price of stock feed, which was at K358 per 50 kg bag for finisher, is now at K735. The price of feed stock has skyrocketed, yet the price of mealie meal, from the same base material called maize, is reducing. What is the explanation for that situation?

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, it is hard to answer the question because the hon. Member gave a long statement. If there was a question in the statement, perhaps, it was about why the price of maize meal for consumption is reducing, while the price of stock feed is increasing. In the first instance, I am not sure whether what the hon. Member said is correct. In case it is, there could be many different factors leading to that situation. As the House may be aware, stock feed is not just made from maize. It contains many ingredients; chemicals and other substances. I do not know how the price for such materials is moving. However, even if we were to put those elements aside, there is the issue of demand and supply. If a commodity is in short supply at a particular moment, the price may temporarily shoot up.

Madam Speaker, finally, I want to say that when we talk about inflation, what is measured are consumer goods and services. There is a way of measuring the price movements of other commodities that are not consumer-based. Otherwise, inflation is measured by consumer goods and services. Inflation is the average of many commodities that go into the shopping baskets of consumers. It is not measured through one item. Every ten years or so, the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) conducts a survey to assess the expenditure patterns of the population. In other words, what does a typical shopping basket look like? Out of that, they choose the commodities whose prices they will be monitoring every month, starting from food, non-food items and so on and so forth. It is a long list, actually. From the list, they then choose the most important items. So, they put an average together of the movement in prices from the previous month to the following month, bearing in mind that certain commodities must be given a higher weight. In the case of Zambia, maize meal is a high weight in the basket of goods, whose prices are monitored. So, because the measurement of inflation is an average at any given time, some may go down, while others go up. It is the total sum of the ups and downs on average that determines whether inflation is going up or not.

Madam Speaker, I think that I have tried to answer a very long and difficult question, which was not clear. So, let me end here.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, in his first response to the question that was asked by the hon. Member for Chilubi, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning referred to the issue of the exchange rate as one of the issues that have to be made stable to ensure that we do not have fluctuations that ultimately affect our inflation. The hon. Minister may remember that in 2022, money was spent from the mining tax receipts to control the exchange rate. From 2023 to last year, close to US$1 billion has been spent to ensure that we have a very stable exchange rate. Is the hon. Minister able to confirm to the nation, especially in relation to the issue of inflation, whether we are controlling the exchange rate artificially, or are there things that have to be done to ensure that we have productivity in the market that will stabilise the exchange rate as a consequence of inflation?

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, let me start by agreeing with the hon. Member that the fundamental factor in determining the stability of the exchange rates is just how much the country is producing and exporting to earn Dollars, which become available to the market. A lot has been done. Three years ago, as the hon. Member may recall, our mining sector, which is the main source of foreign currency, was in deep problems. He may also recall that Mopani Copper Mines Plc and Konkola Copper Mine (KCM) were virtually closed, and the production at First Quantum Minerals Limited and Lumwana Mine went down. All that has been reversed. All the numbers are now looking upwards. These old mining companies are looking upwards. In addition to that, new mines are opening, and there have been new exports on the market. For example, Zambia used to be a net importer of fertiliser, but it is now a net exporter of fertilisers and ceramic tiles. All sorts of new industries are emerging, which are improving the supply of foreign currency. So, I think that we are safe. We are on the right trajectory of earning more and more Dollars, and a result of that is partly what we see in the exchange rate market today, which has improved substantially.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member also asked if the stability of the exchange rate, in fact, the appreciation of the Kwacha that we are seeing, is manipulated. He cited the fact that last year, US$1 billion was spent to stabilise the exchange rate. I cannot vouch for that, but assuming that he is right, let us look at the foreign currency reserves of the country. Two years ago, we were just under US$3 billion. Today, the foreign currency reserves are at US$4.8 billion. So, US$4.8 billion from less than US$3 billion shows that there is no manipulation of just carelessly selling Dollars to stabilise the exchange rate. If that were the case, the reserves would have continued going down, but the reserves have continued going up. So, there is no manipulation.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister talked about stability in our economy and also referred to whether our statistics are manipulated or not. I want to find out from him what kind of inflation we have; is it cost-push inflation, demand-pull inflation, or built-in inflation?

Hon. Members: Very technical!

Madam Speaker: We are now on economics from Chilubi.

Laughter

Hon. Member: Another research has emerged.

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, perhaps, the best way to answer that question is to not get into a mode of confusing our listeners. Let us go to the basics. What is happening to inflation? When this Government came into office, inflation was at about 22 per cent per year. That is what it was. In other words, the prices in general were going up by 22 per cent every year. As we progressed, we worked very hard and within a year, inflation had dropped to below 10 per cent. So, instead of prices going up by 22 per cent per year, they were going up by 10 per cent, which I think is an improvement. Then came the problems of the drought, which pushed inflation up. I think that by December, 2023 to January 2024, the inflation rate had reached around 16.3 per cent, still lower than the 22 per cent that we found. At the highest peak of inflation under this Government, inflation was still lower than what we found when we came into office.

Madam Speaker, the good news is that from the end of the year to the beginning of the year, inflation has continued to go down. Just today, the new figures released show that the inflation rate has reduced to 14.1 per cent. So, the highest it has ever reached is 16.3 percent, and month after month, the inflation rate has been reducing. Last month, the inflation rate was at 15.3 per cent. This month, it has reduced to 14.1 per cent. With this, I think that we are on course towards getting back to a single-digit inflation by the end of the year. In other words, we are on track to ensure the country’s inflation rate gets to below 10 per cent by the end of the year. So, what we see is that despite the disruption that we suffered because of the drought, the inflation rate is now under control. It is reducing month after month. The prices of mealie meal and fuel, as indicated, are going down. I expect to see the prices of some of the non-food items begin to go down as the old stocks in the shops, which were imported at high exchange rates, get exhausted.

So, Madam Speaker, this Government has made good progress in terms of the inflation rate. That is why, those who have been reading news from Bloomberg, an international news media, are praising this Government for the immense progress it has made in the economic growth of this country.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mabeta (Kankoyo): Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning has pre-empted my question to do with the international credit rating, which has improved tremendously after the efforts which were made to restructure the debt. It has uplifted the perception of Zambia being a fastest and safest investment country where one can put money and make good profit.

Interruptions

Hon. Members: That is a technical question. Is it not so?

Mr Mabeta: Yes, that is a technical question. So, listen.

Laughter

Mr Mabeta: Madam Speaker, basically, a credit rating is what one thinks of me every time the other person wants to borrow money. This means that if I ask for a K1, one can easily give it to me. If I ask for K100, one is going to think on whether I can pay that person back or not. One should also think of how I am going to recover –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member, you are debating. Please, ask your question.

Mr Mabeta: Sorry, Madam Speaker.

With an improved credit rating, which is attracting investment or foreign direct investments with goods or, inflow of the Dollar in the economy, are we going to see the sustainability of the appreciation of the Kwacha, in addition to increased production in copper and many other valuables the hon. Minister has highlighted?

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, yes, the hon. Member is correct. As I said some moments ago, when there is more production enabling us to export more items, and earn more foreign currency, that is the most critical factor to maintaining stability in the exchange rate. Given the investment that we have been attracting in the mining, agriculture and tourism industries, which performed extremely well from last year to date, and busy hotels, those are factors that bring in the Dollar. We are confident that we will enjoy stability of the Kwacha.

I thank you, Madam Speaker

Mr Chala (Chipili): Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Although part of my initial question has been answered, let me find out on the exchange rate again.

Madam Speaker, yesterday, some people were dancing because of the exchange rate that is dropping. However, today, when I went to the commercial bank, I noticed that the exchange rate had started rising again. What could be the reason for the rise? Could the hon. Minister assure the people who were dancing yesterday not to continue because the Dollar rate may rise again?

Laughter

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, as you may know, our exchange rate is not fixed. The price varies from day to day and minute to minute. That is the way it is all over the world. Honestly, my hon. Colleagues will recall that the exchange rate at some point was almost K30 to a Dollar. For it to come down to K23, surely, that is progress. If there have been some movements upwards, that is the way it is. Sometimes, it goes down and sometimes up, but for now, definitely, it has appreciated. So, let us continue to produce and export more because that is what was missing. How do we expect the exchange rate to be stable when Mopani Copper Mines and Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) are closed down, and other investors are being chased away? Where will we get the Dollars from? So, that is the fundamental problem that needs to be resolved. We should encourage production so that more Dollars come into the country. This is what we should celebrate.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Rev. Katuta (Chienge): Madam Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity.

Madam Speaker, I heard the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning saying that the international community is praising the Government for the efforts it is making.

Madam Speaker, how are the people of Zambia going to praise this Government? Can the hon. Minister give a timeline or period when we will have evidence that there is a turnaround in our economy in terms of the cost of living?

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, it is not just foreigners who are celebrating. If someone was a miner in Mufulira and lost his or her job some time back, he or she would celebrate if that job was given back to him or her. They can go and ask those people today. They are celebrating. If one was in Livingstone or Lusaka and had no job, it does not mean that there were no clients. Now, hotels are doing so well and therefore, people should be happy. They should start singing praises. If one was a farmer and managed to produce more because one got fertilizer on time, one would be happy.

So, the truth of the matter is that there are many Zambians who are happy. If one goes to the rural areas and ask the parents if they are happy that their children are now going to school, parents will say that they are happy. If one went to rural areas that had no classrooms and children used to sit on the floor, one would find that children are now sitting on the desks, and they are happy.

Madam Speaker, of course, I recognise the growth or prosperity has not reached everywhere We will continue to push to sustain this challenge so that those who have not yet seen the benefits can do so. However, it is not correct to assume that only foreigners are praising us. The issue about the foreigners or some of them is that they see beyond what you see. They project the wealth of a country two to five years in advance while most of us, because of the current poverty state, it is a matter of day-to-day survival. So, the most immediate concern is survival. Nevertheless, there are many Zambians today who are doing well.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

PLANS TO ELECTRIFY CHIMOWA IN PEMBA DISTRICT

356. Mr Hamwaata (Pemba) asked the Minister of Energy:

whether the Government has any plans to electrify Chimowa and surrounding areas in Pemba District;

if so, when the plans will be implemented;

what the estimated cost of the project is; and

if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Energy (Mr Chikote): Madam Speaker, the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Rural Electrification Authority (REA), has plans to electrify Chimowa and surrounding areas in Pemba District. Currently, ZESCO Limited has electrical reticulation within the vicinity of Chimowa area in Pemba, and customers are advised to apply for power supply.

Madam Speaker, Chimowa is scheduled for electrification in 2028, according to the Rural Electrification Master Plan (REMP). In this regard, REA will conduct feasibility studies in the third quarter of 2025 to establish the cost of electrifying Chimowa and surrounding areas. However, electrification of the area will be determined when the feasibility studies are completed.

Madam Speaker, the project’s cost will only be determined after the feasibility studies are conducted.

Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to electrify Chimowa and the surrounding areas in Pemba District.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, I have a very quick follow-up question to the hon. Minister of Energy. He has talked about undertaking an assessment, about 2028 and about the end of 2025. All issues point to the fact that the hon. Minister does not yet know how much is needed to implement the project in Pemba District. Has the ministry assessed the capacity of the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) to run in all the respective constituencies to have this information ready for him? Clearly, the hon. Minister does not have the figures and, I am sure, without the figures, it is impossible to implement these works. Next week, an hon. Member will ask a similar question. So, do we know the capacity of REA? Is REA able to do all the works that need to be attended to?

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

Madam Speaker, REA has the capacity to handle the projects, and it is able to provide factual information about the constituencies that are in the REMP. Hence, I stated that in the third quarter of 2025, feasibility studies will be conducted to determine the actual cost of the projects.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Hamwaata: Madam Speaker, the people of Pemba Constituency are very happy with the response by the hon. Minister. However, I want to know when the feasibility study is expected to take place.

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member of Parliament for the good people of Pemba for appreciating my response. I have stated that the feasibility study will be conducted in the third quarter of 2025.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chisopa (Mkushi South): Madam Speaker, I remember that Pemba is one of the constituencies that contributed K1 million from its Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for technical support, as stated by the hon. Minister. Is that part of the money that the ministry is going to use to conduct a feasibility study in Pemba?

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, that money was collected from constituencies to support rural electrification projects. However, REA has other resources to supplement the cost of the projects in order to conduct the feasibility study.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Lubozha (Chifubu): Madam Speaker, what are some of the challenges or shortcomings that the hon. Minister has seen in the Rural Electrification Authority (REA), which have contributed to some of the challenges we have seen in the implementation of some programmes, following the monetary contributions that were made by all constituencies? Recently, we were in Simaubi, Mbabala Constituency, and we found that REA had not done what it was supposed to do. Today, we are talking about what REA has not done in Pemba. What are the challenges that REA has in the implementation of programmes?

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

Madam Speaker, it all about the resources. Once resources are available, we are able to implement the backlog that we found when we took over the Government. People are looking forward to using this service. So, it is just about resources. That is the challenge.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, we need to make progress. I am about to close the list, but people keep on indicating to speak.

The last question will be from the hon. Member for Pemba.

Mr Hamwaata: Madam Speaker, I just want to appreciate the hon. Minister for his responses. Pemba Constituency, especially the area we are talking about, has over 200 plots. That area has become difficult to develop because of the same challenge of electricity. On behalf of the good people of Pemba, it is my prayer that the hon. Minister will be able to send a team to conduct the feasibility study as promised. I hope that by 2028, we will have electricity in that area.

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, that was a comment on the matter. Indeed, as I have stated, in the third quarter of 2025, feasibility studies will be conducted. I want to assure the hon. Member that by 2028, the people of Pemba will be very happy. We will put a smile on their faces.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

NUMBER OF HIGHER LEARNING INSTITUTIONS IN THE COUNTRY

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

how many of the following institutions of higher learning there were, countrywide, as of June, 2024:

public universities;

private universities;

public colleges; and

private colleges;

how often the Higher Education Authority conducts assessments of the learning institutions at (a); and

what criteria are used to ensure quality education is provided.

The Minister of Education (Mr Syakalima): Madam Speaker, as at June 2025, the number of institutions of higher learning across the country stood at a total number of 202. These included fifty private universities and fifteen private university colleges. In addition, there were ninety-three private colleges operating under various sectors. With regard to public institutions, the country had ten public universities and one public university college, as well as twenty-five public colleges. Further, there were eight Industrial Skill Training Providers (ISTPs) contributing to the national higher education and skills development landscape.

Madam Speaker, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) conducts assessments of institutions through institutional audits and learning programme audits, at least, once per year, as provided for in the Higher Education (Amendment) Act No. 23 of 2021.

Madam Speaker, the HEA ensures the provision of quality higher education through institutional audits, learning programmes audits, and routine inspections and surveillance, all conducted in accordance with the law. In addition, the HEA promotes quality enhancement in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) through regular capacity-building workshops and the oversight of Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) systems established within the institutions.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, in terms of standards sustenance, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) monitors all the learning institutions countrywide. How decentralised is the authority? Is it decentralised at the provincial or district levels? Further, to what extent is the authority centralised to enable it carry out its functions effectively?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, I think, the institution does a good job. There are not too many institutions in the country. The authority is not too decentralised. It is centralised, but it does a good job.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister’s assurance is that his team does a good job in verifying the performance and quality of education that is being offered by various public and private institutions. On record, there have been many public and private universities and other learning institutions that have been closed down on account of offering below-standard education, which is at variance with the hon. Minister’s assurance. Given the question that has been asked by the hon. Member for Kalabo Central, I want to know how equipped his officers are to deal with challenges in the quality of education offered in Kitwe and the remaining 115 districts. Clearly, we have institutions dotted around the country, and it is not possible to be everywhere. So, how equipped is his team?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, my short answer is: Very equipped. The hon. Member said that I said the HEA does a good job. Yes, it does. If it closes down some institutions for poor quality services, that is a good job. Is it not? It means that the authority undertakes inspections. If officers inspect and they find something wrong and then close down an institution, they are doing a good job. So, contrary to what the hon. Member has said, which is that I said the authority does a good job, yet some colleges have closed down, it means that the authority is doing a good job.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Lubozha (Chifubu): Madam Speaker, I just want to allude to what Hon. Kang’ombe has already mentioned. We have seen the mushrooming of higher learning institutions across the country, particularly private institutions. One finds a university or college almost everywhere one goes. Even in backyards, some people are teaching students. That situation has been contributing to lowering standards of education in our country. I want to know if any of the institutions that have been closed down have been subjected to law enforcement agencies for operating outside the confines of the law.

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, I cannot respond to that off-the-cuff because that is a new question, unless I get more information. What I know is that Mansfield University, for instance, was served with a notice of intention of deregistration just recently.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has said that the HEA does a good job. ‘Good’ is an indication that things are in the right position; both the markers and students are satisfied. In other words, there is good performance and the right outcomes are being achieved. After an institution is visited by the HEA, an audit report is sent to that institution. I want to know how much time it takes for the HEA to give feedback to the institutions that are inspected. Further, how long does it take the authority to make follow-ups to check whether what was observed was corrected?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, it is within three months.

Madam Speaker, at least, I have an answer for that question.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: I think, hon. Member for Kalabo Central, you should pay the hon. Minister a visit so that you can chat further.

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, during the recent teacher recruitment, one of the guidelines that stood out was discrimination against some institutions; colleges and universities that conduct teacher training. I do not know whether the discrimination was based on some institutions producing below-standard students or something else. So, some students were discriminated against. I do not know whether those colleges are part of what the hon. Minister has said. I am more interested in knowing the institution that acts as a clearing house, in terms of which institutions have good standards or not, based on the set guidelines of the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) and the ministry. Which institution is a clearing house for colleges when they train students and issue certification documents? In other words, which institution is in charge of determining that a qualification from a particular institution is acceptable or not

Madam Speaker: Hon. Minister of Education, did you get the question?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, I got the question, but it is a wrong one.

Laughter

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, we are talking about the HEA.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Chilubi, we are talking about the Higher Education Authority (HEA), not the one which looks at qualifications. I do not know what they call it – something qualifications –

Mr Syakalima: It is the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).

Madam Speaker: Yes. So, those are two different institutions.

Mr Tayengwa (Kabwata): Madam Speaker, from the statistics that the hon. Minister has given us on universities, I believe that most are urban-based. When one travels to a rural area, maybe, one will find that a few universities exist. I just want to know the measures the ministry has put in place to ensure that more private universities are attracted to investing in rural areas.

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, private individuals follow where there is money. They go to where they think they will earn money. So, why do they want them to go to Kalabo?

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: I am also getting confused.

Mr Chala (Chipili): Madam Speaker, I know the hon. Minister has a, b and c answers.

Mr Amutike: Question!

Laughter

Mr Chala: Madam Speaker, public institutions like the University of Zambia (UNZA) are supposed to offer quality education to our children. However, when we look at the recruitment system, we see that the university is recruiting more students than it can accommodate. I can single out one of the schools; the School of Medicine. The institution has recruited more students than the lecture rooms can accommodate. What interventions will the ministry take to ensure that a required number of students is enrolled, to avert what is currently there?

Madam Speaker: Is it a, b, c or d?

Laughter

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, it is d.

Laughter

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member is right. In 2020, there was a big enrolment at the institution, which was not right. So, we have since made corrections so that the students studying medicine learn in a conducive environment. Regarding accommodation, we are currently completing two hostels, which stalled for over ten years. However, in 2021, there was an over-enrolment, which was unacceptable, and we have now cut that one out. We need to get acceptable numbers in the university, especially those studying medicine.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

_______

MOTIONS

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LEGAL AFFAIRS, HUMAN RIGHTS AND GOVERNANCE

Dr Andeleki (Katombola): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this House adopts the Report of the Committee on Legal Affairs, Human Rights and Governance on the Review of Legislation Governing Emergency Situations in Zambia, for the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, laid on the Table of the House on Tuesday, 24^th June, 2025.

Madam Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

Dr Andeleki: Madam Speaker, in accordance with its terms of reference as set out under Orders No. 206(f) and 207 of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, the Committee considered the topical issue titled: The Review of Legislation Governing Emergency Situations in Zambia.

Madam Speaker, in carrying out its task, the Committee engaged with stakeholders and undertook a local tour of selected districts in Lusaka Province, Central Province, Copperbelt Province and the Eastern Province. The Committee also undertook an international tour of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) in line with its topical issue. Considering that hon. Members have had time to read the report, allow me to comment on some of the key findings from the Committee’s engagement with various stakeholders on the topical issue.

Madam Speaker, in order to strengthen emergency preparedness and response, the Committee recommends that the Government consolidates existing laws governing emergencies into a unified and coherent legal framework. Currently, fragmented regulations across different agencies lead to overlaps, gaps and inefficiencies during crises. A consolidated legal structure would, therefore, ensure clarity, consistency and seamless co-ordination among stakeholders. This framework should define clear roles, responsibilities and protocols for disaster management, public safety, and emergency response while incorporating provisions for modern threats such as cyber incidents and pandemics. Additionally, it should mandate regular reviews and updates to adapt to evolving risks. By harmonising emergency laws, authorities can enhance accountability, streamline operations and improve overall resilience in times of crises.

Madam Speaker, the Committee further observes that the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) trust fund, which the law provides for, is yet to be operationalised. The Committee believes that the activation of the trust fund is critical, particularly in enhancing the country’s ability to effectively and efficiently manage and respond to environmental and health disasters. In this regard, the Committee recommends the immediate operationalisation of the trust fund to ensure that resources are reserved and readily accessible in the event of an emergency, for quick and timely response.

Madam Speaker, your Committee also observes that managing states of emergency or moments of emergencies often require co-ordinated efforts between various Government agencies, line ministries, the defence forces, local authorities and non-state actors. Your Committee further observes that such co-ordination is crucial in the pooling of resources and developing contingency plans. Therefore, the Committee recommends that legislation governing emergencies and states of emergency undergo review to include non-state actors to harmonise efforts in addressing emergencies for the best interest of the public.

Madam Speaker, the Committee also notes that most local authorities have ineffective fire sections with very limited resources and equipment. To enhance quicker response to emergencies at the local level, the Committee recommends that the existing fire sections be upgraded into a fully-fledged fire department. This transition would allow for better resource allocation, specialised training and improved emergency response co-ordination. Further, a dedicated fire department would have the authority to implement advanced fire prevention programmes, modernise equipment and establish clear command structures, ensuring quicker and more organised responses to emergencies. Additionally, it would enable the recruitment of skilled personnel, fostering inter-agency collaboration and securing independent funding for critical initiatives. By elevating the fire section to a full department, the community would benefit from enhanced safety measures, reduced response times and a more pro-active approach to fire and rescue operations.

Madam Speaker, let me end by placing on record the gratitude of the Committee to all the stakeholders who tendered both written and oral submissions. The Committee also wishes to thank you and the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly for the guidance and support rendered to it.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

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

Mr Fube: Now, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I would like to start by appreciating the mover of the Motion, who has ably captured many recommendations that the Committee, with the interaction of different stakeholders, ventured into.

As it has already been underscored, the fragmentation in terms of legislation first of all, emanates from the Constitutional standing particularly Articles 30 and 31, which give His Excellency the President power to declare emergencies or threatened emergencies. Further, in the Constitution, there is derogation from rights and detention in Article 25 of the Constitution, which takes care of emergencies.

Madam Speaker, as already been pointed out, mainly, the issue to do with legislation is the overlapping of authorities as well as the fragmented approach, which are mainly the problem in how Parliamentary Articles such as the Disaster Management Act, the Water Resources Management Act, and the Food Reserve Act are tailored.

Madam Speaker, during the interaction with the stakeholders and witnesses, your Committee noted that the disasters or emergencies of natural nature have been captured in some way, by the Disaster Management Act and other supportive legislations. However, your Committee also realised that whereas the Constitution speaks and captures the spirit of strife, there are no subsidiary laws that are in support of civil strife in an emergency nature.

Madam Speaker, I would like to speak to four areas of consideration as it was agreed by the Committee. One of the areas is the establishment of the National Integrated Emergency Management (NIEM). That means that it is not safe and sufficient to have a Disaster Management Committee (DMC) which only co-opts members as disasters occur. This is a call to have a multi-sectoral or cross-pollination approach to disaster or emergencies that may take different players on board to respond to different natures of emergencies.

Madam Speaker, the other one is about the strengthening of coordination.

Madam Speaker, establishing an integrated approach is one thing, but coordination is a different one. Therefore, your Committee realised that in terms of coordination, different pieces of legislation should be taken on board. That should include the defence forces, the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), the Water Resources Management Authority (WRMA), and the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to respond to different emergencies.

Madam Speaker, the other concern is about the protocols for joining to respond to emergencies. You will find that different institutions that are supposed to respond to emergencies struggle because of no properly laid-down protocols on how they should join, in case there is a National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC) that has a trickle-down effect at provincial and district levels on how all the players can work together when a disaster occurs. All protocols are supposed to join in terms of resource mobilisation, planning, and the implementation of such response as it should have a multiple response.

Madam Speaker, the other one is a realisation born from thinking that emergencies can either be as a result of a pandemic or an epidemic. This means that some emergencies would be confined to certain places and not nationwide. This means, Madam Speaker, that there is a need to develop local capacity.

Therefore, the Committee recommends that the need to develop local capacity is going to help the nation. The local capacity does not come by accident. As the House may realise, local authorities are captured by the Constitution especially in Article 152, and are well-placed in making sure that they bring together the civil society and Government institutions. The local authorities also act as an anchor institution in terms of creating responses in that particular area. If they were to be at a national level scale, that approach would be well-tailored. This is because the local capacity developed at district level could use the bottom-up approach in responding to emergencies.

Madam Speaker, your Committee underscores and overemphasises the need to have legislation to deal with the National Integrated Emergency Management Framework (NIEMF) in the form of an Act of Parliament. During the interrogations your Committee had with different witnesses, it was discovered that in as far as other pieces of legislation are there, the DMMU may not be responsive to emergencies as it may be. For example, if it is responding to emergency of civil strife, the defence forces would be required to move in. Further, the declaration which can be triggered by His excellency the President by either using Articles 30 or 31. Further, in situations where the Disaster Management Act for instance, states that officers have to undertake data gathering, feed Cabinet and then, the Cabinet sits, that kind of co-ordination requires NIEMF.

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

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, allow me once again to thank you most sincerely for the opportunity to make a few comments on this important report. I also thank the Chairperson of your Committee This is a very important report. I hope the Vice-Chairperson of your Committee is paying attention. His secondment of the report refers to six pieces of legislation.

Madam Speaker, the first piece of legislation, which governs this topic is obviously the Emergency Powers Act which states who has powers when there is an emergency. The law has ably clarified that piece of legislation. The Public Health Act, Madam Speaker, which is the second law is used by the local authorities to prevent disasters. It also attempts to deal with issues of public health.

Madam Speaker, the third piece of legislation referred to in the report is the Disaster Management Act. I have a challenge with this piece of legislation because the law seeks to help the country manage disasters. Unfortunately, even when money has been made available through various Government instruments, whether it is the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) or direct funding, we still have a challenge in utilising the money effectively. The reason is simple. For example, a disaster can be defined differently by one office and the local people.

Madam Speaker, I have a case in point in my constituency where the local people have identified a potential disaster. Unfortunately, when we take the well-documented reports to our officers under the Office of the District Commissioner (DC), their definition of a disaster is totally different from what the local people view as a disaster. Why should we give, Madam Vice-President, money to all the constituencies to deal with what people believe that certain things can bring harm to the community? Unfortunately, that definition of a community will not be the same for our colleagues managing this particular fund. The call I am making, on the issue of disaster management, is that the law that we have is a very brilliant document. Unfortunately, there is a difference in understanding what constitutes a disaster and what constitutes something that we can spend money on to prevent a disaster.

Madam Speaker, disaster management is not rushing to a particular place that has been affected by a disaster, with cameras. Disaster management simply means that if the local people believe that the pipeline that carries sewage from Chamboli to Ndeke will pose a potential hazard in a particular community, if that is the definition of the problem that will occur in a community, my understanding is that the people who have been employed in Kitwe should be able to interpret that as a problem that will ultimately bring problems for the community. So, my submission on the law governing disaster management is that, we need to have a conversation around what constitutes a disaster. What should be done is not to rush when a disaster has occurred. What we should be focusing on is asking which areas have the potential to have disasters. That is why, by practice, each district is supposed to have what is called an Epidemic Preparedness Committee, a committee that simply draws people from different departments of the Government. Its job is to look around and ask the local people what could be a problem which needs to be prevented.

The point I am emphasising, Madam Speaker, is that there is no need to have a law, which law when it comes to implementation, the local people have a different interpretation of it. The people who are supposed to manage the law as it is read out have a different interpretation. That is my first submission, and I hope that Her Honour the Vice-President, who is responsible for this important wing of Government, will ensure that we have the same understanding. We cannot be receiving money every year for our needs in Kamfinsa when the office of the District Commissioner (DC) keeps approving needs that are different from ours. We have our own separate things that we believe cause disasters in our community.

The fourth piece of legislation I would like to talk about, Madam Speaker, is the Public Procurement Act. The law provides for emergency procurement, meaning if we have a disaster, the law allows for people who are assigned the duties of procurement to quickly procure what needs to be procured. Unfortunately, there is a high risk of corruption arising from the fact that the powers to procure items are not regulated. The call that I am making, on behalf of the people of Kamfinsa, is that yes, when there is an emergency, we need to procure items quickly. When a disaster has occurred in a community, the wheels of the Government must rotate fast enough to correct the problem. However, we must put safeguards in place. We must ensure that when millions of Kwacha are released for emergency procurement to deal with disasters, no room is left for unnecessary expenditure that will negatively affect the little resources available for various developmental needs of our people. This is why I wish to emphasis that, when the Committee was formulating the report around legislation governing emergencies, one of the things that I wanted it to emphasise is how to prevent unnecessary public procurement. When there is a disaster, everyone panics. Everyone believes that if there is an officer in procurement, that officer will do a good job. It is in that instance that public funds are misused. The call from the people of Kamfinsa is that even as they appreciate the importance of this law, the Government should ensure that there is no abuse of public funds, especially in cases when emergencies occur in our country.

Lastly, Madam Speaker, let me speak about the Public Order Act. On account of time, let me say that your Committee’s report, which has been presented by the hon. Member of Parliament for Katombola, is saying that we need to strike a balance between the need for public order and the need to respect the people's rights when there is an emergency. Unfortunately, with the limited time, we will not be able to discuss every piece of legislation. The report has highlighted a very important issue. When we have an emergency, what happens to the Public Order Act, which is a piece of legislation managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security? Do we suddenly have a situation whereby our people surrender their right to associate? What should we do in the event of an emergency?

Madam Speaker, the Committee has made very important recommendations. As we implement these recommendations, let us remember that there is no need to have laws which cannot be implemented.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: There are no further indications so the hon. Minister of Justice may respond.

Rev. Katuta: Hear, hear!

The Minister of Justice (Ms Kasune): Madam Speaker, allow me to commend the work of the Committee on Legal Affairs, Human Rights and Governance for the work done in reviewing the legislation governing emergency situations in the Republic of Zambia.

Madam Speaker, it is imperative for me to start by indicating that Article 62 and Article 63 of the Constitution, Chapter 1 of the Laws of Zambia, confers powers on Parliament to enact legislation, and that the powers include the mandate to establish the efficacy of various laws on the statute books. Hence, the review of the legislation governing emergency situations in the Republic that the Committee carried out, is highly commendable.

Madam Speaker, the Committee correctly observed that, among others, there are nine pieces of legislation that govern emergency situations in our country, which, among others, include the Emergency Powers Act, Chapter 108 of the Laws of Zambia and the Public Health Act, Chapter 295 of the Laws of Zambia.

Madam Speaker, allow me to state that we have duly taken note of the Committee's observations and recommendations arising from Part 1 of its report, which, among others, includes the following:

that there is a need to harmonise the definition of keywords such as “emergency” and “disaster” in various pieces of legislation that relate to emergency situations in the Republic of Zambia;

that in order to enhance accountability and safeguard against potential misuse of Executive authority, sufficient oversight mechanisms should be incorporated in the Constitution and other pieces of legislation that relate to emergency situations through reviews and amendments; and

that all existing pieces of legislation relating to emergencies should be reviewed and harmonised.

Madam Speaker, may I also take this opportunity to inform the House and the public that, indeed, this is where the world is moving to. As you know, disaster management is done by the Office of the Vice-President, and it has been recognised that risk reduction and preparedness is key. You see that in the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), some policies have already been changed to ensure that there is more of mitigation of impacts of disasters.

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, the Executive has taken note of the Committee's observations and recommendations seriously and will endeavour to make sure that the prerequisites are taken in, ensuring that the observations and recommendations of the Committee are implemented. In so doing, we will create an environment in which the legal framework relating to emergency situations in the public is more effective and responsive.

Madam Speaker, in the interest of time, may I say that we have taken note of the Committee’s observations and recommendations and an action report on the second part of the report will be subsequently tabled before this very august House.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Dr Andeleki: Madam Speaker, thank you very much –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

Dr Andeleki: Madam Speaker, before business was suspended, I was about to wind up my debate.

Madam Speaker, as I wind up, I wish to express my gratitude to the seconder of the Motion, Hon. Fube, Member of Parliament for Chilubi Constituency. Allow me to also thank the hon. Member for Kamfinsa, Mr Kang’ombe, for supporting the Motion to adopt the report of the Committee. I would also like to thank the hon. Minister of Justice for her contribution.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Question put and agreed to.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MEDIA, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES ON THE REVIEW OF DIGITAL MIGRATION IN ZAMBIA

Eng. Mabenga (Mulobezi): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this House adopts the Report of the Committee on Media, Information and Communication Technologies on the Review of Digital Migration in Zambia, for the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, laid on the Table of the House on Tuesday, 24^th June, 2025.

Madam Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

Mr Tayengwa (Kabwata): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

Eng. Mabenga: Madam Speaker, in accordance with its terms of reference, as set out under Orders No. 206(b) and 207 of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, the Committee considered the topical issue entitled, “The Review of Digital Migration in Zambia”.

Madam Speaker, in carrying out its task, the Committee engaged with stakeholders and also undertook a local tour to provincial broadcasting centres in Lusaka Province, Central Province, the Eastern Province and Muchinga Province as well as the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) offices.

Madam Speaker, allow me to begin by giving a brief background on the digital migration process in Zambia. Digital migration is the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting over a set period. Zambia’s digital migration project began in 2012 and was slated for completion by 2015. It involved the construction of eight provincial broadcasting studios, installation of studio equipment and establishment of a national operations centre. The project was financed by a loan from the Export–Import (Exim) Bank of China. The project stalled at 90 per cent completion after disbursements were suspended in 2019 due to Zambia’s overall debt burden. Consequently, Cabinet approved the cancellation of the loan at a meeting held on 7^th March, 2022. Having laid out the basis for the Committee’s report and considering that hon. Members had time to read it, allow me to comment on some of the key findings from the Committee’s engagement with various stakeholders on the topical issue.

Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that while on the local tour, the Committee visited a warehouse in Lusaka where broadcasting equipment meant for provincial studios has remained unused since 2019. It was disheartening to see equipment, such as televisions, decoders, transmitters and generators, covered in dust due to the stalled project. The Committee also learned that more equipment remains with the manufacturers in China. Both sets are incurring storage costs, and faulty items cannot be repaired due to the unpaid balance on completed works. In this regard, the Committee strongly urges the Government, through the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, to urgently secure funds to pay the US$12 million owed in unpaid interim payment certificates (IPCs) for the completed works so that the remaining equipment can be delivered, installed and the project can be fully operationalised.

Madam Speaker, the Committee observes that the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) has been given the responsibility of repaying the digital migration loan, yet it does not have the capacity to do so. This not only places a significant financial burden on the institution, but also threatens its operational sustainability. In this regard, the Committee recommends that the Government assumes full responsibility for repaying the loan allocated to ZNBC for the digital migration project.

Madam Speaker, the Committee notes that the digital migration policy designates five public service channels as free-to-air, meaning they should be accessible without someone having to pay for subscription. However, this is not being enforced due to the absence of a legal framework. In this regard, the Committee recommends that the Government backs the policy with a law to ensure mandatory compliance in providing five free-to-air channels for the benefit of underprivileged populations.

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, allow me to state that one of the issues that stood out for the Committee is that the contractor, StarTimes Software Technology Company Limited, had, as at 31^st March, 2022, been paid US$192 million out of US$230 million, representing 85 per cent of the counterpart loan from the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of China. Further, the Committee notes that only three studios remain incomplete; Kabwe at 87 per cent, Chipata at 83 per cent and Mongu at 91 per cent.

Madam Speaker, since only US$26 million is needed to complete the project, the Committee strongly recommends that the Government settles the US$12 million owed in interim payment certificates (IPCs), re-engage the contractor and ensure that the remaining 40 per cent of equipment in China is delivered and installed before it becomes obsolete. Given the significant public investment of over US$200 million, it is imperative to safeguard this infrastructure from going to waste.

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, allow me to place on record the gratitude of the Committee to all the stakeholders who tendered both written and oral submissions. The Committee also wishes to thank you and the Clerk of the National Assembly for the guidance and support rendered to it.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

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

Mr Tayengwa: Now, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, thank you for giving the good people of Kabwata the opportunity to add their voices to the debate on the Motion that is before this House. I also want to thank the mover of the Motion, our Committee chairperson, for ably moving the Motion on the Floor of the House.

Madam Speaker, digital migration is simply moving from the traditional analogue to the digital system. The digital migration system was established in 2012. In 2014, the Government came up with a policy on digital migration. Immediately after the policy was implemented, the Government also needed to come up with a road map for how it would proceed and implement the digital system in Zambia. That is how the Government came up with the roadmap and three phases were led out.

Madam Speaker, in the first phase, the Government was to put up digital transmitters along the line of rail. In the second phase, it was to ensure that it implemented the digital system through the contractor, who was to contract provincial studios. In the third phase, the Government was to ensure that the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) mass media offices and other studios are rehabilitated. This was done. However, along the way, certain challenges affected the digital migration in Zambia. Zambia implemented the digital migration on 15^th June, 2017, but the system faced many challenges, and one of the challenges it faced was the lack of a legal framework. The legal framework which was in place could not address some of the issues, and that is why the stakeholders indicated that there were certain Acts that needed to be revised, that is the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Act, the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act, the Financial Transactions Reporting Act and other Acts. These Acts also did not assist in implementing the digital migration, which is why stakeholders emphasised that some of the laws needed to be revised.

Madam Speaker, the other factor in digital migration was the issue of provincial studios constructed very far away from the provincial towns. We saw that in Chipata and Central Province, a provincial centre was constructed many kilometres away from the central business district (CBD). As a result of that, we found out that even the roads leading to those provincial studios were in a bad state. It was actually very difficult for workers to access the studios because of the bad roads. That is why stakeholders indicated that they needed to see that provincial centres were provided with accommodation and that the staff had proper transportation for their operations.

Madam Speaker, the Committee also toured the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) offices. It was discovered that ZANIS is not doing well and is understaffed. The institution needs to be fully operationalised by recruiting more staff to fill up about 170 vacant positions. The Committee also discovered that offices had challenges of Internet connectivity. Staff were using one computer, which is not right for a nation that is trying to migrate from analogue to digital systems.

Madam Speaker, the other issue we discovered through our interactions with the stakeholders was rural infrastructure and connectivity. Before we can talk about digital migration in rural areas, we first need to put up infrastructures that will be able to answer the calls for migration to digital systems. We saw that there was a very big challenge when it came to infrastructure in rural areas. It is also very difficult for people in rural areas to access the Internet.

Madam Speaker, the other concern that the stakeholders raised was about TopStar Zambia. Instead of it coming in as a signal distributor, it was also seen as a content producer, which was against the digital policy that was formulated in 2012. So, stakeholders indicated that TopStar Zambia should never have been given a dual role of being a signal distributor and at the same time a content producer.

Madam Speaker, let me also highlight the issue of the loan that was acquired from Export-Import (EXIM) Bank, through a contractor who was contracted to deal with the digital migration system, Star Times.

Madam Speaker, there is need for the Government to ensure that the burden that has been placed on the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) to pay the debt should actually be removed and taken to the Government because the ZNBC does not have the capacity to pay that loan. We can look at the amount that was paid. The sad part of it is that we have allowed that loan to start gaining interest. That is the reason why the contractor is not even pushing for any payment certificate that was issued because he knows that at the end of the day, he is actually gaining from the whole transaction.

Madam Speaker, there is need to start reviewing some of the contracts that are being signed by our Government. We signed a contract t of K230 million and discontinued without reviewing how it was formalised.

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, allow me also to urge the hon. Members of this House to support this Motion that is before this House.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Thank you, very much.

The Minister of Information and Media (Mr Mweetwa): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank you for the opportunity.

Madam Speaker, the Committee on Media, Information, and Communication Technologies has expressed serious concern over the stalled Digital Migration Project, citing incomplete provincial studios and the risk of wasteful expenditure. The Committee strongly recommends the immediate resumption of the project already standing at 90 per cent completion to prevent further deterioration and cost escalation.

Madam Speaker, the Government is aware that a lot of equipment has already been shipped into this country with another consignment still held up in China meant for the remaining 10 per cent completion. I wish to place on record that this particular matter is one which presently is under active consideration and discussion by the Ministry of Information and Media and also the Ministry of Finance and National Planning.

Madam Speaker, the report also highlights logistical challenges faced by provincial studios, particularly, in the Eastern and Central provinces, such as remote locations, poor road access, lack of staff accommodation and transport. In response, the Ministry of Information and Media is coordinating with the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, the Office of the Auditor-General, and other relevant institutions to address these issues including, uploading a Cabinet memorandum to facilitate project continuation.

I must indicate, Madam Speaker, that the Ministry of Information and Media, takes this matter so seriously and that it is our desire that it be attended to with dispatch given that His Excellency the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, has directed the Ministry of Information and Media to complete the provincial studios at the soonest instance with funds available.

Furthermore, Madam Speaker, the Committee draws attention to the chronic underfunding of the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) offices, the lack of essential operational resources, and 179 critical staffing vacancies. It recommends granting ZANIS Treasury Authority to retain some internally generated revenue and to expedite the approval to fill the vacant positions. The ministry acknowledges these concerns and continues to lobby for necessary budgetary allocations and policy support.

Madam Speaker, in addressing broader sectoral reforms, the ministry is reviewing outdated policies including, the Government Communication and Media Development Policies, and has submitted key legislation such as the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Bill and the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Bill to the Ministry of Justice for drafting. These reforms aim at improving legal clarity, enhance enforcement of local content requirements, and establish transparency in licensing.

Your Committee also recommends structural changes such as creating a converged Information and Communication Technology (ICT) regulator by merging IBA and the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA). While the ministry has taken note and is considering stakeholder consultations, Madam Speaker, I would like to indicate that the House will keep being updated.

Madam Speaker, other notable actions include efforts to expand rural digital transmission infrastructure, regulate free-to-air channels, improve local content enforcement, redefine the Television (TV) Levy as the Broadcasting Levy, and address poor conditions of service for journalists and public relations officers through upcoming statutory regulations under the Zambia Institute of Public Relations and Communication (ZIPRC) law. Overall, the ministry has acknowledged your Committee's recommendations and is undertaking multi-sectoral engagements and legislative reforms to address policy, regulatory and operational challenges in Zambia's media and communications landscape.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

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

Eng. Mabenga: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Hon. Tayengwa for ably seconding the Motion, and also the Hon. Minister of Information and Media for the good response.

Madam Speaker, I would like to appeal again to the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to find time to go and visit the warehouse in Lusaka West so that they can appreciate the wastage of resources which is there. Probably, they will be able to find money and pay for this particular project. I would also like urge the hon. Minister again, to complete the three uncompleted studios in Kabwe, Chipata and Mongu. People want to use those studios. So, I am appealing again, to the hon. Minister to find money and pay for the studios. The Government should also pay the contractor because he is making big money out of the interest which he is gaining every day. So, let us cut down on that particular wastage of expenditure.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Question put and agreed to.

_______

BILL

HOUSE IN COMMITTEE

[THE CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the

Chair]

THE CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION PUBLIC PROTECTION BILL, 2025

Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 2 – (Interpretation)

The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security (Mr Mwiimbu, SC.): Madam Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 2, on page 6, after line 14, by the insertion of the following new definition:

“certificate of registration" means a certificate of registration issued by the Committee under section 22;.”

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 2, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 3 – (Administration of Act)

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Madam Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 3, on page 8:

in lines 9 to 10, by the deletion of the marginal note and the substitution therefor of the following:

Establishment of National Public Security Command Centre;

in lines 9 to 13, by the deletion of subclause (1) and the substitution therefor of the following:

There is established in the Ministry responsible for home affairs and internal security the National Public Security Command Centre which is responsible for the administration of this Act under the general direction of the Permanent Secretary for the ministry responsible for internal security.; and

in line 19, by the deletion of the words "or private".

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 3, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 13 – (Prohibition of operating closed-circuit television or mobile closed-circuit television without licence or authorisation)

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Madam Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 13, on page 14, in line 5 by the deletion of the words “or private”.

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 13, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 14 – (Application to operate or use closed circuit television on public or private premises)

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Madam Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 14, on page 14, in line 15, by the deletion of the words “or private”.

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 14, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 15,16,17,18,19 and 20 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 21 – (Prohibition of transfer of licence or authorisation)

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Madam Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 21, on page 17, after line 31, by the insertion of the following new clause immediately after Clause 21:

Registration 22. (1) A person who intends to operate or

of private use a closed-circuit television on private premises

premises shall apply to the Committee for registration, in the prescribed manner and form.

(2) The Committee shall, within thirty days of receipt of the application under subsection (1). issue the applicant with a certificate of registration in the prescribed manner and form.

(3) The certificate of registration issued under subsection (2) shall be valid for the duration of the operation of a closed-circuit television.

CLAUSE 22 – (Register)

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Madam Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 22, on page 17, as follows:

after line 33, by the insertion of following new paragraph immediately after paragraph(a):

registered private premises;; and

(b) in lines 34-35, by the renumbering of paragraphs (b) and (c) as paragraphs (c) and (d), respectively.

Amendment agreed to, Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 22, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 23 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 24 – (Prohibition of Use of Closed-Circuit Television or Mobile Closed-Circuit Television)

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Madam Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 24, on page 18, in line 25 to 30, by the deletion of the Sub-Clause (1) the substitution therefor of the following:

A person shall not use a closed-circuit television or mobile closed-circuit television in a change room or public rest room.

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 24, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 25 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 26 – (Viewing Images and Footage on Closed-Circuit Television or Mobile Closed-Circuit Television)

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Madam Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 26, on page 19, in lines 30 and 31, by the deletion of the words “one month” and substitution therefor of the words ‘three months’.

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 26, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 27 and 28 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 29 – (Powers of Command Centre Officer)

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Madam Chairperson, I beg to move amendments in Clause 29:

on page 20:

in line 18, by the deletion of the words “without prior notice” and the substitution therefor of the words ‘with a warrant’; and

after line 40, by the insertion of the following new Sub-Clause immediately after Sub-Clause (1):

(2) Despite subsection (1), a command centre officer may conduct a search without a warrant as prescribed.; and

on page 21, in lines 1 to 30, by the renumbering of Sub-Clauses (2) to (6) as Sub-Clauses (3) to (7), respectively.

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 29, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 and 43 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

GENERAL AMENDMENT

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: I beg to move a general amendment, in Clauses 22 to 43, on pages 17 to 26, by the renumbering of Clauses 22 to 43 as Clauses 23 to 44, respectively.

Amendment agreed to. Bill amended accordingly.

TITLE

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: I beg to move an amendment in the long title, on page 5, by the deletion of the words “provide the functions of the National Public Security Command Centre” and the substitution therefor of the words ‘establish the National Public Security Command Centre and provide for its functions’.

Amendment agreed to. Title amended accordingly.

Title, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

_______

HOUSE RESUMED

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

The following Bill was reported to the House as having passed through Committee with amendments:

The Closed-Circuit Television Public Protection Bill, 2025

Report Stage on Friday, 27^th June, 2025.

_______

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MADAM SPEAKER

DERERMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION OF ZAMBIA (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2025

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to inform the House that I have received communication from the Hon. Minister of Justice requesting that in accordance with Order No. 121(1) of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, consideration of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025 be deferred in order to allow for further consultations with the Zambian people.

In this regard, consideration of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025 is hereby deferred to a later date to allow for further consultations with the Zambian people.

Consequently, the sitting of the Select Committee appointed to scrutinise the Bill is suspended.

I thank you.

_______

MOTION

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 1752 hours until 0900 hours on Friday, 27^th June, 2025.

_____________

Thursday, 26th June, 2025

Mr Fube: Now, Madam Speaker.

Order Paper

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Thursday, 26th June, 2025

Mr Fube: Now, Madam Speaker.

Order Paper

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