Tuesday, 22^nd July, 2025

The House met at 1430 hours

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM SPEAKER

DELEGATION FROM THE PARLIAMENT OF GHANA

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

Ms Regina Vondee Glover            -           Assistant Administrative Secretary

Ms Ethel Naa Korley Tetteh                -           Assistant Administrative Secretary

Ms Doreen Yaa Nick Koffie                 -          Executive Officer

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

Thank you.

STUDENTS FROM ALABAMA A & M UNIVERSITY

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence in the Public Gallery of students from Alabama A&M University of the United States of America (USA).

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

Thank you.

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM EMIS PRIVATE SCHOOL

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

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

Thank you.

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM HOLD ALL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

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

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

Thank you.

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM ROSE OF SHARON SCHOOL

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

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

Thank you.

DELEGATION FROM KWAZULU NATAL MULTI-PARTY WOMEN’S CAUCUS

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence in the Speaker’s Gallery of hon. Members of the KwaZulu Natal Multi-Party Women’s Caucus (KZNWC) from the KwaZulu Natal Legislature in South Africa. The delegation consists of the following:

Hon. C. Q. Madlopha, MP                  -           Chairperson of the KZNWC

Ms Zandile Mbongwe                         -           Executive Assistant to the Chairperson

Dr Paul Kariuki                                   -           Executive Director of the Democracy

                                                                        Development Programme

Mr Nyasha Mpani                               -           Parliamentary Programme Co-ordinator

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

Thank you.

ONE-DAY HEALTH CHECK-UP BY FRIENDCARE HOSPITAL

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to inform the House that Friendcare Hospital has been granted permission to conduct a free one-day health check-up for hon. Members of Parliament and staff on Thursday, 24^th July, 2025, from 0900 hours to 1600 hours, in the Main Reception area, here at Parliament Buildings. In addition, the hospital has offered ten free consultation slots each for those who will require further medical consultation in gynaecology or internal medicine, respectively. Subsequent consultations will be conducted at Friendcare Hospital, located along Sibweni Road, Northmead, Lusaka.

Hon. Members, the aim of this health initiative is to promote good health through prevention, early detection and timely treatment. I, therefore, encourage interested hon. Members and staff to take advantage of this opportunity for improved health outcomes.

Thank you.

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URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

MR CHISOPA, HON. MEMBER FOR MKUSHI SOUTH, ON THE VICE-PRESIDENT, MRS NALUMANGO, ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Mr Chisopa (Mkushi South): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker:  An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Mr Chisopa: Madam Speaker, my Urgent Matter without Notice is directed to the hon. Minister of Technology and Science. I see that he is not in the House. Therefore, I will direct the matter to Her Honour the Vice-President.

Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate Hon. Chabinga. Congratulations, Hon. Chabinga.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chisopa: Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from Her Honour the Vice-President why the hon. Minister of Technology and Science did not tell us that artificial intelligence (AI) is now able to produce audio in local languages, including audio of eating noises. It is able to show that someone is eating or chewing.

Madam Speaker, is Her Honour the Vice-President in order to sit comfortably there without coming to this House to inform us that AI can produce audio in Zambian local languages, especially Bemba?

Laughter

Mr Chisopa: I seek your indulgence, Madam Speaker.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Clearly, that is just meant to distract the House from the core business. We are now talking about speculation. Hon. Member for Mkushi South, that Urgent Matter without Notice does not qualify to be raised as such. So, you can explore other means outside on how you can find out whether AI is able to produce audio in Bemba, Lozi, Tonga or whatever language, and whether it can produce audio of swallowing or not. That issue is speculation, and in a way, some form of circus.

MR J. CHIBUYE, HON. MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR ROAN, ON MR MWIIMBU, S.C., THE HON. MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND INTERNAL SECURITY, ON SECURITY MEASURES FOR FILLING STATIONS THAT OFFER TWENTY-FOUR-HOUR SERVICES

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

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Mr J. Chibuye: Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to raise an Urgent Matter without Notice.

Madam Speaker, the matter I wish to raise is directed at the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security. I can see that he is in the House. Last week, the country was awakened to a shock when a young lady, a fuel attendant, lost her life, while one other person is still struggling for his life in the hospital after a brutal attack by thieves at a filling station. This is not the first time that such institutions or filling stations have been attacked. I am worried, as Member of Parliament for Roan, especially about filling stations that operate twenty-four-hours. Is the hon. Minister in order to keep quiet and to fail to engage filling station owners to provide adequate security for the filling stations that offer twenty-four-hour services? Otherwise, we are bound to lose many lives, if that is not addressed.

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security in order to not tell this House and the country at large what his ministry is doing to stop the heinous acts, that is, thugs attacking and killing young innocent people? What measures is the ministry taking to address this problem?

I seek your indulgence, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Roan, from what I have read in the newspapers, the Government is aware of what is going on. I believe a number of people have been arrested, and the police are doing something about it.

The purpose of Urgent Matters without Notice is to bring something to the notice of the Government if nothing is being done. Since something is being done, I think, let us leave it at that, because it involves investigations. We do not want to pre-empt those investigations.

Whereas in the other aspect of your question, you are wondering whether security will be provided for people who provide services twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, I think that is a question that you can bring to the attention of the hon. Minister to see what measures are being taken to ensure that people are protected. So, I suggest that you file in a question. Then, the hon. Minister can address it.

So, in terms of it being an Urgent Matter without Notice, unfortunately, it is not admitted.

We sympathise with the family that lost its loved one. I saw the video. It was very bad. May her soul rest in peace.

MR MUNSANJE, HON. MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR MBABALA, ON MR MTOLO, THE HON. MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, ON SMALL-SCALE FARMERS BEING BLOCKED FROM SELLING THEIR MAIZE TO THE FOOD RESERVE AGENCY BY BRIEFCASE BUYERS

Mr Munsanje (Mbabala): Madam Speaker, on an Urgent Matter without Notice.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Mr Munsanje: Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity, on behalf of the good people of Mbabala, to raise an Urgent Matter without Notice.

Madam Speaker, in the New Dawn Government’s continued progress, we have produced a remarkable 3.6 million metric tonnes of maize countrywide, which is another kwenyu, or one of the best progresses ever made in this country in terms of maize production. Our small-scale farmers in the constituency are each supposed to take ten bags of maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), as a matter of Government policy. Unfortunately, they are being blocked from selling their maize because briefcase buyers have taken the opportunity to take truckloads of maize to the depots; 3,000 bags plus. Our small-scale farmers are failing to sell their maize. We need urgent action directing the FRA to buy the maize from the small-scale farmers and to do away with the briefcase buyers who are crowding the depots. That is my urgent matter, as we continue with the progress of kwenyu.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Mbabala, I do not know if you were in the House last week. On Thursday or Friday when the Acting hon. Minister of Agriculture presented a Ministerial Statement before this Honourable House. At the conclusion, I guided the hon. Minister of Agriculture to come with another statement to give clarity on issues concerning the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), and the requirement that the people who benefited from FISP should sell, at least, ten bags to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), and that since the FRA is not buying and is taking time, what the correct position is, following the statement that was issued by the chairperson of the FRA. So, the hon. Minister is supposed to present a statement, I think, tomorrow, Wednesday. You can reserve your questions for the hon. Minister when he delivers that statement.

 Thank you.

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MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

WATER SUPPLY INTERVENTIONS ON THE COPPERBELT PROVINCE

The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation (Eng. Nzovu): Madam Speaker, thank you, most sincerely, for this opportunity you have given me to update the House on strategic water supply and sanitation interventions by the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation on the Copperbelt Province.

Madam Speaker, the efforts support Zambia's Vision 2030, the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No, 6 of ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation. They also respond to climate change challenges, urbanisation, population growth and environmental degradation.

Madam Speaker, Copperbelt Province is currently served by three commercial utilities, namely Nkana, Kafubu and Mulonga water supply and sanitation companies. Through these utilities, along with local authorities and provincial structures, the Government is implementing key water and sanitation projects to accelerate national water security and achieve universal access to clean water and adequate sanitation. Within this framework, strategic interventions are being pursued, as outlined below.

Madam Speaker, Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company (NWSSC) serves Kitwe, Kalulushi and Lufwanyama, producing about 140,000 cm³ of water daily against a demand of 230,000 cm³, leaving a deficit of 90,000 cm³. This gap is largely due to ageing infrastructure, which the Government is addressing through urgent and sustainable upgrades. The Government is implementing the US$150 million Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation project Phase II, which includes installing fifty-one energy-efficient pumps, building a 40,000 m³ per day treatment plant and adding 15,000 m³ of storage. Once completed, the project will benefit over 890,000 people in Kitwe and Kalulushi by addressing supply gaps and improving efficiency.

Madam Speaker, in parallel, the European Union (EU) funded Nexus Energy-Water for Zambia (NEWZA) project will install forty-five energy-efficient pumps and develop 13.5 MW of solar power to cut energy costs and ensure supply stability during power outages.

Madam Speaker, the Mukuba-Natwange Sanitation project, worth over K9 million, aims to lay 21 km of sewer network and connect 1,400 households to a modern waterborne sanitation system. Once completed in December 2025, it will help improve sanitation and reduce waterborne diseases in densely populated areas. Similarly, the Mindolo D Sanitation project, valued at over K80 million, will provide 285 households with individual waterborne toilets, shifting from communal to private facilities. Scheduled for completion in November 2025, the project aims to improve hygiene and curb disease transmission in the communities.

Madam Speaker, to address water and sanitation challenges in low-income and peri-urban areas, the Government, through co-operating partners, has allocated US$1.4 million for infrastructure expansion. This includes constructing ventilated improved pit latrines (VIP) and water networks in underserved communities.

So far, 1,840 out of the 2,720 planned VIP latrines have been built in peri-urban areas of Kitwe and Kalulushi, representing 65 per cent project completion. Commissioning is set for December, 2025. Additionally, the Dutch Government supports a water network in Musonda, Kwacha Constituency, to upgrade 520 households from communal kiosks to yard taps, valued at US$134,000. The project is 95 per cent complete and will be commissioned in September, 2025.

Madam Speaker, to build climate resilience, the Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company (NWSC), with support from the Dutch Government, has conducted a groundwater survey in Kalulushi, which has identified four potential wellfields targeted to benefit over 40,000 residents. Two of the wellfields will be developed with funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 2026.

Madam Speaker, the Government is committed to improving water and sanitation access in Lufwanyama District, having completed detailed infrastructure designs in June, 2024. So far, K10 million has been allocated in the 2025 Budget to begin implementation, highlighting efforts to expand essential services to rural and underserved areas.

Madam Speaker, it must also be noted that the NWSC operates in high-density mining areas, where surface water faces increased pollution risks from mining effluents. To protect water quality, the NWSC, supported by the Government, is installing monitoring equipment at key raw water obstruction points to provide early warnings and ensure service delivery.

Further, Madam Speaker, as part of the Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Project Phase II, the Government is constructing a modern laboratory equipped with advanced technology for real-time water quality monitoring. Scheduled for completion by May, 2026, the facility will serve as a central hub for pollution control and quality assurance across the Copperbelt, enhancing safe water supply to Kitwe and Kalulushi.

Madam Speaker, the commercial utility is also collaborating with the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) to update its safe water plan, reinforcing pollution control measures and ensuring regulatory compliance to protect public health.

Madam Speaker, the Kafubu Water and Sanitation Company (KWSC) Limited serves the districts of Ndola, Luanshya, Masaiti and Mpongwe. Through a US$449 million loan from the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), the Government successfully implemented and commissioned the Kafulafuta Water Supply System Project. Since the commissioning of the project, the KWSC has recorded major improvements, including longer water supply hours, better service to high elevation areas, expanded coverage in Mpatamatu township, improved water quality, reduced chemical use in water treatment and a strengthened distribution network.

Madam Speaker, the average water supply has increased from a mere eight hours to twenty-two hours per day, which has significantly enhanced service reliability across the network. Enhanced pumping capacity and flows into the Luanshya Mikomfwa Water Treatment Plant have facilitated consistent water delivery to previously underserved elevated areas, including Minestone and the Technical and Vocational Teachers’ College (TVTC) in Kamirenda, which had experienced a lack of water supply for over twelve years.

Madam Speaker, due to increased pumping and improved flow to the Makoma Water Treatment Plant, previously unserved areas such as Sections 24 and 27 in Mpatamatu in Luanshya are now receiving regular water supply. The commissioning of the Kafulafuta Dam has also resulted in improved raw water quality, leading to better quality treated water for both Luanshya and the southern parts of Ndola. Further, improved raw water quality has contributed to a 28 per cent reduction in chlorine consumption for surface water treatment.

Furthermore, Madam Speaker, the lengthened network has extended access to clean and safe drinking water for residents in Ndola, Luanshya, Masaiti and Mpongwe. The Government, through the KWSC, is also in the process of connecting new customers in areas such as Upper Mushili, Jacaranda Villa, Pamodzi and Dola Hill in Ndola, as well as in Ndeke North Township, Kamirenda and Roan in Luanshya.

Mr J. Chibuye: Hear, hear!

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, the Government is also implementing the Kasongo Stand-Alone Water Supply Scheme in Luanshya Central Constituency. This project, with a financial investment in excess of K900,000, is designed to rehabilitate water infrastructure and provide services to a population of over 6,000 residents. The water distribution network has been finalised, while borehole water development and rehabilitation are scheduled to be completed by the end of December, 2025.

Madam Speaker, with support from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), the KWSC is advancing key water supply projects to enhance water supply in Ndola. For example, in Bwana Mkubwa, the K1.1 million Munkulungwe Water Supply Project includes drilling two solar-powered boreholes and building a 10.5 m elevated steel tank with a 30,000 litres reservoir capacity to serve over 7,000 people in Ndola Central. With the help of the hon. Member of Parliament, Hon. Tayali, the KWSC has completed the Chipulukusu Water Supply Project, connecting 448 households to a piped water network and replacing shallow wells.

Mr Tayali: Hear, hear!

Eng. Nzovu: To date, 4,500 m of pipeline have been installed, delivering clean water to over 5,000 residents.

Madam Speaker, the Government is also rehabilitating thirty-five dams, upgrading and mechanising thirty boreholes into piped water schemes and restoring 115 boreholes in Mpongwe, Masaiti and Luanshya to enhance water security and improve rural access to safe and reliable water. These efforts are expected to benefit over 43,000 people through borehole rehabilitation and mechanised systems. Additionally, sixteen waterborne sanitation facilities are being constructed in Mpongwe, Masaiti and Lufwanyama to improve public health, hygiene and human dignity through better sanitation access.

Madam Speaker, the Mulonga Water Supply and Sanitation Company (MWSC) Limited provides water and sanitation services to the districts of Chingola, Mufulira and Chililabombwe. The company currently produces about 235,000 m³ of water per day, while daily demand is about 196,000 m³, meaning that there is a surplus or a buffer capacity of about 39,000 m³ per day. However, due to many years of neglect in maintaining and rehabilitating the treatment plants by previous administrations, production declined to a mere 128,000 m³ per day in the first quarter of 2025. This has created a significant water supply deficit of 68,000 m³ per day. To address this deficiency, the Government is constructing a €10 million new water treatment plant with a capacity of 20 million litres in Chingola, under the Zambia Water and Sanitation Project. The water treatment plant is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2025.

Madam Speaker, the Government is also undertaking the Zambia Water and Sanitation Project in the districts of Mufulira, Chingola and Chililabombwe with a total investment of €156 million. Key works include a 20 million litres water treatment plant in Chingola, rehabilitation of existing plants and upgrades to water reservoirs and pipelines across the three towns.

Madam Speaker, under the Zambia Water and Sanitation Project, an allocation of US$5 million has been designated for the enhancement of water and sanitation services in peri-urban and low-income areas, benefiting approximately 123,000 residents. This component is complete, yielding substantial outputs that include the enhancement of water distribution networks, boreholes, reservoirs and VIP latrines.

Madam Speaker, under the Zambia Water and Sanitation Project, significant progress was made in improving water supply infrastructure across peri-urban areas in Chingola, Mufulira and Chililabombwe.

Climate-induced disruptions to hydropower generation result in frequent load-shedding, crippling the electrically-dependent water pumping and treatment systems crucial for delivering water to our people and industry. The water utility has faced reduced pumping hours in several areas due to climate-induced load-shedding. In Mufulira, for example, this has particularly affected the upper high-cost areas of Ndeke, Easterly and Kamuchanga supplied by Fairview and Kamuchanga Pumping Stations. To address this challenge and ensure continued water supply, the Government has allocated K2 million for the procurement and installation of standby generators in both Mufulira and Chingola.

Madam Speaker, between 1^st July and 7^th July, 2025, Mulonga Water Supply and Sanitation Company was only able to operate its Chingola water treatment plant on six out of seventeen days due to a limited supply of raw water from the mine. This shortfall has caused widespread disruptions to water service affecting key areas including Chiwempala, Chingola A, Changa North, Industrial area and Changa South. To address the situation, the utility is implementing both immediate and long-term interventions. In the short term, Mulonga Water Supply and Sanitation Company is in active discussions with Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) to stabilise the flow of raw water to the treatment facilities. As a long-term solution, the company is constructing a bulk water transmission line to connect its independent water sources to the treatment plant located within KCM’s premises. Once completed, this infrastructure will enable the entire Chingola area to be supplied by the Kafue Water Treatment Plant, therefore, reducing reliance on the mine-controlled water sources.

Madam Speaker, the Copperbelt Province remains a strategically significant region in Zambia's socioeconomic development. Ensuring a reliable and safe water supply as well as sanitation services is essential to enhancing public health, promoting industrial growth and fostering climate resilience. I, therefore, wish to reiterate the Government's commitment to inclusive service delivery, improved stakeholder collaboration and the long-term sustainability of investments in the water and sanitation sector.

As I conclude, Madam Speaker, I wish to express sincere gratitude to His Excellency the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to the water and sanitation sector. As the European Union (EU) and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) champion for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), President Hakainde Hichilema’s advocacy has elevated Zambia’s regional profile, helping the country mobilise resources and foster collaboration on WASH challenges. Let me assure the country that the New Dawn Government remains firmly committed to ensuring nationwide access to clean water and adequate sanitation, which are vital for public health, public dignity and sustainable development. 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, there is a lot of chatting. May you tone down. I do not know whether people are happy or excited about something but, please, tone down and listen to what is happening in the House.

Hon. Members are now free to ask points of clarification on the Ministerial Statement presented by the hon. Minister of Water Development and Sanitation.

Mr Mabeta (Kankoyo): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Minister of Water Development and Sanitation for a well-detailed report. I want to confirm that in some parts of Kankoyo in Mutondo area in particular, we have seen a significant improvement in the water supply due to the ongoing project of renovating the over eighty years old water sanitation system in Mufulira. However, despite the observed improvement in Mutondo, there are still serious water challenges in most parts of Kankoyo and Mufulira. The project seems not to be coming to an end any time soon. It was estimated that it was going to be concluded in April, but we are now in July, and there is no hope that the project will be concluded soon so that we can see an improvement in all parts of Mufulira as we have seen in Mutondo.

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Kankoyo.

Madam Speaker, indeed, we have improved the supply of water in some areas in Mutondo. However, Kankoyo and Mufulira still need a lot of assistance in terms of water supply and sanitation. I want to assure the hon. Member of Parliament that the Government is doing everything possible to complete the project, which will indeed, speak to service delivery being improved. So, I want to assure the hon. Member of Parliament that the Government has allocated funds to ensure that the projects are completed timeously and that there will be improved water supply and sanitation services to the area.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, not too long ago, a dam on the Copperbelt burst and some effluents were discharged, and this affected the fields of the people on the Copperbelt and, eventually, it also affected some water bodies such as Kafue River. What impact has the discharge of the effluents had on the water treated by water utility companies such as Nkana Water and Sewerage Limited, and the water that is supplied to our people in those towns?

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, indeed, there was a dam burst. The immediate measure which was carried out by the utility was to improve the quality of water supplied to our people.  However, as to the substantive part of the hon. Member’s question, the hon. Member should ask the hon. Minister of Green Economy and Environment, when he issues a statement very soon, because he is leading a team consisting of the hon. Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, the hon. Minister of Mines and Mineral Development, the hon. Minister of Fisheries and Livestock and the hon. Minister of Agriculture. So, I honestly, earnestly request that Hon. Mposha answers that question in full.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr J. Chibuye (Roan): Madam Speaker, thank you very much. I also want to thank the hon. Minister for the statement.

Madam Speaker, indeed, I want to confirm that there has been a great improvement in both the flow and pressure of water in Mpatamato and Roan townships because of the commissioning of the Kafulafuta Dam. However, I am worried that from the time the Kafulafuta Dam was commissioned, we have seen leakages because of the increased pressure of water. I believe this is leading to a lot of non-revenue water, which is actually causing losses on the part of the commercial utility (CU). What is the ministry doing to ensure that we do not continue losing this water, which is so precious, through leakages that have been exposed now because of the high volume and pressure of water from the Kafulafuta Dam, including the rehabilitation of the sewer networks in my constituency?

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

I do not know how many times I am going to say that there is a lot of talking. I do not want to call out names. From here, I can see the people who are chatting and speaking loudly. We are supposed to follow what the hon. Minister is saying. Therefore, talking is not helping. It is even a bad reflection on the people who are watching because they are watching people talking and chatting without following what the hon. Minister is saying.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: You see, that is what happens when there is too much noise. People come in late, and they are chatting and making noise. So, it is difficult to follow.

Hon. Minister, you may proceed.

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, I completely agree with the hon. Member of Parliament that Mpatamatu and Roan have seen improved supply of water and sanitation services. On the issue of leakages, it was anticipated that once Kafulafuta Dam is commissioned, there would be better pumps pumping water into a very old network, and, therefore, there would be a lot of leakages. So, the utility company has already purchased many pipes to replace the old ones on time. Replacement of pipes is ongoing in most of the areas that will be receiving water from the Kafulafuta Dam. I believe that water leakages will be reduced as we replace the old pipes.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mwila (Mufulira): Madam Speaker, the people of Mufulira Constituency have been petitioning that they do not want the Mulonga Water Supply and Sanitation Company Limited (MWSC) to be providing water and sanitation services to them. The reason is that the majority of households in Mufulira wake up to find that there is no water. For some households, there has been no water for days, weeks or months. For others, it has been years since they had water. The problem is that there is no hope because there has been no communication from the MWSC. Even when there is going to be interruption of water supply, the company does not communicate; people just wait. They really do not know when they will wake up to find water flowing from their taps. So, seriously, people in Mufulira do not want the MWSC. The Government should give them another company to supply water so that they have hope.

Madam Speaker, the project that the hon. Minister talked about, worth €156 million, started around 2020 and should have ended in 2023, after three years. I have been asking about the progress of the project on the Floor of this House. I remember that I was assured on two occasions that the project was on course and that it would end in December, 2023. That deadline passed, but there has been no water supply. When the hon. Minister visited Mufulira last year, we went together to the new reservoir in Fairview, and the Managing Director of the MWSC was there. He assured the hon. Minister that the company was going to conclude the project by December, 2024. Again, the deadline passed and we are now in July, 2025.

Madam Speaker, I am building on the question that was asked by my hon. Colleague from Kankoyo. I feel that the hon. Minister needs to give hope to the people of Mufulira by giving them specific dates regarding the project. Where do we stand on that project? The hon. Minister said that he is doing everything possible, but he needs to tell the people when they will see that project come to an end and commissioned. Giving people assurances does not give them hope. Is the hon. Minister able to give us a specific period when the €156 million project is going to be concluded and commissioned so that water supply can improve in Mufulira?

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, let me thank the hon. Member for that very important question.

Madam Speaker, I have heard updates on capital-intensive projects like the one that the hon. Member has talked about, which is worth €156 million and started about five or six years ago. That project has been ongoing and the Government has now found funding to complete it. The project has taken slightly longer to complete than we predicted. However, in the same period, hon. Members of Parliament like the ones for Mufulira and Luanshya have confirmed that in some of the areas that are expected to be served by the project, quick interventions have been made. The same situation exists in Mufulira. The hon. Member of Parliament must admit that we have done something in some of the areas that we visited together, and the people in those areas are very happy.

Madam Speaker, regarding other big projects that need a lot of funding, the Government is trying its best to find the necessary funding to complete them. The hon. Member and I must admit that in the last two years, in fact, in the last one year, there has been significant progress. I strongly believe that by 2026, that very important project, which will change the landscape of water and sanitation in that area, will be completed. I can only ask the people in Mufulira to be slightly patient with us as we find the necessary resources to complete the project, but quick interventions will be done in those areas where services are most needed.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Dr Mwanza (Kaumbwe): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for a comprehensive statement on water and sanitation supply systems for the Copperbelt related to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 6.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has explained that huge capital investments in water supply projects will be made on the Copperbelt, and that most of the water and sanitation projects are going to be completed by December, 2025. Looking at history, the three commercial utilities (CUs) in question have failed to satisfy the population with regard to water and sanitation services because of low capital investments provided to them. People go for many hours or days without water, but they are given water bills to pay. There are several problems in the water sector. My question is: With the huge investment that the Government has made in the CUs, which I commend, what strategies is the ministry putting in place for the CUs to sustain the capital investments and provide services to the people?

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, that question really gives me a chance to explain a little further the current situation of the Commercial Utilities (CUs).

Madam Speaker, we treated water as a social good for a long time and priced it lowly, and tariffs are never paid. Further, there has been very low investments over many years in the water sector, such that all the CUs are struggling. Currently, the CUs owe various suppliers in excess of K2 billion because they are struggling. Currently, they are operating because of Government grants. I can only urge this House to appropriate more funds to the ministry so that we can support the CUs, even as we transition to economic tariffs. Last year, the House allocated only about 1.3 per cent of the Budget to the ministry and this year, it was less than 1 per cent. I can only urge hon. Members of Parliament to agree that more money is needed in the water sector. That is the reason hon. Members hear me, time and again, say that we should channel some funds from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to the water and sanitation sector, now that we have constructed more schools and clinics. In some constituencies, like Ndola Central and Lusaka Central, we have successfully done that, as I have already mentioned. We have partnered with hon. Members of Parliament in areas where we have designed appropriate systems to cater for quality water supply and sanitation for our people.

Madam Speaker, the CUs have competent staff. They also have many projects in the pipeline to address various challenges, but what they lack is funding. Once funding is available, I think that they can deliver their mandate.

I thank you. Madam Speaker.

Mr Allen Banda (Chimwemwe): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the Ministerial Statement. It is true that water challenges in Chimwemwe are something that we have been crying over. However, I have not heard anything about sanitation. Our pipes are too narrow, as such, that is affecting sanitation in both old and new areas. My concern is water. The President donated commercial boreholes in Kitwe, and Chimwemwe was given five. The borehole infrastructure has been at the Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company (NWSSC) the past two years. One borehole, according to the water utility engineering department, is able to supply to 200 households if introduced into the main lines. When is the ministry going to release that infrastructure so that the boreholes can be sunk in Chimwemwe to help us?

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, we have done a few things with the hon. Member for Chimwemwe in that area. However, more needs to be done. This is true across the length and breadth of the Copperbelt Province because the infrastructure is old and inadequate, and it has had low maintenance and almost no expansion despite the huge population growth.

Madam Speaker, to answer the hon. Member’s question, I should be able to give him details. Maybe, I should invite him to my office, as I do not have the exact details on those particular boreholes at the moment. So, I would like to invite him to my office.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Chala (Chipili): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has outlined what is happening on the Copperbelt Province well. With your permission, I would like to know if the ministry is also considering presenting a statement on the other rural provinces, because they are also affected where water is concerned.

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, we started with Lusaka Province. We have moved to the Copperbelt Province. We will cover all the provinces. Further, we have a comprehensive plan for areas like the hon. Member’s area, which has not had piped water supply.

Madam Speaker, just for the record, we are doing many things in the hon. Member’s area. I will give the House a comprehensive statement in the near future. However, for any updates that the hon. Member would like to take to his people, he can visit our offices so that he is better informed.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: I hope, the hon. Member for Chipili has supplied information on the two water points to the hon. Minister of Water Development and Sanitation. That will address that concern.

Ms Nakaponda (Isoka): Madam Speaker, my question is similar to the one asked by the hon. Member for Chipili, but I will ask since I have been given this opportunity.

Madam Speaker, in the hon. Minister’s statement, he said that 115 boreholes have been sunk in Mpongwe, Masaiti and Lufwanyama. My question is: When is Isoka Constituency going to be given the opportunity to sink boreholes? My people wake up around 0300 hours to search for water. When is the ministry giving us boreholes just like in Masaiti, Mpongwe and Lufwanyama?

Madam Speaker: The hon. Member for Masaiti is giving you an eye. So, be careful. That is on a lighter note.

Laughter

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, we have plans for all the towns and rural areas in the constituencies. In fact, it is the reason I asked hon. Members to submit two sites for boreholes. Further to that, the ministry will also work on piped water schemes across the length and breadth of the country.

Madam Speaker, the House should be happy that, other than Government efforts, several hon. Members are working closely with the ministry to provide water and sanitation services to the people. Many hon. Members are allocating the necessary funds to ensure that boreholes are drilled, that various piped water schemes are constructed, and that sanitation facilities; ablution blocks, are built. I think that is as it should be. That is President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision, who is a champion of water and sanitation in the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). So, it is good to see that his vision is being realised. It is only right that we give proper water and sanitation services to our people.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mwambazi (Bwana Mkubwa): Madam Speaker, I must state from the outset that with the commissioning of the Kafulafuta Water Supply System Project (KWSSP), the long-awaited, we will have an improvement in some areas. However, we still have challenges in Bwana Mkubwa, upper Ndeke, Twashuka and Mushili. We are still grappling with water supply challenges with the water utility. I do not know how we are going to help the ministry with its water utility companies. In his speech, the hon. Minister mentioned the Munkulungwe Water Supply Project, which is a 30,000-litre capacity water supply scheme, which we approved under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). That project has taken one year plus some months. Even, as I speak, it has not been completed by the Kafubu Water and Sanitation Company Limited (KWSC). I knock on the utility’s door and call the managing director every day to ensure that the much-needed water supply project is completed for the people of Munkulungwe. We commissioned six boreholes last week, but we refused to hand them over to the water utility because it does not have the capacity, as it is failing to give us what we need, even with the money provided through the CDF. I want to understand what the issue with KWSC is. Why is it not completing some of these projects even when money is provided?

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for that important question. It is the first time I am hearing that money is provided, but that our people may not have the technical capacity. It is usually the other way around. I promise to follow up on that one so that we can quickly resolve the issue.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member asked about how they can help us. I am assuming he means how hon. Members can help the water utilities. It is clear where hon. Members can help the ministry. For example, the dam project is complete. More production and treatment capacity of water means more transmission capacity of that water to the storage reservoirs. Hon. Members can help the ministry with the distribution network. The hon. Member has said that after completing the dam project, he has seen a marked increase in the quality of service to some areas.

We simply have no capacity, obviously, to connect to all other areas. The hon. Member can help us by tapping from those reservoirs to those load centers, and surely, the CDF can help us do that. The Copperbelt Province is small, but the problem is that the infrastructure is old and inadequate for the huge population growth in these areas.

Madam Speaker, the infrastructure is very old in most of those areas. In fact, the hon. Member of Parliament for Luanshya asked why there are so many leakages. For us, that is a good problem because we will be able to identify where the leakages are, giving us the opportunity to replace all the damaged pipes so that they can carry more water. So, the hon. Member can help us with the distribution network and putting up some small water tanks for our people, basically, creating small water schemes out of the big Kafulafuta project, which was completed at more than US$400 million. So, we have the anchor project completed, and the other small projects can be done using the CDF. We have done this in many areas. Another example is Lusaka Central Constituency, Hon. Haimbe's constituency. This is where Bauleni is located, and it sits in an area where groundwater has been polluted so much that we are getting surface water into Bauleni. So, we allocated some funds through the CDF. Bauleni is now being served very well. These projects, distinguished hon. Members of Parliament, are working very well.

Madam Speaker, I urge the hon. Member to partner with the ministry, where he can get the technical know-how and good designs for the water system. However, using a bit of his money, he will be able to provide the necessary water to our people, including my good friend in Mufulira. We can easily improve water supply in those areas where sanitation is bad by getting water from the bulk water supply systems.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Chanda (Kanchibiya): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the great works he has done on the Copperbelt Province. Some of us were born and bred on the Copperbelt.

Madam Speaker, there are areas where water is highly contaminated. For example, places like Kanchibiya Constituency, where the majority of our people do not know what it means to get water from a tap. So, piped water is still a luxury for them. I want to ask my question in the context of one Government, one policy. There are mining activities happening in Kanyelele, which are polluting the Kanchibiya River and Lwitikila River. How is the Government responding to these emergencies, both in terms of mitigation and restoration?

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, I can only sympathise with my brother from Kanchibiya. Indeed, that river is highly contaminated. The Government has taken action, which action the hon. Minister of Green Economy and Environment will come and explain more on. However, the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, through WARMA, as I said already in my statement, will be procuring a state-of-the-art laboratory. We have enhanced the monitoring mechanisms on the river systems to ensure that we also measure water quality in real time. However, on the comprehensive approaches to mining pollution, I will give the opportunity to my colleague, the hon. Minister of Green Economy and Environment, who will come and explain issues on pollution.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Simbao (Luanshya): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for his statement.

Madam Speaker, just like other hon. Members of Parliament from the Copperbelt have said, we have plenty of water. The hon. Minister may recall that last time I asked him to carry a container of water when visiting Luanshya, but this is no longer the case. However, in Luanshya, we have a township called Kamirenda, and the water transmission pipes pass very near the area, just a stone's throw away, from the township, but the area does not have water supply to date. The utility can pump water as far as Ndola and Mpatamatu, but people who are near the water transmission pipes are still suffering. What is the hon. Minister’s comment on that?

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, before I answer the question by the hon. Member for Luanshya, I just want to assure the hon. Member of Parliament for Kanchibiya that we are doing something to ensure that we provide clean water to our people. He and I discussed the roadmap, and soon, we will be drilling about four boreholes and putting up some piped water schemes in that area, because our people are, indeed, suffering.

Madam Speaker, again, in Luanshya, I am happy with a good project we worked on with the area Member of Parliament. The area had no water for the past ten years, but now has water supply. We have rehabilitated the water supply system in that area. I think that the people of Luanshya must be happy.

Madam Speaker, the question by the hon. Member for Luanshya is like asking why we cannot easily get power from a high transmission line. Obviously, you need a step-down transformer and a distribution network to those houses. I can only encourage him to come to our office so that we can design a project to tap water from those big water transmission pipes with the help of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). I am very sure that we will be able to supply water once we combine our efforts.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

HOSTING OF THE 2025 GLOBAL NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN EXPOSITION

The Minister of Green Economy and Environment (Mr Mposha): Madam Speaker, I wish to express my gratitude to you for granting me the opportunity to deliver a Ministerial Statement to this august House and through this House to the nation at large.

Madam Speaker, the Ministerial Statement is on the hosting of the 2025 Global National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Exposition (EXPO), to be held from 12^th to 15^th August, 2025, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC) here, in Lusaka. The Government, through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, in November 2024, participated in the 29^th Session of Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Baku, Azerbaijan, at which we expressed interest and was granted authority to host this very important event by the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Madam Speaker, the choice of Zambia as the host of the 2025 Global NAP EXPO affirms the confidence that the international community has in Zambia, as a democratic and peaceful country, as well as in the able leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema. The House may wish to note that the Cabinet at its fourth meeting held on 3^rd March 2025, approved the hosting of the NAP EXPO. The conference will be hosted under the theme: “Innovations in the NAP process”. This demonstrates our commitment to shaping global climate decisions and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Madam Speaker, it is an undeniable fact that Zambia is experiencing significant negative impacts from climate change, particularly through increasingly frequent and severe droughts as evidenced from the 2023/2024 Rainy Season. This has affected key sectors of the economy most notably, agriculture, leading to widespread crop failures, food insecurity, and significant livestock losses, thereby, threatening the livelihoods of millions dependent on rain-fed farming. Furthermore, the diminishing water levels in major rivers and dams have severely hampered hydropower generation, resulting in widespread energy deficits that disrupt industrial activities and daily life. These cascading effects of drought impede the country's economic growth and poverty reduction efforts.

Madam Speaker, allow me to provide context on the Global National Adaptation Plan Exposition. As you may be aware, climate change adaptation is the process of living with the consequences of climate change. A National Adaptation Plan is a strategic framework developed by a country such as Zambia to identify and prioritise actions needed to adapt to the impacts of climate change across various sectors such as water, agriculture, energy, forestry, health, wildlife and infrastructure. The purpose of a National Adaptation Plan is to enhance resilience to climate change impacts by identifying vulnerabilities, proposing adaptation measures and mobilising resources for implementation of the prioritised adaptation actions.

Madam Speaker, the National Adaptation Plan process commenced in 2010 in Cancun, Mexico, at the 16th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Arising from the National Adaptation Plan process, the Secretariat of the UNFCCC, through the Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG), initiated the Global National Adaptation Plan Exposition, and the first National Adaptation Plan Exposition was held in Bonn, Germany, in 2013. To date, nine Global National Adaptation Plan Expositions have been held, and the ninth was held in April, 2024, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Botswana hosted the Global National Adaptation Plan Exposition in 2022, making it the first African country to have done so.

Madam Speaker, as earlier indicated, the theme of the 2025 Global National Adaptation Plan Exposition, is ‘Innovations in the National Adaptation Plan Process’, which resonates with the urgent need to innovate the design and implementation of national adaptation plans. The theme also aims to stimulate governments, development partners, private sector actors and civil society organisations to explore innovative solutions, share best practices, and forge partnerships for accelerating climate resilience efforts. The theme is particularly relevant to Zambia, which needs to innovate to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, such as the 2023/2024 drought, which affected food, energy, and water security, as well as livelihoods of millions of our people.

Madam Speaker, now that I have provided the context, I wish to state that the Global National Adaptation Plan Exposition is an outreach event organised by the Least Developed Countries Expert Group under the UNFCCC to raise adaptation ambition by advancing the formulation and implementation of national adaptation plans. Specific objectives of the National Adaptation Plan Exposition include:

1. to facilitate the interaction between country National Adaptation Plan teams and providers of support, bilateral agencies, and other relevant organisations to enhance access to financing for the formulation and implementation of national adaptation plans; and
2. to create an interactive global platform, global forum on national adaptation plans for countries to share experiences, best practices, and lessons learned, and for parties and non-party stakeholders to interact in advancing the formulation and implementation of national adaptation plans.

Madam Speaker, the House will recall that we launched our National Adaptation Plan in 2023, and we require US$34.70 billion to implement it from 2023 to 2025. In this regard, hosting the 2025 Global National Adaptation Plan Exposition, accords Zambia the opportunity to showcase its National Adaptation Plan with a view to mobilising resources for its implementation. It will also enable Zambia to learn from other countries and international organisations on transformative adaptation initiatives and how to advance the implementation of National adaptation plans. About 500 foreign delegates from over 100 countries are expected to attend the 2025 Global National Adaptation Plan Exposition, which offers opportunities for generation of foreign exchange and other benefits in the tourism sector.

Madam Speaker, hosting the 2025 global National Adaptation Plan Exposition, will require the participation of all players and is poised to increase our international exposure and enhance Zambia’s reputation as a host of global events. I, therefore, call upon all stakeholders, including hon. Members of this House, Government line ministries, co-operating partners, the private sector, civil society as well as academic and research institutions to collaborate with my ministry to ensure the delivery of a successful 2025 Global National Adaptation Plan Exposition. Let me especially encourage hon. Members of this House to take an interest in the exposition and work with my ministry to explore opportunities for sharing the adaptation challenges experienced by our constituencies and explore possible opportunities to address them.

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, I wish to assure the people of Zambia that my ministry is actively implementing various measures to address climate change, focusing on both adaptation and mitigation. We, therefore, extend a sincere invitation to hon. Members of this House to support and actively participate in ensuring the resounding success of this vital event, which is paramount to securing a climate-resilient future for all Zambians.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

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

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

Ms S. Mwamba (Kasama Central): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity. I also thank the hon. Minister for his statement.

Madam Speaker, I wish to congratulate the ministry and the country for intending to host such an important event. However, I pray that the ministry will ensure that the outcomes, recommendations and the knowledge shared are integrated into our country’s national climate action policies and adaptation strategies.

Madam Speaker, the Global National Adaptation Plan Exposition is an outreach event. What strategies are being employed to ensure meaningful participation from hon. Members of Parliament, local stakeholders, civil society organisations, traditional leaders as well as women and youth groups?

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, I thank Hon. S. Mwamba, the Member of Parliament for Kasama Central, for that question. I also thank her for congratulating the Government and the ministry for hosting a very important event.

Madam Speaker, one initiative that the Government, through my ministry, has taken to ensure that various stakeholders participate in that event was seeking authority from you, Madam Speaker, to allow me to issue this Ministerial Statement so that hon. Members of Parliament would be aware of what is happening. Through this House, I appeal to various citizens to take note of that upcoming event. We have also been engaging a number of civil society groups, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and line ministries about that upcoming event.

Madam Speaker, with your permission, we will distribute some cards with a barcode which, once scanned, will register an entrant. So, hon. Members of Parliament and citizens can scan the barcode to register. It will really be an honour to have many hon. Members of Parliament, most of whom are affected by the effects of climate change in their constituencies, attend that very important exposition.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chanda (Kanchibiya): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for his Ministerial Statement, and congratulations to him for attracting a very important exposition to Zambia.

Madam Speaker, I will ride on the questions that I have earlier asked the hon. Minister for Water Development and Sanitation. Kanchibiya River and Lwitikila River in Kanchibiya Constituency were contaminated. That has made us ill-prepared to participate in the provincial investment exposition because the two rivers we intended to showcase to those who wish to invest in Kanchibiya have been contaminated. Those are big rivers.

Madam Speaker, illegal mining activities in Kanyelele have disturbed the aquifers. If you looked at the quality and the levels of water in the two rivers, you would see that there is a significant reduction in both rivers. Besides the water being discoloured and contaminated with chemicals, the last report on the rivers showed that they are seriously contaminated with fecal matter. I also know that part of what is being used in illegal mining activities is mercury. What is the ministry doing to ensure that Kanchibiya’s environment, in so far as it relates to those two water bodies, is not contaminated to the extent that the constituency is unable to participate effectively or to showcase its potential to the world, even as it intends to play a critical role in Zambia’s climate adaptation agenda?

 Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, I note that that question is clearly outside my Ministerial Statement. My Ministerial Statement is on the hosting of the 2025 NAP Expo. However, I have taken note of the seriousness of the contamination or the pollution of the rivers in Kanchibiya. Furthermore, it should be noted that that question was partly answered by the hon. Minister of Water Development and Sanitation. The issue has already come to the attention of my office and we are dealing with it. I will engage the hon. Member of Parliament further outside this session.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Lubozha (Chifubu): Madam Speaker, our country’s national adaptation plan outlines the medium to long-term strategies to ensure resilience to climate change impacts across sectors, such as agriculture, water and energy infrastructure. Indeed, that exposition presents an opportunity. I believe that the exposition will provide a magnificent time for various actors and players to interact and share information and financing opportunities. What are some of the key financial institutions that will exhibit at the exposition, which various players and actors can look to for financing opportunities for the national adaptation programmes?

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, I thank Hon. Lloyd Lubozha, Member of Parliament for Chifubu, for that question.

Madam Speaker, I am not able to specify the names of the financial institutions that will exhibit, but suffice to say that we have received an overwhelming response from a number of institutions to exhibit at the exposition. I do not have the specific names at the moment.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mwambazi (Bwana Mkubwa): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister of Green Economy and Environment for the Ministerial Statement. Let me be on record in congratulating the hon. Minister for hosting the 2025 Global National Adaptation Plans Exposition (NAP Expo).

Madam Speaker, my question regards the early warning systems and adaptation measures that have been put in place. I think that issues of pollution also threaten issues of adaptation. What is the ministry going to tell the people who will come to the exposition on mitigation measures? What is the ministry doing to mitigate issues of water pollution in relation to early warning systems and adaptation measures regarding climate change?

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Bwana Mkubwa for that question.

Madam Speaker, the issue of water pollution and other issues that have come up are very important to the ministry and to the country. I know that because of the rise in many economic activities and the re-opening of mines orscaling up of mining activities, those issues keep coming up. The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) will be on hand to explain the actions lined up to stop or reduce the ever-increasing pollution in water bodies.

Madam Speaker, almost on a daily basis, we talk about building more capacity for ZEMA to scale up monitoring activities. In that regard, I want to appeal to leaders to report issues timely to ZEMA so that the offenders are brought to book. We have seemingly sufficient laws to deal with such problems, but while we are trying to push many economic activities in the mines, there are many negative issues on the other side, such as pollution of our water bodies. What we need is collaboration starting from councils. Hon. Members of Parliament and traditional leaders should also be on hand to report such matters.

Madam Speaker, as regards what we will exhibit at the exposition, a variety of things will be showcased through ZEMA and other institutions that are working with the ministry. We will showcase what we are doing to avert cases of pollution.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Madam Speaker, I know that the Ministerial Statement that the hon. Minister has issued focuses on the exposition (EXPO) that the ministry will host. However, a question was passed to him by his counterpart from the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation. I will pose the question to him.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has spoken about climate change and its effects, and that we must preserve our water bodies and protect them properly. What effects has the effluent that was discharged, as a result of Momboshi Dam bursting, had on the water that is treated and supplied to our people in the various towns of Copperbelt Province?

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, I am not able to answer that question because I do not know of any bursting incident at Momboshi Dam that led to pollution, unless the hon. Member clarifies. I do not know of any incident concerning Momboshi Dam.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

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

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Shiwang’andu!

I suggest you engage the hon. Minister of Green Economy and Environment.

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

Madam Speaker: I am still giving guidance, hon. Member. The hon. Minister came to present a statement on hosting the conference. So, I suggest that you engage the hon. Minister on those other details.

What is the point of order, hon. Member for Shiwang’andu?

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, my point of order is premised on Standing Order No. 71. We need to be assured that we are safe in this country. The point I am raising, which I raised with the hon. Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, who passed the buck back to his hon. Colleague, is a matter that this hon. Minister should know about. Our people have suffered as a result of water bodies being affected negatively by the effluent. However, here is the Minister responsible for that portfolio saying that he does not know the incident that happened at Momboshi Dam. Effluent was discharged into water bodies that his ministry is supposed to protect. How safe are our people to allow an hon. Minister abdicate his duties like that?

I seek your serious guidance, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: From where I am seated, and following what the debate has been in the House, I do not think that it was the Momboshi Dam that burst. Maybe, it is another name. Is it Kalu – It is another dam, hon. Member for Shiwang’andu. Get your facts right before you start pointing fingers. That is why I said that you should engage the hon. Minister, as he will give you the full details of what happened, then, you do not have to point fingers at one another.

We make progress.

Mr Munsanje (Mbabala): Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate the hon. Minister on the opportunity to host the 2025 Exposition (EXPO) in Zambia.

Madam Speaker, in line with the EXPO, is the ministry going to provide a package for community groups, such as the Mwanancheu charcoal burners association, so that they can be part of that exposure, for them to stop cutting down our trees and instead go to the next level of doing things without cutting our trees?

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, I take it as a proposal to also bring in such associations, which is welcome. I will discuss it with my team, and see how we can incorporate them. It is very important for such groups to be part of such events so that they can learn about the effects of illegal charcoal production, which increases the rate of deforestation, and that it has a direct link to climate change. We will discuss that.

Madam Speaker, through the hon. Member for Mbabala’s question, I would just like to indicate that Momboshi Dam is in Central Province, and it is intact. The hon. Minister of Water Development and Sanitation can confirm that there has not been any incident at the dam.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: You should always rely on verifiable facts.

Anyway, it was Chambishi, I think. The hon. Member for Shiwang’andu can have some tea with the hon. Minister.

We make progress.

______

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

PROCUREMENT OF A WATER AMBULANCE FOR CHILUBI DISTRICT

383. Mr Fube (Chilubi) asked the Minister of Health:

1. whether the Government has any plans to procure a water ambulance in Chilubi District for patient referrals;
2. if so, when the ambulance will be procured;
3. what the estimated cost of the ambulance is; and
4. if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Health (Mr Muchima): Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to procure water ambulances, not only for Chilubi District but also other districts, countrywide, that require them to facilitate patient referrals.

Madam Speaker, the Government intends to procure water ambulances in a phased approach. In that regard, the Government, through the Ministry of Health, has completed technical specifications to procure cost-effective ambulance boats for deep water and swampy areas beginning 2026.

Madam Speaker, the estimated cost will be known at the time of procurement.

Madam Speaker, the Government has plans, therefore, part (d) of the question falls off.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, firstly, allow me to share my observation, as I am a Member of Parliament and I am supposed to use this platform to express the views of the people I represent. I have noticed that when answering most questions on Chilubi, there is a linkage. Instead of responding to something that has to do with Chilubi specifically, hon. Ministers will include other areas as well. That does not sit well with the people of Chilubi. My people have given me that feedback. Whenever I ask a question, whether it is on roads or the like, hon. Ministers say that the Government has plans, and not only for Chilubi but also for others. Then, it becomes a general approach. That is an observation that the people of Chilubi have made. I am attentive. I am not trying to be malicious or political over this issue. I have observed the pattern from Government Ministers. When there is a question on Chilubi, they say that it is only for the people of Chilubi but also for others. Other people are included in the cost and so on and so forth.

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Mr Fube: Question.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister may be aware that Chilubi has three parts. The people in those parts are asking for a water ambulance, which is an emergency in that we have the swampy area, which is farthest from any medical facility that can deal with complicated factors. Then there is the island and the mainland. For linkage and flow of the provision of medical facilities, certain cases can be referred from the swamp area to the island and from the mainland to the island, and even outside the district, like Kasama. So, we need a water ambulance to go to Mansa as well.

Is the hon. Minister treating the provision of that particular facility as an emergency? If I may put a face to what we are calling for, currently things like plaster of paris (PoP) moulds are not done in Chilubi. I helped a teacher recently, Mr Kateleshi, whose brother was involved in a motorcycle accident. Instead of being treated in Chilubi, the health centre could not provide a PoP. So, the patient had to be taken to Mansa for that and he had to provide his own transport. There are many such cases. I am just trying to emphasise the emergency and urgency of water ambulances. So, does the hon. Minister know the complications that are in Chilubi for the question to be linked to others, especially bringing in other districts?

Hon. UPND Members: What is the question?

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, the question is: Will the hon. Minister treat Chilubi as a separate and emergency case instead of linking it to other areas that demand for the same because the case in Chilubi is complicated? That is the question.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, as you ask questions, be specific. Do not start debating.

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

Madam Speaker, apparently, I know Chilubi Island very well. In my earlier answer, I said that the Government intends to procure water ambulances in a phased approach. In this regard, the Government, through the Ministry of Health, has outlined the technical specifications that will be considered when procuring cost-effective ambulances for deep water and swampy areas in 2026, meaning that it took into consideration such areas. The hon. Member for Bangweulu also has a similar situation. We plan not only for Chilubi but also for other places. This Government is for the entire country. When a situation happens, we treat it in totality.

Madam Speaker, we wanted to consider Chilubi when we were buying water ambulances using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) but, unfortunately, we did not have the specifications so we decided to treat that one differently. Zambezi West is also in a similar situation. So, the whole country is actually in need. We need about fourteen ambulances, including for Siavonga. The hon. Member should not think that he is the only one facing those challenges. He should not be selfish rather, he should speak as a leader. He should be considerate of others so that they are treated in totality. We are aware of the situation in Chilubi, and the area will be included in the 2026 Budget.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, this is a constituency-based question and in view of the complaint by the hon. Member for Chilubi, let us leave him to tackle the question so that his people are satisfied that he is representing them well.

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, I believe that the hon. Minister is banking on the 2026 Budget. Between now and 2026, the mobility and mortality rates will go up because of a lack of referrals to higher hospitals. Given that background, is the hon. Minister putting in place measures that can pacify some of the diseases that are supposed to be referred outside the district? This is because people get sick or injured every day, and there is a need for them to be referred outside. My people cannot wait for nine months or until next year as we talk about this particular measure, because we need to save lives. I have talked about the rising mobility rates as well as mortality rates as a result of a lack of referrals. So, is the hon. Minister putting in place measures to address the situation in Chilubi, especially for the three hospitals: Santa Maria, Mainland, – I also want to acknowledge –

Interruptions

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister claimed that he knows Chilubi very well.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Chilubi, just ask your question. There is no need to be repetitive because we have heard. You are repeating yourself. So, just ask the question.

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, my question is: Are they putting in place measures to help the people of Chilubi with cases that are supposed to be referred outside the district to avoid deaths and certain sicknesses getting worse? That is my question.

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, we should not pretend as though we are in a desperate situation. Currently, there are two boats in Chilubi Island being used as ambulances. So, those are the immediate measures we have put in place. There are two boats in Chilubi Island, one a twelve-seater capacity, which was bought by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the other a twenty-seater capacity, which is used for surveillance. Both of them are used by our patients.

Madam Speaker, I also assured the hon. Member that the area will be included in the 2026 Budget, which will be presented in two months’ time. We shall be sitting here. Whether the allocation will be under the CDF or not, we have an allocation to buy ambulances. We needed to buy fourteen of them, but we did not have the specifications. However, this time, we have the specifications. His constituency will definitely be included. He should rest assured that this Government sympathises with the situation he is in. At least, there is a motor vehicle for now, and soon, there will be a water ambulance. That will be done without fail. It is a Government assurance. So, the hon. Member should rest assured that the ambulance will be provided. As of now, there are boats being used.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

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

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, my point of order is in line with Standing Order No. 71, which provides that we must be factual and inform the public properly. The hon. Minister may not know that the boat he is referring to, was among the three boats that were held in Kasama for some time, and we used the CDF to redeem it. I think, we paid an additional K420,000 to redeem it. As we speak, the said boat is broken down and is not in use. I think, he can get that information. I just wanted to correct that fact. That is the emergency I am talking about. So, the boat is not suitable as a water ambulance, because the question is about a water ambulance.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Chilubi, I do not know whether that even qualifies as a point of order. Engage the hon. Minister and tell him the issues that are bothering you and the people of Chilubi. He will be able to provide the answer than to counter his answer here. It is not going to help. What we want are solutions to our problems. Please, engage him.

Hon. Members, in view of the fact that the hon. Member for Chilubi is going to see the hon. Minister, I think, we should leave it at that. I have seen that there are two indications and this is a constituency-based question. I do not know what value the hon. Members from the Copperbelt want to add.

Since we still have a bit of time, your questions should relate to the question, and remember that the main question is about Chilubi Constituency.

Mr Lubozha (Chifubu): Madam Speaker, I thank the Government for its intention to acquire a boat for the people of Chilubi. However, what specifications will the boat that the Government intends to acquire for the people of Chilubi have? Is it going to have specifications similar to those of the land ambulances?

Madam Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, do you have the specifications at this point?

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, I made it very clear that technocrats or experts have specifications for procuring cost-effective ambulances for deep water and swampy areas. Those specifications are there. If the hon. Member wants, he can come and get them right now because, previously, they used to just buy water boats to be used as ambulances without distinguishing whether it was for a swampy or an open area.

This time around, those are the specifications which have been taken into consideration. Let me give a bonus answer. If the boat we thought was running has broken down, the hon. Member of Parliament can come through to the ministry. K140,000 which is required to repair the boat is not a lot of money. We shall provide the money to repair it so that we can provide a service to our people. So, we shall look into it.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: That is how we do it. The problem is almost resolved.

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, my supplementary question to the hon. Minister of Health is with reference to the response that he gave on the price of a water ambulance.

Madam Speaker, the answer by the hon. Minister was that they will only know the cost of the water ambulance after the procurement processes commence. For purposes of guiding the people of Chilubi, as the hon. Member of Parliament goes back to the constituency, does the hon. Minister have an indicative figure because probably, the constituents would like to chip in, in one way or the other? Does the hon. Minister have a planning figure because, normally, there must be a procurement plan the ministry uses for it to buy the ambulance?

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague, the hon. Member for Kamfinsa.

Madam Speaker, is he interested in the price or the ambulance?

Laughter

Mr Muchima: I have said that specifications have been outlined. Maybe, the time we will be procuring the ambulance the price might even change. So, that is the time we shall know the price because prices are never fixed. At the moment, we are outlining the specifications so that we can know where we can order the ambulances that are suitable for different areas from. So, the price at the moment is not necessary. Even if it is high or low, we have promised that we shall buy.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

_______

MOTIONS

REPORT OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE

Mr Mwambazi (Bwana Mkubwa): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this House adopts the Report of the Public Accounts Committee on the Report of the Auditor-General on the Accounts of the Republic for the Financial Year Ended 31^st December, 2023, for the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, laid on the Table of the House on Friday, 18^th July, 2025.

Madam Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

Ms Sabao (Chikankata): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

Mr Mwambazi: Madam Speaker, in accordance with Standing Order 204 (1) of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, the Committee considered the Report of The Auditor-General on the Accounts of the Republic for the Financial Year Ended 31^st December, 2023, and I have the rare honour and privilege to present its findings before the House.

Madam Speaker, in order to fully appreciate the queries in the Auditor-General’s Report, the Committee interacted with various controlling officers whose institutions were cited in the report. The controlling officers tendered both written and oral submissions before the Committee. The Committee also undertook a local tour to the Eastern Province and Copperbelt Province as well as a foreign tour to the Kingdom of Morocco.

Madam Speaker, I will go straight to highlight some pertinent issues that emanated from the Committee’s deliberations. The first issue which the Committee wishes to bring to the attention of the House is the continued loss of public resources resulting from the failure by some Government institutions to adhere to procurement procedures. A notable example is the Ministry of Education’s acquisition of the e-census software from M-Sat Limited, which was neither cleared by the Attorney-General nor signed by M-Sat Limited. There was also no prior approval from the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) for single sourcing.

Madam Speaker, despite a total payment of K3,621,000 made by 4,550 schools for the tool, only 2,501 schools received access, while 2,049 did not. By 30^th June, 2024, the ministry abandoned the M-Sat tool due to its non-functionality and instead, developed an in-house solution called the Ministry of Education Statistical Tables in Excel for data collection, rendering the payment to M-Sat Limited wasteful. The Committee finds such conduct by the procuring entities highly unacceptable.

Madam Speaker, in this regard, the Committee urges the Government to ensure that a forensic audit or a special audit is conducted to establish exactly what transpired. The Committee further urges the controlling officer in the Ministry of Education to institute punitive measures against the erring officers and to implement measures to ensure strict adherence to procurement processes in order to prevent the recurrence of such anomalies.

Madam Speaker, another matter of concern is the chronic shortage of standardised ambulances in most health facilities in the country, which is negatively impacting service delivery in the health sector. A review of the ambulance services at selected hospitals and a physical verification carried out by the Office of the Auditor-General in the period under review, revealed that some hospitals had non-operational ambulances while others had improvised the services through utility vehicles, which did not have the basic requirements of an ambulance. For instance, Chilenje Level One Hospital had only one ambulance available to service all referral cases, including emergency maternal care. This ambulance frequently broke down, and the high cost of repairs made it difficult to keep it operational. This situation was not unique to Chilenje as it reflected a broader challenge faced by many health facilities across the country, where inadequate ambulance services severely undermined timely access to emergency care, particularly for vulnerable populations in rural and underserved areas. In view of this, the Committee urges the Government, as a matter of urgency, to ensure that all health facilities are equipped with ambulances fitted with standardised life-saving equipment. This will help guarantee the provision of adequate pre-hospital care and timely emergency evacuation services.

Madam Speaker, during the local tour to the Eastern Province and Copperbelt Province, the Committee observed that infrastructure under some of the Government institutions visited had remained in a dilapidated state. During an inspection of Kalindawalo General Hospital, for example, the Committee discovered that the mothers’ shelter had leaking roofs, large cracks in the exterior walls and damaged windows. As a result, the building had been condemned and recommended for demolition.

Madam Speaker, further, the Committee was disheartened to discover non-functional key medical equipment in some of the healthcare facilities visited. For instance, a tour of Chipata General Central and Kalindawalo General Hospital revealed that key medical equipment such as x-ray machines and computed tomography (CT) scans, among others, were non-functional. In addition, the Committee learnt that the lack of maintenance of infrastructure and medical equipment was a nationwide issue that required urgent attention.

Madam Speaker, in this regard, the Committee strongly urges the Government to ensure that a strategic maintenance plan for all Government infrastructure is urgently put in place. The Committee further recommends that the Ministry of Health urgently develops and implement a comprehensive maintenance policy and procurement schedule for medical equipment, which should prioritise preventative maintenance and lifecycle planning to ensure regular and sustained use.

Madam Speaker, lastly, having looked at the state of equipment in the health facilities visited, the Committee recommends that the Ministry of Health establishes a dedicated Budget line for the maintenance of medical equipment in the Yellow Book to ensure timely repairs and sustainable service delivery.

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, I wish to highlight to the House that the Committee had an occasion to visit the Kingdom of Morocco, where it learnt that robust oversight of public finances was achieved through a co-ordinated framework that included a well-resourced and independent supreme audit institution, known as the Court of Accounts, which was legally empowered to prosecute financial misconduct. In this regard, the Committee recommends that the Government undertakes a comprehensive review of Zambia’s public financial oversight framework with the view of enhancing the independence, resource allocation and enforcement of powers of the Office of the Auditor-General and related institutions. This includes exploring the establishment of a digital monitoring platform for audit recommendations and considering limited prosecutorial or referral powers to ensure timely accountability and improved public resource management.

Madam Speaker, allow me to render my sincere gratitude to you and to the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly for the service rendered to the Committee throughout its deliberations. Gratitude is also extended to various witnesses for providing technical support to the Committee.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

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

Mrs Sabao: Now, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I wish to thank you for according me the opportunity to second the Motion before this august House. Allow me to also thank the mover of the Motion and chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Warren Chisha Mwambazi, MP, for ably moving the Motion to adopt the Committee’s report.

Madam Speaker, allow me to equally highlight a few pertinent issues observed during the Committee’s consideration of the Report of the Auditor-General on the Accounts of the Republic for the Financial Year Ended 31^st December, 2023.

Wasteful Expenditure – Purchase of Chancery Building (Berlin), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation

Madam Speaker, your Committee observed with concern that the Zambian Mission in Berlin procured a four-storey property at a cost of £1,558,128.83 to serve as a chancery building following the establishment of a foreign mission in Germany. However, the building has not been utilised since its purchase, and the mission has instead opted to rent another property to serve as the chancery due to the building’s deplorable state. This has resulted in the deterioration and encroachment of the property. In addition, the mission incurred an extra cost of £31,035.75 for the construction of a perimeter fence. Furthermore, it has been paying an annual insurance premium of £2,175.55 for the building, which is currently insured for £3,300,000. Despite these ongoing payments, the building remains unused.

Madam Speaker, that situation has resulted in wasteful expenditure, as the initial investment in the building, together with the insurance premiums, has not yielded the intended benefits. In this regard, the Committee urges the controlling officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation to develop a strategic maintenance plan for all mission properties to prevent further deterioration and to ensure that the chancery building is rehabilitated without further delay. The Committee also urges the Secretary to the Treasury to ensure that missions are adequately funded to enable them to effectively carry out their mandate. 

Loss of Public Funds Due to Negligence by Public Officers – Ministry of Justice

Madam Speaker, the Committee noted with displeasure that the Government continues to lose funds due to negligence or failure by some public officers to perform their duties diligently. Between 2017 and 2023, the Ministry of Justice recorded twelve cases that resulted in a loss to the Government amounting to K11,275,792. Although the ministry paid K9,422,335 towards the settlement of court judgments, no efforts had been made to recover the funds from the officers responsible for the losses. The Committee found this unacceptable and urges the controlling officer to institute punitive measures against the officers who caused the loss to the Government. The Committee further urges the controlling officer to implement internal control measures that will prevent the recurrence of such anomalies and ensure that the said funds are recovered from the responsible officers without further delay.

Mambwe Boarding Secondary School – Failure to Maintain Properties

Madam Speaker, during its local tour, the Committee visited Mambwe Boarding Secondary School in the Eastern Province, which was cited in the Auditor-General’s report for failure to maintain properties. The Committee was saddened to note that, although 100 beds had been refurbished to increase the number of usable bunk beds, some learners were still forced to share beds due to inadequate bed space for all 750 pupils. The Committee also inspected the dining hall, which had been cited in the report as lacking sufficient tables. It was observed that tables and desks were now in place, and that the school had received 172 desks through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which helped to alleviate the shortage. However, the dining hall could only accommodate 350 people at a time, resulting in learners having to eat in two shifts during meal times.

Madam Speaker, the Committee is concerned that the continued sharing of bunk beds poses health risks and undermines the creation of a conducive learning environment. In this regard, the Committee recommends that the Government urgently considers re-allocating funds from skills development programmes towards the construction of new boys’ and girls’ hostels to address that crisis. The Committee further recommends that funds be secured for the construction of a new dining hall to ensure that all the 750 learners dine at the same time, thereby reducing the inconveniences currently experienced during meal times by pupils.

Madam Speaker, allow me, as I conclude, to urge my fellow hon. Members to support the Committee’s report.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Lunte, you have the Floor.

Laughter

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Madam Speaker, let me appreciate you for according me the –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Laughter

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, before business was suspended, I was appreciating you for according me this opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Motion to adopt the report on the Floor of the House.

Madam Speaker, the report highlights a number of internal control weaknesses that were committed by various ministries and spending agencies of the Republic of Zambia in the year ended 31^st December, 2023. Some of the weaknesses that are contained in this report include the failure to adhere to procurement procedures, poor record keeping, unreconciled staff records, misallocation of payroll and staff assignments, losses from compensations to the tune of K11 million, – the seconder spoke on that – revenue losses; including failure to deposit funds in Control 99, failure to maintain assets, failure to collect K14 billion in mineral royalty tax, improvisation of ambulances and stockouts in health centres. As the House may imagine, this is a 337-page report with all those and many other internal control weaknesses. When one considers the weaknesses, one realises that some of the things that we do are unnecessary. Some of the burdens that we put on our people are avoidable. If one considers the losses arising just by going through the examples I have cited, as contained in this report, and consolidates them, one will see that, maybe, even the Government does not need to suggest borrowing to the people. It might not even need to suggest increases in taxation, but here we are. We continue borrowing, yet these losses are happening. We continue hiking taxation for our people, yet we are unable to even collect the already earned K14 billion mineral royalty tax is a lot of money.

Madam, I want to be clear on this matter. When one hears about a poor internal control environment like this one, one immediately has to look at the governance environment because control culture is dictated by the governance culture. The legal and policy frameworks are created at the governance level. So, that culture, which dictates the operations, is what one expects to find. If I was the Auditor-General (AG) working on your behalf, I would extrapolate this way. There is no reason ambulances should be improvised when the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) already procured ambulances, but those ambulances have not been delivered.

Madam Speaker, there is absolutely no reason there should be rationing of medicines in health centres and stock-outs when the Government has received donations of medicines or when there are sixty-one containers of medical supplies put somewhere.

Madam Speaker, governance is the issue here. Let those who are charged with the governance of this nation realise that if they take charge and promote honest policies and laws – of course, not like the cyber laws, but proper laws – they will quickly have a situation in which the tone being set at the highest level begins to permeate in public institutions. Very quickly, ZAMMSA will no longer act outside procurement procedures. There will be no need for it to start going outside of its jurisdiction to get permission where there is no authority for it to make procurements that are going to ensure that there are medicines throughout medical service centres.

Madam Speaker, it is very important for us as leaders to recognise that we have a duty to assist one another as brothers and sisters with leadership or governance responsibilities to ensure that our hon. Colleagues see what has been revealed in the report as a reflection of their own poor governance. Otherwise, if we think governance is good and tip-top, yet operations are as poor as revealed, then there is a mismatch. That mismatch can be seen in how we manage the roles that God has placed upon us as leaders.

Madam Speaker, as I support my brother, Hon. Mwambazi, and my sister, Hon. Sabao, I want to make it very clear that we should go out there and fix the governance of this country. I urge the Zambian people to go and fix the issues at the governance level. Otherwise, another Committee report will be brought again next year in respect of 2024. When we get the same issues, it means that the Government will continue over-taxing the Zambian people. It will continue ensuring that taxpayers’ resources are exploited, but the Government is unable to even utilise the taxes it is getting from the people, such as taxing mobile money transactions. Public resources will continue being wasted.

Madam Speaker, our UPND Government should stop wasting people’s taxes now.

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Mr Kafwaya: Our Government, the UPND, should now stop having a laissez-faire attitude. It should minimise thinking that it is accountable. The Committee’s report does not show accountability, but rather a situation that must be abhorred by all the UPND hon. Members, including those who think it is a transparent and accountable Government.

Madam Speaker, I wish to support the adoption of the Committee’s report and urge the UPND Government to do better.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr A. Banda (Chimwemwe): Madam Speaker, allow me to thank the chairperson of the Committee and the seconder of the Motion.

Madam Speaker, coming from Chimwemwe, I am more interested in the Value Added Tax (VAT), especially the withholding VAT. Failure to collect withholding VAT from agents is what the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) is doing. It is quite confusing and so surprising to see that we will have a suspension of the withholding VAT mechanism in the next two weeks. One wonders: Why should we go backwards to where we came from? When VAT was introduced in 2007, we were using the old system that we now want to be taken back to. Due to the challenges that we had, where we had more losses than we have now, the Government changed and introduced withholding agents. Withholding agents are helping people of Chimwemwe, especially suppliers and contractors in the mining sector. To help them not worry about how to pay for their VAT, all they have to do is prepare their tax returns, but we now want to take them back to the old system.

Madam Speaker, we have already noticed that most of our colleagues who were businessmen before the withholding agents were created lost their businesses simply because they could not handle their VAT. They ended up using their VAT. Why should we now take them back to the old system? Having said that, –

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

If you can slow down so that the people of Chimwemwe can get you.

Mr Kampyongo: He is using AI!

Hon. Members: Hear, hear! Ni AI!

Mr A. Banda: Madam Speaker, my apologies. I am heartbroken because I do not expect a country like Zambia to be taken backwards. We have already been on that avenue and noticed that it was not working. Most of our colleagues on the Copperbelt lost their businesses. Not only did they lose businesses, but their assets as well because the ZRA garnished their funds and went and collected their assets. So many losses were made. So, what is it that the authority is going to do differently now?

Madam Speaker, one thing we must understand is that contractors and suppliers in the mines do not determine when payment will be made, but the VAT needs to be paid when the return is made. If you looked at most of the statements coming from the people of Chimwemwe and paid attention to the analysis, you would see that most invoices are ninety and 120 days old. How much interest are the contractors going to pay? They will be paying interest not for their wrongdoing, but because the mining companies cannot pay. We cannot blame the mining companies for not paying timely. We know that the mining companies have many suppliers and contractors. They only have so much money that they can spend every month. If a contractor in Chimwemwe has ten invoices, it is at the discretion of a mining company to write a check for two or three invoices, not all of them. What will happen to the money that remains unpaid? Why should a person in Chimwemwe end up paying penalties that are not of his or her own doing?

Madam Speaker, one thing that the ZRA needs to understand is that it may be interested in the revenue, yes, and even the people of Chimwemwe are happy that contractors are contributing towards public revenue, but it is not only revenue that contractors are contributing. For us, they are creating jobs for youths. The youths whom we are sending to acquire skills using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) are the people who are working for the contractors. Not only are they contributing towards job creation, but at the same time, the company workers come back and support other industries, like at Nakadoli Market, where they buy merchandise. Some of them buy chairs from local carpenters and even supply them to the Congolese, who bring in foreign exchange (forex). So, I do not understand why the ZRA is going backwards.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

The voices are rather too loud. Let us give him a chance to debate.

Mr A. Banda: Madam Speaker, you will agree with me that most of those suppliers will never come back once they are put out of business because getting capital in Zambia is quite difficult.

Madam Speaker, the Government told us about the Zambia Credit Guarantee Scheme (ZCGS). Most people do not understand how the guarantee scheme works. It does not serve a person who does not have any assets. A person like me or any other businessman will not go to the credit bureau to get a guarantee. The guarantee is made behind closed doors or closed curtains because it is between a bank and the Government. What happens is that the application forms for the loans, for people who are to be put out of business, are actually the same. What it is, is that the first item on the forms is collateral. So, if you have less collateral, then the ZCGS kicks in. Looking at the people in Chimwemwe, many of them do not have assets. So, what are we doing? Are we trying to kill them?

Going further, Madam Speaker, the ZRA has employed a new system called smart invoicing. That system is not working because it is dependent upon one’s network connectivity. Transactions from the legacy transactions that we had before the new system came in continue to show even after reconciliation had been done. Most suppliers and contractors on the Copperbelt tend to go to the ZRA on a daily basis. As a result, they are failing to do what they should be doing well by supplying goods and services to the mines. They are trying to sort out issues with the ZRA because of the same new system. The ZRA is trying to convince us that smart invoicing will help us with the VAT payments. That cannot work because the new system is already limping. Perhaps, the authority should have waited for thee smart invoicing to first kick in and become smooth.

Madam Speaker, if you looked at the tax certificates, you would see that they have become an issue. That is why the ZRA is not collecting enough tax. It tends to give tax clearance to suppliers on a three months basis. If clients have any liability and it is time to pay, we expect them to pay on a monthly basis. Mining companies do not pay suppliers on a monthly basis. It depends on how much business one has with the mining companies. What are we doing? Are we just here to collect revenue for the ZRA and kill the small businesses that we are trying to build? What kind of a nation are we running now? The ZRA needs to be controlled.

The hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning needs to come in and ensure that the ZRA is doing the right thing. We cannot stifle the small contractors that we all depend on. So much money is getting lost through imported and declared goods, but the ZRA is not doing anything, and what it does is just go for those small suppliers.

Madam Speaker, with those few words, I wish to support the Motion.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mutale: On a point of order, Madam.

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

Mr Mutale: Madam Speaker, I am a bit worried. We come here to listen to our hon. Colleagues when they are debating. We also want the people outside to listen to our debates.

 Madam Speaker, my worry is that this House has allowed the hon. Member who just finished debating to be using Artificial Intelligence (AI) when debating.

Laughter

Mr Mutale: Madam Speaker, was he in order to debate using AI in this House? I need your serious ruling.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Chitambo, your point of order is not admissible. You did not even cite the Standing Order which has been breached.

Mr Mumba (Kantanshi): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, let me join my three hon. Colleagues and the vice-chairperson who have debated before me in support of this Motion. I will make sure that I do not sound like Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Madam Speaker, the Report of the Auditor-General on the Accounts of the Republic for the Financial Year Ended 31^st December, 2023, is yet another report that reflects the indiscipline that has continued to exist in the Government and the culprits have continued remaining unpunished. When donors read this, they even wonder why we look for money from them. There are big companies, which spend big and produce annual audited reports. We do not hear some of the things that we are reading in our reports.

Madam Speaker, why would a ministry continue paying salaries for workers whose contracts expired to a tune of over millions and millions of Kwacha? Why would you buy a building that you are not using, and continue insuring it for millions and millions of pounds? Why would you procure medicines that you know are about to expire? I think, it is all about indiscipline and no one has ever been disciplined over the Auditor-General’s Report. Unfortunately, it becomes an indictment to the Government presiding over the affairs of the country. This document speaks to what is happening in every ministry and every sector. It is unfortunate if we continue on this trajectory. We need to be concerned.

Madam Speaker, the Government has heavily invested in controlling officers. How often do they have workshops to remind them of how Government procedure functions? This is why the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning has been saying it is not all problems that require money. Sometimes, people can just sit down and follow procedure. Why would you procure something that is overinflated, which will eventually lead to the Government contracting debt, or the same company which supplied the goods contracting debt or the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) not collecting taxes on time because the Government as a client, has not paid? Why would you allow that?

Madam Speaker, as a country, we need to reach a stage where we stop talking and we start to instil discipline. We cannot always just be reactive to a report when it becomes ready. We passed the Public Procurement Act to try and give efficiency because when the economy is growing, activities and the population expand. So, we expect services to be procured quickly. It takes Government ministries or spending agencies even six months for them to complete a procurement. That is why we have reports such as these.

Madam Speaker, it is very unfortunate for me, who represents the people of Kantanshi, to see how they are struggling. The people do not have electricity, water, medicines, and do not get the services that the Government is supposed to provide to them on time because there is wastage of resources. We should blame ourselves because even we, as Parliamentarians, ask questions. Even today, I was asking questions.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister of Health wants more money. They want more money, but from the little that we have given them, they have failed to provide proper judicial duty and use of the money. Instead of using less for more in our current situation as a country, they want more. So, where are we going as a country if we cannot interrogate these simple things.  Beyond pointing at each other from a political lens, we owe each other responsibility because this is our country. It is about time this stopped. Why is it not happening everywhere? It can only be in the Government. Why does it happen in the Government where people are trained, go for workshops and are reminded about procedure? We need to find better ways.

Madam Speaker, all of the sudden, we have seen that so many people have been captured regarding the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) case.  That is not what we want to see, when people do not have drugs. What reaction do we expect when we have been told that there is no proper equipment? When equipment is being bought, it is exaggerated in terms of price, yet each one of us here travels. The Government allows us to get exposed. Why are we allowing that? That is why we are supposed to come together. If we are going to say no, it is so and so or no, it is that other person, then, we are not solving the problem.

Madam Speaker, when I look at this report, I feel embarrassed as a professional, and I feel sad for the people of Kantanshi. Even as we appropriate more funds, the end game is that they will not get the value of the resources that we are giving them because somebody out there is not doing the right job. So, we are supposed to focus on how to make ourselves better and have a link, not a 300-page document or 20-page document. Then, we will know that we are making progress.

Madam Speaker, as I support this Motion, I am a very sad Member of Parliament because we are supposed to use these resources properly.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chinkuli (Kanyama): Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity you have given me to add a voice to this Motion on behalf of the people of Kanyama.

Madam Speaker, to start with, I want to thank the mover and the seconder of the Motion for the job well done, looking at the information in the report, though it is huge with about 300 plus pages. So, I just went through it here and there.

Madam Speaker, allow me to look at the governance aspect of the institutions. The House may wish to note that all Government institutions have been created to deliver services to the people. How do they manage to do that? There are rules, structures, processes and practices put in place to direct and have control of these institutions.

The governance structure includes internal controls, such as audit and procurement procedures. If those procedures worked efficiently, we would not be hearing about the same issues in the reports. You will realise that a number of reports that have come to the House contain the same issues, such as misappropriation of funds, not updating registers and so on and so forth. One wonders where we are going.

Madam Speaker, the Government is busy looking for funds to implement a number of programmes, but when the Government secures those funds, there are holes where the funds get lost. How can we achieve our goals that way? We have been talking about the Government funding different institutions, but we do not look at putting safeguards so that the little funds that are released are put to good use. Putting the funds to good use will motivate the Government to look for more funds. I do not think that looking for money is an easy task. It is not easy to borrow money from here and there, or to plead with people to give us something to support our Supplementary Budget, for instance. Somehow, we are not looking at certain issues that need to be looked at.

Madam Speaker, I want to emphasise one point, which is that there is misappropriation of funds and payroll anomalies. People are being paid even when they are not on the payroll. The question is: Who receives the funds paid to such people? Meanwhile, we have people in each and every institution who are supposed to ensure that processes are followed according to a code of conduct. If a bank does not know which account to pay, it retains the funds. Do officers check if funds are retained? Those are some of the questions that we need to ask ourselves. Each time we deal with the people’s funds, I think that integrity should be number one. Let us fear that which does not belong to us. We are talking about blood money. That does not entail that one needs to get a knife, stab someone and then steal money. The moment one misappropriates or misdirects funds meant for patients in a hospital and eventually the patients die, the blood is on one’s hands. We really need to be cautious in whatever we do.

Madam Speaker, it looks like the controls that have been put in organisations are failing. In that regard, we need to look at the recommendations that the Committee has made. Why can we not find a way to effectively track and follow to the letter the recommendations made by the Committees? The Government should do that. I think that by so doing, we will supplement the safeguards that have been put in place so that the services that need to be provided to the people are enhanced. Otherwise, we will be singing the same song and crying the same cries, year in year out. I do not think that I will tolerate following people who cry all the time.

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

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member for Chama South may take the Floor.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: He is not in the House, so the hon. Member for Mpika will take the Floor.

Mr Kapyanga (Mpika): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to the debate on this very important discussion, on behalf of the people of Mpika.

Madam Speaker, let me thank the chairperson of the Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Warren Chisha Mwambazi, and his team for a job well done. The Committee’s report is a reflection of the corruption taking place now and the failure of leadership, when our people need basic services.

Madam Speaker, in Mpika, there are dilapidated township roads. When we ask the Government to reconstruct those roads, we are told that there is no money. The Michael Chilufya Sata Hospital is incomplete, but on page 21, the Committee’s report states that the Government did not collect K14 billion in mineral royalty. The importance of tax cannot be overemphasised because tax is the Government’s primary revenue. However, according to the report, the Government did not collect K14 billion in mineral royalty. If that is not corruption, then, what is it? Corruption is not just getting cash and bribing someone because even in decision-making, there is corruption. Violation of trust is also corruption.

Madam Speaker, according to the Committee’s report, there is grand corruption in public procurement. The country has lost colossal sums of money under this Government due to direct bidding. The supplier who was given the tender to supply 156 ambulances under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) already had an existing contract to supply sixty ambulances that were not delivered. As a result of corruption, that supplier was given a contract to supply another 156 ambulances, which have not been delivered to date. If that is not corruption, then, what is it? The Zambian people have been let down by this Government.

Mr Nkandu: Question!

Mr Kapyanga: The Government has failed the people at a time when they are dying in hospitals due to lack of drugs. 

Madam Speaker, the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) fraudulently over-procured, I mean –

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

Mr Kapyanga: Hon. Minister, you will respond. You will have an opportunity to respond.

Madam Speaker, –

Interruptions

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

The hon. Minister is entitled to a point of order. Let us listen to the point of order, and then I will make a ruling on whether he will need to respond or not.

Hon. Minister of Health, what is your point of order?

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, thank you very much. I rarely stand to raise points of order. I am raising my point of order according to Standing Order No. 71.

Madam Speaker, before the situation is worse, and before the entire House and outsiders are misled, is the hon. Member for Mpika in order to claim that there is a running contract to supply sixty ambulances given to one contractor, who had already been given a contract to supply 156 ambulances, when that is not a fact? It is best to provide facts when one stands to debate. Is the hon. Member in order to mislead the nation that an order for sixty ambulances was given to the same supplier of 156 ambulances? 

I need your serious ruling, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Mpika, you mentioned what the hon. Minister has just brought out; there were two contracts, one for 156 and the other for sixty ambulances. The hon. Minister admitted that the sixty-ambulance contract does not exist. I was going to allow the hon. Minister of Health to respond at a later time, but he came in to tell us the actual situation. Therefore, the issue you raised about sixty more ambulances is not true. So, please, be factual with what you are saying on the Floor of the House. You were out of order.

You may continue.

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, I appreciate your guidance.

Madam Speaker, I further appreciate the fact that the proceedings of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) are aired live on television (TV) and Facebook. Witnesses submitted what I have said.

 Madam Speaker, this report reflects the corruption that is taking place.

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

Madam Firs Deputy Speaker: Hon. Deputy Chief Whip, is it a point of order on the point of order that was raised?

Mr Mufalali: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member on the Floor is not following your guidance. He has said that he watched on television (TV) that sixty ambulances –

In short, Madam Speaker, he is resisting. It is not true. If he followed and read the report, he would have noted that the sixty ambulances were supposed to have been procured, but when it was said that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation would procure 156 ambulances, the plan for the sixty was dropped. The hon. Member should read the report. It will give him details on what prevailed at that time. The sixty ambulances were not meant to be procured.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: That is not a point of order. It does not qualify.

We make progress.

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, as stated in your Committee’s report, at a time when health centres were rationing medicines, the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) overpriced drugs to the tune of K586 million. That reflects a failure of leadership and seriousness with governance. The Government cannot subject its people to a lack of medicine in hospitals, while the institution charged with the responsibility to procure medicines overprices them to its advantage. This report was produced by those who love the people of Zambia.

Madam Speaker, on page No. 30, your Committee’s report indicates that the National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) collected K1.3 billion in that particular year and even exceeded the target. However, the NRFA will no longer collect more than the target because the road from Lusaka to Ndola has been given to a concessionaire who has already started collecting toll fees, even though progress on the reconstruction of the road is just at 36 per cent. If that is not corruption, can any of those who are educated define corruption for me? (pointed at hon. Government Members).

Madam Speaker, at a time when your people in Mpika are moving –

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

Please, be guided that the report goes only up to the end of December 2023. Do not ask your fellow hon. Members to define corruption for you. That is your debate.

You may continue.

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, at a time your people in Mpika have literally no water, colossal sums of money are being lost by those who are charged with the responsibility to deliver services to our people. If that is not painful, then, what will ever hurt you? This report’s content is very painful for me. It is very painful for the people I represent, and it is very painful for everyone who loves this country. Political affiliations should not be more important than the nation that we have to serve so that future generations find a better country. What is more painful is that no one has been fired among those who are doing these things. Who is shielding them? Who is shielding those who are not paying the K14 billion? Who is supporting them?

Hon Government Members: Who are you calling corrupt?

Mr Kapyanga: The corrupt are even talking, and defining certain words for me.

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, this report is very painful to read. I love the people of Zambia. I cannot be happy when my people in Nabwalya move on foot; spending three days to travel to Mpika. There is literally no road, yet K14 billion was lost. Every day, when I ask questions about development in my constituency, I am told that there is no funding, but K14 billion has been – I mean.

Madam Speaker, governance must be taken seriously. Those who are not taking governance seriously must be shown the door in 2026.

The hon. Member’s time expired.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

Your time is up, hon. Member.

Mr Kapyanga: The failures, Madam Speaker, must be shown the door.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Munsanje (Mbabala): Thank you so –

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

Madam First Deputy Speaker: There is an indication for a point of order.

Hon. Member for Zambezi East, what is your point of order?

Mr Kambita: Madam Speaker, thank you, sincerely, for giving me this opportunity to raise a very important point of order to set the record straight. I apologise to the hon. Member for Mbabala for disturbing the start of his debate.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member who has just concluded debating extensively misled himself, this House and the entire country by the insinuations that he has submitted on the Floor of the House. Our rules are clear under Standing Order No. 71, and provide that whatever an hon. Member submits on the Floor for the consumption of the nation and this House must be truthful and verifiable.

Is the hon. Member in order to leave things the way he did such that he ignored the fact that the Auditor-General's mandate stems from Article 250 of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment), 2016, which is clear? The Auditor-General’s office has steps before a final report is brought to the House. The Auditor-General is given the powers to report to law enforcement agencies. Some items stated in the report have been reported …

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

Mr Kambita: …and convictions have been made. Some of the issues happened during the previous regime. The way the hon. Member was debating appeared as though these were new issues. The Auditor-General’s office audits past periods. Most of the periods we are talking about were during the Patriotic Front (PF)'s reign. Is he in order to submit in that trajectory? The Auditor-General can audit accounts this year, but for a period covering 2017 to, maybe, 2019, because of the backlog that the office has. Should we allow the hon. Member to continue like that without stating this fact? If you want, we can take an audit trail back. The periods that were covered …

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

Mr Kambita: … include the PF. Majority of those crimes are from the PF period. Is he in order, Madam Speaker?

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

The hon. Member has adequately debated his point of order.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Who was on the Floor?

The hon. Member for Mbabala.

Mr Munsanje did not rise to speak.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member for Mbabala.

Mr Munsanje: Oh! I am sorry, Madam Speaker. Sometimes, the hearing becomes impeded by the distance from the front.

Madam Speaker, thank you so much for giving the people of Mbabala an opportunity to contribute to the debate on the audit report, a Motion ably moved by the Public Accounts Committee chairperson, Hon. Mwambazi and seconded by my sister, Hon. Sabao. I thank them so much for this very important report.

Madam Speaker, this report has brought very important information to this House on some of the actions being taken as we follow up on the Committee's findings and processes. I will restrict myself to a few items that I wish to comment on so that we can restore confidence in the people of Zambia.

Madam Speaker, we are considering the report from 2017 to 2023, as you ably guided. When you look at the report, you will see that a huge component of it covers the period which was presided over by the people on your left, who, in a number of these cases –

Mr Kasandwe: No!

Mr Munsanje: You cannot say no. For example, we have a case in Berlin, which is a clear case of loss of public funds in 2017 over the rehabilitation of the Chancery building. I am sure that most hon. Members who travelled around the various embassies found that most of the embassies were neglected by the previous regime. Most missions left the embassies and were renting in private residences. If that was not corruption to try to get some kickbacks by leaving their own embassy, then what was it? There is one case in Zimbabwe where our embassy was moved to somewhere else under the Patriotic Front (PF) regime. The embassy in Nairobi was in shambles, including the embassies in Addis Ababa, Washington and many other places. All these embassies have just returned to their designated places. Currently, when you go to Addis Ababa and Washington, you will find that the United Party for National Development (UPND) New Dawn Government has restored the embassy after rehabilitation and the staff are now happier in their home, on Zambian soil in those countries, and doing a wonderful job. So, the loss that was there under the past regime has been curtailed. The loss is very clear.

Madam Speaker,  when we were in Ethiopia, we were able to see how much was lost by the previous regime by renting embassy premises deliberately so that people could get kickbacks. So, this is the case in Berlin and it has been clearly outlined in this report. Therefore, they cannot come here to cry about corruption when the corruption they created and left has been fixed by the New Dawn UPND Government. This is not a Government to play with. This is the Government where if you play around with your trickery of theft and the like, you are on your own, as ably put by His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema.

Mr Kambita: Hammer, hammer!

Mr Munsanje: Madam Speaker, the President has been very clear about this message. Therefore, your hon. Members here on your left are highly misguided and misplaced to try and talk about things that have already been managed fully.

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

Mr Munsanje: Madam Speaker, we are having a lot of investigation reports. Some of the people on your left are appearing in the courts of law. They are being investigated and prosecuted. Convictions have been handed down, and some of them have been dismissed from employment for these cases, which are in these reports.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

Mr Munsanje: The same people cried when the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) moved to the Ministry of Finance and National Planning –

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

Mr Chilundika: Madam Speaker, says “Order!”

Mr Munsanje: Oh! Sorry.

Mr Munsanje resumed his seat.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: There is an indication for a point of order by the hon. Member for Bangweulu.

Mr Kasandwe: Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, my point of order is pursuant to Standing Order No. 71. Just to set the record straight, we are considering the Report of the Auditor-General on the Accounts of the Republic for the Financial Year ended 31^st December, 2023. From 1^st January to 31^st December, this is the report we are discussing this afternoon. It has nothing to do with years before 2023.

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Mr Kasandwe: This is one financial year. Is the hon. Member –

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Mr Kasandwe: Madam Speaker, is the hon. Member debating in order to mislead the nation? This is a one-year financial report that is being audited.

Mr Kambita: Learn to read.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Bangweulu, yes, the report says it is for the Financial Year ended 31^st December, 2023, but I am reliably informed that the reports are for two Financial years ended 31^st December, 2023 and also for Financial Years ended 31^st December, 2017 to 2021 …

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: … on outstanding issues.

So, we make progress.

Mr Munsanje: Thank you so much, Madam Speaker. It is important for hon. Members to read the interiors of the full report, understand it and interpret it correctly. They should not just look at the cover. The cover is not everything.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You may continue, hon. Member.

Mr Munsanje: Madam Speaker, this report depicts the corruption and bad expenditures, which were left by the PF regime. Those remnants of their regime, which destroyed this country, are being fixed right now. Like I mentioned earlier, measures have been put in place for public accountability. We have seen the movement of law enforcement agencies to ministries and spending agencies. Arrests have been made. People have been taken to court. Investigations are going on and some have been dismissed and the like. The people who cry even on the Floor of this House are the same people crying about corruption today. When their people, whom they taught corruption, are arrested, they come to this House and start crying loudly. We do not want to tolerate that kind of behaviour because we have now put in place systems and procedures which are highlighted in this report.

Madam Speaker, in supporting this report, we are saying that under the New Dawn UPND Government, we are very confident in what the Cabinet has put in place to restore public confidence and ensure that the matters being raised are attended to. An example is that of the roads being talked about.  In Nabwalya, somebody has been given K36.2 million to go and spend in his constituency and fix his road, but comes here to cry about an issue that he has no control over, leaving an issue which he has control over and that is to fix his road. If he wishes to fix his road in Nabwalya, he has the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), K36.2 million, including K3.6 million specifically for roads given this year by His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema. The President has given all of us K3.2 million to fix our roads.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Munsanje: So, go and fix your roads. Do not come here to cry about things that are not there.

Madam Speaker, with these remarks, the people of Mbabala support his report and wish to ensure that we maintain national accountability for public resources.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, please, mind the way you use the word “crying,” because people out there will think there are hon. Members of Parliament who are crying in this House.

Laughter

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the chairperson, who is the mover of the Motion, as well as the seconder for having articulated themselves very well on the report at hand.

Madam Speaker, the report before us is a nonpartisan document. It demands that we execute ourselves patriotically, and this is within the values that are embedded in Article 8 of the Zambian Constitution. The report before us further speaks to the values that Public Service workers are supposed to uphold, which are also in the Constitution. It also talks about the failure of internal controls and procedural impropriety, the Zambian Constitution, the Public Financial Management Act, the Procurement Act and the Mines and Minerals Act, to mention, but a few. The report before us is a crime scene, and that is the reality.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: A crime?

Mr Fube: A crime scene, Madam Speaker; where a crime has been committed. A scene where a crime has been committed. It is a crime scene before us. This has been demonstrated in the 34 pages of this report. It is very voluminous and very demanding to read, but if we look at pages 1 to 24, all we find there are crimes because the laws are there and what is demanded. We are debating crimes using our oversight role.

Madam Speaker, the reason I said the report before us is a crime scene is that –

Mr Kambita: On a point of order, Madam.

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, can I continue?

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Kindly, use a better word, hon. Member, because you are misleading people out there. It is like we have many crimes in the House.

Mr Fube: No, Madam Speaker. I meant that there are many crimes that have been committed in the report that have not been attended to.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: A report is a report. It is –

Mr Fube: Yes, that is why I am saying it is a crime scene. It is evidence that crimes have been committed. That is what I meant, Madam Speaker, and I was still trying to qualify that.

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

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Zambezi East, we have to close the debate on this report.

Mr Kambita: Madam Speaker, I may look like I am being a nuisance in the House by raising this point of order, but because I am from this very Committee, the Public Accounts Committee, I know the contents of that report.

Madam Speaker, Standing Order No. 71 demands that the information that we give to the public and on the Floor of this House must be factual and verifiable. Is the hon. Member in order to continue on that trajectory, where he calls the report of the Public Accounts Committee a crime scene?

Madam Speaker, I will give you an example. If we have to go to specifics, the Public Accounts Committee visited Turkey. We all know that there are matters in court involving Turkey and they are in that report. The US$65 million issue; we all know about these things. So, we do not want to debate on that trajectory. Is the hon. Member in order to continue on that trajectory, to give insinuations, when matters which he might even be calling crime scenes are actually in court and some people from the Cabinet, in the previous regime, will be getting convicted very soon?

Madam Speaker, is he in order to continue like that? I seek your serious ruling.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member was guided.

So, hon. Member, please, can you change your focus of debate. Just withdraw that phrase and find another one. Replace it with a better word.

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, I will replace it this way. I did not say crime scene without qualifying what I meant. I quoted Acts of Government. If I was given ten more minutes than the time that I have been given, I would point out why I am saying this. Some of the things that have been integrated – I am not accusing anyone. I am really shocked because I have not pointed a finger at anyone, yet I am in firing range.

Madam Speaker, I was saying that procedural impropriety has been mentioned in this report, which under our laws, is a problem, including petty corruption and institutional corruption. Grand corruption, which is a crime, has also been mentioned So, when I said that it is a crime scene, it is just figurative language that I used to qualify what I am saying. I also said that this report demands for patriotism.

Mr Nkandu: You are confusing yourself.

Mr Fube: Yes, I can only confuse myself to you, not myself.

Madam Speaker, if you have seen, the people of Chilubi do not point a finger at anyone. They debate the issue. If I, on behalf of the people of Chilubi can be allowed to go on, Iwill tabulate what I am talking about.

Madam Speaker, on page 81, we have the compensation and award fund. We know that the compensation and award fund was increased from K500,000,000 to K703,000,00 in 2024.  In view of the Sector Budget Committees that we are exposed to, I am aware that even the K703,000,000 is gone. The next report will vindicate me here, that it is gone because figures were just lumped in.

Madam Speaker, the report before us talks about developing proper guidelines to ensure that awards and compensation that have been outstanding for a long period are cleared first. We know that awards and compensation are not being given properly. This is done under the Ministry of Justice. It is true and it is not even anything that we can meander about. It is a reality that compensation and awards are not being given. The report of your Committee has said that those that have been pending for a long period should be considered first, and that guideline should be followed.

Madam Speaker, I know that I have wasted a bit of time because of hiccups, but what I meant is that on page 82, the report says that there is an outstanding loss of public funds of about K11 million through negligence by public workers. I was a District Commissioner (DC) at the point a circular was released that any worker who was going to be negligent would pay using his or her benefits, or either have his or her salary or gratuity or pension cut. However, the Government is taking up this burden. So, that is what I meant by a crime scene.

Madam Speaker, a few days ago, there was a Motion to do with debt swap. When we talk about the failure to collect debt by Government agencies, we are talking about an issue where K66 million has been neglected in a way and they want to put that as a responsibility of the Ministry of Justice. So, Government agencies will overburden the Ministry of Justice.

Madam Speaker, in the interest of time, I was also shocked that under the Food Security Pack, this report is saying, K3 million is too little to be reinvested.

In Chilubi, where I come from, the workers at the ministry can attest to the fact that I attend low level meetings. For instance, I attended a meeting where we discussed the purchase of hammer mills. The public funds that are being wasted are so much and some of that money could be used to purchase hammer mills. There is a need to monitor each and every point when it comes to use of public funds. Otherwise, we will discuss things here, but nothing will change because certain issues have not really been taken into consideration.

Madam Speaker, in the interest of time, I will wind up with a comment on Section 90 of the Mines and Minerals Development Act, which relates to collection of mineral royalty tax. We have been talking about borrowing, yet mineral royalty tax to the tune of K14 billion has not been collected. Who is responsible for that? Who is putting the Government under pressure? All those fare issues that are supposed to be revisited.

Madam Speaker, generally, the delivery of Government services is not being done the right way. As I said, when we look at the number of pages –

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

The hon. Member’s time expired.

Madam First Deputy Speaker:

We need to make progress. I had called on the hon. Member for Chama South to speak, but he was not in the House. I call upon the hon. Minister of Health.

Mr Mung’andu indicated dissent.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: We have to wind up the debate on the report. There is still Committee Stage for a Bill.

The Minister of Health (Mr Muchima): Madam Speaker, I thank the mover and seconder of the Motion.

Madam Speaker, the Committee’s report was about the shortage of ambulances, equipment, maintenance policy, buildings, transportation of patients in vehicles that are not suitable and stock-outs. My hon. Colleagues talked about governance issues as well as the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA).

Madam Speaker, to begin with, allow me to respond to the governance aspect. The Government, through the leadership of President Hakainde, should be applauded by everyone in the country. The moment the President took office, he took the initiative of looking at issues to do with ZAMMSA. When we talk about corporate governance, we talk about transparency and accountability. In this regard, the President wanted ZAMMSA to be accountable. That institution had been in existence for years, and there have been many reports about it, which led to certain cases that we are talking about today. Many issues have been debated here before, such as the ordering of medicines that were about to expire. According to the established standard, newly procured medicines are supposed to have a minimum of 80 per cent shelf life. The President stood tall and called for a forensic audit, and that audit has disclosed a lot of mischief. That mischief is being addressed. As we speak, some people have already been incarcerated, and others are being followed.

Madam Speaker, let me talk about ambulances. We found the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) at K1.6 million per constituency and the President moved it to K36.1 million. Among the achievements of the increased CDF is the purchase of ambulances. There was talk of every constituency lacking an ambulances and the President responded favourably. If we had resources, or if the economy were strong at the time when we took over from the Patriotic Front (PF), every hospital and clinic would have had an ambulance. The PF took over from the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD). With the kind of leadership that we have seen from President Hakainde Hichilema, if we found reserves when we took over from the PF, today every clinic and hospital would have an ambulance. Nonetheless, the President has stood firm and today most hospitals and clinics have medicines at 75 per cent stock levels or more.

Mr Nkandu: Compared to PF!

Mr Muchima: We can compare that to the medicine stock levels under the PF Government. The highest stock level during the PF’s reign was 43 per cent. There was nothing in most hospitals.

Madam Speaker, in addition, the Government has recruited up to 20,000 nurses and doctors. Despite the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the drought and other challenges, the President has maintained that recruitment would continue. Even this year, we will recruit 2,000 medical staff.

Madam Speaker, some things that have been revealed in the Committee’s report are also in the forensic audit report. In this regard, the President is not sitting idly. He said that today’s and tomorrow’s corruption will be firmly dealt with and there will be no sacred cows in the process. That is very clear. As we are all sitting here today, that is very clear in our minds. We are not like the previous Government that shielded corruption. Up to date, most contracts that were awarded under the previous Government have not been delivered, and such corruption will also be investigated. We should not debate just for the sake of political expedience. We should debate based on facts.

Mr Nkandu: You can say that again.

Mr Muchima: The people of Zambia have seen how the Government has moved economic growth from negative two to positive four, going towards positive six. People in neighbouring countries are admiring our country. Everywhere we go, Hakainde Hichilema is a celebrity; he is the person people want to be associated with in every country, including America. Everybody associated with Hakainde Hichilema is a great person. The President does not want corruption; he wants honest people. He wants to deliver on his promises to the people of Zambia.

Madam Speaker, let me talk about the ambulances that were debated by one person here. There are two suppliers for the 156 ambulances.

Hon. Government Members: Not one?

Mr Muchima: Each contractor should deliver 50 per cent of that number of ambulances. So far, the contractors have supplied seventy-six ambulances to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development. Another sixty ambulances were supposed to be ordered, but I cancelled the order. We decided to purchase them through a government-to-government contract because the contract was supposed to be given more than years ago, but the ambulances were not ordered. Today, somebody wants to mislead the people. We have to be factual in our debate. People will find you irrelevant when you say things that are not factual. The hon. Members on the left have been irrelevant for a long time now, and that is why they were kicked out of office. If they have any hope of coming back to power, I can tell them that it will never happen.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muchima: When I was in the MMD, we cheated ourselves that the party would come back to power after it was removed from office. Even the PF should never dream of ever coming back to power. Let us just debate the services to deliver to our people.

Mr Fube left the Assembly Chamber.

Interruptions

Ms Tambatamba: Chilubi, come back!

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, from what I can see, we are on the right trajectory. Things are happening in every constituency. The CDF is at K36.1 million. In some places, the Cash-for-Work Programme is being undertaken. Medicines, ambulances and police vehicles are now available. All those are things that never used to happen before. Zambia has now moved forward. Even as we get into 2026, there is serious hope that Mr Hakainde will deliver even more. The report that Hon. Mwambazi has delivered has confirmed the dirty things that President Hakainde wants to clean up. Zambia is becoming a nice country. It is like how a dirty person is admired after washing and wearing a good suit. That is what Zambia is now. It is a truly beloved country.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muchima: Zambia is wearing a wig and spectacles, nicely walking the streets. Even those who had doubts can now see.

Madam Speaker, let me talk about equipment. We are buying equipment for hospitals every month. We have equipment for the cancer hospitals in Ndola, Lusaka and Livingstone. As regards the issue raised by my hon. Colleague, Mr Mumba, I will go and supply some of the equipment lacking in Mufulira. If we had enough money, every hospital would have the equipment required. 

Madam Speaker, the Zambia Flying Doctor Service is picking up people everywhere. We all know what happened to a pupil who needed help. We do not segregate anybody; we look after the life of every Zambian. The Government does not segregate; look at the composition of Cabinet and Permanent Secretaries (PSs). The Government is balanced in whatever it does. That is the leadership that this country needed.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, that is why there is the word ‘kwenyu’, which I do not understand. I do not know what kwenyu means. What does it mean?

Hon. Government Members: Kwenyu!

Mr Muchima: Eh!

Madam Speaker, we should appreciate the revelations in the Committee’s report. All those who have been mentioned in the report will be followed. Whether the query is for yesterday, today or tomorrow, they will be followed. We have to be serious so that money can go to the right people or used for the right intention. Those who have been mentioned in the report should not start crying when they are arrested. When they are picked up by authorities, they should not cry and bring in tribalism because a thief is a thief.

Madam Speaker, we will go on and on. We should thank this Government for what it is doing. We have nothing to hide. Even with this forensic report, we are doing it this way so that people do not destroy evidence. We shall make reports like that one public. Everyone who is involved and is mentioned will be followed up.

Mr Chisopa: Question!

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, I think that in ten years, Hakainde Hichilema will bring more sanity than what we expected during other Governments.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Before the chairperson winds up debate, I will call upon the Acting hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning to respond.

Hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, you may proceed.

The Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development (Eng. Milupi): Madam Speaker, the arrangement was that I would respond, first of all, as Minister because a number of issues concerning infrastructure came up in the report. So, we needed to report that and then wind up on behalf of the Government. So, do I have that permission?

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Yes, because you are the last hon. Minister to debate.

Eng. Milupi: Sorry?

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You are the last hon. Minister to debate. So, you can go ahead.

Eng. Milupi: Double tobela?

Laughter

Eng. Milupi: Yes. I have two.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Yes.

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, thank you for this opportunity you have given me to respond to the debate.

Madam Speaker, secondly, I would like to thank the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), through the chairperson, Hon. Warren Mwambazi and the seconder of the Motion.

Madam Speaker, as a ministry, we acknowledge the concerns that were raised by the Committee, particularly on the implementation of infrastructure projects, which is our mandate. The Committee’s concerns on delayed completion of projects and the impact on service delivery are shared by my ministry and the Government of President Hakainde Hichilema. This House is fully aware that many of the stalled projects that were subject to the audit were procured by the previous Government, which over-procured projects and failed to finance the completion of many of them. Works on many projects, especially those below 80 per cent, were allowed to stall. That was done by the previous Government with the hope of completing projects that were above 80 per cent. The New Dawn Government remains committed to completing the projects to reduce the loss of public funds. Since coming into office, we have continued to make steady progress in completing the projects and liquidating outstanding debt.

Madam Speaker, the purchase of the office block, which came up in the debate, is an example of the ministry’s breakdown of the due process during the previous Government. The matter has been a subject of court processes resulting in a conviction. So, when people say this is just for the year 2023, it is not true. The matter that is in court concerning my ministry's headquarters happened long before that. The people who have been convicted were in the previous Government, and have nothing to do with this particular Government.

Madam Speaker, to avoid overcommitments, my ministry ensures that procurement of projects is supported by budgetary provisions. Further, the ministry remains committed to implementing the President’s directives of procuring projects at the correct price, delivery and quality. This is aimed at ensuring value for money in the delivery of infrastructure projects. Unlike the previous Government, during which people were doing whatever they wanted, we are under direction from the President and the Cabinet to ensure that when we procure projects, we follow the three critical points so that we look after the resources of the country.

Madam Speaker, my ministry shares the disappointment of the Committee regarding the failure of some local contractors to perform and complete projects. It is working through the National Council of Construction (NCC) to build capacity in our local contractors. My ministry is committed to prudent financial management in line with the policy directives of the New Dawn Government of President Hakainde Hichilema. We require discipline in the management of public finances through zero tolerance of abuse of public resources, misapplication and misappropriation. In that regard, my ministry has undertaken decisive corrective measures, where necessary, to address some of the ills cited by the Committee, including the dismissal of erring officers. I heard the people on the opposite side say that no one has been shown the door. Contrary to that, many have been dismissed, and are going through judicial processes. In the case of erring contractors who abandoned works, my ministry is working with the Ministry of Justice, through the debt recovery unit, to recover any advance payments made to contractors. The New Dawn Government is committed to fostering a culture of accountability and service delivery that places the Zambian citizen at the centre of infrastructure development.

Madam Speaker, while we acknowledge that past weaknesses existed, we are not in the business of apportioning blame. For example, a lot has been said about the embassies. Let me tell the House that during the previous Government, for example, officers from that Government moved with money in briefcases to procure services for maintenance work that was required for our Embassy in Abuja. Similar to what the House heard about the Turkish Embassy, but those were small amounts. We are resolved to continue working with this House and its Committees in strengthening oversight and ensuring that every Kwacha spent delivers value for the people. My ministry will provide periodic progress assessments to this House.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the ministry, I thank you. 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Eng. Milupi (on behalf of the Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane)): Madam Speaker, may I begin by commending PAC for diligently considering the report of the Auditor-General, in line with its mandate as provided under Order No. 204 of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024.

Madam Speaker, allow me to also express appreciation to the Office of the Auditor-General for effectively fulfilling its constitutional and statutory mandate in promoting sound management of public resources, accountability and transparent reporting. This important role is anchored in the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016, the Public Order Act No. 13 of 1994, and the Public Finance Management Act No. 1 of 2018.

Madam Speaker, may I now provide some feedback on some of the comments and concerns raised by the Committee.

Lack of Adherence to Laws and Regulations

Madam Speaker, ensuring adherence to laws and regulations begins with building the capacity of all public officers in the area of public financial legislation. Strengthening their knowledge and understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks is essential for effective enforcement of internal controls and promoting accountability within the public sector. In 2024, and continuing into 2025, the Government undertook a series of targeted capacity-building programmes across ministries, provinces and agencies. The initiatives aim to equip public officers with the necessary skills and awareness to uphold the principles of sound financial management, ensure compliance with relevant laws and reduce the risk of irregularities, misuse of public funds and other Government deficiencies.

Wasteful Expenditure, Misapplication of Funds and Theft or Loss resulting from Negligence or Criminal Conduct

Madam Speaker, this Administration is deeply concerned of the instances of wasteful expenditure, misapplication of funds and theft or loss resulting from negligence or criminal conduct. In accordance with Section 11(1) (j) of the Public Finance Management Act No. 1 of 2018, which outlines the general responsibilities of controlling officers, all controlling officers are mandated to prevent such irregularities.

Madam Speaker, the Government has further revived the Internal Audit Oversight Committee at the Cabinet, whose objective is to deliberate on recommendations from findings in the internal audit and Auditor-General’s reports in a bid to achieve zero audit queries, continuously improve governance structures and enhance performance and accountability of ministries, provinces and agencies (MPAs). This has been done to alert controlling officers, in the main, and these are Permanent Secretaries (PS) in ministries and provinces who hold two appointments. The first one is the appointment from the Head of State, as PS or heads of institutions, and the second is the appointment from the Secretary to the Treasury, who appoints them as controlling officers. That is a very serious appointment and all controlling officers must take that seriously because it is through adherence to this appointment that will result in looking after the resources of this country.

Failure to Implement Effective Revenue Collection Measures

Madam Speaker, the Government has implemented initiatives to ensure enhanced management of revenue by introducing direct banking methods of revenue collection, including the Government Service Bus (GSB), and counter services and point of sale services provided by commercial banks.

Madam Speaker, as the House may be aware, the responsibility to collect, receipt, bank and report on tax and non-tax revenues has been delegated to the MPAs as provided in the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016, and the Public Finance Management Act of 2018, among others.

Madam Speaker, notwithstanding the aforementioned efforts and to further support the delegated responsibility, the Government, through SMART Zambia, has continued to automate revenue payment systems via the GSB and payment gateways. These digital reforms aim to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in revenue collection while eliminating leakages. As part of these reforms, as of 21^st July, 2025, a total of 340 public services have been integrated onto the GSB, significantly improving the effectiveness of non-tax revenue collection and service delivery. These services are accessible via the ZamPortal, where members of the public can make payments through various electronic channels, including visa and master card, mobile money payments, online banking payments and cash payments.

Madam Speaker, in November 2024, the Government also launched the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) based payment channel on Zamtel Mobile Money to increase the accessibility of public services, particularly in underserved areas. Further, to safeguard public funds, the Government conducts quarterly monitoring of revenue-collecting institutions to ensure that revenues are properly accounted for in line with applicable laws, regulations, and circulars.

Failure to Follow Procurement Procedures and Contractual Obligations

Madam Speaker, this Administration is fully committed to ensuring that all Government contracts are managed with efficiency and effectiveness expected by the people of the Republic of Zambia. To streamline the procurement process and reduce bureaucracies, the Government has devolved the clearance of specific contracts to selected MPAs. Allow me to reiterate the position of the Government, which is that procurement should be done at the right price, for the right quality, and in accordance with existing legislation.

Madam Speaker, let me reaffirm that the Government is dedicated to ensuring that all procurement procedures and contractual obligations are fully observed. To support this, the Government has continued to orient MPAs in public financial management and procurement legislation, empowering them to establish and maintain effective internal controls throughout the procurement cycle.

Madam Speaker, the Government remains committed to reinforcing these measures. It is our considered view that through enhanced training and strengthened in internal controls, we will significantly reduce irregular payments and ensure full compliance with the procurement laws and procedures.

Finally, Madam Speaker, allow me to commend this Committee for its continued dedication and diligence in providing critical oversight on the use of public funds. Its work is indispensable to the achievement of sound public financial management and the promotion of good governance. I speak as a former Public Accounts Committee chairperson in the Tenth National Assembly.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I will call upon the Acting hon. Minister of Energy. Debate under four minutes. Not that your comments are not important, but we are behind time.

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts (Mr Nkandu) (on behalf of the Minister of Energy (Mr Chikote)): Madam Speaker, thank you very much. I will be very brief.

Madam Speaker, I wish to thank you most sincerely for allowing me to say just a few remarks on the Report of the Public Accounts Committee on the Report of the Auditor-General on the Accounts of the Republic for the Financial Year ended 31^st December, 2023. Let me also thank the mover of the Motion, Hon. Mwambazi, and the seconder, Hon. Sabao, Member of Parliament for Chikankata, for a well-thought-out report.

Madam Speaker, let me just say that some of the issues that were raised by our colleagues on your left need to be answered. This Government will never sweep any dirt under the carpet. That is why this time around, you are able to see some of these issues being raised. There is a tendency in this House now, whereby people mislead the nation; they tend to go outside the House. They say that as long as issues have been raised and people have heard them, that is enough. I think that is not how we are going to debate in this House. Let me now respond to some of the issues.

Madam Speaker, some of the hon. Members on your left brought out irrelevant issues such as the issue of taxes, which was not part of the report, the issue of not having roads and water in their constituencies, and so on and so forth. These are the people who were in the Government not too long ago. They could not construct roads for their people or supply water to their people. They were showing us very good roads on television. Some of us were shocked that the Northern Province was portrayed to have better roads, which we could not see. It was all propaganda. Today, they cannot say that there is bad governance. What are we going to learn from the people who used to gas our citizens, could not observe the rule of law, and could not give our citizens what they were looking for? Victimisation and harassment were the order of the day. So, when they say they can provide some skills on good governance, we tend to wonder where they will get these skills, because they do not have them.

Madam Speaker, having said that, let me tackle some of the issues that were raised in the report. We acknowledge the Committee’s observations and recommendations on the lack of business continuity and disaster recovery plan. We need to have a risk management system in place, and address the overstatements made to suppliers of petroleum products and loss of funds due to questionable contract clauses.

Madam Speaker, I wish to inform you that with regards to the business continuity and disaster recovery plan, the plan has since been developed by the ministry and is currently operational. The plan can be accessed on the Ministry of Energy website.

Madam Speaker, may I also report that my ministry developed a risk register and a risk policy with guidance from the Ministry of Finance and National Planning. These documents are expected to be finalised before the end of the third quarter of 2025.

Madam Speaker, the ministry has taken note of the Committee’s recommendations regarding the loss of funds due to questionable contract clauses and we will, therefore, ensure that in any future contracts, we use actual densities at delivery as stipulated.

To this end, Madam Speaker, my ministry is implementing measures to ensure that the issues that were raised are dealt with as recommended. We are doing this by tightening our internal controls to promote financial accountability and integrity.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mwambazi: Madam Speaker, let me take this opportunity to thank my hon. Colleagues who have contributed to the debate on this very important report. Hon. Members, both from the right and left, have brought out important pertinent issues.

Madam Speaker, let me take this opportunity to thank the Acting hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning for promising to ensure that some of the issues, which have been highlighted in this report, are addressed. The Government intends to take mitigation measures to ensure that it fosters accountability and good governance. The hon. Minister of Energy and the hon. Minister of Health have highlighted some of the processes under the Ministry of Health and what they intend to do as it were to ensure that the Public Finance Act No. 18 of 2018 is not obligated, and also ensure that accountability measures are adhered to as it were.

Madam Speaker, I thank you and I beg to move.

Question put and agreed to.

_______

BILL

HOUSE IN COMMITTEE

[THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the

Chair]

THE BUILDING SOCIETIES (Amendment) BILL, 2025

Clauses 1 and 2 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Title agreed to.

_______

HOUSE RESUMED

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

The following Bill was reported to the House as having passed through Committee without amendments:

The Building Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2025

Third Reading on Wednesday, 23^rd July, 2025.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

_______

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to.

_______

The House adjourned at 1846 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 23^rd July, 2025.

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