Tuesday, 15^th July, 2025

 

The House met at 1430 hours

 

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

NATIONAL ANTHEM

 

PRAYER

 

_______

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM SPEAKER

 

DELEGATION FROM THE PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to acquaint the House with the presence in the Speaker’s Gallery of the following hon. Members of Parliament and staff from the Parliament of Uganda:

 

Hon. Rt. Joel B. Ssenyonyi, MP - Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Delegation;

 

Hon. Gorreth Namugga, MP

 

Hon. Nalule Asha Aisha Kabanda, MP

 

Hon. Charles Tebandeke, MP

 

Hon. Brenda Nabukenya, MP

 

Hon. Kiwanuka Abdallah, MP

 

Hon. Nsanja Patrick Kanyongo, MP

 

Hon. Serubula Stephen, MP

 

Hon. Lukyamuzi David Kalwanga, MP

 

Hon. Hanifa Nabukeera, MP

 

Hon. Mayanja Allan, MP

 

Hon. Joan Namutaawe, MP

 

Ms Ruth Ekirapa Byoona         

 

Ms Brenda Keijagye

 

On behalf of the National Assembly of Zambia, I wish to receive our distinguished guests and warmly welcome them into our midst.

 

I thank you.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

VISITORS FROM SESHEKE DISTRICT

 

 Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence in the Public Gallery of the following visitors from Sesheke District:

 

Mr Wakunuma Zingolo -           Sesheke District UPND Chairman

 

Mr Wamundila Katundu           -           Sesheke District Vice-Chairman

 

Mr Simataa Sitali                      -           Sesheke Constituency, Chairman

 

Mr Muyapekwa Wakundoti      -           Sesheke Constituency Vice-Chairman

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

I thank you.

 

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM SALEM CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence in the Public Gallery of pupils and teachers from Salem Christian Academy in Chongwe District.

 

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

 

I thank you.

 

SENSITISATION EXERCISE BY ROAD TRANSPORT AND SAFETY AGENCY

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to inform the House that the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has been authorised to conduct a sensitisation exercise on Statutory Instrument (SI) No.53 of 2024, relating to the Road Traffic (Demerit Point) System Regulations. The RTSA has prioritised this sensitisation exercise with you, hon. Members of Parliament, owing to the crucial role that you play in disseminating information to your constituents. The purpose of this sensitisation exercise is to acquaint you, hon. Members, with the provisions of the regulations, which seek to enhance road safety by assigning demerit points to drivers who commit traffic offences. The exercise will take place at the Main Reception area at Parliament Buildings from Tuesday, 15^th to Friday, 17^th July, 2025, between 0900 hours and 1600 hours. In this regard, all hon. Members are encouraged to attend and participate in this important initiative on voluntary basis.

 

I thank you.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOOTBALL CLUB AEROBICS MANIA

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to inform all hon. Members of Parliament that the National Assembly Football Club has been permitted to hold the first aerobics mania event at the car park near the flag poles here at Parliament Main Buildings on Saturday, 26^th July, 2025, starting at 0600 hours. The proceeds of this event will go towards support to club operations. I will be on hand to grace the event and it will be open to the general public and other stakeholders.

 

All hon. Members are, therefore, invited to participate in the event, which aims to promote a healthy lifestyle while supporting the football club.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam Speaker: For registration and purchase of tickets, please, contact the National Assembly Football Club chairperson, Mr Julius Musumali, in the Parliamentary Broadcasting Department or the club secretary, Mr Aubrey Chiwati, in the Monitoring and Evaluation Department.

 

I thank you.

 

COMMITTTEE STAGE FOR MONEY BILLS

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, you may recall that on Thursday, 10^th and Friday, 11^th July, 2025, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning informed the House that the Committee Stage of the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2025, the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Customs and Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025 would be considered on Wednesday, 23^rd July, 2025. Contrary to the aforementioned announcement, I wish to inform the House that the Committee Stage of the above money Bills will be conducted tomorrow, Wednesday, 16^th July, 2025. In this regard, Hon. Members who may wish to submit their amendments to the Bills are encouraged to do so before the end of the day, today.

 

I thank you.

 

_______

 

URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

 

MR KAFWAYA, HON. MEMBER FOR LUNTE, ON HER HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT, MRS NALUMANGO, ON REVELATIONS ABOUT THE ZAMBIA MEDICINES AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES AGENCY IN NEWS DIGGERS NEWSPAPER

 

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Madam Speaker, on an Urgent Matter without Notice.

 

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

 

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, my Urgent Matter without Notice is directed at Her Honour the Vice-President.

 

Madam Speaker, over the past two days, the News Diggers newspaper has published very disturbing corruption-related transactions at the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA). The Auditor-General audited ZAMMSA through PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and its report is now with law enforcement agencies, which are under the hon. Minister, Mr Jack Mwiimbu.

 

Madam Speaker, transparency and accountability are hallmarks of good leadership, and we know what the opposite of these values is. All the reports of the Auditor-General come to the House for deliberation through the Public Accounts Committee and other accountability Committees. The forensic audit which has highlighted corruption in the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government has not been brought to this Assembly, per the revelations. Where has accountability and transparency gone in the UPND Government?

 

Madam Speaker, is Her Honour the Vice-President in order to let the revelations from the Auditor-General's Report come from newspapers instead of coming from the Public Accounts Committee? Is she in order to allow the work which was funded by the people of Zambia through taxes to come from outside the House, rendering all hon. Members irrelevant when it comes to work that they ought to be doing on a daily basis?

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, I seek your further direction on the matter.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Let us maintain some order.

 

Hon. Member for Lunte, the point that you have raised does not qualify to be raised as an Urgent Matter without Notice, according to our Standing Orders. You are advised to seek other means by which you can bring that matter to the Floor of this House. The matter is not admitted.

 

MR ZULU, HON. MEMBER FOR NYIMBA, ON HER HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT, MRS NALUMANGO, ON THE FOOD RESERVE AGENCY’S DELAY TO PURCHASE MAIZE

 

Mr Zulu (Nyimba) Madam Speaker, on an Urgent Matter without Notice.

 

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

 

Mr Zulu: Madam Speaker, my Urgent Matter without Notice is directed at Her Honour the Vice-President, since the hon. Minister of Agriculture is not in the House.

 

Madam Speaker, you may agree with me that in the 2023/2024 Farming Season, we had a problem of insufficient rainfall. There was drought in this country, and we had challenges with our staple food, maize. So, we had to import it, I think, after a very long time. This year, some provinces received enough rainfall and we have had a good harvest in some areas of our country. The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has started purchasing maize in some provinces and districts. However, it is not present to buy maize in a good number of districts and provinces. So, briefcase buyers are buying the maize in those areas. Obviously, we know that Zambia has very porous borders, and so some of the maize is being smuggled out of the country. When will the FRA start buying maize, particularly in the Eastern Province? I have not seen any point where maize is being purchased by the FRA.

 

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Before I respond, there is an indication for a point of order from the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security. 

 

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, I rarely raise points of order. However, today, I am compelled to raise a point of order on Hon. Kafwaya.

 

Madam Speaker, you are aware that the hon. Member has been very consistent in raising issues on behalf of the public. Today, he has raised issues on corruption. My point of order is anchored on the traditions of this House –

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Wait.

 

Madam Speaker, my point of order is anchored on the traditions and the precedents of this House. We also rely on the customs and the procedures in the Commonwealth, as read with Standing Order No. 71.

 

Madam Speaker, two days ago, the former Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) Managing Director revealed glaring corruption under the Patriotic Front (PF).

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: The former Managing Director of ZRL indicated that he used to get instructions from the Government to transfer monies to matters that had nothing to do with ZRL. I am aware that the hon. Member for Lunte was  Minister of Transport then, …

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: … under which ZRL fell.

 

Madam Speaker, from the day that the revelation was made, the hon. Member has been quiet. He does not want to talk about it or defend the PF. He has been very consistent in talking about corruption. However, because the revelation involves the PF Government, in which he held a ministerial position as  Minister of Transport, under which ZRL fell, he has failed to talk about it.

 

Madam Speaker, is he in order to remain quiet in this House?

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

I believe that the hon. Minister has sufficiently debated his point of order. So, I do not have to make any ruling on that. It has been sufficiently debated. You can see each other outside, hon. Members.

 

 So, let us make progress.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Let us go back to business.

 

Tone down, hon. Members.

 

Hon. Member for Nyimba, I believe that last week, two hon. Members raised the same matter you have raised. I think that the hon. Member for Nakonde or the hon. Member for Mpika wondered when the the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) would be  on the ground to buy maize. I am not sure whether the question was answered or not; I cannot remember. That matter has been raised before. So, find out what the outcome was. The hon. Minister of Agriculture is not available, but Her Honour the Vice-President is here. I am sure that the message that people want to sell maize to the FRA has been delivered.

 

Regarding when the FRA will move on the ground, that matter does not qualify to be considered as an Urgent Matter without Notice. So, the hon. Member can explore other ways of bringing the issue to the attention of the House.

 

The last matter will be from the hon. Member for Nakonde.

 

MR SIMUMBA, HON. MEMBER FOR NAKONDE, ON MR MUCHIMA, HON. MINISTER OF HEALTH, AND MR SIALUBALO, HON. MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT, ON THE LACK OF AMBULANCES TO TRANSPORT PATIENTS

 

Mr Simumba (Nakonde): Madam Speaker, on an Urgent Matter without Notice.

 

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

 

Madam Speaker, my Urgent Matter without Notice is directed at the hon. Minister of Health and the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.

 

Madam Speaker, some patients were transferred from Nakonde to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka. The patients have since been treated, but the Government has failed to transport them back to Nakonde because there are no ambulances. That brings me to the Urgent Matter without Notice. I would like you to use your discretion to admit this matter. We released money so that the Government could purchase ambulances. However, the Government has taken a casual approach to the matter. Now, people are dying all over because of a lack of ambulances, and instead, the Government is taking legal action against innocent people like the Lungu family.

 

Mr Nkandu: Question!

 

Mr Chisopa: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Simumba: Madam Speaker, seriously, the Government wants the body without first dealing with the matter of the ambulances. I seek your guidance on why the Government should be petty by dealing with issues that do not matter most like taking innocent people to court, instead of taking the contractor to court so that he can deliver the ambulances. Where are the ambulances? We paid the money, ambulances are there, but they have not been delivered.  

 

Madam Speaker, I seek your serious guidance on this matter so that this Government can explain to us why the ambulances have not been delivered.

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

 

The Hon. Member’s time expired.

 

Mr Simumba: Madam Speaker, I seek your serious guidance.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

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

 

Madam Speaker: What is the point of order, hon. Member for Mpika?

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, thank you very much for this opportunity you have given me to rise on a point of order on the hon. Member for Nakonde.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Nakonde has submitted the issue of ambulances, which form the health infrastructure and systems. However, he has failed to include the fact that US$50 million in support to the Ministry of Health was suspended by the United States of America (USA) Government –

 

Madam Speaker: Order, Hon. Member for Mpika!

 

I am sure you are well-versed with information on what constitutes a point of order. That, definitely, is not a point of order.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: I do not know whether we want to turn this House into a laughing stock today or something like that. You know the rules, hon. Members.

 

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

 

Madam Speaker: A point of order on who? I am still giving guidance to the hon. Member for Mpika.

 

The hon. Member for Mpika is out of order.

 

Now let us move on to the point that hon. Member for Nakonde was trying to raise.

 

Hon. Member for Nakonde, you started well, then, suddenly, you brought in extraneous issues, which are not fit to be discussed before this honourable House. So, please, if you want to discuss the issue of who took whom to court, find another avenue on which you can debate that, not as an Urgent Matter without Notice. Even the issue of ambulances has been gracing the newspapers and public for a long time. It does not qualify to be raised as an Urgent Matter without Notice. So, your matter is not admitted.

 

Hon. Member for Mkushi South, what is your point of order?

 

Mr Chisopa: Madam Speaker, it has been overtaken (Hon. Member pushed down the microphone).

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much. Just be gentle with that microphone, hon. Member for Mkushi South. It has not wronged you in any way.

 

Let us make progress.

 

I have permitted the hon. Minister of Community Development and Social Services to present a Ministerial Statement.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, you recall that the Standing Orders are still in force.

 

Hon PF Members: Mmh!

 

Madam Speaker: So, if you do not comply ­

 

 Who said “Mmh”?

 

Hon. Member for Lundazi?

 

Ms Nyirenda: No, Madam Speaker. me?

 

Madam Speaker: Yes, I heard you say “Mmh”.

 

I will make you read the Standing Orders, and you will read your sanctions. So, please, let us be compliant.

 

Hon. Minister, you may proceed.

 

_______

 

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

 

THE IMPACT OF ZAMBIA’S FLAGSHIP SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMMES

 

The Minister of Community Development and Social Services (Ms D. Mwamba): Thank you, Madam Speaker, for granting me this opportunity to deliver a Ministerial Statement on the impact of Zambia's flagship social protection programmes, particularly the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) and Cash-for-Work interventions, which have proven to be critical lifelines for our most vulnerable citizens during times of economic hardship and national emergencies.

 

Madam Speaker, let me reiterate the Government's unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for the poor and vulnerable in our country. In pursuit of this commitment, we continue to implement targeted social protection programmes to support incapacitated households, such as families headed by elderly persons, persons with disabilities, child-headed households and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses. These households are supported through non-contributory social assistance programmes, such as the SCT programme.

 

Madam Speaker, Zambia has faced multiple shocks in recent years, such as erratic rainfall patterns due to climate change, which resulted in a severe drought experienced during the 2023/2024 Faming Season, which the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, declared a national disaster and emergency on 29^th February, 2024. That led to the targeting of 952,370 households across 116 districts, with 726,361 of these in the eighty-four most severely affected districts, all of whom have since been benefiting from the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT). The ECT was implemented alongside the regular SCT programme, which already has 1.3 million households that received top-ups to strengthen their resilience during the crisis. Through these efforts, over 2 million households across the country were reached with the much-needed support during this difficult time. These comprehensive safety nets, provided by the Government with the generous support from our co-operating partners, aimed to alleviate the impact of the drought for a period of twelve months from May 2024 to April 2025.

 

Madam Speaker, the Cash-for-Work programme has also played a significant role in our response to crisis, co-ordinated in partnership with the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) and local councils. This initiative provides short-term employment to vulnerable individuals affected by disasters. Participants have been engaged in community projects such as road maintenance, drainage clearing, tree planting and water conservation while earning an income to support their households. This dual-benefit approach not only empowers households economically but also contributes to local development and climate resilience, leaving a lasting impact on both people and infrastructure.

 

Madam Speaker, evidence from Government assessments and an independent evaluation shows that these social protection interventions have far-reaching impacts. They have:

 

1. improved food security and nutrition at the household level;

 

1. increased access to education and health care services;

 

1. prevented harmful coping mechanisms such as school dropouts, gender-based violence (GBV) and asset sales;

 

1. enabled small livelihood investments such as poultry farming and trading; and

 

1. stimulated social markets, local markets supporting rural economies and small businesses.

 

Madam Speaker, following the end of the Emergency Cash Transfer programme, I wish to inform this honourable House that the programme is currently undergoing a comprehensive review aimed at assessing its impact, efficiency, and sustainability to inform potential expansion and guide the formulation of the next strategic steps to better serve our vulnerable people.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms D. Mwamba: Madam Speaker, based on the findings of this review, the Government will improve co-ordination, expand digital systems and strengthen collaboration with various partners.

 

In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I wish to underscore that social protection is not a handout; it is an investment in human dignity, an engine for inclusive growth and a pillar of national development. So, social protection is not a handout. As we strive together towards a more equitable and resilient Zambia, we remain, as a ministry, firmly committed to safeguarding the well-being of our most vulnerable and ensuring that no Zambian is left behind.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nkandu: Quality!

 

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

 

Mr Mutale (Chitambo): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the statement.

 

Madam Speaker, in Chitambo Constituency, there is a ward called Luombwa Ward, which is more like an island. I know that the beneficiaries of the Cash-for-Work programme are paid through cellular phones. The people of Luombwa Ward cover a distance of about 5 km to get to a place where there is a network for them to access the money. As we speak, some have managed to get the money, but most of them have not despite them having worked for this money. My question to the hon. Minister is: Are there any other ways that can be used to pay those people so that they can benefit from the hard work that they rendered to society?

 

Ms D. Mwamba: Madam Speaker, before I respond to the question, as a woman leader, I wish to express my gratitude to the Copper Queens for their achievements so far.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms D. Mwamba: I wish them well during this Friday’s match with Nigeria.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms D. Mwamba: Madam Speaker, coming to the question, …

 

Mr Nkandu: Ema chairlady aya!

 

Ms D. Mwamba: … last year in March, I presented to the House the interventions that we had put in place. One such intervention was the Emergency Cash Transfer programme and the Cash-for-Work programme. Out of accountability, I came back to inform the House how we performed and the lessons learnt. I also explained that we are using that data to improve the services going forward. I will not shy away from the fact that it was very challenging. The President declared the drought a national disaster and emergency on 29^th February, 2024. Within a month, we had to target over 3 million homes. We placed 970,000 people on the Emergency Cash Transfer programme, and those who were not very desperate were placed on the Cash-for-Work programme. So, we are learning and, in future, we will do better.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms D. Mwamba: Madam Speaker, in terms of payments via the Airtel service provider, we are all experiencing challenges with Airtel as a service provider. So, yes, our people worked and they are waiting for their pay; they will soon receive it.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, allow me to first declare that the hon. Minister already knows some of the things that I am going to ask her, but the situation has not improved, and I appreciate the fact that she has put in place her own measures.

 

Madam Speaker, whereas I realise that the Cash-for-Work programme was implemented in many districts, in Chilubi, that programme was not implemented even when we met some of the conditions. That aside, I want to ask the hon. Minister if she knows that social protection services in Chilubi have been highly politicised, where they have been given as a benefit or reward for political party members.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

 

Mr Fube: That is what is happening in Chilubi, and I think that story is not strange to the hon. Minister. She has intervened, as I said earlier, but this behaviour has continued. I believe these services are provided for in the Budget and are supposed to benefit every Zambian, and people are not supposed to be discriminated on political party lines.

 

 

E

Ms D. Mwamba: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Chilubi for that question.

 

Madam Speaker, I am aware of the challenges in Chilubi. The hon. Member of Parliament for Chilubi has already stated that we are working to resolve the many issues that people are experiencing in Chilubi. I also want to congratulate him for his involvement in all the programmes that the ministry is carrying out in his constituency.

 

Madam Speaker, very few hon. Members of Parliament follow our programmes to the letter to make sure that if it is fertiliser distribution, for example, the right people are getting the fertiliser and that they are not selling it, but using it to plant and harvest crops, which they can stock up. It is because of his involvement that the hon. Member has discovered the challenges in Chilubi that he is referring to.

 

 Madam Speaker, there are hon. Members of Parliament – sorry, I know we are not supposed to debate one another. However, colleagues like the hon. Member of Parliament for Monze, I know he is behind me and he has been in this House for forty years, are very involved in all the programmes under the ministry. As such, we do not have challenges with implementing programmes in Monze Constituency.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Charles Mulenga (Kwacha): Madam Speaker, through the hon. Minister, I would like to thank the hardworking Government of the Republic of Zambia under His Excellency Mr Hakainde Hichilema, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for the interventions that have been put in place to alleviate the suffering of many Zambians through the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) Programme as well as the Cash-for-Work Programme.

 

Madam Speaker, I would like to find out if there is any prospect of increasing the amounts given under the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) Programme so that it can have a greater impact on the many elderly men and women in the country.

 

Ms D. Mwamba: Madam Speaker, it is our desire as the implementing ministry of social protection programmes that the value of transferred amounts is increased. The transfer value for the SCT was increased last year in May. There were top-ups for those on traditional social cash transfers. There was a top-up of K200. We are in discussion with our co-operating partners to see how we can increase the transfer value for the traditional social cash transfers.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kambita: On point of order, Madam Speaker.

 

Ms Nakaponda (Isoka): Madam Speaker, thank you –

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Do you have a point of order, hon. Member for Zambezi East?

 

Mr Kambita: Yes, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: What is your point of order, hon. Member? 

 

Mr Kambita: Thank you very much for the opportunity.

 

Madam Speaker, as you know me, I rarely raise points of order, unless under circumstances where it is compelling and this particular one is very compelling.

 

Madam Speaker, my point of order is premised on Standing Order No. 243, which speaks to hon. Members of Parliament getting permission in order to be absent from the House, read together with Standing Order No. 223(1), (2) and (3), on failure to attend Sittings.

 

Madam Speaker, last week, the former First Lady, Mrs Esther Lungu, submitted to the South African High Court that she and her family do not intend to come back to Zambia because they feel unsafe. One of the members of this House by the name of Mrs Tasila Lungu Mwansa, hon. Member of Parliament for Chawama Constituency is also out there as a member of that family.

 

Madam Speaker, I would like you to make a ruling on this matter. Is this House in order to consider Mrs Tasila Lungu Mwansa as an hon. Member of this House when she has no intention of coming back to Zambia, as expressed in the South African courts, depriving the people of Chawama representation?

 

Madam Speaker, I need your serious ruling.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

My ruling is reserved. 

 

Hon. Member for Isoka, you can proceed.

 

Ms Nakaponda: I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, the Social Cash Transfer Programme is meant to reduce current and inter-generational poverty. There are some beneficiaries of the programme who are not supposed to be getting that money. What is the ministry going to do about those people because the funds for the programme are not supposed to be given to people who are not eligible to be beneficiaries?

 

Ms D. Mwamba: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for Isoka for the observation, report and question.

 

Madam Speaker, there are five categories of beneficiaries under the SCT. The first one is for child-headed households. The second category is for female-headed households. Those are households of young mothers with children below the age of fifteen years, who are the future of this country. The third category is the severely disabled persons. So, it is not just the disabled persons, but those who are severely disabled. The fourth category is the elderly, which is almost at the tail end of the list. The last category is the chronically ill persons and this category is the one which keeps changing. The number of recipients keeps dropping and rising because of the nature of the status of the beneficiaries. So, it is very difficult for us at the head office to know that some people in certain households are not eligible to receive the SCT funds.

 

Madam Speaker, even after the targeting has been done – The hon. Members of Parliament may have heard me praise the hon. Member of Parliament for Monze, …

 

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Hear, hear!

 

Ms D. Mwamba: … who is very involved in targeting of beneficiaries of the SCT, Food Security Pack and Emergency Social Cash Transfer Programme by assisting with providing details of recipients. He compares that to the evidence collected by the district social welfare officers and the Community Welfare Assistance Committees (CWAC) to ensure that they are in tandem.

 

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Hear, hear!

 

Ms D. Mwamba: So, we all need to get involved in social protection programmes. We are just an implementing ministry working for everyone. We are the people’s servants. So, hon. Members should give us the right information and we will act on that information.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

 Mr Kolala (Lufubu): Madam Speaker, I wish I was also recognised by the ministry because I follow up. The hon. Minister is doing a great job. Ngabwe District was not even known, it was seriously neglected. This time around, we are benefiting. The officers that we have on the ground are appreciated. I think, I cannot ask for more. I really appreciate the hon. Minister.

 

Madam Speaker, every time I stand to talk to the hon. Minister, I only request for one thing. You may wish to note that there is a great migration of people from other areas to Ngabwe. Four years ago, the population of our district, was less than 20,000, but now it is over 50,000.

 

Hon. PF Members interjected.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kolala: Madam Speaker, the population growth is happening at a fast rate while the provision of social services has remained the same. Will the ministry consider increasing the beneficiaries in that area, considering that the population has grown from 20,000 to over 50,000 within four years? Will the hon. Minister increase the packs of fertiliser and the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) beneficiaries? The people of Lufubu are begging the hon. Minister to do that.

 

Ms D. Mwamba: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Lufubu. Indeed, I appreciate his involvement.

 

Madam Speaker, I want to inform the House that the targeted caseload for the SCT beneficiaries stood at 1.3 million, but it has dropped to 1.264 million due to the chronically ill. We are on the ground, and I am sure that the hon. Member of Parliament has seen officers targeting new beneficiaries. I will come back to the House to announce the new figure by 31^st August, by which date the registration exercise would have been completed.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Zulu (Nyimba): Madam Speaker, let me mention to the hon. Minister that, in some constituencies, it is very difficult for officers from the ministry to work with parliamentarians from the Opposition. The officers are very jittery. So, it is difficult to get data or details on what is happening. However, I am not saying that that is happening in Nyimba; we are not facing such an issue.    

 

Madam Speaker, lately, I have seen that a good number of people in Nyimba have been dropped from the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) programme, especially people from Kalibwe, Katipa as well as Chinsimbwe wards. You may wish to note that on the Food Security Pack (FSP), Nyimba has performed well. I only wish that the Ministry of Agriculture had taken the solution from the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services regarding the distribution of the FSP in Nyimba because it has been a success. That way, we would not have had ghost farmers getting fertiliser.  

 

Madam Speaker, why is it that the people in my constituency who are supposed to be on the SCT list have been dropped, yet those whom we know can work and cultivate in fields have been left out as beneficiaries of social services? My question is on the three wards: Kalibwe, Katipa and Chinsimbwe. A good number of people from those wards have been left out of the beneficiary list. Why is it that the people who should benefit have been dropped and replaced by able-bodied people?

 

Ms D. Mwamba: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Nyimba for that information and the question.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member engages very well with my office, so I am surprised to learn about segregation in that area. In the 2023/2024 Farming Season, Nyimba was one of the best performing areas in the Food Security Pack (FSP) programme. From the recoveries, farmers managed to buy an industrial tractor and other farming equipment. I will send officers from the ministry next week to verify the information from the hon. Member.

 

Madam Speaker. I thank you.

 

Mr Mukosa (Chinsali): Madam Speaker, the people of Chinsali have never been part of the Cash for Work programme. So, they have been wondering what criteria the Government has been using to identify districts and constituencies to benefit from the Cash for Work programme. Could the hon. Minister kindly enlighten me on the issue I have talked about, so that I can explain to my people why they have not been included in the programme.

 

Ms D. Mwamba: Madam Speaker, as I answer the question on the Cash for Work programme, I want to declare that it is not my baby. However, because my ministry is mandated to implement all social protection programmes in the country, I have taken a keen interest in the Cash for Work programme, and I know how many people in Muchinga are on it. In Muchinga Province, where Chinsali is the provincial centre, we have 75,766 beneficiaries on the Cash for Work programme. Tomorrow, I will share the details with the hon. Member of Parliament for Chinsali.

 

Madam Speaker, I am standing here to answer questions on the Cash for Work programme because of the confusion on the ground. We get numerous phone calls about the programme, and because we operate as one Government, we work on the reports without telling the beneficiaries that the programme is actually not our mandate. Tomorrow, I will show hon. Member for Chinsali how many beneficiaries are on the Cash-for-Work programme in his constituency. He is not the first one. Many hon. Members have approached me about being segregated and that the ministry did not take the Cash-for-Work programme to the Northern Province, for example. However, when they are given the data; the names and cellular phone numbers, they get surprised. Sometimes, our people do not tell their hon. Members about the programmes they benefit from.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mutinta (Itezhi-Tezhi): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the Ministerial Statement she has presented on the social protection programmes in the country.

 

Madam Speaker, in Tonga we say, “Utalumbi mubwa”, which entails that he who does not appreciate is a dog, a puppy. Itezhi-Tezhi had less than 3,000 caseloads of people who were on the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) programme. Today, we are talking about 9,400 people. If one threw a stone in Itezhi-Tezhi, there is a chance that it would land on someone who is on the programme.

 

Hon. UPND Member: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mutinta: If that is not the case, it would be the Cash-for-Work or Constituency Development Fund (CDF) programmes. That is the status. Madam Speaker, I know we can want more and for the number to increase, but there is a limitation.

 

Madam Speaker, the distance the Community Welfare Assistance Committee (CWAC) members travel is a bit far in some places. Does the ministry have any plans to provide, perhaps, motorcycles? I know that the ministry has given us a vehicle for the first time in the history of Itezhi-Tezhi. Is the ministry also thinking of providing motorcycles so that the CWACs can undertake proper management of reviewing the cases; checking on who is retiring and being weaned off, so that there is efficiency in this project, which is being managed well?

 

Mrs D. Mwamba: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank hon. Member for Itezhi-Tezhi for his contribution and question.

 

Madam Speaker, before the end of the year, I will make an announcement in this House on the number of bicycles that the ministry is purchasing with the help of the World Bank, as well as the number of motor vehicles, trucks and motorcycles that the ministry has purchased. When we do that, it will empower our hon. Members in knowing the type of equipment that is in their constituencies.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr E. Tembo (Feira): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the eloquent statement she has made. I am even wondering why we do not get Ministerial Statements from her often.

 

Madam Speaker, we have been with the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government for four years now. It makes good statements but, on the ground, there is a different scenario.

 

Hon. UPND Member: Question!

 

Mr E. Tembo: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has attempted to give a good statement on the Cash-for-Work and Social Cash Transfer (SCT) programmes. Has the ministry checked what is happening on the ground? My question is: What kind of evaluation system is the ministry using, or does it merely receive reports from the officers who, in most cases, just lie? We had an example of a case in Livingstone in one of the reports that was presented on this Floor with regards to the Cash-For-Work programme. So, I want the hon. Minister to tell the nation and the people of Feira, in particular, what evaluation system the ministry uses to assess whether these programmes are working or not.

 

Ms D. Mwamba: Madam Speaker, in March or April, I presented a statement in this House about putting 1 million beneficiaries on Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT). So, I would like to throw it back to the hon. Member for Feira to consider whether that was implemented or not. It was implemented. Not only did the ministry put the poor and vulnerable people on ECT, which I talked about, but also lobbied for more money to top up for the beneficiaries of the regular SCT. So, we implemented the programme more than a hundred per cent in that aspect.

 

Secondly, Madam Speaker, I have said that the Cash-For-Work programme was new. There were challenges, and we are still getting information. I expected submissions from this honourable House. Maybe, hon. Members plan to submit written submissions on how best we can serve our poor and vulnerable people. This is the hon. Members’ project, which is being implemented on their behalf by my ministry. Where they see challenges, my office is always open to receive complaints and suggestions. As for Feira, if, indeed, the ECT was not implemented, it is a serious anomaly, and an audit query as to what happened to the money is in order.

 

Thirdly, Madam Speaker, in terms of who carries out the evaluations, it is the co-operating partners. The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) are all on the ground giving the ministry reports. If the hon. Members come to my office, I will be able to share the reports that we have received so far. Should this House feel that I should bring evidence showing where the ministry is getting this data, I am more than willing to do that.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

______

 

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

 

HANDOVER OF INFRASTRUCTURE AT THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND FISHERIES SITE TO THE CHIKWANDA ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT

 

372. Mr Kapyanga (Mpika) asked the Minister of Agriculture:

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to hand over the ownership of infrastructure at the Ministry of Agriculture, MAFF site in Mpika District to the Chikwanda Royal Establishment;

 

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

 

1.  if there are no such plans, why.

 

The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock (Mr Kapala) (on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Mtolo)): Madam Speaker, currently, the Government has no plans to hand over ownership of infrastructure at the Ministry of Agriculture, MAFF site in Mpika District to the Chikwanda Royal Establishment or any other private or public institutions. I do not know whether this question came as a result of a written request for the Government to hand over the institution or not.

 

Madam Speaker, as in the response to part (a) of the question above, no plans will be implemented.

 

Madam Speaker, farm institutes are an integral part of the extension system to promote agricultural services to farmers and skills development for ministerial staff. In addition to the conventional roles of farm institutes, the Ministry of Agriculture has designated the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries site as a mechanisation centre of excellence for Muchinga Province. To this effect, the ministry has already provided some equipment to the centre.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Kapyanga: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, and I thank the hon. Minister for his answer.

 

Madam Speaker, please, allow me to give a bit of context to the question at hand. The site in question was a construction site, when a company called Gojifa was constructing the Mpika/Kasama Road. At that time, the contractor approached Chief Chikwanda to ask for a construction site, and he told the chief that he would hand over the site to him after the construction. So, the chief decided to displace the people who were living there, and the site became a construction site. In 1980, when the contractor finished constructing the road, he went back to the chief to hand over the site. Thereafter, there was a bit of confusion within the chiefdom, and Mpika District Council decided to take over the site. The hon. Minister of Agriculture then approached Mpika District Council, and asked if they could use the site for agricultural activities in partnership with a non-governmental organisation (NGO). The council agreed and that is how the ministry has taken over the site.

 

Madam Speaker, for the information of the public, the site does not appear in the Government inventory as a property of the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ). This matter has not started today. Even the then Secretary to the Cabinet in 2017, was approached, and he was in the process of handing over the site back to the rightful owner; the royal establishment.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister said that there are no plans to hand the site back. According to him, the Government is using it for agricultural-related lessons. What he has talked about is not happening at the site. The whole structure is now dilapidated. There is no single activity at the site apart from a few buildings being rented out. The rest of the buildings are collapsing.

 

An hon. Government Member interjected.

 

Mr Kapyanga: Please.

 

Madam Speaker, why can the Government not hand over the site back to the Chikwanda Royal Establishment, who, if details or facts are checked from 1976 to 1980, would be found to be the rightful owner of the site?

 

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, I have just heard new information regarding the ownership and the genesis of the whole problem. The information I have is out I read out in the statement. As to whether the institution in question is not in the Government's registry, I need to go back to the office to verify that statement, then I will get back to the hon. Member of Parliament.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwan’gandu): Madam Speaker, I wanted to ask a follow-up question, but it is now a bit difficult because the hon. Minister has said that he has to go back to his office to get more information on this matter. Even as he does so, he must appreciate the fact that the said facility is on traditional land. Chiefdoms sometimes go into some understanding with contractors. To say that the facility belongs to an institution in the absence of a title deed might be a challenge. So, as the hon. Minister comes back, he should look at such factors because, as far as we know, the facility which was left by the contractor is on a traditional piece of land. So, we need to strike a balance

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much. That was a comment.

 

Mr Shakafuswa (Mandevu): Thank you so much, Madam Speaker, for giving me an opportunity to ask the hon. Minister a question.

 

Madam Speaker, before I do so, perhaps, with your indulgence, allow me to comment on the Cash-for-Work programme in Mandevu, which I applauded when it began. I wish to bring to the fore that officers at the council have never bought tools. The people participating in the Cash-for-Work programme in town only go there to play.

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Mandevu!

 

The only challenge is that the hon. Minister for Community Development and Social Services will not have an opportunity to respond to you because we have closed that segment. So, hon. Member, I encourage you to engage the hon. Minister. If you still have an outstanding issue, please, engage the hon. Minister. If you are not satisfied, you can file in a question.

 

You may proceed with the other question regarding Question No. 372.

 

Mr Shakafuswa: Thank you, Madam Speaker, for your guidance.

 

Madam Speaker, the Cash-for-Work is a good programme, although the officers are not taking it seriously. Hence, it may not give the expected results.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister said that he will get back to the hon. Member for Mpika after checking with his office. How will he get back to him?  He has asked the question through this honourable House so that his people can get the response. Will the hon. Minister come back to address this matter through this honourable House or will the hon. Member have to go to his office?

 

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, either way, we will do. I will engage the hon. Member of Parliament as well as come back to the House to clarify the matter.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, thank you so much and, once again, I appreciate the hon. Minister’s response.

 

Madam Speaker, this is a serious issue as far as His Royal Highness is concerned. It has taken way too long for it to be resolved and the Chikwanda Royal Establishment is desirous to see that this matter is resolved, and it takes over ownership of the site. I appeal to the hon. Minister, that this issue should not just be about him getting back to me and, thereafter, nothing happens. I need answers for me to go and communicate to the people of Mpika and His Royal Highness, the chief, whom the hon. Minister can even call after this session and hear for himself that this is a serious issue.

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Mpika, I suggest that you engage with the hon. Minister of Agriculture to find a solution to this matter. As you have said, the matter has remained unresolved for a long time. Why? This is because people do not engage. Please, let us engage and find solutions.

 

We make progress.

 

PLANS TO UPGRADE EVELYN HONE COLLEGE OF APPLIED ARTS AND COMMERCE TO A UNIVERSITY

 

373. Mr Tayengwa (Kabwata) asked the Minister of Technology and Science:

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to upgrade Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce in Lusaka District, to a university;

 

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

 

1. if there are no such plans, why.

 

The Minister of Technology and Science (Mr Mutati): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Government has plans to upgrade Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce into a polytechnic and not a university. The polytechnic will offer degree programmes as appropriate. That initiative forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to enhance the skills development ecosystem by transforming selected high-performing technical colleges and trade training institutes into specialised polytechnic training facilities offering hands-on higher-level qualifications beyond a diploma.

 

Madam Speaker, to add context to the response, the House may wish to note that polytechnics emphasise on practical hands-on learning and applied sciences in contrast to academic approaches. Polytechnics focus on developing job-ready skills and often have close ties with industry, preparing graduates for specific careers in technology, engineering and other applied fields.

 

Madam Speaker, as stated in part (a) of the question, the Government has plans to upgrade Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce into a polytechnic. To prepare for the upgrading of the college and other identified institutions, the Government is undertaking the following;

 

1. review of the legal and institutional framework to provide for the establishment and governance of polytechnics. This review has reached an advanced stage;

 

1. with support from co-operating partners, infrastructure expansion and modernisation to meet polytechnic standards will commence soon; and

 

1. human capital development, particularly upskilling and reskilling of technical staff to match the anticipated polytechnic-level demands.

 

Madam Speaker, the preparatory steps are necessary to ensure that the transformed institutions are fit for purpose and capable of contributing meaningfully to the country’s industrialisation and human capital development goals.

 

Madam Speaker, in view of the response given above, part (c) of the question, automatically falls off.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Tayengwa: Madam Speaker, upgrading Evelyn Hone College to a polytechnic has been a song for many years. The hon. Minister has mentioned the intention to upgrade infrastructure and staff. I just want to find out whether he is in a position to tell us the exact time when that will be done. 

 

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

 

Madam Speaker, of course, this particular issue has been a challenge for the Government for many years, partly, because of inadequate resources and many other factors. That is why in my answer, I said that we have approached co-operating partners. So, as I speak, we are processing a grant from the World Bank worth US$120 million for support towards four polytechnics in Zambia.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Zulu (Nyimba): Thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, I just want to thank the hon. Minister for a brilliant idea because this country has produced many managers coming out of universities with degrees, but with no skills when they are deployed in industries. The hon. Minister mentioned that the Government is processing a US$100 million grant from the World Bank. Is the Northern Technical College (NORTEC) one of the colleges that the ministry is going to upgrade to a polytechnic? My understanding is that NORTEC is at the same level with Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce.

 

Mr Mutati: Madam Speaker, the Northern Technical College (NORTEC) is one of the four institutions that have been selected for the upgrade.

 

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Ms Sefulo (Mwandi): Thank you so very much, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, if I take a quick review of how many public universities we have in this country, I can say that they are only nine. Lusaka Province has the University of Zambia (UNZA) and the Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (LMMU), while the Western Province has none. So, due to high competition, it is very difficult for children from certain areas to get into the few public universities. So, what criterion was used to not upgrade Evelyn Hone College into a proper university or mini-university, has it has been suggested?

 

Mr Mutati: Madam Speaker, if I heard the question correctly, it is about upgrading Evelyn Hone College into a university, instead of a polytechnic. Is that the question?

 

Ms Sefulo indicated assent.

 

Mr Mutati: Madam Speaker, the demands of economic transformation have considerably shifted towards hands-on solutions. That is why we need to tell children, wherever they are, that future opportunities are greater with hands-on training as opposed to academic qualifications.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Tayengwa: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister mentioned the upgrading of infrastructure for the said institution so that it becomes a polytechnic. Has the issue of equipment and machinery been taken into consideration? I believe that a polytechnic needs serious equipment that is supposed to be used by learners.

 

Mr Mutati: Madam Speaker, just to provide comfort to the hon. Member of Parliament for Kabwata, I wish to inform him that the upgrade is beyond infrastructure. It will include brand new equipment, tools, technology, transformation of the syllabus and recruitment of additional qualified staff. So, it will be a total transformation of Evelyn Hone College as never seen before.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Rev. Katuta (Chienge): Madam Speaker, Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce is going to be converted to a polytechnic. At the moment, most of the students there are struggling to pay tuition fees. I want to find out from the hon. Minister whether the Government is going to introduce bursaries for the students as they are now going to be at a polytechnic. I think that the school is going to be slightly more expensive that it was before.

 

Mr Mutati: Madam Speaker, at the moment, the students at Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce are being financed in two ways, that is, through direct bursaries from the Ministry of Technology and Science and sponsorship courtesy of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). So, the struggle for fees is non-existent.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mapani (Namwala): Madam Speaker, may I know whether all the courses that are offered by Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce will continue after the status of the college changes to university.

 

Mr Mutati: Madam Speaker, education is a ladder; you continue to climb until you have no more strength to climb. So, in a polytechnic, you can get a certificate, upgrade to a diploma and a degree, and so on and so forth. So, it depends on your appetite, ability and desire.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, from the questions and answers, I believe that we have exhausted this question.

 

Let us make progress.

 

RECYCLING OF WASTE TO REDUCE LANDFILL WASTE

 

374. Ms S. Mwamba (Kasama Central) asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development:

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to start recycling waste to reduce landfill waste;

 

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

 

1. if there are no such plans, why; and

 

1. what measures are being taken to ensure consistent and efficient management of waste countrywide.

 

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Sialubalo): Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to promote value addition to recyclable waste. To this effect, the Government has invited expressions of interest from the private sector for the establishment of either material recovery facility or a waste-to-energy plant at Chunga Landfill under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

 

Madam Speaker, once implemented, the project is expected to significantly reduce the volume of waste disposed at the landfill and create green jobs through enhanced recycling and resource recovery initiatives. The tender process for this initiative closed on 9^th May, 2025, and procurement is currently underway. Evaluation of submissions has been completed, and the ministry is in the process of issuing the request for proposal to shortlisted bidders. Implementation of the project is expected to commence once the procurement process is concluded and a preferred bidder is selected before the end of 2025.

 

Madam Speaker, the plans are in place as outlined above.

 

Madam Speaker, to ensure consistent and efficient solid waste management across the country, the Government, through the ministry, is implementing a range of strategic measures aimed at strengthening infrastructure and a supportive policy framework. These measures, which are being rolled out progressively, include the following:

 

Waste Collection Equipment and Facilities

 

Local authorities, with support from the Government, are procuring refuse collection equipment and constructing essential waste collection infrastructure using their resources and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). The equipment includes skip trucks, compactor trucks, tractor trailers and the development of transfer stations.

 

Source Separation of Solid Waste

 

The ministry is promoting segregation of waste at source through the introduction of sorting and transfer stations at the community level. This initiative is aimed at improving the recovery of recyclable materials and reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills. Pilot implementation is already underway in Chongwe and Lusaka, particularly in Kanyama, Bauleni and Mandevu.

 

Development of the National Solid Waste Management Policy

 

The Government is in the final stages of completing the National Solid Waste Management Policy. This policy will provide a comprehensive and harmonised framework to guide solid waste management across the country.

 

Madam Speaker, these measures are intended to improve refuse collection, transfer and final disposal systems, and to help address the challenges of uncollected waste.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Ms S. Mwamba: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for his response. His response seems very positive, and I am very happy to learn that the tender process is underway. I pray that everything will soon come to fruition, so that this will not just be an academic exercise.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has spoken about the public-private partnership (PPP) initiative. I want to know what funding or partnerships will support the recycling programmes and how they will be sustained in the long term.

 

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for Kasama Central for the question. I also assure her that what I have read is the Government's position on waste management. Indeed, waste disposal has been a menace for many years. As a country, we never took measures to address the matter so now we have a mammoth task. That is why we have looked at the capacities of local authorities and thought of PPPs. When you talk of funding, definitely, the private sector has to partner with the Government through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and local authorities. That means that the Government will do its part as well. As you may be aware, we see waste as a low-hanging fruit. That is part of the capital that will attract investment for the same venture.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Sampa (Matero): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the answer.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Kasama Central for the question because it is very cardinal to us, the people of Matero, where Chunga Landfill is. All the waste from all constituencies in Lusaka is taken to Chunga Landfill. There are mountains of waste there.

 

Madam Speaker, when there was a great mayor in the city, this project took off, …

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Sampa: … but it hit a snag.

 

Mr Amutike: Go back!

 

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, the partners wanted a Government guarantee, but it could not be obtained at that time. The partners also wanted the refuse from Kafue and Chongwe to to taken to the landfill because the more waste there was, the better the project was going to work. Could the hon. Minister assure the people of Matero, where the biggest landfill in the country or even Africa is situated, that this project will, indeed, take off by the end of this year, as he has said, and that he will get the guarantee he needs from the Central Government to attract partners. Further, could he confirm that he will compensate the people of Matero who have been affected by the residue from the landfill. People like me and the residents of Matero are affected by the non-stop dumping of waste from the entire Lusaka. Could the hon. Minister assure the people of Matero that this project will take off and that he will compensate them for the fumes that we are exposed to every day.

 

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, it is gratifying to hear that the hon. Member made efforts when he was the Mayor of this great city, though I do not know what happened. I think, he should have gone further to tell us what made that initiative not take off. Otherwise, I can assure him that President Hakainde Hichilema is serious about this issue. He is the one who is driving the agenda to ensure that the waste management issue is resolved, as a matter of urgency.

 

Madam Speaker, under the able leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, …

 

Hon. UPND Member: Commander-in-Chief!

 

Mr Sialubalo: Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, …

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Sialubalo: … who is very serious, the ministry is being monitored and has received a lot of support from the President to do the right thing. The right thing will be done this time around.

 

Madam Speaker, when we talk about waste management moving from Kafue to Chunga, where we intend to have the main activity in terms of investment, we want to see waste as money; something that one can sell. I think that is what we should be driving towards. That is what will help many Zambians keep waste well, knowing that once they collect enough, they can make money when they take the waste to Chunga. So, the best is to inculcate a sense of economic value in the so-called waste, because now there will be value from it.

 

Madam Speaker, as the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, I do not think I am the right person to talk about compensation. I would be misleading the House.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Simumba: Hear, hear!

 

Ms S. Mwamba (Kasama Central): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has spoken about pilot projects that are currently running in Chongwe as well as Lusaka. Most times, pilot projects only begin in Lusaka District. There is, definitely, a need to improve waste collection and disposal in rural and underserved areas as well. My question is: Which other local authorities does the ministry plan to pilot the recycling initiatives in?

 

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I can safely say that we have investors who are interested in investing on the Copperbelt Province. They want to cater for Chingola, Kasumbalesa, Chililabombwe, Kitwe and Ndola. So far, apart from what is obtaining in Lusaka, there is a lot of interest in the Copperbelt Province. So, if the hon. Member has any other firm that is interested or has ideas, the door remains open. There are many companies. So, one that wants to undertake recycling, even at a small scale, is most welcome.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

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

 

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

What is the point of order, hon. Member for Kabushi?

 

Mr Kanengo: Madam Speaker, thank you for this opportunity you have given me to raise a point of order.

 

Madam Speaker, I heard the hon. Member for Matero praising himself as having been a great Mayor of Lusaka, yet, he promised the people of Lusaka free wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), which he did not fulfil. It is only our Republican President, Mr Hakainde, who fulfilled that.

 

Madam Speaker, is he in order to mislead this House and the general public?

 

I submit, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kanengo: Madam Speaker, this is in reference to Standing Order 71.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Members, I believe, the hon. Member for Matero was in order. He was just reflecting on his past performance. Sometimes, one can imagine that one performed in a certain way. So, one can look back. There is nothing wrong with that. He was not out of order.

 

Let us make progress, hon. Members.

 

Mr Lubozha (Chifubu): Madam Speaker, recycling involves diverting materials from waste streams and repurposing them for new products. Hence, conserving landfills. That in itself creates business, particularly, for private players. We have seen many private players who are found at the dump sites salvaging recyclable materials without adhering to environmental and council requirements that are put in place. What is the ministry doing to ensure that there is adherence to the requirements and that the law is being enforced for those who violate the conditions?

 

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, the right thing should be done if we have people who go to the dump sites to collect recyclable materials. I think, the best we can do is alert the local authorities to be on top of things, because there is value in that waste, which is also a resource. So, it is important that local authorities take a keen interest because there is revenue in that. They need to regulate the activities at the dump sites and also formalise those who want to invest in recycling.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Munsanje (Mbabala): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity, on behalf of the people of Mbabala, to ask a supplementary question.

 

Madam Speaker, before I ask the question, I would like to thank the people of Mabuza, Mwanacheu, Sebuba and Mauka on the resounding victory in the by-election that was held last week. I would also like to join the people of Kalulushi, Solwezi and Kasempa in celebrating that mighty win for the United Party for National Development (UPND) under the able leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, our Commander-in-Chief.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has talked about the policy that the ministry is finalising in terms of solid waste management. What measures is the ministry taking to move from policy to implementation by having bylaws in the local councils that can guide the enforcement of garbage management in the country? We seem to have good pilot projects all over the country that have been implemented over the years, and a number of them are very successful. However, enforcement in the various local councils remains a big challenge. Is the ministry considering sponsoring bylaws in the councils that will ensure that solid waste management laws are enforced at the local level?

 

Madam Speaker, one will not see a council police officer arresting someone for throwing garbage; a banana peel, a cob of maize or anything else, anyhow. Can we see the enforcement of some bylaws?

 

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for Mbabala, who has congratulated himself for delivering a win in the by-election held in his constituency. I also congratulate him for a job well done.

 

Madam Speaker, what drives everything is political will. It drives the agenda of every developmental activity. In my response to the question asked by the hon. Member for Matero, I indicated that there was a lot of political will from the President. The agenda of the New Dawn Administration is that, going forward, local authorities should stand on their own in terms of resources, and the issue we are discussing with the local authorities at the moment concerns the dump sites. The local authorities have to see value in the dump sites. What do you do when you see value? You make sure that you protect that value. So, it is definitely part of the agenda that all local authorities protect this value because very soon it will not be waste. There will be economic value from it. So, the dump site is an asset that we should protect. Local authorities should also caution those who litter around. I think, they do not expect the ministry to give a directive. A responsible local authority should undertake such a measure.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Madam Speaker: The hon. Member for Kaumbwe was supposed to be the last person to ask a question but, now, the hon. Member for Chadiza has also indicated. I am looking at the time. However, since they are only two, I will allow them.

 

Please, be precise when asking the questions.

 

Dr Mwanza (Kaumbwe): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister mentioned that there is a procurement process for converting waste to energy. I am interested to know the targeted power production capacity that he is looking at in that proposal, and from which landfill will that contribution come from?

 

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament for Kaumbwe talked of the energy power capacity, but I am very incompetent to respond to that. Maybe, the hon. Minister of Energy would answer that. As a ministry, we are looking at the resources. In terms of those nitty-gritties, I will need more time to get the information. Of course, we have what is called an open-door approach in our offices, but I have not seen the hon. Member at our offices. I urge him to come through even tomorrow so that we can engage the technocrats to arrive at the exact capacity that he is requesting to understand.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member talked about the funding under the public-private partnership (PPP). When I was responding to the question asked by the hon. Member of Parliament for Kasama Central, I stated that the Chunga Dump Site on its own is a resource. That is capital. So, when we are bargaining, we do so with something that we have. We are seeing what is happening around the world. Those who have been to Japan can attest to what is happening concerning the same resource; there is value in dump sites. So, part of our bargaining power is the dump site that we have.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Eng. Daka (Chadiza): Madam Speaker, to be honest, I appreciate the responses from the hon. Minister.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister mentioned that he intends to utilise the public-private partnership (PPP) model to finance this programme. We have seen, especially in the past, the Government committing to very unreasonable PPP contracts. Therefore, the people of Chadiza would like to know if the ministry conducted any feasibility study prior to floating the tender because it is upon conducting such a study that we would ascertain the value for money.

 

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, what makes me feel comfortable is the fact that private entities have shown a willingness to invest. It shows that we have what it takes. It also shows that they have done their due diligence and their feasibility studies. Therefore, as a Government, looking at what we have as a country and the support that we have seen in terms of those willing to invest, it shows that we have done the right thing and are on the right track.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

_______

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM SPEAKER

 

SENIOR CITIZENS FROM DUNDUMWEZI CONSTITUENCY

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of senior citizens from Dundumwezi Parliamentary Constituency. They are being led by Senior Headman Muzuni.

 

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

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

I thank you.

 

GROUPED QUESTIONS

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, as you may have noticed, the next item on the Order Paper is Grouped Questions under Standing Order No.83 of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024. Order No. 83 is one of the new provisions in the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, which came into effect on 1^st April, 2024.

 

Let me remind the House that Grouped Questions are a set of Questions for Oral Answer directed to Her Honour the Vice-President or an hon. Minister, which have the same or similar subject matter. The rationale behind grouping questions is to avoid duplication, save parliamentary time, and reduce the backlog of unattended questions. This will allow the House to have focused discussions and improve efficiency.

 

Hon. Members, in accordance with Standing Order No. 83, Her Honour the Vice-President or an hon. Minister who receives more than one question on the same subject matter may seek permission of the Speaker to group the questions and provide a single answer to the House. Therefore, when considering questions under Standing Order No. 83, all the grouped questions will appear on the Order Paper in the same Sitting. The hon. Member whose question appears first among the grouped questions on the Order Paper shall be called upon to ask his or her question. When a single answer is provided by Her Honour the Vice-President or an hon. Minister, hon. Members whose questions are grouped will be given priority to ask two supplementary questions each. Other hon. Members may also ask supplementary questions thereafter.

 

I thank you.

 

_______

 

GROUPED QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

 

REHABILITATION OF SERENJE AIRSTRIP

 

375. Mr Kandafula (Serenje) asked the Minister of Transport and Logistics:

 

1. when the rehabilitation of the Serenje Airstrip in Serenje District will be completed; 

 

1. what the cause of the delay in completing the project is; and

 

1. what the timeframe for the completion of the project is.

 

UPGRADE OF THE AIRSTRIP IN CHAMA

 

376. Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North) asked the Minister of Transport and Logistics:

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to upgrade the airstrip in Chama District in order to promote tourism;

 

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

 

1. what the estimated cost of the project is; and

 

1. if there are no such plans why.

 

The Minister of Transport and Logistics (Mr Tayali): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that the Government has no immediate plans to rehabilitate the Chama Airstrip in Chama District or resume the rehabilitation of the Serenje Airstrip in Serenje District due to resource constraints. This august House may wish to note that the Government has prioritised the construction and upgrading of provincial and strategic airports, such as those in Solwezi, Mongu, Mansa, Chipata, Kasaba Bay, Choma and Nakonde.

 

Madam Speaker, the delay in completing the rehabilitation of the Serenje Airstrip is due to resource constraints. The management and administration of all district aerodromes, including the airstrips in Serenje and Chama, has been handed over to local authorities in line with Annex C of the Constitution (Amendment) Act of 2016. I, therefore, urge hon. Members of Parliament to engage their respective local authorities to consider funding the projects through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

 

Madam Speaker, the estimated cost of rehabilitating the Chama Airstrip to bituminous standard in 2016 stood at K81,115,213.86.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

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

 

Madam Speaker, in air transport, there are situations that require emergency landing. However, there are airstrips in Zambia that are not conducive for emergency landing. The hon. Minister has indicated that we should talk to our local councils about budgeting for rehabilitation of airstrips. Will the ministry, at least, assist in the rehabilitation of airstrips if funds are sourced from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) because CDF is evidently not enough to deal with such works?

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I totally agree with the hon. Member on the importance of airstrips, particularly in cases where we may require emergency landing. So, yes, they must be kept in conditions that can accommodate emergencies.

 

Allow me, Madam Speaker, to lament and say that airstrips in this country were left to deteriorate for a very long time. However, the current Administration has decided, as guided by His Excellency the President, to open up the country by way of ensuring that we have airports in all provincial capitals. We have even gone further to consider constructing airports in certain provincial capitals such as Nakonde because they require it.

 

Madam Speaker, as things stand now, the ministry is not in a position to commit or look for funds to help in the upgrading of airstrips. Perhaps, once we are done with our programme of airport construction and upgrades, we may consider the airstrips under discussion. So, for now the hon. Member is guided to use the CDF to address the plight of those airstrips.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mtayachalo: Madam Speaker, I wish to thank the hon. Minister for his responses.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister mentioned that the Government has no immediate plan to rehabilitate the Chama Airstrip. He may be aware that Chama houses the Musalangu Game Management Area, which is a good destination for tourists. However, we unable attract many tourists because there is no suitable airstrip in the area. I know that the Government is prioritising regional airports, but does the hon. Minister not think that developing such an airstrip will help the country generate more revenue because of that game management area? Would the hon. Minister seriously consider developing that airstrip due to the reasons I have already stated?

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I totally agree with the hon. Member on the importance of developing tourism potential and how airstrips can help in that regard. 

 

Madam Speaker, unlike what used to happen in the past, we have to cut our coat according to the size of the cloth. The Government is insisting on prudent management of public resources. So, whatever is available at the moment, we have a priority list that we are going to follow. Just like the response I gave to the other hon. Member of Parliament with a similar question, things may change in future once we deal with the core business of the ministry. Perhaps, the hon. Member may do well to get in touch with the Ministry of Tourism because there may be a window for that ministry to work with him to upgrade that airstrip in relation to tourism development.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Kandafula: I thank you again, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, it is written somewhere that human nature is hell-bent on doing wrong things. The House may wish to know that the airstrip in question is located between the central business district (CBD) and surrounding compounds. We might see encroachment on the airstrip land very soon. Does the Government have plans to, at least, place beacons around that area or fence it?

 

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

 

Madam Speaker, I concur with him about the propensity of human beings to do wrong. However, the current Administration under His Excellency the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, has been very emphatic on stating that issues of land encroachment shall not be condoned. Those who build on land illegally without obtaining a title risk their structures being demolished. In this regard, I ask that we collaborate with him, as the area hon. Member of Parliament, to ensure that we educate the local people that building on land illegally or, indeed, encroachment may be an exercise in futility. However, I take his advice. Given sufficient fiscus, it would be nice to fence off particular airstrips.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mtayachalo: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister –

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

 

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

Mr Mtayachalo: Madam Speaker, when business was suspended, the hon. Minister had indicated that local authorities have been mandated to work on airstrips. I want to find out if the ministry provides technical staff or officers to inspect airstrips to ensure that they are up to the expected standard, so that they can be used. I am saying this because recently, we were in Chama, where the President was invited to grace the celebration of the translation of the Bible from English to Nsenga. However, the President delegated the trip to the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development. So, I went to Chama with the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Hon. Kabuswe, the Political Adviser to the President, Mr Levy Ngoma, and the hon. Minister for the Eastern Province using a Zambia Air Force (ZAF) plane. As we landed, I saw that the airstrip was not up to the expected standard. We almost had an accident as we landed. That is why I am asking this question: Before airstrips are allowed to be used, does the ministry inspect them to ensure that safety issues are completely addressed?

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, first of all, let me thank the hon. Member for that follow-up question.

 

Madam Speaker, the case of the airstrip in Chama is very unique, because there was an attempt by the previous Administration to work on it. A contract to the tune of K258,277,07.30 was signed. However, as was typical in the previous Administration, there were no funds to back up this particular contract, and that is how the works stalled. I do not think that the works that were undertaken on the airstrip should be attributed to the local authority. My ministry has the requisite technical staff to supervise works on airstrips and ensure that accidents such as what would have probably happened in Chama do not happen.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, if I heard correctly, the hon. Minister seems to have spoken two languages to say the same thing. He said that in the previous Administration, airstrips were neglected. In the same breath, he said that airstrips seemed to not have been a priority, that they cannot be in the mainstream Budget of the Central Government but in the budget for local authorities. However, local authorities only receive the Local Government Equalisation Fund (LGEF) and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

 

Madam Speaker, let me look at the figures that have been mentioned, that is K18 million and about K200 million. This means that airstrips have been placed as part of the aviation infrastructure, which also borders on aviation safety. Aviation safety may not just include slashing or clearing of the ground but also having signals. For instance, Ethiopian Airlines planes usually pass through Serenje, where Hon. Kandafula comes from. If one of its planes had to make an emergency landing, it would find that there are no signals around Serenje because some things are not connected to the mainstream aviation infrastructure; only grass has been slashed by the council. If we are saying that airstrips were neglected in the past, why should they be cared for by councils instead of the Central Government?

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for that question. However, the hon. Member has clearly misapplied my words. Moreover, the example that he has given cannot be applied in this situation. He has given an example of Ethiopian Airlines, which uses planes such as the Boeing 787 or the Boeing 777. These are huge aircrafts that cannot land at an airstrip. That is why the President –

 

Mr Fube: Emergency landing.

 

Mr Tayali: Emergency landing cannot happen on an airstrip; that would be a plane crash.

 

Madam Speaker, that is why this Administration methodically wants every provincial capital to have an airport. If you look at our provinces, you will see that an aeroplane flying at 40,000 feet is within reach of any province within the country. So, if an aircraft coming from the direction of Tanzania, for example, has an emergency and needs to make an emergency landing, it can find landing space at Kasama Airport or Nakonde Airport, going by the plans that we have for the type of airport to be constructed in Nakonde.

 

Madam Speaker, the whole nation is watching, and the hon. Member for Chilubi has given such an example.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I think that we need to have in-house knowledge transfer.

 

Madam Speaker, as Minister in charge of transport and logistics, there is a reason I have stayed in this ministry for a long time. Perhaps, I am the longest-serving Minister of Transport and Logistics because I know what I am doing. Working closely with His Excellency the President, I know what this country needs.

 

 Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Chibuye (Roan): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me the opportunity –

 

Interruptions

 

Mr J. Chibuye: Excuse me.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Mr J. Chibuye: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the statement. I know that part of my concern has been tackled, but I will ask about the other part. Since the hon. Minister has indicated in his statement that the Government has no immediate plans to work on the two airstrips, does that mean that it has looked into telescopes or microscopes and realised that there is no economic value to be gained from working on the two airstrips? Is the hon. Minister saying that even if the two airstrips were worked on, there might not be any economic gain to the nation?

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I did not imply that there will never be economic value to air strips. We have to open up our country as much as possible. We need to grow the tourism sector, and airstrips are such facilities that help with that growth. Every part of our country is important and ought to have airstrips. The hon. Member may know and will agree with me that there is also the presidency. The President of this country must be able to visit citizens wherever they are, depending on the need. We have the responsibility to move the presidency to any corner of this country. That is why we place value on airstrips. At the moment, going by what has not happened since time immemorial; not having provincial airports in provincial capitals, we deemed it fit to construct them. The time had come. I have stated on this Floor, in no uncertain terms, that once we are done with that programme, we will methodically transition to ensuring that airstrips facilities are devolved to local authorities, which may even derive the benefits in terms of revenue once they are operating them, and that the ministry ends up assisting them to ensure that even tourists, as they visit our country, experience easy of movement from one place to the other within Zambia.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister is responding well. I was sure that the hon. Member for Chilubi was referring to ubwato and not an aeroplane.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Chisopa: Question!

 

Mr Mung’andu: He comes from where there is water. So, I am sure he thought it was a boat, not a plane.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Mung’andu: Madam Speaker, let me put it on record that the project at the Chama airstrip, as the hon. Minister rightly put it, was started by the late President Michael Sata. When he passed on, unfortunately, the works stalled. The reason Chama was given that facility was because of its strategic location. The hon. Minister may agree with me that the nearest airstrip, for either security operations or Mfuwe, Chama is near to almost two borders, apart from the one we have in Mbala. I want to know how soon the hon. Minister thinks this working Government can consider funding that facility since earthworks were already done. If the Government can come up with a bill of quantity (BoQ), we can also contribute probably under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). The reason is very simple, that the strategic nature of that facility is not only for tourism but for the security operations of the nation.

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I agree with the hon. Member so far as the strategic nature of the location of that airstrip, but due to constraints in the fiscus, I will not be enticed into giving a Government assurance, as to when we can consider completing the works that have stalled owing to a failure to pay the interim payment certificates (IPCs). We have the important Mbala Airport, which was surrendered to the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) for our air force to service that part of the country. Additionally, we have other important airports that we must ensure are constructed. I referred to the airports earlier, such as Solwezi, Mongu, Mansa, Chipata, Kasaba Bay, Choma and, indeed, Nakonde. At the moment, we are trying to put resources together to see to it that we make progress at the mentioned airports.

 

Madam Speaker, once again, should our economic fortunes turn around, and we can build fiscal space, we may revisit the stalled projects. The House may agree with me that the contract was signed way back in 2014. Had there been a serious commitment by the Administration then, it would have been done by the time we were coming in 2021. The same is the case for other critical infrastructure in education and other sectors. I guess that is why we say that this New Dawn Administration came to fix that which was broken.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

________

 

MOTIONS

 

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCES ON THE CONSIDERATION OF THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN ZAMBIA

 

Mr Malambo (Magoye): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this House adopts the Report of the Committee on Agriculture, Lands and Natural Resources on the Consideration of the Impact of Climate Change in Zambia, for the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 3^rd July, 2025.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

 

Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

 

Mr Malambo: Madam Speaker, in accordance with Order 206(a) of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, your Committee undertook a study on the impact of climate change in Zambia. To better understand the topic, your Committee interacted with several stakeholders who tendered both oral and written submissions before it. Based on its interactions with various stakeholders and its findings from a local tour, your Committee has made several recommendations on the topic, which are documented in its report. I am confident that hon. Members have read the report. Therefore, allow me to highlight only a few of your Committee’s observations and recommendations.

 

Madam Speaker, climate change is real, and its impacts are devastating. One of the key issues that the Committee deliberated on related to funding meant for climate change action. Your Committee observed with great concern that financial resources dedicated to climate change action are insufficient. A situation that massively inhibits environmental protection action efforts and exacerbates the impact of climate change. In view of this, your Committee strongly recommends that the Government mobilises and allocates more financial resources towards environmental protection and climate change mitigation and adaptation programmes.

 

Madam Speaker, another issue of concern for your Committee is the fact that many people are not aware of climate change and its effects. Your Committee is concerned that the absence of awareness programmes is hindering effective implementation of climate change mitigation and adaptation programmes. In this regard, your Committee recommends that the Government heightens public awareness programmes on climate change and its effects. Additionally, the Government should put up concrete measures to ensure that communities are involved in all climate change mitigation and adaptation programmes.

 

Madam Speaker, looking at the adequacy of the legal framework, the Committee observed that Zambia has adequate laws and policies that support the management of climate change, but the challenge has been the weak enforcement and implementation of these laws, and this is attributed to weak and limited institutional capacity. In light of this, the Committee urges the Government to put measures in place to strengthen the enforcement and implementation of the existing laws and policies. This will ensure effective management of climate change.

 

Madam Speaker, another issue that caught the Committee’s attention is the low staffing levels for certain categories of staff who are essential to the agricultural sector. The Committee observed with great concern that staff such as agriculture extension officers, forest officers and veterinary extension officers in the districts are inadequate. The absence of these categories of staff is negatively affecting the protection of forestry reserves and the effective implementation of agricultural and veterinary activities in the districts. In order to remedy this situation, the Committee recommends that the Government should, as a matter of urgency, employ forest officers, agriculture extension officers and veterinary extension officers. This will contribute to the effective implementation of programmes in the related sub-sectors.

 

Madam Speaker, I wish to appeal to the Executive to study and implement the recommendations contained in the Committee’s report, as they can contribute to the effective management of climate change. I further wish to appeal to all hon. Members of this august House to support the Committee’s report.

 

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, I wish to thank all the stakeholders who appeared before the Committee and tendered written and oral submissions. I also wish to thank you and the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly for the guidance and support rendered to the Committee throughout the session.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

Mr Mtayachalo: Now, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, thank you very much. First and foremost, allow me to thank you for giving me this rare opportunity to second this very important Motion on the Floor of the House. In seconding this Motion, I will just deal with –

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

The voices are too loud. We want to listen to the report. Lower your voices.

 

Hon. Member for Chama North, you may continue.

 

Mr Mtayachalo: Madam Speaker, I was saying that since the mover has done justice to this particular report, I will just deal with key areas of the report before this august House.

 

Madam Speaker, your Committee was tasked to interrogate the impact of climate change in Zambia. We are all alive to the fact that climate change continues to pose a serious threat to mankind. It is not only undermining food security but also power generation, especially in African countries like ours, which depend on water for power generation.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee noted that the Meteorological Department lacks accurate and effective early warning systems to alert the general public on the weather forecast so that our people can make informed decisions. We also noted that most districts do not have weather stations, as a result, it is extremely difficult for our people throughout the country to receive timely information so that they can prepare adequately. It has also become very difficult for the Meteorological Department to produce and disseminate information timely to all parts of the country. If the department had presence in all the districts, the information would be able to reach our people through the community radio stations without any difficulty. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment enhances the early warning system and sets up weather stations in all the districts in Zambia so that our people can receive information at the same time.

 

Madam Speaker, we also noted that there has been a continuous decrease in the number of water points in this country, which is affecting agricultural activities. I think, the most affected areas are irrigation, livestock and fish farming. We mostly depend on rain-fed agriculture. For example, countries like Namibia rarely receive rainfall, but have food throughout the year. So, if we use irrigation effectively, we will be able to contain the issue of food insecurity in this country. Therefore, the Committee recommends that the Government constructs as many dams as possible and rehabilitates the old dams.

 

Madam Speaker, it is very disappointing that while the Government is spending colossal sums of money to build new dams, in some areas, dams are underutilised. The Committee took a tour of the North-Western Province. It was noted that the Government constructed several dams there and when we had a serious drought, the people of the North-Western Province were not greatly affected. However, it was discovered that the dams were underutilised. People were not using the dams. Meanwhile, we are talking about food insecurity. I think, there is a need to sensitise our people. The Government is spending money on building the dams, but then our people are not using these dams. So, that was the concern of the Committee.

 

Madam Speaker, this country is among those have the highest deforestation rates in the world. There is indiscriminate cutting of trees along the rivers, as a result, most of the rivers’ water supply is being affected. I think, there is a need to take very radical measures and even mete out severe punishment to people who are encroaching on these areas. The situation may even get worse than it is today, if we allow the indiscriminate cutting of trees to continue.

 

Madam Speaker, we also need to embark on water harvesting to promote agriculture and domestic use. For a long time, our leaders have been talking about the harvesting of rain water. I remember one time when Dr Kaunda was addressing a press conference at State House, he talked about the water from the Zambezi River. He said that every morning, the water in the Zambezi River would say, “Kaunda, Kaunda, wake up, why are you not using us”? So, all the leaders have been talking about water harvesting, but we have not put in place proactive measures to ensure that we harvest our water to promote agricultural activities.

 

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, we also noted that the agriculture extension officers, forest officers and livestock officers do not have adequate housing units. The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is available, but it is not enough for hon. Members of Parliament to construct many houses because of so many competing needs. So, the Government must ensure that there is more budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture for houses of extension officers to be constructed. That way, the officers can live in the localities to enable them monitor some of the activities that are happening in the areas affected by climate change.

 

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, may I take this opportunity, once more, to thank your office for the guidance, which was very helpful for your Committee to undertake its work. I also want to thank the mover for ably moving the Motion. I would be failing in my duties if I do not also thank the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly for the services it rendered to your Committee in coming up with a wonderful report.

 

 Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

 

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Thank you, Madam Speaker, –

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Fube: Mwalintemwa fye, ayi?

 

Laughter

 

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, on a lighter note, I would like to use my right of reply by saying that before the people of Chama sent me to Parliament as a representative, I had travelled to more than thirty-one countries in Africa. When the hon. Minister of Transport and Logistics was still at university –

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Chilubi!

 

 We are looking at the Committee’s report. Can you, please, be focused on that report?

 

Mr Fube: Yes, Madam Speaker, I will just focus on the report. I was just trying to say something on a light note.

 

Madam Speaker, I think, we are handling the issue of climate change with kids’ gloves. Scanning the report from where I am standing, it has about twenty-seven pages. It contains initiatives that have previously come before this House, and some of them have even been rejected. The report seems to be speaking to issues of sustainable agricultural measures and distances between agro-ecological zones; issues which were rejected by this very House when they were raised through a Motion.

 

Madam Speaker, when we look at climate change, there is a need to highlight the issues that cause it. As the report attests, that is not only coming from the abuse of natural resources per se, but also from life-giving activities like agriculture. The House should realise that agricultural activities, especially livestock farming, among other things, can produce things like ethanol and nitrogen dioxide. That is even captured in the report.

 

Madam Speaker, in our situation, we have always known and talked about early warning systems. We know that what has been affecting much of our climate in Zambia are the shifts in the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). That can be captured by the weather instruments we have, but we find that we are more reactive than proactive to such issues.

 

Madam Speaker, it is not an exaggeration to say that because of mismanaging early warning systems, we were fed with aflatoxins contained in maize products, which were later withdrawn. One of the things that contribute to aflatoxins is the moisture content in maize. That happens when the moisture content in maize goes below 12 per cent to 13 per cent.

 

Madam Speaker, we also need to manage the issue of greenhouse gas emissions, considering that there is no proper policy on the matter. I earlier mentioned that the dominant gases are methane and nitrogen dioxide, which we take as a pedestrian arrangement. I know that your Committee’s report covered a lot of policies that, unfortunately, are un-coordinated. It highlighted some legal frameworks that, unfortunately, are not binding.

 

Madam Speaker, when we look at the issue of climate change, we are talking about the effects of the hydrological cycle. The hydrological cycle is something that affects Chilubi and many other areas. It even affects the wetlands beyond Chilubi. So, I think that affects people’s livelihoods. As it is said, “Water is life”.

 

Madam Speaker, when I say the hydrological cycle, I am talking about both ground and surface water, which is affected as a result of –

 

Hon. Government Members: Iwe!

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Fube: What is –

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, that team only waits for – I do not know.

 

Laughter

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Laughter

 

Mr Fube: All the same, Madam Speaker, I will continue and will not be deterred by the hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, who has shifted camp.

 

 Madam Speaker, when we talk about climate change, I know that among the measures we have in the national adaptation plan is to include low carbon, resource efficiency and climate resilience in the smart thinking package. However, as I already indicated, various policies are not buying into each other. For instance, the way we are managing animal manure or burning of grass in forests in Zambia is something that is not even controlled. It is something that has been left to the winds.

 

Madam Speaker, I would not do justice if I did not indicate one weakness that I have seen. We have the Green Economy and Climate Change Act No. 18 of 2024. We also have the Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011, which was amended. If you look at the objectives of the Green Economy and Climate Change Act or what it intends to achieve, it encompasses the new trend of climate change. Therefore, it should have been used to manage the issue of carbon markets and others aspects. However, some of the things that it intended to achieve have been duplicated in the Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011. For instance, the Green Economy and Climate Change Act talks about ratifying international conventions, but, the Environmental Management Act also talks about international environmental agreements using the same language. What am I trying to underscore? It is the issue of ensuring that the laws or policies are in tandem because if the policy or legal frameworks are not in tandem, all the activities that we will embark on may not resonate with the goal of addressing climate change, especially that we need to look at it in a manner that benefits human life.

 

Madam Speaker, in trying to create a balance between climate change factors caused by agriculture and other factors, we cannot seem to find an intersection to agree on what type of agriculture should be allowed. We have seen that a lot of inorganic fertilizers can cause climate change problems, but we do not control their use. We get all excited about fertilizer being distributed and so on and so forth, yet conservation farming is not part of the conversation.

 

Madam Speaker, let me comment on animal manure control, especially in drought-prone areas. That is an issue that is directly contributing to climate change, as indicated in your Committee’s report.

 

Madam Speaker, with those few words on behalf of the people of Chilubi, I would like to end by saying that we also need to control chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) because that is going to create a balance at the end of the day.

 

Mr Nkandu interjected.

 

Mr Fube: Ba Minister? Chamupamba mwe.

 

Laughter

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you, hon. Member.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Simushi (Sikongo): Madam Speaker, thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to add a few words to the debate on this report. Allow me to thank the mover and the seconder of the Motion, as well as the Committee, for highlighting a number of issues on climate change as it affects Zambia.

 

Madam Speaker, climate change is a serious problem that we are faced with today, not only as a country but also internationally. We are seeing a number of challenges that are as a result of climate change. From the outset, I would like to say that on behalf of the people of Sikongo, I support the report. As a country, we really need to look at the problem we are facing squarely in the face. If we do not, even the gains that we might make in other sectors could be wiped away by the effects and the impact of climate change.  I think, as a country, we are alive to the fact that 2024 was a very good example of what climate change can do to an economy. We saw how we were forced to re-align our Budget to address the effects of climate change. That speaks to the magnitude of the problem we are facing. That is why I am emphasising the fact that we really need to put in all our efforts to address the python that is trying to strangle us.

 

Madam Speaker, from the look of things, the climate change problem has come to stay; it is not ending any time soon. That is why, as we try to address the problem, we need to look at sustainable measures or interventions. Speaking about sustainable measures, that brings me to two aspects, that is, mitigation and adaptation. It is important that we put in place mitigation and adaptation measures, as the report has highlighted. In order to do so, the issue that your Committee has brought up, that of resources, is very critical. I think that it is sad to hear that the climate change problem does not receive sufficient resources in our National Budget. If that trend continues, we are likely to face even bigger problems. So, adaptation measures are very critical. When we talk about adaptation, we mean that climate change is here to stay; so how can we live with it? This calls for the Government to put in place interventions and resources that can trickle down to our communities. At community level, our people are affected by the lack of water, meaning that we cannot depend on crop agriculture, per se. So, the aspect of diversification becomes very critical. We now need to look at crops that are drought-tolerant or drought-resistant. On the livestock side, we need to begin rearing ruminants such as goats, as they can adapt to climate change.

 

Madam Speaker, I want to emphasise what the report has already mentioned. In order to address climate change, we do not need to look at just the financial aspect; we also need to look at human resources. Like the report has clearly pointed out, we have challenges in terms of human resources. Our frontline officers need to be capacitated to understand climate change, because at the time some of them went for training, the problem was not very visible. However, today, it is very visible. Therefore, there is a need for them to go back to school to learn how best to manage the problem affecting us.

 

Madam Speaker, in addressing the problem, we need to look at short-term, medium-term and long-term measures. The report has actually clearly brought out these measures, but I want to bring out one aspect that might not have been mentioned in the report. The issue of coming up with a curriculum on climate change for primary, secondary and tertiary education is important. We need it so that our people, those who have been given the responsibility to handle such issues, and ordinary members of the public who are also affected, can have the knowledge to help them live better lives amidst the climate change that is affecting us.

 

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Sikongo, I support the report. I would also like to mention that yes, the Government is doing its best to ensure that the challenges of climate change are addressed. However, we can still do better. Since the problem is seemingly new, let us focus on coming up with more sustainable solutions that can help us to not drown in climate change problems.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kapyanga (Mpika): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to debate.

 

Madam Speaker, climate change is long-term. In 2017, as a result of climate change, our country experienced a very bad drought, which affected agriculture and power generation, among other sectors of the economy. However, politics were at play at that time as well. Some people said that climate change did not exist. They said it was lack of a vision that was at play at that time. Indeed, it is a reality that today, with our hon. Colleagues on the right, we are discussing the effects of climate change. There must be acceptance and admittance that, indeed, climate change exists, and that people were misled in 2017. As a result, the then Government introduced a project funded by the World Bank called Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development (TRALARD). This project was aimed at strengthening vulnerable communities in the northern part of our country to adapt to climate change and support the restoration of our ecosystem. However, when the current Government came into power in 2021, the project was cancelled, and the people who benefited from it were thrown back into poverty. As we debate the report, let me say that I expected to see a page in it where the Government would commit to restore the project as it used to help many people.

 

Madam Speaker, climate change has also affected power generation. We have been told that we have load-shedding because of climate change; there is no sufficient water in Kariba Dam for power generation. On the other hand, we share the same water body with Zimbabwe for power generation, but Zimbabwe has power twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week/7. In Zambia, we have power for only five hours, and that is negatively impacting small businesses in Mtendere, Chitulika and Kamwanya. Small businesses in Mpika are collapsing due to a lack of power.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Mpika, please, focus on the report. The report is talking about the impact of climate change in Zambia. I have not read about comparisons made with Zimbabwe anywhere in the report. Please, try to come back to the contents of the report, and assist the Government with a way forward. It will benefit your people as well. Stick to the report.

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, on the effects of climate change, in the northern part of Zambia, we usually have sufficient rainfall. If we are to tackle load shedding, there must be an expansion of the hydropower stations we have, like Chishimba Falls, Musonda Falls, and even construct more. We have lacked power for two years, and no hydropower station has been constructed in the northern part of Zambia to boost the existing infrastructure in the power generation sector. The Government should have accelerated power generation by constructing more hydropower stations as well as setting up more solar farms.

 

At present, Madam Speaker, my people in Chilonga, Nabwalya and almost every other part of Mpika who depend on water from the rivers are suffering. They have nowhere to draw water. and Government has not brought up a programme to set up more small piped water schemes in that part of the country. With regard to the climate change, the Government should make deliberate policies to ensure that it sets up water infrastructure in all areas. The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is not sufficient. We can only do so much. After all, it is just about 3 per cent of the National Budget.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government outlined measures that it is putting in place to address the impact of climate change in this report. In here –

 

Mr Chisopa: Tell them!

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

 

Please, do not debate whilst seated. Just indicate, and I will give you a chance to debate.

 

Hon. Member for Mpika, you may continue.

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, the Government submitted that it has put in place several measures to address the impact of climate change, among them, the use of the electronic voucher (e-Voucher) system for 1 million farmers who are on the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), to acquire farming inputs. It also submitted, and I quote:

 

“The ministry also promoted agricultural mechanisation among small-scale farmers where mechanised services and equipment were being managed by farmer training centres.”

 

Madam Speaker, that is misleading. There is no mechanisation training that happens at farmer training centres. No single one. Who even submitted this to mislead your Committee? In Mpika or Chinsali, the farmer training centres are not even in use. So, where are those services that we cannot see taking place?

 

Madam Speaker, the introduction of the e-Voucher system, without putting infrastructure such as communication towers in all the areas, is a failed project. Firstly, people in Nabwalya do not have access to the Internet. Secondly, they do not have access to mobile phones. Thirdly, they lack communication towers. If they are asked to redeem farming inputs using the e-Voucher system, where are they going to do that from when the area has no communication towers? This programme should have been rolled-out side by side with the existing system. On one hand, there is implementation of the conventional system and, on the other hand, the e-voucher system. The Government should have used the conventional system in areas with no communication towers.

 

Madam Speaker, with regard to mechanised farming, we fail to produce simple tools, yet the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) workshop in Mpika has the capacity to produce any tool that is required in the agricultural sector. Even the Zambia Railways Limited has a workshop with the capacity to make all kinds of tools required in the sector. What is there? Our people are still depending on strenuous tools; hoes and shovels, to farm in the 21^st century, and we are not even ashamed of that.  

 

Madam Speaker –

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, kindly withdraw the word “Shame”.

 

Mr Kapyanga: I withdraw the word, Madam Speaker, and replace it with” We are not even troubled by that”.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government must invest in workshops such as the one owned by the ZRL so that it can produce the farming equipment which our people can use.

 

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, I would like to commend the former Government and the late President, His Excellency Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu …

 

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

 

Mr Kapyanga: … for taking the step to construct the Kafulafuta Dam as well as the Momboshi Dam in Central Province. Those dams are critical in addressing climate change. That is what is called forward thinking. Not this one (pointed at the hon. Ministers) in which we are static and our small businesses are being ravaged by load shedding. What one hears from an hon. Minister is, “Question!” when an hon. Member is raising important issues that the Government must respond to.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

 

Please, do not debate people in the House. Just debate the contents of the report, not an hon. Minister or other hon. Members in the House. They were not mentioned in the report.

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, this Government has failed to address climate change.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Kapyanga: They have failed to address load shedding.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, they must apologise to the Zambian people for failing. These (pointed at the Government hon. Members) must apologise. Load shedding is killing businesses for our people.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, they must apologise to the Zambian people. Load shedding is killing small businesses.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, order!

 

Mr Kapyanga: They must apologise. These ones. They failed. Kwenyu must apologise. These ones (pointed at the Government hon. Members).

 

Mr Mwene: Chase him!

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member for Mpika, I kept on shouting, “Order!”

 

Can you, please, leave the House. Just leave. You can stay away from the House for today.

 

Mr Kapyanga left the Assembly Chamber.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: We make progress.

 

Hon. Member for Chama South, you may proceed.

 

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, I hope the hon. Members will be quiet enough to listen, as I add my voice to the debate on the Motion on your able Committee’s report.

 

This report, Madam Speaker, is timely. It is about climate change. What is climate change? I know the previous hon. Colleague who debated defined it as a change of climate, again. However, climate change is a prolonged change in weather patterns. That is the reality that we are facing as a nation. It is a global challenge. We know that 90 per cent of the cause of climate change is from developed nations. Our contribution as a nation has to do with the change of land use from forests to agriculture. We are told that Zambia is losing not less than 40 ha/minute. That is why this country is a signatory to the Paris Agreement, where we are challenged as a nation to make what are called nationally determined contributions. What are we putting in place, as a nation, to mitigate climate change? The causes are obvious. Apart from change of land use, there is also pressure on the energy needs.

 

Madam Speaker, I stay in Lusaka West. Whenever I am coming into town, I meet –

 

Mr Haimbe, SC.: Not Chama South?

 

Mr Mung’andu: Yes, I also stay in Lusaka West. I know the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation is surprised.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Chama South, we are behind time. Please, focus on the report.

 

Mr Mung’andu: Madam Speaker, when you are coming from Lusaka West, you will meet not less than ten trucks in an hour loaded with charcoal, yet we are talking about climate change. In the southern part of our country, there is massive deforestation, no wonder we are experiencing droughts. You will still meet people carrying charcoal.

 

Madam Speaker, we need to support Government measures aimed at mitigating the causes of climate change. Among the causes that we have identified is deforestation. Areas that have good greenery coverage in terms of forests tend to have good rainfall such as the northern part of this country. If you have gone to Nakonde by aeroplane, you will agree with me that immediately after Mkushi, you will start seeing forest cover. That is what is bringing the rainfall. Worse still, we are even decimating our water resources. The Kafue River is not only acting as a source of energy but also as a source of our agriculture, particularly cattle rearing. Many of the animals that you see in Namwala are in the Kafue Flats because of the dry season. What is it that we have done to ensure that, as we make, for example, cordon areas for our animals, we also have cordon areas to protect our water bodies. People are encroaching on the banks of the Kafue and Zambezi rivers. This is happening and if we are not careful, we will lose those water bodies. I do not think that, as a nation, we have the capacity to adapt because climate adaptation is one of the most expensive undertakings. If you were to check the satellite of our colleagues in China of ten or twenty years ago and that of today, you will note that China is becoming green, but at what cost?

 

Madam Speaker, as I support this report, I would like to urge the hon. Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, who was once in charge of our forests and did very well in that sector, to work together with the hon. Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon. Mposha. We can still protect our country. I know we can because the cost of not doing that is so high. The hon. Minister may be called names for doing something different. He will never be liked. People are used to cutting trees without licences, and making charcoal.  If the hon. Minister stops such people, he should not expect them to love him. They will call him all sorts of names. We have all acknowledged that load-shedding is as a result of climate change. Are adaptation measures being put in place? The answer is yes. We have so much interest in renewable energy.

 

Mr Kambita: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mung’andu: Madam Speaker, the Chisamba Solar Power Plant was just launched. I know that this Government is diversifying in so many other areas. Those of us who are keen followers of what the Government is doing, are encouraging it to continue on that good trajectory.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kambita: Ema Opposition aba!

 

Mr Mung’andu: We have no doubt that in the next few years, the energy deficit due to climate change will be a thing of the past.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mung’andu: Madam Speaker, to address this, the Government needs to be methodical. We are seeing that being done.

 

Mr Kambita: Hammer, hammer!

 

Mr Mung’andu: So, with these few remarks, Madam Speaker, I wish to support this report.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation (Eng. Nzovu): Madam Speaker, let me thank you most sincerely for giving me the opportunity to deliver a statement on the impact of climate change on Zambia’s water resources and to respond to the Report of the Committee on Agriculture, Lands and Natural Resources on the Consideration of the Impact of Climate Change in Zambia.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government, under the able leadership of Mr Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, recognises climate change as one of the most urgent and pressing challenges that our country is facing. In response, the President declared the prevailing drought a national disaster and an emergency. This declaration followed a prolonged dry spell that severely impacted eighty-four out of 116 districts across the country. It destroyed vast hectares of crops and placed the livelihoods and food security of millions of Zambians at great risk.

 

Madam Speaker, this drought was amongst the worst in recent memory. It laid bare the vulnerability of Zambia’s water systems under the pressure of climate change. Our rivers, streams and reservoirs have receded, groundwater levels have dropped, and hydroelectric power generation has been compromised. In addition, rural and peri-urban communities have faced erratic or total loss of access to safe water and sanitation. The increasing frequency and severity of climate-induced disasters such as drought, floods, declining underground water tables, and erratic rainfall patterns continue to put enormous strain on our water and sanitation systems.

 

Madam Speaker, today, I stand to not just respond but reaffirm and restate that water is life. As Minister responsible for water development and sanitation, I wish to remind this august House that water is not only a development issue; it is a national security issue. It is a natural resource that no citizen can live without, and no sector can function without. Water sustains our agriculture, drives our industries, powers our homes, and underpins our health systems.

 

Madam Speaker, allow me to thank the Committee on Agriculture, Lands and Natural Resources for its well-researched report and for placing climate change where it belongs; at the centre of Zambia’s national development agenda. The Committee has rightly highlighted the deep and multifaceted impacts of climate change on agriculture, water and land use. I fully agree with the Committee’s call for urgent and co-ordinated action to build climate resilience.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee raised a critical concern on the weak implementation of climate-related policies despite a strong legal framework. Indeed, there is a gap between policy and enforcement. In response, I wish to assure this House that my ministry has taken deliberate action to address this challenge. The ministry has since launched the National Water Policy, 2024, which sets a clear roadmap for equitable, sustainable, and resilient water development. It has developed the National Rainwater Harvesting Strategy and Implementation Plan, 2024, which promotes household, community, and institutional-level adaptation and issued a Statutory Instrument (SI) of 2024, on water harvesting and storage, to regulate how water is captured, stored and utilised across sectors. Furthermore, the ministry is currently reviewing the Water Resources Management Act No. 21 of 2011. The revised Act will not only address climate change adaptation but also introduce strict provisions to curb water pollution, which is becoming one of the greatest threats to our water security.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee also rightly points out that there are inadequate financial resources for climate change, specifically for adaptation and mitigation actions. As we enter the national budgeting cycle, I urge this House to prioritise increased funding for the water sector. Where public resources are insufficient, I call on our co-operating partners, private sector actors and civil society to join hands with the Government in delivering climate-resilient infrastructure and services.

 

Madam Speaker, despite the challenges of climate change, Zambia has demonstrated strong economic resilience. As you are aware, the Zambian Kwacha is now among the best-performing currencies in 2025, ...

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Eng. Nzovu: … reflecting investor confidence and fiscal discipline. We have recorded a bumper harvest in key crops like maize, soybeans and groundnuts even amidst regional droughts. We are thankful for the expanded irrigation and climate-smart farming practices. Our rapid investment in solar energy has cushioned hydropower deficits and is now powering our water production and treatment facilities. This is a model we must scale up. These achievements must now be harnessed to accelerate adaptation investments in water and sanitation.

 

Madam Speaker, in response to climate change, the ministry has taken the following strategic and emergency measures:

 

Water Resources Management

 

Madam Speaker, the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) is intensifying enforcement against encroachments, illegal water abstraction and pollution. Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 1 of 2000, which prohibits destructive activities within 50 m of water bodies, is being enforced without compromise. Public awareness of water conservation and catchment protection is being scaled up across the country.

 

Madam Speaker, the ministry is implementing an ambitious programme to expand solar-powered water supply systems nationwide. Additionally, the ministry is also rehabilitating and upgrading boreholes to solar-powered piped water schemes to increase access to water for our people.

 

Dam Construction and Rehabilitation

 

Madam Speaker, hon. Members of this House may also wish to note that the ministry is implementing a three-year programme, from 2025 to 2027, for the construction and rehabilitation of sixty small to medium multipurpose dams, phased at twenty dams per year, to enhance national water security. These dams are estimated to contribute about 30 million m³ of impounded water for productive use once completed. In addition, the ministry is currently undertaking the construction of sixteen dams, out of which construction works for four dams, namely Kawawa in the Eastern Province, Muyembe in Luapula Province and Chundwe and Jongolo in the Southern Province, have been completed.

 

Madam Speaker, simultaneously, the ministry is conducting routine maintenance on 770 existing dams in drought-affected regions, out of which 620 dams have been maintained. That has created over 8,000 jobs and stimulated rural economies. In addition, twenty dams are undergoing major rehabilitation by the Zambia National Service (ZNS).

 

 Setting Up Livestock and Wildlife Watering Points

 

Madam Speaker, under the multisectoral drought response framework, the ministry is constructing sixty watering points, forty-five for livestock and fifteen for wildlife, to support livestock farmers and preserve wildlife in protected areas. These interventions are critical to sustaining livelihoods and ecosystems during times of water scarcity.

 

 Strengthening Local Delivery through the Constituency Development Fund

 

Madam Speaker, to improve delivery in rural areas, the ministry proposes that at least 10 per cent of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) be allocated to water and sanitation projects. We further recommend that this component be co-managed with the ministry to ensure technical quality, cost control and timely implementation.

 

Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation stands ready and committed to lead Zambia’s water security transformation. We are responding to the climate crisis not with despair, but with decisive policy, practical action and a long-term vision for universal access to water and sanitation.

 

Madam Speaker, as I close, I just want to agree with what the hon. Member of Parliament for Chama South stated that we have a lot of dams and water harvesting infrastructure in existence, but they are being underutilised. Let me, therefore, inform him that the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, working with the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, is now only building dams where the potential for agricultural activities is large. Further, for water harvesting infrastructure that was constructed a long time ago, the ministry is coming up with designs for the necessary conveyance in infrastructure to get the water from those reservoirs to points where farmers can utilise it for irrigation purposes.

 

Madam Speaker, with those few words, I thank you for the time.

 

The Minister of Green Economy and Environment (Mr Mposha): Thank you, Madam Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Report of the Committee on Agriculture, Lands and Natural Resources on the Consideration of the Impact of Climate Change in Zambia.

 

 Madam Speaker, allow me to also thank the chairperson as well as the entire Committee for the work done in producing that important report. I also wish to acknowledge all the hon. Members of Parliament who have made contributions in debating the report. As the Government, we have taken note of the report’s contents. We acknowledge the recommendations of the Committee as well as the views expressed by hon. Members during this debate. In this regard, I will be making comments on a few points during my debate.

 

Madam Speaker, I wish to emphasise the vital role of meteorological stations in delivering accurate, timely and localised weather and climate services. The meteorological stations form the backbone of Zambia’s climate intelligence system, empowering farmers to safeguard our food basket, guiding reliable hydropower and energy planning, enabling efficient water resource management, supporting the health sector in anticipation of climate-sensitive disease outbreaks and informing sustainable infrastructure and economic growth across all sectors.

 

Madam Speaker, since 2021, the Government has made significant strides by installing over 200 automated weather stations covering all districts and strategic water bodies, such as major lakes. This expansion of the ground network is a major achievement. However, it is important to acknowledge that ground network coverage remains inadequate, including upper air observations and localised climate observations. To address this, the Government has developed plans to install rainfall stations and soil moisture sensors in all the 2,640 agricultural camps and critical river catchment areas. That will ensure enhanced localised climate services, giving farmers, planners and communities access to early warning systems tailored to their specific locations and geographies. Such targeted information is indispensable in enhancing preparedness and building resilience to climate-induced shocks.

 

 Madam Speaker, that vision, however, cannot be realised without sufficient and sustained financing. I wish to join your Committee’s call for urgent support through increased budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment. Your Committee expressed concern that there was insufficient allocation of financial resources for climate change action and, as such, efforts to implement climate change activities are being hampered. Your Committee strongly recommends that the Government should mobilise and allocate more financial resources towards environmental protection and climate change mitigation and adaptation programmes.

 

Madam Speaker, I wish to agree with the observation of the Committee. While it is true that the national cake is limited, and that we have competing needs and demands, it is equally true that inadequate funding for environmental protection is costly in the long run, as the Government ends up spending enormous resources in dealing with its effects, when investing in preventive measures would have been more cost-effective. While the sector enjoys goodwill from co-operating partners, those partners wish to see the sector prioritised by the Government through increased resource allocation so that they can meet us halfway. As such, I can only appeal to hon. Members to support the ministry’s budget during the appropriation of resources through the Budget to address the challenge.

 

Madam Speaker, the concern by the Committee that many people are not aware of climate change and its effects, which is hindering the effective implementation of climate change mitigation and adaptation programmes, is duly noted and acknowledged. The recommendation by the Committee that the Government should heighten public awareness programmes on climate change and its effects is equally acknowledged. Climate change is a complex issue, and the Government acknowledges the need to simplify it, and, in some cases, translate key messages into local languages to make information accessible and usable by our local communities. We will enhance our work in this area as awareness and sensitisation programmes are continuous.

 

Madam Speaker, on the observation by the Committee that Zambia has adequate laws and policies to support the management of climate change, but that the challenge has been the weak enforcement and implementation of the laws and policies, I wish to submit that that is partly linked to the inadequate resources that I discussed earlier. As a cross-cutting issue, climate change requires enormous resources to effectively implement, and inadequate human, material, and financial resources make this difficult. However, the Government has taken note of the recommendation by the Committee to take concrete actions to strengthen the enforcement and implementation of the laws and policies that will ensure effective climate change management, and we will do just that.

 

Madam Speaker, the observation and concern by your Committee on the indiscriminate cutting down of trees for charcoal burning, farmland expansion and timber purposes, ultimately leading to climate change, is legitimate and a source of concern to the Government. The Government continues to address this matter from two fronts, namely the strategic and operational fronts. On the strategic front, the Government is building the capacity of the Forestry Department by putting in place key strategic plans that will inform sustainable forest management. These measures include the development of District Forest Management Plans for each of the 116 districts. This measure will ensure prudent management of our forest resources in each district. In addition, Standard Operating Procedures for forest law enforcement have been developed to enhance the prosecution of forest offenders.

 

Madam Speaker, at the operational level, the ministry is working in collaboration with other law enforcement wings of the Government to ensure that the provisions in the Forest Act No. 4 of 2015 are enforced. Hon. Members may wish to note that the demand for charcoal as a source of energy is intrinsically linked to energy security. Unless we provide clean and green energy alternatives for our people, our fight against deforestation is bound to fail. In this regard, we are working closely with the Ministry of Energy to provide alternative energy sources to our communities, thereby reduce the demand for charcoal, as we also enforce stringent measures on its production and sale.

 

Madam Speaker, let me indicate that the Government has taken note of the Committee's observation on the Action-Taken Report on its previous report, and that we will prepare and avail the progress reports on each of the issues raised by your Committee.

 

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, once more, let me thank you for giving me this opportunity to make my contribution. Let me also end by indicating my support for the adoption of the report.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Malambo: Madam Speaker, I want to appreciate the hon. Member for Chama North, Hon. Mtayachalo. I would also like to thank the hon. Members of Parliament for Chilubi, Sikongo, Mpika and Chama South. I also thank the two hon. Ministers who debated, that is, the hon. Minister for Water Development and Sanitation and the hon. Minister for Green Economy and Environment.

 

Madam Speaker, climate change is real. It is in that vein that I urge all the hon. Members of Parliament to support the report.

 

 Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

REPORT OF THE ZAMBIAN DELEGATION TO THE FIFTEENTH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE PLENARY ASSEMBLY OF THE FORUM OF PARLIAMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE GREAT LAKES REGION (FP-ICGLR)

 

Brig-Gen. Sitwala (Kaoma Central): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this House adopts the Report of the Zambian delegation to the Fifteenth Plenary Assembly of the Forum of Parliaments for the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR) held in Luanda, Angola, from 20^th to 25^th April, 2025, laid on the Table of the House on 26^th June, 2025.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

 

Ms Phiri (Milanzi): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

 

Brig-Gen. Sitwala: Madam Speaker, pursuant to Order No. 154 of the National Assembly Standing Orders, 2024, I stand to give a statement on the proceedings of the Fifteenth Plenary Assembly of the FP-ICGLR held in Luanda, Angola, from 20^th to 25^th April, 2025.

 

Madam Speaker, the conference held under the theme: “Inclusive Leadership and Decision-Making in the Great Lakes Region,” was officially opened by the Rt. Hon. Dr. Carolina Cerqueira, Speaker of the National Assembly of Angola and in-coming President of the Forum. In her address, the Rt. Hon. Madam Speaker stressed that inclusive leadership was not just a concept but a key to building a peaceful and democratic society. She emphasised that building a prosperous future required a governance model that promoted equity and respected diversity. It is only with inclusive leadership that lasting peace can be built, and that all members of society are heard and represented.

 

Madam Speaker, the conference went further to deliberate on the political, security and humanitarian situation in the Great Lakes region. The conference was informed that whereas many member states were stable, some continued to experience insecurity, armed conflict and instability. These include the Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Republic of Sudan, and the Republic of South Sudan.

 

Madam Speaker, during the handover ceremony, the outgoing President, the Rt. Hon. Nelly Butete Kashumba Mutti, SC, MP, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, highlighted some of the milestones achieved during her tenure, which included the following:

 

1. in January 2025, she undertook a familiarisation tour to the headquarters of the forum in Kinshasa, DRC. The visit was undertaken alongside a consultative meeting of the Executive Committee, headed by Hon. Moses Frank Moyo, MP, Second Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Zambia, and president of the Executive Committee;

 

1. in March 2025, the outgoing President led the fourth phase of the parliamentary fact-finding mission on the armed conflict in the eastern DRC, held in Kampala, Uganda. The mission had a fruitful engagement with His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, who gave his perspective on the armed conflict in the Eastern DRC. President Museveni emphasised the need for leaders to avoid the sectarian model of governance, which he believed was the root cause of the conflict in the eastern DRC. During the engagement, it was resolved that a special meeting of the Conference of Speakers and Heads of African Parliaments (CoSAP) be held to deliberate and seek lasting solutions to the security and humanitarian challenges the African continent is grappling with. President Museveni also expressed willingness to fund and host the conference in Kampala. It was also resolved that a motion be moved on the same day in all African parliaments for a resolution of parliaments in support of national dialogue, as a mechanism for resolving conflicts in the DRC and other African countries beset with conflict;

 

1. the outgoing president was represented by the president of the Executive Committee, Hon. Moses Moyo to the fifth phase mission to Nairobi, Kenya. The mission had an engagement with His Excellency William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya; and

 

1. the outgoing president also presented the report of the 15^th Plenary Assembly on the activities of the session as well as key decisions that had been made to His Excellency Manuel Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and chairperson of the African Union (AU).

 

Madam Speaker, some of the resolutions contained in the final communique included, but not limited to the following:

 

1. tenure of the Secretary-General shall be three years, non-renewable, and the decision was with immediate effect from the appointment of the new Secretary-General;

 

1. recruitment of the Secretary-General shall be on a rotational basis in English alphabetical order, provided the eligible Member Parliament meets the required statutory obligations in line with founding documents, and internal rules and regulations of the forum; and

 

1. position of Secretary-General be delinked from the rest of the positions in the organisation;

 

1. assumption to the position of sitting President of the forum be delinked from hosting the plenary assembly and related meetings;

 

1. resolved that the joint East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit should include selected Speakers from the forum to participate in the ongoing peace negotiations by the panel of facilitators to find lasting solutions to the security challenge in the eastern DRC.

 

1. committed to support the EAC chairperson, His Excellency, Dr William Ruto, in his noble advocacy to reform the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) to strengthen and enhance peace interventions on the continent;

 

1. resolved to work with the United Nations (UN) and any other organisations to organise the African Women Conference (AWC) in countries plagued by insecurity and instability in the Great Lakes region;

 

1. resolved to work with the CoSAP secretariat to organise the special meeting to be hosted in Kampala, Uganda, which would critically deliberate and seek lasting solutions to the political, security and humanitarian challenges the African continent is grappling with. It was further decided to deploy a parliamentary fact-finding mission to the CAR, the DRC, the Republic of South Sudan, and the Republic of Sudan; and

 

1. approved the nomination of Dr Deo Mwapinga from the United Republic of Tanzania as the next Secretary-General of the forum for a term of three non-renewable years. The forum also extended the term of office of the incoming sitting President of the forum from the current one year to two years, effective 25^th April, 2025.

 

Madam Speaker, the forum, expressed its sincere appreciation to His Excellency, President Lourenço, as well as the Parliament and people of the Republic of Angola for their hospitality and support to the organisation during the plenary assembly.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

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

 

Ms Phiri: Now, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, thank you for according me this opportunity to second this important Motion ably moved by the Member of Parliament for Kaoma Central, Hon. (Rtd) Brig-Gen Morgan Sitwala.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

But not tired!

 

Ms Phiri: Madam Speaker, the theme of the 15^th Plenary Assembly, “Inclusive leadership and decision making in the Great Lakes Region", was timely, as it resonated with what was obtaining, whereby, for four consecutive years, the forum would be led by female presidents. It appears that the forum is already living true to its theme, as after taking into consideration the requirements for one to assume –

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Members, the voices are too loud.

 

You may continue, hon. Member.

 

Ms Phiri: Madam Speaker, it appears that the forum is already living true to its theme. After taking into consideration the requirements for one to assume the position of Secretary-General, 42-year-old Dr Deo Mwapinga from the United Republic of Tanzania was elected Secretary-General of the forum on a non-renewable contract of three years. This is a great milestone.

 

Madam Speaker, undoubtedly, I want to acknowledge that member-states in the Great Lakes region are also at different levels of achieving inclusive leadership, as delegation leaders were also given an opportunity to apprise the conference on the progress made by their countries in relation to the theme. The updates were made by Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. All the presentations indicated that progress had been made towards inclusion of women and young people in leadership, although more still needs to be done.

 

Madam Speaker, let me take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to the Rt. Hon. Kamerhe Lwa Kanyiginyi Nkingi, Member of Parliament and Speaker of the National Assembly of the DRC, for positively responding to an appeal made by the secretariat to find land where, if possible, permanent offices of the forum headquarters could be built. He assured the meeting that the Government of the DRC will find land and construct permanent offices of the forum. What is worth noting is that the cost of buying land and the construction of the forum offices will be borne by the Government of the DRC. I, once again, join all member-states who expressed gratitude for this kind gesture.

 

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, allow me to re-echo the sentiments expressed by the Rt. Hon. Carolina Cerqueira, Speaker of Angola and Sitting President of the forum, who stated that in order to actualise the theme of the conference, parliaments in the region should harmonise laws on key topics such as migration, security, trade and human rights. Doing so will enable regional parliaments to create common mechanisms for oversight and accountability of the commitments made by member-states. Therefore, member parliaments should collaborate, create synergies and share best practices, by always putting people at the centre of decision-making.

 

With these few remarks, Madam Speaker, I beg to second.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Thank you so much, Madam Speaker, for giving me an opportunity to comment on the Report of the Zambian Delegation to the 15^th Ordinary Session of the Plenary Assembly for the –

 

Madam Speaker, allow me to appreciate the chairperson, Hon. Brig-Gen. Sitwala and my dear sister, the hon. Member for Milanzi.

 

Madam Speaker, I would like to comment on one thing that was said by the in-coming President, who took over from our Speaker, the outgoing President. The Rt. Hon. Speaker Dr Carolina Cerqueira said on page – What page is this? This is the problem with reports that are not paginated.

 

Madam Speaker, in her closing remarks, the in-coming President stated that:

 

“Angola firmly believes in the role of parliamentary diplomacy as a tool for pacification”.

 

Madam Speaker, diplomacy is statesmanship. It is, in fact, statecraft, stocks, dialogue on foreign policy and foreign affairs. The in-coming President believes that an assembly like this one’s own diplomacy can help in pacification. What about pacification? It is an attempt to create and maintain peace. Countries can maintain peace with other countries, but they can also create and maintain intra-country peace. Peace within a country. To do that, there is a need to identify the issues that are causing conflict. This Assembly can use diplomacy to create an environment that promotes and sustains peace within the Assembly, as well as extend that peace to the people hon. Member represent.

 

Madam Speaker, we need to quickly realise the importance of being truthful and honest. An hon. Member of Parliament like myself should not mislead people. I cannot stand on the Floor of the House for the sole purpose of arousing emotions in other hon. Members.

 

Madam Speaker, everybody here knows that we all come from somewhere. We were born from fathers and mothers. For instance, if you, Madam, lost your mother or father, is it normal for a fellow hon. Member to come here and say that you are absent from work?

 

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

 

Mr Kambita: Question!

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, –

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Lunte!

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member for Lunte, there is nowhere in the report that there are issues to do with Parliament ...

 

Laughter

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: … or relationships in Parliament. Can you, please, hon. Member for Lunte, get what you can from the report and debate those issues. Let us not start debating ourselves. So, with that guide, hon. Member, please, stick to the report because now, it is like you are twisting the report. Let us be focused on the report. It is straightforward. The report is telling us something.

 

If you do not have any other issues to debate, we can close the debate on the report.

 

You may continue.

 

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, look at how much I prepared (holding up a notebook in his hand). There are a lot of notes to debate.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, diplomacy can exist within the National Assembly of Zambia. Diplomacy can exist between Parliaments. Parliamentary diplomacy can promote pacification. The things that annoy people out there can be resolved just because of  –

 

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

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

There is an indication for a point of order. Hon. Member for Zambezi East, what is your point of order?

 

Mr Kambita: Madam Speaker, I sat here listening attentively to the debate that the hon. Member for Lunte is delivering on the Floor of the House. I am usually very civil and I know that the hon. Member for Lunte is usually very bitter in the way he delivers his debate. In this case, it is very clear that he is making insinuations and innuendos in his debate directed at the point of order that I raised earlier during the day.

 

Mr Sampa: Under which Standing Order?

 

Mr Kambita: My point of order is pursuant to Standing Order No. 71, which is about relevance of speech to a Motion on the Floor of the House.

 

Madam Speaker, you know me –

 

Hon. UPND Members: Yes!

 

Mr Kambita: Cheap innuendos cannot bring me down. I can handle any situation in this House.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kambita: I can handle anyone in here, except the Chair.

 

Laughter

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member, please!

 

Laughter

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Zambezi East –

 

Mr Kambita: Is he in order –

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kambita: Madam Speaker, people have chosen on their own to extend a funeral. When I raise a point of order pursuant to the rules of this House, it should not become a subject of debate. Therefore, is the hon. Member in order to be debating on that trajectory?

 

Madam Speaker, you know me. I can fire at anyone anywhere.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kambita: Madam Speaker, I seek your serious ruling.

 

Laughter

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

That point of order was not in good taste.

 

Interruptions

 

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

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Can you resume your seat, hon. Member.

 

Mr Chisopa resumed his seat.

 

Mr Kambita: I can take on all of you (pointing at hon. Opposition Members)!

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The point of order raised by the hon. Member for Zambezi East is not admissible.

 

Laughter

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: He was actually out of order because of the manner in which he raised his point of order.

 

Hon. Member for Lunte, please, you may continue with your debate, but be focused.

 

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, the subject of discussion is parliamentary diplomacy, and you can easily sense what sort of diplomacy exists. The truth of the matter is that respect for one another is a demonstration of parliamentary diplomacy. Earlier, I talked about being honest and delivering data that is true. For example, you could witness a situation whereby a Member of Parliament like myself – this is my second term; I came here in 2016 –

 

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: This is your last term.

 

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, he is saying that this is my last term. It does not matter. You can be here for fifty years, like you have been saying.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member for Lunte, I think that I guided you. Debate among ourselves is not allowed.

 

Mr Kafwaya interjected.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You kept talking about yourself and other people.

 

I will ask the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation to respond.

 

Mr Kafwaya: Ah!

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kafwaya: Chapwa? 

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Yes, because you have been talking about the same thing. I do not want to listen to the same thing. That is why I said that you are repetitive.

 

The hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation may proceed.

 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation (Mr Haimbe, SC.): Madam Speaker, I rise to contribute to the debate on the Report of the Zambian Delegation to the Fifteenth Ordinary Session of the Plenary Assembly of the Forum of Parliaments of the Member States of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR) held in Luanda, Angola, from 20^th to 25^th April, 2025.

 

Madam Speaker, the Assembly was guided by the theme: “Inclusive Leadership and Decision-Making in the Great Lakes Region,” highlighting the importance of involving women and youths in decision-making, conflict resolution, and humanitarian responses.

 

Madam Speaker, before I proceed, I wish to congratulate the immediate past president of the Assembly, who is our own Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, for her immense contribution towards the objectives of the Forum in the achievement of peace, security, stability and development in the region.

 

Madam Speaker, it is gratifying to note that Zambia successfully concluded her tenure as President of the FP-ICGLR, and formally handed over responsibility to the Rt. Hon. Carolina Cerqueira, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Angola.

 

Madam Speaker, I wish to highlight some key achievements that we attained during Zambia’s tenure. These are:

 

Strategic Engagements

 

Madam Speaker, as we have heard from the report, during our tenure, we undertook a number of strategic engagements within the region. During the fourth plenary fact-finding mission to Kampala, Uganda, in March 2025, fruitful engagements were held with His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and this is one of our achievements. Further, the fifth phase mission to Nairobi, Kenya, led by Hon. F. Moyo, was another achievement. In addition –

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

(Debated adjourned)

 

_______

 

The House adjourned at 1855 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 16^th July, 2025.

 

___________