Thursday, 24^th 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 PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA

 

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

 

Hon. Milton Muwuma Kalulu               -             Member of Parliament, and Chairperson Uganda Parliamentary Alliance on Food and Nutrition Security

 

Mr Kizito Ssendowooza                      -             Co-ordinator, Uganda Parliamentary Alliance on Food and Nutrition.

 

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

 

Thank you.

 

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM GREAT NORTH ROAD ACADEMY

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of pupils and teachers from Great North Road Academy, Lusaka District.

 

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

 

Thank you.

 

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM GEMSTONE ACADEMY

 

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

 

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

 

Thank you.

 

VISITORS FROM NKEYEMA PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of visitors from Nkeyema Parliamentary Constituency.

 

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

 

Thank you.

 

MEMBERS OF THE EMERITUS PARLIAMENTARIANS OF AFRICA

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to acquaint the House with the presence, in the Speaker’s Gallery, of the following Members of the Emeritus Parliamentarians of Africa, Lusaka District:

 

Hon. Dr Michael Kaingu                      -             President

 

Hon. Annie Chungu                             -             Vice-President

 

Hon. Kenneth Chipungu                       -             Treasurer

 

Hon. Prof. Geoffrey Lungwangwa        -             Secretary-General

 

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

 

Welcome back to the House, although you are now strangers.

 

Thank you.

 

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URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

 

MR FUBE, HON. MEMBER FOR CHILUBI, ON ENG. NZOVU, HON. MINISTER OF WATER DEVELOPMENT AND SANITATION, ON WATER PROBLEM IN CHILUBI

 

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, on an Urgent Matter without Notice.

 

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

 

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me an opportunity to raise an Urgent Matter without Notice on behalf of the people of Chilubi.

 

Madam Speaker, for some months now, there has been problems of water supply in Chilubi, specifically in Chilubi Island. There are three parts of Chilubi. The problem of water supply is so torturous. Chilubi Island has the highest concentration of Government workers or technocrats, in short. The technocrats, who come from all sorts of areas, should enjoy working conditions just like anyone. I think that we should not waste their time by having them use buckets to fetch water from the lake, and that water may not even be treated. I fear that any time soon, we may have a waterborne disease outbreak. I do not know whether the hon. Minister of Water Development and Sanitation is aware of the problem. It has been compounded by continuous disruption of electricity. The water infrastructure was created some time back, so its capacity has proved to be smaller than the population on the island now. The problem may sound light as I speak about it, but it is life threatening today.

 

Madam Speaker, I seek your ruling on that particular matter.

 

Madam Speaker, my matter is directed to the hon. Minister of Water Development and Sanitation.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much, hon. Member for Chilubi. For a matter to qualify to be admitted as an Urgent Matter without Notice, it must be raised within twenty-four hours from its occurrence. From what you have said, the matter has been ongoing for some months, so it is not a recent occurrence. Also, hon. Member for Chilubi, the hon. Minister of Water Development and Sanitation is there; he is willing to discuss. He has kept his office door open for hon. Members to engage him. So, hon. Member for Chilubi, please, engage him. I hope that you provided the two sites for boreholes that we asked for because that will help to resolve the issue. Hon. Member for Chilubi, it appears you have not even done so. It will not happen within two days; it takes some time. So, please, engage the hon. Minister. Go to his office, have a cup of tea. Take chibwantu, if you know how to make some.

 

MR KASANDWE, HON. MEMBER FOR BANGWEULU, ON MRS NALUMANGO, HER HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT, ON AMBULANCES NOT BEING HANDED OVER TO CONSTITUENCIES

 

Mr Kasandwe (Bangweulu): Madam Speaker, on an Urgent Matter without Notice.

 

Madam Speaker:  An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

 

Mr Kasandwe: Madam Speaker, my matter is directed to the hon. Minister of Health. Since he is absent, I direct it to Her Honour the Vice-President.

 

Madam Speaker, hon. Members seated here receive calls almost on a daily basis from their constituents, asking them to assist in transporting patients from health facilities in the peripherals to the centre. This morning, when I went to the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supply Agency (ZAMMSA) to do my own business, I was shocked to find ambulances procured through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). One ambulance was labelled ‘Bangweulu Constituency.’

 

Madam Speaker, I need your guidance on why the Ministry of Health is keeping ambulances that have already been delivered. Those ambulances should be used in our constituencies to deal with referrals.

 

Madam Speaker, I seek your indulgence.

 

Madam Speaker: Clearly, again, that matter does not qualify to be admitted as an Urgent Matter without Notice. Again, like I guided the hon. Member for Chilubi, the hon. Minister of Health and Her Honour the Vice-President are here. Let us engage them. If the ambulances are there, then, that is good news. We were hearing that ambulances have not been delivered; so, they are at the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supply Agency (ZAMMSA). You can just engage the hon. Minister. Ask him when the ambulances will be delivered; it is that easy. I do not know why we want to complicate these issues. We do not want to discuss and interact with each other. We are one House. We are one Government. Let us interact for the benefit of the people whom we represent. I am sure that that is not a big task to do, hon. Member for Bangweulu. You can engage the hon. Minister.

 

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QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

 

NUMBER OF MOTORCYCLE-RELATED ACCIDENTS RECORDED COUNTRYWIDE

 

391. Ms S. Mwamba (Kasama Central) asked the Minister of Transport and Logistics:

 

1. how many cases of motorcycle-related accidents were recorded countrywide, as of March 2025;

 

1. what measures the Government is taking to ensure that motorcycle riders are trained and licensed before they start operating on public roads; and

 

1. what other interventions are being taken to reduce the occurrence of motorcycle accidents and avert a rise in the number of deaths, and loss of property.

 

The Minister of Transport and Logistics (Mr Tayali): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that 682 road traffic crashes involving motorcycles were recorded from January 2025 to 31^st March, 2025. The crashes resulted in eighty-nine fatalities, 321 serious injuries and 355 slight injuries.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government is implementing the following measures to ensure that motorcycle riders are trained and licensed before they start operating on public roads:

 

1. motorcycle riders undergo both practical and theory examinations before a licence is issued to operate on public roads. The examinations conducted by the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) cover the Zambian Highway Code, defensive driving, proper safety equipment use and safe road use practices;

 

1. enhanced enforcement and monitoring to ensure compliance with road safety, particularly around motorcycle registration, helmet use and licensing; and

 

1. mobile registration of motorcycles and licensing of riders with the most recent exercise conducted in Kanchibiya, Mpika, Lavushimanda, Shiwang’andu, Chinsali, Isoka and Shibuyunji districts.

 

Madam Speaker, the other interventions that the Government is undertaking to reduce the occurrence of motorcycle accidents are:

 

1. engagements with traditional and civic leaders in rural areas to raise awareness on safe motorcycle use, with the most recent engagements held in Chipata, in the Eastern Province, and Kanchibiya, in Muchinga Province;

 

1. sensitisation campaigns on motorcycle safety, highlighting the importance of being licensed, and the use of helmets in preventing head injuries and saving lives. So far, parts of the North-Western Province, Muchinga Province, the Southern Province and the Eastern Province have been sensitised; and

 

1. motorcycle safety training programmes aimed at reducing motorcycle-related road crashes, covering essential areas such as defensive driving, proper safety equipment use and safe road use practices.

 

Madam Speaker, the programmes are conducted in collaboration with partners, such as the Zambia Road Safety Trust (ZRST), World Vision, Zambian Breweries, the North-Western Motorbike Association and Yango Zambia, targeting delivery riders and trainers. Two programmes have been conducted since late last year with a recent one held in Chisamba.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Kafwaya and Mr Kasandwe conversed.

 

Madam Speaker: Before we proceed, hon. Member for Lunte, you can approach the hon. Member for Bangweulu and consult quietly because we can hear you talk loudly from here, the front.

 

Ms S. Mwamba: Madam Speaker, thank you very much for this opportunity you have given me to ask a follow-up question.

 

Madam Speaker, the response that the hon. Minister has given seems perfect, but what is prevailing on the ground is very sad, especially in border towns like Nakonde and Kasama. There are many illegal young riders. He mentioned Yango Zambia, which we do not have in rural areas. So, motorcycles are now part of the taxi sector. There is a need for stronger collaboration between his ministry, the Zambia Police Service and the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA).

 

Madam Speaker, my question is: Can the hon. Minister inform this House on any upcoming legislative or regulatory reforms that are being considered to reduce motorcycle-related fatalities as well as improve road discipline among riders? There is even a ward at Kasama General Hospital dedicated to cyclists and passengers. Overloading is rampant and there is no safety.

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I concur with the hon. Member on the fact that motorcycles, as a new form of transport, indeed, have brought serious challenges. It is quite a new phenomenon to our country, and I am afraid it is a phenomenon we cannot do away with. There would be no need to bring in fresh legislation. Laws already exist to ensure that those who take up motorcycling, as a form of personal transport as well as transport for others, simply comply. The hon. Member has referred to this problem as being particularly rife in border areas, and that is a true reflection of what is happening on the ground. Even as she referred to a specific ward at Kasama General Hospital that has been dedicated to people brought in with injuries as a result of motorcycle accidents, Kasama is not peculiar. We have other similar situations. There is also a ward at Chipata General Hospital now referred to as Gatoma Ward, where they also respond to injuries that are a result of motorcycle accidents.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member will do well to learn that in other jurisdictions like Uganda, they have gone beyond mere wards. There are whole hospitals dedicated to nothing but motorcycle accidents. We, as a ministry, are working very closely with RTSA to ensure that we enforce the laws and educate people. As I stated in my earlier answer, we are also using traditional leaders, such as the collaboration we recently held with Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Eastern Province, who is equally concerned. He gave all the necessary support to RTSA so that we could move in and do that which was required, including impounding a total of 850 motorcycles. That was not just done for punitive measures, but for the sake of inviting the riders to come through so that we are able to check their compliance levels regarding the use of helmets, licensing and ensuring that the motorcycles that they use are duly registered.

 

Madam Speaker, in border areas, the problem, like I said, is quite rampant because some of the ways used to acquire motorcycles are unconventional. Sometimes, it is through trade. Once people have taken goods across a particular border, they end up in a barter system and come back with a motorcycle and, perhaps, a few pennies. So, my ministry is working very hard to raise the compliance levels by constant engagement and education.

 

Madam Speaker, you will be shocked to learn that in some instances, the riders do not even know the meaning of the three colours on traffic lights, which are red, amber and green. Even when the traffic lights are red, a motorcyclist will attempt to cross and end up being bashed. That is very sad and we are doing something about it. We shall escalate the matter to ensure that the scourge of motorcycle crashes is nipped in the bud.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mabeta entered the Assembly Chamber and started chatting with an hon. Member.

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Kankoyo, is that how you enter the House?

 

Mr Mabeta took his seat.

 

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

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister outlined several measures that the ministry is trying to take to ensure that motorcycle accidents are reduced. We frequently drive from Lusaka to the Copperbelt. We have observed that the impunity is getting out of hand, whereby a motorcyclist is even failing to sit properly because of having behind him a toddler, a wife with a baby on her back and katundu at the far end. That makes it very uncomfortable and dangerous. The hon. Minister has talked about measures that the ministry is trying to put in place. Maybe, one of the measures that we would want to hear from him are the fines involved. Are the fines so light that they are not deterring would-be offenders? What are the fine structures for motorcycle riders like? For motor vehicles, the fines are enough to deter would-be offenders. Is the hon. Minister able to share with this House and the country the fine structure for motorcycle riders?

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for the question. However, I just want to say that the hon. Member has asked a very specific question, which is outside the spirit of the question on the Floor. I would advise him to follow up with us, either through RTSA or my office, so that those details can be availed. At the moment, I am not able to give those specifics.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Madam Speaker: I just want to encourage hon. Members to, please, be precise and to the point as you ask questions. There are so many hon. Members who want to ask questions. Let us not debate or attempt to answer our own questions.

 

Mr Chisanga (Lukashya): Madam Speaker, apart from overloading on motorcycles, one of the contributing factors to repeated accidents is a lack of safety for the riders themselves as well as passengers. Usually, we see riders without helmets, including their passengers. What has been so difficult in enforcing the rule that one cannot ride a motorcycle as well as carry passengers without both wearing helmets?

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I think that the hon. Member states a very notorious fact that we need to enhance enforcement on. Perhaps, we are running low on staffing levels in terms of Road Traffic Inspectors (RTIs). I am sure that he has heard me on the Floor of the House and in the news media, urging RTSA that we need to move to the next level of bringing in honorary RTIs to help us beef up the manpower required for the enforcement of traffic rules.

 

Madam Speaker, the other problem is that RTSA is normally present on trunk routes; routes between towns and cities. Most of the accidents happen on township roads, where we have to work in collaboration with the traffic section of the Zambia Police Service. The hon. Member states a very obvious fact of safety. We actually ensure that a motorcycle comes with two sets of helmets. It is a requirement by law that motorcycles ought to be sold with two sets of helmets. Unfortunately, even when people have the helmets, they do not use them. That is why we must not relent, but continue with the sensitisation and awareness campaigns. People need to know that the helmets are not there as a luxury, but a necessity to help us save lives. So, we are going to continue to focus on the need to escalate awareness and training.

 

Madam Speaker, some people think they can simply walk into a motorcycle store and pick up one as though they were picking up a bicycle. They need to realise that a motorcycle is actually a vehicle and it is operated very differently from a bicycle. So, we are working with suppliers of motorcycles to ensure that we find a way to prevent motorcycles from being sold to anyone, unless the buyer produces a rider’s licence. I think that that will go a long way in helping us curb motorcycle accidents.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Ms S. Mwamba: Madam Speaker, compliance seems to be a major challenge when it comes to motorcycle riders. There is low use of helmets and reflective gear, overloading, lack of licensed riders and unlicensed motorcycles.  There is also a lack of knowledge on the Highway Code despite motorcyclists using the road in conjunction with other road users. I want to find out from the hon. Minister what public awareness campaigns the ministry is undertaking in rural areas, especially is areas with a high prevalence of accidents, and how enforcement is being handled.

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for that follow-up question. However, if she had been paying attention, she would have known the response to that question because I had given the details in my response to part (c) of her main question. For avoidance of doubt, I shall repeat. The other interventions that the Government is undertaking to reduce the occurrence of motorcycle accidents are:

 

1. engagements with traditional and civic leaders in rural areas to raise awareness on safe motorcycle use, with the most recent engagements taking place in Chipata in the Eastern Province and Kanchibiya in Muchinga Province. We are also conducting sensitisation campaigns through the education department of RTSA.

 

Madam Speaker, we are going out to try and bring awareness to people who are using motorcycles.

 

Madam Speaker, perhaps, for –

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I need your protection.

 

Hon. Members: From whom?

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Please –

 

Mr Tayali: From hon. Colleagues who are disturbing the good flow of ideas.

 

Madam Speaker: Ehe!

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I was about to give a major pronouncement that one of the things that we are doing to raise awareness is that sometime in September this year, Zambia will be a host to what we are calling the Mosi-oa-Tunya Rally, in which we will have several riders from the region and beyond. Some are coming from as far as Dubai and Saudi Arabia. We will have close to a thousand bikers who will descend on Livingstone through Kazungula. The bikers will ride from Kazungula into Livingstone. From Livingstone, they will ride to Lusaka. As Minister of Transport and Logistics, I happen to be one of those Ministers who have since acquired a motor bicycle for the sake of this awareness.

 

Hon. PF Members: Ah!

 

Laughter

 

Mr Tayali: So, I, too, will ride with the bikers from Livingstone all the way to Lusaka ...

 

Hon. PF Members: Ah!

 

Mr Tayali: … as a way of raising awareness. Therefore, as we cross every town along the route, we shall be inviting some of the Gatoma riders to come and be part of this programme, which will be a regional event, and we hope that eventually, it will become annual so that we can put Zambia on the map, as a country that is promoting road safety insofar as motorcyclists are concerned.

 

Madam Speaker, without pre-empting, the hon. Minister of Tourism will also be part of the programme. The hon. Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development has also recently acquired a motor bicycle.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I am told the hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts is in the process of acquiring one, but he is rather scared that it may not be safe, but we are encouraging him to also be part of this campaign.

 

Mr Mweetwa: What about Anthony Mumba?

 

Laughter

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I will not speak on behalf of Hon. Anthony Mumba because we do not know which size of a motor bicycle he would be comfortable on, but we can look around and find something suitable.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much for putting a smile on all of our faces. I am also considering getting one motor bicycle …

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: … and joining the race. Thank you.

 

Let us make progress.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Chibombwe (Bahati): Madam Speaker, I will also acquire one so that I can join the hon. Minister of Transport and Logistics.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Chibombwe: Madam Speaker, there are so many unregistered motor bicycles operating in our border towns, and most of them are procured from foreign jurisdictions.

 

Mr Twasa: From Gatoma.

 

Mr Chibombwe: No, I do not want to mention that name.

 

Madam Speaker, I want to find out what mechanisms the ministry is putting in place to ensure that only motor bicycles that are registered are allowed to conduct business on our roads? There are so many young riders; young boys riding these motor bicycles.

 

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

 

Madam Speaker, in my previous responses, I stated that we are trying to formalise the working relationship with suppliers of motor bicycles. As a matter of fact, the suppliers ought to have a duty to not sell motor bicycles unless a buyer has produced a rider’s licence. This will go a long way in preventing the current spate of motor bicycle accidents we are witnessing on our Zambian roads.

 

Madam Speaker, Prior to my coming to Parliament, I met the managing director and owner of Gatoma, and we discussed this problem. We are also sharing ways and means of ensuring that we reduce the number of accidents, but also derive the benefits that can come out of a cheaper mode of transport for some of our people using motor bicycles.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Ms Sefulo (Mwandi): Madam Speaker, we have seen in other jurisdictions or other countries how the introduction of motor bicycle transport ends up becoming a nuisance. I think, the hon. Minister might have seen the countries I am referring to, but I will not mention them, where the roads become very dangerous because there are so many motor bicycles.

 

Madam Speaker, having learned those lessons from those countries, what are we doing, as a country, to make sure that this mode of transport does not get to the level where it becomes a nuisance and a danger on our roads?

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Mwandi for the supplementary question.

 

In response, I wish to state that we are not focusing on those jurisdictions where motor bicycle riding has become a nuisance. We are looking at jurisdictions where there is co-existence in terms of the use of roads.

 

Madam Speaker, countries like Tanzania have so many motor bicycles, yet there are very few accidents because of respect for other road users. This is what training for our riders will entail. That they are not the only users of the roads and that they must respect other road users, including pedestrians.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: The hon. Member for –

 

He has withdrawn.

 

 I thought he was the chairperson of the Committee on Transport, Works and Supply. Hon. Member for Shangombo, you may proceed.

 

Mr Mubika (Shangombo): Madam Speaker, as much as I appreciate the response from the hon. Minister, I got worried when he said that whoever is going to purchase a motor bicycle is required to have a license.

 

Madam Speaker, I know that people like my brother, Hon. Sikumba and the hon. Minister of Agriculture have farms and so, they can procure motor bicycles for their workers. So, how are they going to handle such situations?

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I will simply put it that it will be essential that every motor bicycle rider obtains a license. Whether that motor bicycle will end up being used at a farm, even there, there will be other people who may be endangered by the reckless use of such a motor bicycle. I do not think that we should discriminate. It is not always that riders may be confined to a farm. They may have to go out on one or two errands. So, in order for us to fix this problem, which is here to stay, and get rid of motor bicycle crashes, we have to ensure that we are trained and obtain licenses just like motor vehicle drivers.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you, very much.

 

Still, so many people have indicated. Please, be precise and to the point because we have other orders on the Order Paper which we need to attend to. Hon. Member for Lufubu, you may proceed.

 

Mr Kolala (Lufubu): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has done a lot in terms of sensitisation and we appreciate it. However, when you see these questions always coming, just know that the problem is so huge on the ground. These people are so careless such that it is like they do not even care about their lives, and they are endangering other people’s lives.

 

Madam Speaker, is there anything urgent that the ministry can do to ensure orderliness among the motor bicycle riders? They must begin doing the right things and following the rules on the road.

 

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

 

Madam Speaker, one of the very urgent interventions I referred to in my response was the impounding of the motor bicycles to the extent that our people in the Eastern Province, Chipata in particular, tried to revolt by actually trying to protest. We are so delighted that we worked together with traditional leaders like Inkosi Yama Khosi Chief Mpezeni. We also worked with the Eastern Province Provincial Administration through the hon. Minister. Through unity with the Office of His Worship the Mayor, our people eventually realised that what we were doing was for their own sake. Out of that exercise, 850 motorcycles were impounded, 473 motorcycle owners have since complied with the law. People came forward to obtain licences for their motorbikes as well as riding licences. To date, only 377 people are still in the process of regularising their motorcycles.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr S. Banda (Petauke Central): Madam Speaker, motorbike transportation has become a cheap mode of transport, is the Government in a position to design motorbike lanes and stations alongside the main roads as one way of curbing motorbike accidents?

 

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Petauke Central for that question.

 

Madam Speaker, we are dealing with a very specific question dealing with motorcycle accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities. The hon. Member would do well to file that question to the relevant ministries, those that design road infrastructure, like the Ministry of Housing, Infrastructure and Urban Development through the Road Development Agency (RDA) and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.

 

 Madam Speaker, thank you.

 

_______

 

MOTIONS

 

REPORT OF THE PLANNING AND BUDGETING COMMITTEE ON THE 2024 ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EIGHTH NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

 

Mr Chaatila (Moomba): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this House adopts the Report of the Planning and Budgeting Committee to consider the 2024 Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) for the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, laid on the Table of the House on Tuesday, 22^nd July, 2025.

 

Madam Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

 

Mr Mumba (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

 

Mr Chaatila: Madam Speaker, in line with Standing Order No. 204(4) of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, which details the functions of the Planning and Budgeting Committee, the Committee reviewed the 2024 Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the 8NDP. The year 2024 represented the third year of executing the plan, which outlines Zambia's strategic direction in the period 2022 to 2026.

 

Madam Speaker, allow me to remind the House that reviewing the implementation of the 8NDP offers a unique chance to evaluate progress toward Zambia's long-term goal of becoming a prosperous middle-income country by 2030. It also allows the House to consider the current trends that may influence the achievement of the vision, and thereafter, make necessary recommendations for effective implementation.

 

Madam Speaker, from the outset, I wish to highlight the Committee's major concern, that is, the substantial financing gap that hindered the effective implementation of the 8NDP in 2024. This challenge was compounded by the impact of the 2023-2024 drought, leading to the failure to achieve key output targets across the four strategic development areas. As hon. Members are aware, the four strategic development areas are:

 

1. Zambia's economic transformation and job creation;

 

1. human and social development;

 

1. environmental sustainability; and

 

1. good governance environment.

 

Madam Speaker, the 8NDP had a projected expenditure of K171.9 billion in 2024, of which only K50.9 billion was allocated, leaving a significant shortfall of about 70 per cent or K121 billion. The shortfall in funding may compromise the effective execution of the plan through to 2026 and therefore threaten the attainment of the long-term vision, which is the Vision 2030. The Committee, therefore, strongly recommends that the Government fully aligns future financing with the proposed Budget. It also recommends that the Government strengthens domestic resource mobilisation activities by broadening the tax base and ensuring tax compliance. The Committee also strongly recommends that the Government focuses these resources on strategic priority sectors with the greatest potential to spur economic growth. It is not sustainable to spread limited resources thinly across main areas. Instead, resources should be channelled to areas where they will have the most meaningful impact.

 

Madam Speaker, a key lesson reported in the 2024 Annual Progress Report is unrealistic target setting. It is acknowledged that some of the targets set in the implementation plan were overambitious, which affected the credibility and quality of performance reporting. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Government sets targets that are realistic, achievable, and measurable, reflecting the country's economic landscape. Regular reviews must be undertaken in collaboration with all stakeholders, including line ministries, civil society and co-operating partners to ensure that the set goals remain aligned with the national priorities and realities on the ground.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee noted that in order to enhance the effective implementation of the plan, it is crucial for the Government to have in place a robust monitoring and evaluation mechanism. Such a system will play a vital role in assessing the progress made towards set targets, identifying existing challenges and recommending timely corrective measures to address those challenges.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee is aware of the monitoring and evaluation framework contained in the implementation plan. The Committee, therefore, wishes to urge the Government to ensure that the framework is made more effective.

 

Madam Speaker, another matter of concern of the Committee was the issue of illegal mining. According to media reports, there is an increase in the prevalence of illegal mining and unsafe mining activities across our country. These operations continue to cause serious environmental degradation, economic losses and tragic loss of innocent lives. Of particular concern is the encroachment of illegal mining in areas reserved for agriculture, such as the Nansanga Farming Block, threatening both food security and land use planning. To address this, the Committee strongly recommends that the Ministry of Minerals Development strengthen enforcement mechanisms to curb these illegal activities. In addition, the Committee urges the Government to swiftly operationalise the Minerals Regulation Commission to enhance oversight and, ultimately, improve governance and regulation in the mining sector, and recommends the formalisation of artisanal small-scale miners to enable them to positively contribute to domestic revenue through tax compliance. Alongside this, the Committee calls for enhanced co-ordination between miners and co-operatives within the mining sector as well as sustained investment in capacity building and value addition. These measures will support the integration of small-scale miners into the formal economy and boost domestic resource mobilisation.

 

Madam Speaker, Zambia remains vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This factor was painfully evident when the country was hit by a severe drought during the 2023/2024 Rainy Season, leading to a significant reduction in agricultural output, thereby, negatively affecting the country’s food security. Critical sectors, which are vital to our economic growth, such as agriculture and energy, are now increasingly threatened by unpredictable weather patterns and climate shocks. Despite environmental sustainability being one of the strategic development areas in the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), this key tool for building resilience remains severely underfunded. The funding gap limits interventions such as the rollout of critical early warning systems for our farmers. The Committee, therefore, calls for increased financial provision towards climate change prevention, adaptation and mitigation in addition to recruitment and capacity building of camp extension officers in climate-smart agriculture.

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

The hon. Member's time expired.

 

Mr Chaatila: Madam Speaker, with your indulgence, I need one more minute.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee also encourages the promotion of climate-resilient crops and diversification beyond maize so that our farmers are better protected against future shocks.

 

Madam Speaker, lastly, the good governance environment pillar under the 8NDP is not a formality; it is the backbone of economic transformation, justice and the rule of law. Without it, development is unsustainable. A key concern is the low completion rate of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects. Of the 2,974 projects planned, only 595, or 20 per cent, were completed. That was mainly due to challenges the local contractors faced with the new electronic Government (e-Government) procurement system. This highlights the need for technology to support, not hinder, service delivery. The Committee, therefore, recommends targeted capacity building for local contractors to improve project completion and fulfil the promise of decentralisation.

 

Madam Speaker, I urge this honourable House to support these recommendations by adopting the report of the Committee. I would also like to appeal to all hon. Members to continue working collectively to ensure that Zambia's development trajectory remains on course.

 

Madam Speaker, allow me to thank you and the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia for affording us the opportunity to serve on this important Committee. I also wish to thank all the stakeholders who appeared before the Committee to comment on the 2024 Annual Progress Report on the implementation of the 8NDP. Let me also thank the members of the Committee I serve as chairperson for affording me the opportunity to move this Motion.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

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

 

Mr Mumba: Now, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, I rise to second the Motion, effectively presented by the chairperson of your Committee, urging this House to adopt the Committee’s report on the 2024 Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).

 

Madam Speaker, as hon. Members may be aware, the planning process in Zambia is provided for in the National Planning and Budgeting Act of 2020. Submission of an annual report on the implementation of a national development plan is one of the requirements of the Act. It is in light of this that the 2024 Annual Progress Report was submitted to the National Assembly of Zambia and, subsequently, referred to the Planning and Budgeting Committee for detailed consideration. With the introduction of Sector Budget Analysis in the National Assembly, it is the right time to begin a conversation on how all parliamentary oversight Committees can be involved in scrutinising annual progress reports on the implementation of national development plans. That will enable Committees to be well-informed as they examine annual budget estimates that are referred to them.

 

Madam Speaker, the mover of the Motion has touched on some key issues that your Committee observed when considering the 2024 Annual Progress Report. I will highlight some of those key issues. The electricity supply challenges that we are faced with, which were brought about by the drought experienced during the 2023/2024 Rainy Season, impacted various sectors and adversely affected the implementation of the 8NDP. The electricity power shortage has exposed our country’s over-reliance on hydropower and revealed the vulnerability of key sectors, such as mining, agriculture and manufacturing, to electricity supply disruptions, which have negatively impacted production, put jobs at risk and reduced economic output. That highlights the urgent need for Zambia to adopt a more resilient and diversified energy strategy. Your Committee, therefore, urges the Government to scale up investment in alternative energy sources, especially solar, wind and thermal. The efforts will help lessen our dependence on hydropower, strengthen energy security, attract Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), stimulate new industries, create employment and promote sustainable economic growth.

 

Madam Speaker, your Committee commends the Government for the progress made in the tourism sector. The country recorded 2.2 million international arrivals in 2024, which was short of the 3 million target set for 2026. The 35 per cent growth from the previous year reflects commendable strides, largely driven by eased visa requirements and improved marketing strategies. While Zambia celebrates this achievement, it must stay on course and not become complacent. Your Committee believes that more can be done to position the country as a leading global tourist destination. To do this, increased investment in tourism promotion is critical, as greater visibility on the international stage will boost foreign exchange earnings, which in turn can help fund infrastructure improvements across the sector.

 

Madam Speaker, domestic tourism has not yet been fully harnessed. Your Committee, therefore, urges the Government to enhance local tourism by improving access to tourist sites by having better road infrastructure. The country should capitalise on this momentum, diversify tourism products and ensure that both international and local travellers are encouraged to explore what Zambia has to offer.

 

Madam Speaker, successful implementation of any national development plan depends on having financial resources. Your Committee has observed that implementation of the 8NDP has faced numerous challenges, chief among them being significant financing gaps across the various strategic development areas. The funding shortfalls have hindered the achievement of targets. It is clear that failure to allocate sufficient funds strikes at the heart of our nation's future. Without sustainable financing, our dreams of economic transformation and job creation may remain out of reach. Therefore, your Committee strongly recommends that the Government puts in place robust measures to enhance domestic resource mobilisation by broadening the tax base, such as formalisation of the informal sector. Enhanced domestic revenue will, therefore, contribute to sustainable and predictable budgetary releases, which is essential for the successful rollout of the 8NDP interventions.

 

Madam Speaker, alongside those challenges is the pressing issue of illicit financial flows. That scourge drains billions of United States (US) Dollars from our economy every year, which could otherwise be invested in the development of the country. The Committee is concerned about the damaging impact that illicit flows have on the ability of the country to mobilise resources domestically and to finance its development agenda sustainably. In light of this, the Committee recommends that the Government should strengthen co-ordination among relevant agencies, namely the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), law enforcement agencies as well as the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to aggressively combat illicit financial flows.

 

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, allow me to join the mover of the Motion in urging this House to adopt the report of the Committee and to thank you for affording us the opportunity to serve on that important Committee. I also wish to thank the hon. Members of your Committee for affording me the opportunity to second the Motion.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

 

As the seconder was on the Floor, I saw indications from hon. Members that he was reading and that it was a violation of Standing Order No. 64(6). I have observed a tendency by seconders of Motions to read speeches. I do not know if there is a need to amend that Standing Order because it is being violated. We will see in future, but it is up to you, hon. Members.

 

I have been informed that the hon. Member for Lumezi is ready to render his maiden speech.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Ngoma (Lumezi): Madam Speaker, thank you for according me this opportunity to deliver my maiden speech in this august House.

 

Madam Speaker, it is with deep humility and gratitude that I rise to represent the good people of Lumezi Constituency, one of the most rural, yet resilient, areas in the Eastern Province. In this regard, I would like to thank the President of the Republic of Zambia, who is also the President of the United Party for National Development (UPND), and the entire party leadership and structures at the ward, constituency, district, provincial and national levels for the support they rendered to me as their candidate. Further, I would like, in particular, to thank my provincial chairman and his team for the role they played to make sure that victory was earned. I would also like to thank those who voted for me and those who did not vote for me.

 

Hon. Government Members: That is the spirit.

 

Mr Ngoma: Madam Speaker, as the Member of Parliament for Lumezi, I pledge to work hard to spearhead development for all the people.

 

Madam Speaker, may I also thank my wife for being with me, my family and friends, who stood with me throughout the by-election.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Ngoma: Madam Speaker, I would also like to give special thanks to His Excellency the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, who had previously appointed me as a District Commissioner (DC) to serve in Chasefu District and, finally, Lumezi District in the Eastern Province.

 

Madam Speaker, allow me to commend the New Dawn Administration under the able leadership of His Excellency the President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces …

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Ngoma: … for the bold efforts in transforming the governance and development landscape of our country, Zambia. The increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF), promotion of decentralisation and emphasis on transparency and accountability have given renewed hope to the people at the grassroots levels. Those reforms are timely and commendable and they have the potential to unlock inclusive development for rural constituencies like Lumezi.

 

Madam Speaker, my election as a Member of Parliament on the UPND ticket is a show of confidence by the people of Lumezi in the visionary leadership of His Excellency the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema. The people of Lumezi, therefore, are expectant that this hardworking Government will address some of the key challenges that my constituency continues to face and require urgent attention.

 

Madam Speaker, let me now address the issue that continues to threaten the safety, food security and livelihood of the people in Lumezi; human-animal conflict. I am aware that human-animal conflict affects a number of constituencies across the country, especially in rural areas. In communities across my constituency, people live in constant fear of elephants, lions and other wild animals that destroy their crops, attack livestock and endanger human lives, sometimes leading to loss of life.

 

Madam Speaker, let me also mention that during the by-election in Lumezi, about four people lost their lives because of human-animal conflict. The problem is particularly acute in the valley regions that lie adjacent to Luambe and Lukusuzi National Parks, as well as the Lumimba Game Management Area (GMA). The communities in those areas require protection urgently. During the rainy season or farming season, night after night, farmers must sleep in their fields to protect their crops from elephants.

 

Madam Speaker, three chiefdoms in Lumezi share a border with the Kasungu National Park in Malawi. The authorities on the Malawian side have properly secured their side of the national park to avert human-animal conflict. As an elected Member of Parliament, I will collaborate with the relevant Government authorities and line ministries to put up similar infrastructure to protect our people and their livelihoods. I have no doubt in my mind that this caring Government will do everything possible to secure and protect the lives of the people who overwhelmingly voted for us in 2021 and have continued to vote for us. The people of Lumezi stand ready to co-operate with the Ministry of Tourism to seriously attend to that devastating matter, which has existed for a very long time, and also affects the people of Chipangali Constituency and Lundazi Constituency.

 

Madam Speaker, it is my desire to work to build infrastructure and enhance service delivery. As I earlier stated, we must not forget the human element of development. Empowering our people is very important. We have to take advantage of the goodwill of President Hakainde Hichilema, who has increased the CDF to generous equal proportions in all the constituencies. Using that avenue, I will closely work with Government departments, civil society organisations (CSOs) and other stakeholders in the district to emancipate the most vulnerable of our populations, particularly women, youths and persons with disabilities. This is essential for creating an inclusive and sustainable future for Lumezi, in line with the vision of President Hichilema and the New Dawn Administration.

 

Madam Speaker, women in our communities are the backbone of families and agricultural activities. Women in Lumezi require various empowerment programmes to help them establish viable businesses and improve household incomes. Lumezi has many talented youths who are energetic and full of potential. It is my duty, therefore, to ensure that every citizen of Lumezi is seen, heard and supported in their day-to-day endeavours.

 

Madam Speaker, I reaffirm my commitment to serve the people of Lumezi with integrity, dedication and purpose.

 

Mr Kampyongo: Question!

 

Mr Kapyanga: Amataba ya DMMU

 

Hon. UPND Members: Quality

 

Mr Ngoma: I will work hand-in-hand with substitutional leaders, local authorities, civil society and all the Arms of Government to ensure that Lumezi is not left behind in line with Zambia's Development Agenda.

 

Mr Lubozha: Ema speech aya!

 

Mr Ngoma: Madam Speaker, time has now come for the elevation of Lumezi. The President is working very hard to develop Zambia, and Lumezi will now not be left behind. With the United Party for National Development (UPND) in control, Lumezi is now in the right hands.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Ngoma: Lumezi is now safe.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kang’ombe: Ulebwelelapo iwe!

 

Mr Ngoma: The future of Lumezi looks bright, and Lumezi is now headed for development.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kang’ombe: Ulebwelelapo iwe! Ebaume aba!

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members! We have a lot of work before us, and there are so many indications. So, hon. Members, we continue and make progress.

 

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Madam Speaker, thank you so much. I would like to appreciate my brother, Hon. Fred Chaatila, for moving this Motion. Let me also appreciate Hon. Anthony Mumba for reading his seconding notes.

 

Madam Speaker, the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government made the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) by itself as a basis of delivering development to the Zambian people. Last year, 2024, this is the review of this Assembly in terms of what it achieved in implementing the 8NDP.

 

Madam Speaker, if you come with me to page 34 of the report, under your Committee's observations and recommendations, you will see that your Committee is saying that in 2024, there was a severely low budget allocation to the implementation of the 8NDP. The plan was to deliver K171.9 billion. The UPND Government only delivered K50.9 billion, and that is just 30 per cent of what it had planned to deliver.

 

Madam Speaker, this resulted in a financing gap of K120 billion. Now, K120 billion less is 70 per cent off the mark. You plan high, you allocate low, but you expect to deliver developmental objectives. I find this expectation very unfortunate. If there are any Zambians out there who expect that the UPND can deliver the 8NDP, they should listen to the 2024 plan. It is 70 per cent off the mark. This is extremely poor.

 

On page 36, Madam Speaker, your Committee is now saying, “Urge the UPND Government to curb illicit financial flaws”, and that in 2024, the UPND allowed over US$3.5 billion to fly out of this country. When the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) did the assessment, it found that it was a loss of more than US$1 billion in taxes.

 

Madam Speaker, how do you have the Government allow over US$3.5 in a year to fly out of the country when you are borrowing? You allow a country to lose US$1 billion in taxes, but you are overtaxing people, including mobile money transactors? Then, in 2025, you say we will add even mishanga sellers to this taxation; those who sell cigarettes. It is very unfortunate. This country is under siege by the misgovernance of the UPND Government.

 

Hon Government Members: Question!

 

Mr Kafwaya: Madam, this is a report from the National Assembly of Zambia. This report I am reading is not from my home. It is not from anybody's home. It is from the National Assembly of Zambia, and these are facts. In fact, this very year, 2025, another report has come out. Before the year ends, we are already talking about more than US$3.5 billion. What will the amount become at the end of the year when your Committee will be reviewing the performance in 2025? What illicit financial flows is your Committee going to report? This is unfortunate for our country. If you came with me to Page No.37, you would find where your Committee is recommending that the need to establish the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH), as a mining company, by legislation so as to enable the Zambian people to participate in mining. Let every investor who comes to this country in this sector come only with less than 50 per cent shares so that 51per cent shares go to ZCCM-IH.

 

Madam Speaker, we are talking about this recommendation at a time when the UPND has given away 51 per cent shares for nothing to foreigners. Fifty-one per cent shares of Mopani Copper Mines have been given away for nothing. The Government got nothing from that, but just delivered the shares. Can you say this Government can be advised, Madam, and that it can follow advice? I feel very bad when I talk about these things because the shares for Mopani Copper Mines have already gone. Bring those shares back. Give them back to ZCCM-IH.

 

The Committee headed by my brother, Hon. Chaatila, is not unreasonable. This is very reasonable. Ensure that ZCCM-IH becomes an investor in the mining sector, and it has recommended 51 per cent as a minimum, Madam Speaker. Then, the revenue in the mining sector will not be lost in the manner we are seeing. Do you know that even Mopani Copper Mines, which was under liquidation– the nomenclature will inform you that practically, it was not liquidation, but some other form, has also been given back to Vedanta Resources Plc. What are people saying in Chingola? What are people saying? Vedanta is doing nothing. One hon. Minister was saying I was healthy, but the negotiations with Mopani Copper Mines and Vedanta Resources Plc made me start taking blood pressure (BP) medication.

 

Madam, where did you see hon. Ministers begin to transact business? In which Government in this country have you ever seen hon. Ministers negotiating business deals? It is only in the UPND Government. This is a self-confessed hon. Minister, who is now on BP medication because of negotiating deals which are so bad. The Government has been negotiating deals to give away 51 per cent shares and deals to bring back Vedanta Resources Plc, which the people now want to chuck out. Do you see that, Madam? I feel extremely bad when I make comments on these matters because it is painful. From year one, this is year four now. We have been talking about these matters, and the UPND cannot change. The UPND cannot listen. What are we going to use to communicate with the UPND for it to transform and begin to think about the Zambian people?

 

Madam Speaker, this report is talking about load-shedding. It is talking about the fact that this particular implementation period could not be achieved because of load-shedding. We have been saying the Government should stop exporting power. The hon. Minister of Energy is here all the time when we tell our colleagues, lekeni ukushitisha ama light kufwalo fimbi, which means stop exporting power to other countries. They cannot listen. The only thing we hear is no, the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) is going to sell one million metric tonnes and then, the hon. Minister comes to refute or say that the board chairperson was misled. What type of Government are you? Cinjeni inshita naipwa. This Government must change.

 

Hon. Government Members: Question!

 

The hon. Member’s time expired.

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Let us make progress.

 

Mr Chinkuli (Kanyama): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to add my voice to the debate, on behalf of the people of Kanyama.

 

Madam Speaker, I just want to look at the challenges that the Government has faced from inception, vis-à-vis the non-funding of the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP). I do not know whether to call the situation unfortunate or a disaster of some kind. To date, we have not healed from the effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which spread up to around 2022. Unfortunately, climate change issues also came into effect and threatened the food security of the country. The energy and agricultural sectors were not spared. Now, you will realise that without agriculture, which is one of the main generators of funds, the economy will not be okay. So, it is incumbent upon the Government to prioritise which programmes to fund.

 

Madam Speaker, at the time when a national disaster was declared, people went without meals. Now, even though the Government had already planned which programmes to support, it had to look at the well-being of the people it serves. So, certain priority programmes needed to be funded in order to protect people’s lives.

 

Madam Speaker, let us look at where we are coming from. The country is laden with high levels of debt. Now, what has that got to do with the economy? Definitely, it slows down the economy of a country. If you look at the debts that were acquired, you will see that they were in foreign currency. Now, the moment our currency is weak, the cost of servicing the debt increases. It is incumbent upon the Government to ensure that funds are sourced from other areas to pay the debts, lest the Government is held accountable in the event that it does not repay the debt. High levels of debt also significantly impact development, economic growth and service delivery. Debt leads to increased debt service costs, and that has an effect on public spending on sectors such as education and health.

 

Madam Speaker, we may talk about the Government being careless. I would have been one of those people talking about the Government not funding certain programmes, if we had not had unforeseen issues such as drought. At times, I question where the Ministry of Finance and National Planning finds money for programmes such as Cash for Work. This programme was not in the plans of the Government, but it was introduced because of some of the challenges we experienced, as the Government intervened in the hunger situation to save people’s lives. So, some issues leave me wondering. Now, when you look at these issues from outside, you will castigate whatever the Government is doing. That is why they say, ‘Ing’anda baikumbwa umutenge. I think, someone can translate.

 

Mr Twasa: Meaning what?

 

Mr Chinkuli: Some people say that a house looks bright from the outside, but from the inside it is somehow dark.

 

Madam Speaker, have we realised how the Government managed to curb the spread of cholera, something which was not budgeted for? The issue of –

 

Mr Katakwe: Especially in Kanyama.

 

Mr Chinkuli: Yes, especially in Kanyama and other affected areas.

 

Madam Speaker, when people are outside the Government, they demand that certain issues be dealt with. They say that they want this or that, knowing that the Government is mandated to provide those services. However, they do not see the challenges that the Government goes through. So, I want to thank the Government for prioritising matters. Despite whatever is happening, whether drought or debt, the Government is focused on developmental programmes that will help it to raise some funds so that other programmes can be funded.

 

Madam Speaker, I support the Motion.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, what we are discussing is a compass of our national development. Since it is a compass of our national development, it needs to reflect the seriousness that we stand for, as a country.

 

Madam Speaker, the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) has four Strategic Development Areas (SDAs). Out of the four SDAs, on behalf of the people of Chilubi, I will choose to talk about two of them. I realise that this particular plan is backed by the National Planning and Budgeting Act No. 1 of 2020, and I will take that into account in my debate.

 

Madam Speaker, today, I will try to talk in point form. In the 8NDP, there was a plan to deliver mechanised farming under the Economic Transformation and Job Creation pillar. One of the plans under this pillar was to deliver 2,500 tractors to farmers. However, zero tractors were delivered. There was also a plan to help small-scale farmers access funds to mechanise their operations. The plan was to help 4,025 farmers, but delivery was negative 4,025. Under the same pillar, we have been singing the song of economic diversification. Agriculture offers an opportunity for us to diversify our economy so that we may have many traditional exports to join copper. However, we have not yet achieved that dream, and we do not seem to be achieving it.

 

Madam Speaker, under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), we scored a positive variance of 20,431. According to the data, three million farmers are supposed to benefit. This is an artificial positive variance.

 

Madam Speaker, it is said that the devil is in the details. When it comes to the mining sector, the 8NDP talks about citizen participation so that they can add value to the economy. Even our planning is cockeyed, meaning that there is something wrong with it. For instance, we planned that we should build one refinery under the first pillar in the 8NDP. To me, that is value addition, as the refinery will create employment. The score on that item is zero.

 

Madam Speaker, we planned to give gold mining licences to about six co-operatives. What did we achieve? We issued 408 licences, with a positive variance of 402. We should not rejoice about that kind of planning because it is cipante pante, meaning that we are not establishing our targets properly. There is something wrong with our technocrats who planned this. We cannot plan for six licences and then give 400. That is not planning. It is not a score. Let us not even rejoice. We planned to register 100 mining-related co-operatives, but we registered 266, with a positive variance of 166. That is equally cipante pante because we should have projected what we needed to get out of the same. Out of such initiatives, we are now talking about value addition, which should be looking at how the mining companies that are registered are adding value so that the people of Zambia can have some meaning. We planned to establish one mineral trading centre, but we failed to score. That is why I am calling the numbers cipante pante. We failed to maintain the target of six regarding licences for gold mining co-operatives, we scored 408, which does not make any sense to me. We planned to formalise only fifteen artisanal co-operatives, and we scored 150. This artisanal target was also supposed to respond to market linkages, and we planned for four market linkages. When we have a positive variance of 130 on the artisanal arrangement, but score zero out of four on market linkages, that is not a good picture.

 

Madam Speaker, we released 85 per cent of the money that was allocated towards the good governance pillars. If the people who formulated the pillars are in this House, they should listen, as that was poorly done. It did not capture what goes into good governance. The details on page No. 29 of the report are a sorry sight. Apart from good governance, there are details on other things like the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) which, according to this report, has not performed well because of the electronic Government (e-Government) procurement system, which we all condemned because it disadvantages the locals.

 

Madam Speaker, my heart is saddened when I read development outcome number two, which is improved rule of law, human rights and constitutionalism. As it stands, when we talk about democracy, there is no democracy in this country. Where is the Opposition? They are suppressed. We do not hold any rallies. The Bill of Rights which, among other things, accommodates freedom of expression and freedom of association in Article 20, moves in the pockets of an Inspector-General (IG). When Dr Kaunda was under –

 

Ms Kasune: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Fube: Alo!

 

Madam Speaker, can I be protected from that character.

 

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised by the hon. Minister of Justice.

 

Hon. Minister, what is your point of order?

 

Ms Kasune: Madam Speaker, Standing Order 71 of 2014 clearly states that an hon. Member who is debating on the Floor has to be factual.

 

Mr Simumba: Artificial Intelligence (AI)!

 

Interruptions

 

Ms Kasune: This is not Artificial Intelligence. I am real.

 

Madam Speaker, I need protection from Hon. Kampyongo.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member who is debating is insinuating that freedom of expression and freedom of opinion have been reduced under our Government. Yet, he cannot show us evidence of that. For example, media houses were closed down during the Patriotic Front (PF) Government, but that has not happened in this Government. The hon. Member continued by also alleging that there are no Opposition political parties. That is not our issue. They have become disorganised and gone into oblivion at their peril. The PF Government has failed to come back. Why should the hon. Member blame it on the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government when his Government failed?

 

Madam Speaker, I need your serious ruling, and for the hon. Member to substantiate where the freedom of speech has gone. Media houses are free because of what we have created under good governance and the rule of law.

 

Madam Speaker, I seek your serous ruling.

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, as we debate, let us try to be factual, in accordance with our Standing Orders. Standing Order 71 is clear. So, let us not speculate or bring in assumptions when we are debating. Let us be factual.

 

Hon. Member for Chilubi, you may continue but, please ­

 

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, before I was interrupted, I was ­

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Chilubi!

 

Mr Fube: Sorry!

 

Madam Speaker: The problem is that we do not listen. I have not finished giving guidance.

 

So, I was saying, hon. Member for Chilubi, that we should be factual. What you said about some Inspector-General (IG) carrying the Bill of Rights in his or her pockets is not factual. Let us not be dramatists. Let us be factual.

 

You may continue.

 

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, before I was interrupted, I was saying that whereas we have the Bill of Rights on one side, we have introduced draconian laws that are acting as lawfare, and are stepping on the rights of the people of Zambia. I am referring to the Cyber Security Act and the Cyber Crimes Act which, in this case, have put a toll on the freedom of expression. We have seen how Government agencies have interfered with the freedom of association of political parties. Cap 119 of the Laws of Zambia is under capture because people are deciding who should be a member and president of a political party on behalf of a given political party. That is not good practice in a democracy like ours, which was introduced through the Amendment of Article 4 by Dr Kenneth Kaunda. I think, the station we have reached is a dangerous one, and we have to review it.

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

The hon. Member’s time expired.

 

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, it is not good.

 

Madam Speaker: Your time is up, hon. Member. Thank you very much for your debate.

 

Mr Kamboni (Kalomo Central): Madam Speaker –

 

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

 

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

Hon. Members, we have two Motions and Bills in committee stage pending. So, this will be the last point of order I will allow because we are running behind time.

 

Hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, what is the point of order?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, the standard rules in this House dictate that we should not debate ourselves. While I was seated and going through this report so that I could also contribute, I heard the hon. Minister of Justice mention my name, and that she needed protection from me. The country knows that the hon. Minister needs protection from Artificial Intelligence (AI) because she is a subject in a very interesting debate, which is now public knowledge. She is a subject, and I thought she would be asking for protection from AI. Is she in order to ask for protection from me, an innocent Member of Parliament, while I am going through the report so that I can contribute to the debate on the Floor?

 

I seek your serious ruling, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam Speaker: We are losing time with all these points of order. I do not know, maybe, it is to give the House a lighter moment.

 

Hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, I believe that the hon. Minister of Justice was seeking protection because you said something while she was on the Floor of the House raising a point of order. That is why your name was mentioned. As one hon. Member is on the Floor debating or raising a point of order, other hon. Members should listen quietly instead of debating or interjecting. That is why the hon. Minister was in order to seek the protection of the Presiding Officer to stop the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu from breaching our Standing Orders. Let us make progress.

 

Hon. Member for Kalomo Central, please, proceed.

 

Mr Kamboni: Madam Speaker, if one is looking for guidance or knowledge on which to be lectured, one does not go to somebody who failed to run an economy. Someone who plundered an economy and failed to service national debt cannot come and lecture us on good economics. For me, such people have no moral right. One of the two previous speakers is the former hon. Minister of Transport and Communication, but he failed to take a single communication tower to his constituency. Yesterday, he was complaining that some people in his constituency do not have communication network, but he was the hon. Minister of Transport and Communication. One must first be exemplary and have integrity to actually lecture others. Yes, in the running of an economy, there are flaws that happen.

 

Madam Speaker, this Government has made so much progress. When are people going to say thank you? Currently, we are talking about minerals. The Government has increased the volume of minerals that are being mined. The sales have shown that. What are the economic indicators? The Kwacha has gained but some people are not seeing that.

 

Madam Speaker, the previous Government talked about free education, which it lamentably failed to fulfil. Our hon. Colleagues said that it would not work. It is working and they are no longer talking about it now. When they talked about the price of mealie meal, the Government told them that it had to first invest in production, but they argued. We now have proper economic policies.

 

Mr Fube started walking out of the Assembly Chamber.

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

 Hon. Member for Chilubi, you are supposed to listen. Wait and listen to the debate.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Can you resume your seat and listen to the debate.

 

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, I am going to answer the call of nature.

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: Okay.

 

I do not know where the hon. Member for Lunte has gone. He raised a few issues, but he has then disappeared. How will he know the responses?

 

Hon. Government Members: He has ‘runned’ away.

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: May the hon. Member for Kalomo Central continue.

 

Mr Kamboni: Madam Speaker, the Patriotic Front (PF) ran the most corrupt Government Zambia has ever experienced. It is true. It is still on record. That is why the people removed it from power. I will give one example. The road from the traffic circle on the Great East Road, one going to the airport and the other going to Chipata, was supposed to be a dual carriageway. What happened to that project? What also happened to the US$360 million meant for improving ZESCO Limited? What happened to the Eurobond that went to the Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL)? Today, some hon. Colleagues want to stand here and lecture us on economics when we have made so much progress. They have no moral right.

 

Madam Speaker, US$30 million was allocated for the Ndola/Lusaka Dual Carriageway, but nothing was done. The previous Government had even exaggerated the price of its construction to over US$1 billion. Today, those who served in that Government can come and lecture us on economics? They need to go somewhere else. No! Sometimes they go too far.

 

Madam Speaker, every country has prisons. I am not saying the people who are running this Government are saints or angels. There will be, yes, people who will make mistakes, but the law will catch up with them. For this Government, what is the difference? In the PF Government, when people plundered, they were actually promoted. They were not punished depending on who they were. If they belonged to the PF party, they were above the law. For us, anyone who plunders is on their own. It does not matter whether one is from the United Party for National Development (UPND) or not. The law will visit them. That is the way to run a Government. So, regarding that issue, the Government has done very well.

 

Madam Speaker, I will talk about the situation in my constituency. Under the PF Government, I received zero desks. Now, I have made desks for all the schools in the constituency. Is that not progress? Under the PF Government, I never bought anything for the council, not even simple tools. We have now bought a grader worth US$140,000, a drilling rig to drill boreholes and a compactor. Is that not progress?

 

Hon.  Government Members: Kwenyu!

 

Mr Kamboni: Those who are disputing can ask me how many classroom blocks I built under the PF Government. It is zero. Under the UPND Government, I have built more than eight classroom blocks and more than six laboratories in schools. So, what are they talking about? We have graded more than 200 km of gravel roads. That is progress that is improving human life.

 

Madam Speaker, I think, some people need to rebrand. Sometimes, they should think about and see how much damage they have done to society. They cannot always come here to say things, forgetting about what they did. They say that they have changed, yet they have not. They are still the same people. I cannot get on a bus driven by a driver whom I have seen crashing more than five buses. It does not make sense. That example is the same as what those in the previous Government did. They now expect us to follow their economics. When they were in Government, they said that they would borrow and borrow, regardless of what happens. What happened now? We are now in a bad situation and the same Government that they do not appreciate is cleaning up the debt they accumulated. The Government is working very hard and having sleepless nights because of trying to clear the national debt. Sometimes, they should learn to say, “Thank you very much”. They are equally benefiting from the goodies of this Government.

 

Madam Speaker, the Chibuluma Road and Ndola Road have been rehabilitated, but our hon. Colleagues do not appreciate that. How I wish the Ndola/Lusaka Dual Carriageway, currently being constructed by the Government, was in my constituency. I would be very grateful. I would be singing praise every day. However, those who are benefiting from such facilities do not appreciate them. All they do every day is to twist information. Their propaganda is very dangerous. It needs to be curbed. The propaganda they are using does not even offer any alternative policies. They are always using propaganda and twisting information using artificial intelligence (AI) to say things that are not correct. Leadership is about having integrity and using facts and then, people will judge. If every day one does not say what is correct, one day, when he/she says something correct, no one will believe it.

 

Madam Speaker, we need to come up with alternative policies that Zambians are able to see. The good vision of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is being criticised. How do we go on like that?

 

Madam Speaker, for me, this Government has done very well. It has worked for the people and that is the way it should be. Everyone is benefiting from free education. Under the PF Government, farmers in my constituency were given two bags of fertiliser per person. In the region where members of the previous regime came from, they were giving eight bags per person. All that segregation is gone now. Everyone is treated equally. The CDF is now given to everybody. When our friends were in Government, the CDF was only give to Cabinet hon. Ministers. Even when it came to paying the chiefs, those who were not liked were not given the allowances. What kind of segregation is that? Our hon. Colleagues should learn to say, “Thank you”. I hope they have understood that.

 

 Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Hon. Members: Komboni Radio!

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: There is an indication from the hon. Member for Mwense. He is joining us virtually. Is he ready to join the debate? I am almost winding up. If he is not ready, I will give the Floor to the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu.

 

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to debate the Motion on the Floor.

 

Madam Speaker, your Committee’s report brings out very interesting issues. I will focus on two issues, which are on page 36.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee raises an issue regarding domestic resource mobilisation. Under that topic, there are some recommendations and one of them is stated as follows:

 

“The Committee observes that the 8NDP has faced many challenges, among them huge financing gaps for the various SDGs. Failure to allocate sufficient funds has affected the attainment of targets set in the 8NDP. This will negatively impact Zambia’s attainment of the Vision 2030 of becoming a prosperous middle-income nation by 2030.”

 

Madam Speaker, that is what the report states. I think, as hon. Members, we should find time to dissect the Committee reports, which are very critical and mean well for this country’s development. It does not pay to apportion blame or finger-point because the report is very clear on what is required to be done.

 

Madam Speaker, when a plan is not sufficiently funded, it is as good as not being in place. That is because one can plan, but only plan to fail. Every plan depends on how much resources will be allocated to achieve the set targets. If the report is saying we have insufficiently funded the plans, we are as good as not starting anything. Some reasons are avoidable. For example, the report is talking about curbing and addressing illicit financial flows. Your Committee observes the following:

 

“Africa loses an estimated amount of US$88.6 billion each year through illicit financial flows, representing about 3.7 per cent of the continent's GDP. In Zambia’s case, the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) flagged suspected illicit financial flows exceeding US$3.5 billion, approximately K99 billion in 2024, and preceding years.”

 

Madam Speaker, if this does not concern us, the people’s representatives, then, I do not know. If anything, this is where the challenge is. If we can allow these huge sums of money to slip out, and then, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning comes to this House to request for a Supplementary Budget because he cannot find resources to fund his Budget lines as approved by this august House, then, it becomes a big challenge. This is where we need to put our efforts together and ensure that the money needed to help the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning is put in place.

 

Madam Speaker, the report talks about the mining sector. I am surprised that the Government responded that it has put in place measures to formalise the small-scale mining activities. I have lamented here, and I have always used my local language adage, which says, “Umulembwe wachipuba, upwila muli tumfwe.’’ This means that the whole pot of okra prepared by a foolish person finishes by tasting it before the main meal. That is what is happening in this country.

 

Madam Speaker, if we cannot account for the gold being mined by small-scale miners, but instead, all the Government does is to be reactive and goes to shoot people who are fending for their lives, then I do not know. I have lamented before that the responsibility of the Government is to ensure that the natural capital endowed in this country is preserved and exploited for the betterment of its people. If we cannot account for who is mining gold in Shiwan’gandu, Mpika, Mufumbwe and Rufunsa, how can we be surprised when we see a plane laden with millions of dollars with bars of gold in another plane at the airport ready to transact, and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)is not anywhere near? What sort of a country are we running?

 (pointed at the hon. Minister) How else are we going to get resources to give that Minister of Finance and National Planning to run the nation?

 

Madam Speaker, last week, he came to this House to cut expenditure from budget lines, totaling K10.9 billion in the name of savings. We all know that no one can declare savings in the middle of a fiscal year. We need to do things correctly.

 

Madam Speaker, this report has highlighted the issues I am raising. Year in and year out, the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) report talks about financial flaws. Our financial institutions are facilitating the externalisation of resources made for the Zambians, yet no one is held accountable. The Government is saying it will only buy 500,000 metric tonnes of maize from the farmers. If it could only get a quarter of the K3.5 billion and inject it into the farming sector, all farmers would be happy and productive, but instead, we let the money go. Today, our farmers are sleeping at depots in the cold weather. They sleep at depots for more than two weeks to sell ten bags of maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), but the FRA says it does not have enough money.

 

Mr Sing’ombe: Question!

 

Mr Kampyongo: You are questioning! That is why you do not receive special missed calls.

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, all I am saying is that the Government should do what it is supposed to do. We are all part of the Government. I am highlighting these issues because I am concerned. Our people are looking up to us to find solutions to the challenges they are facing, day in and day out. We are speaking to these issues because we know we are also affected. The hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning should take heed of the recommendations from the report, especially where it talks about curbing illicit financial flows. It is in the report. I am not speaking from nowhere.

 

Madam Speaker, with these few remarks, I commend your Committee for the job well done. The members of the Committee are being patriotic Zambians.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you.

 

Mr Anakoka (Luena): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity to debate the report ably presented by my hon. Colleague, the chairperson of the Committee and seconded by Hon. Mumba.

 

Madam Speaker, the people of Luena would like to use this opportunity to focus on a few areas of the report. The Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) has a number of strategic development areas (SDAs). Each strategic development area has development outcomes included under it. I would like to highlight the three SDAs, which are economic transformation and job creation, human and social environment and environmental sustainability. However, I would like to just focus on the economic transformation and job creation. The three development outcomes under SDAs are an industrialised and diversified economy, enhanced citizen participation and a competitive private sector.

 

Madam Speaker, to understand the progress that has been made thus far, it is important to ask ourselves that: Where have we made progressed? Where did the current Government start from? Let me give a quick reminder of where the current Government started from.

 

Madam Speaker, when people are talking about the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) Report, I wish to remind them that where we are coming from, the FIC was almost abolished.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Anakoka: Madam Speaker, when people discuss the missed economic growth in terms of gross domestic product (GDP), we wish to remind them that we are coming from a negative economic growth. Maybe, they do not appreciate the impact of the negative economic growth on an economy. It means the economy is shrinking. It is getting smaller and smaller. If it were a human being, he/she would grow from the small size of my brother, the hon. Member for Dundumwezi to a bigger size of my brother, his neighbour, the hon. Member of Parliament for Katombola. That is what was happening to the economy as we were getting into 2020. We had defaulted on payments of our external obligations, as an economy, the Eurobond. The information is there for everybody to see.

 

Madam Speaker, the high and reckless borrowing undertaken by our erstwhile hon. Colleagues when they were in the Government is the foundation of where we are coming from. This is just a reminder. Domestic borrowing in Treasury Bills and Government Bonds stood at K24 billion in 2016. By 2021, when the people of Zambia said, kuya bebele to our hon. Colleagues, which means go, and go for good, they left the current Government with a debt obligation of Treasury Bills and Government Bonds of K192 billion. A huge part of that borrowing happened between 2016 and 2020. They cannot run away from it because numbers do not lie. So, it is that base from which the current Government has made progress. The progress we are talking about is included in this report under the economic transformation and job creation SDA. It must be understood in that context. The Government set a budget deficit-to-GDP target of no less than 3.6 per cent. That was achieved in 2023 and 2024. That is good progress, given our background. Regarding improved domestic revenue mobilisation, the Government set the tax-to-GDP ratio at 21 per cent. In 2023, that reached 21.8 per cent, which was higher than the target, and in 2024 it reached 23.4 per cent, also higher than the target. The fundamentals of the economy were slowly coming under control.

 

Madam Speaker, domestic debt, which was set at not less than 4.7 per cent of GDP, was 2.9 per cent in 2023 and 2.2 per cent in 2024. Those are the fundamentals of the economy. International reserves were set at 3 months import cover. In 2023, we had international reserves equivalent to 3.7 months import cover. In other words, that was almost 4 months import cover and 4.6 months import cover in 2024. Even as we speak, that is the import cover, which means that the economic fundamentals are on track. We know that real GDP, as opposed to the negative economic growth that we experienced in the past, was set at a minimum of 4.5 per cent. It was 5.4 per cent in 2023 and 4 per cent in 2024; there was a slight reduction in 2024 because of international factors that we are all aware of, not forgetting the local factors, such as the terrible drought that we experienced as a nation.

 

Madam Speaker, the inflation target was 6.8 per cent. Indeed, we are still facing some headwinds in that direction, but the measures that are being put in place by this Government show that inflation is also stabilising. Therefore, it means that we can now achieve our development outcomes under economic transformation and job creation. How is that going to be done? When local debt is serviced, it means that the private sector, whose participation in the economy we want to enhance, will be paid and, therefore, it can create more jobs as more transactions take place between the private sector and the Government.

 

Madam Speaker, our hon. Colleagues on the left, left the economy on its knees. This Government, through the leadership of His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema and his team of economic managers, has achieved a lot. Our hon. Colleagues on the left, who left the economy on its knees, must appreciate and applaud the Government for what it has done. What the Government has done has enabled them to achieve what they are achieving in their constituencies. Maybe, the anger we see from some of them is because they were denying the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), or they have done nothing with it. So, they know that the people will kick them out next year. Now, they want to claim that the CDF is fictitious. As I speak, in Luena Constituency, we are constructing thirteen 1 x 3 classrooms, and that is from contracts awarded in just the last two months. Now, that means there are thousands of children who were learning under trees. The thousands of children who are learning under unhygienic conditions will, in the next two to three weeks, have proper classrooms equipped with solar lighting. All these are developments that have happened because of the good economy. This Government has demonstrated the ability to manage the economic affairs of the nation.

 

Madam Speaker, with those few words, I would like to say that I support the Motion, and I encourage the hon. Minister and the Government to continue on this trajectory.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Looking at the time, we cannot take the debate any further than this.

 

The hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning may respond.

 

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, I want to thank the Committee for its report. I also want to thank those who have debated.

 

Madam Speaker, the Motion we are debating is on the implementation of the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP). The report of the Committee has highlighted the areas in which the plan has not been implemented well. The examples that have been cited by my hon. Colleagues and indeed the report itself, include the fact that funding of some programmes has been below what was planned. There has also been an indication of inadequate efficiency and accountability in the use of public resources.

 

Madam Speaker, like every other plan, it is not strange that there are some deviations. That happens all the time. Whether in our homes, companies or at the national level, some deviations from plans take place. What is important is to ask whether the big picture in the plan is being implemented or not. I want to say that as far as I am concerned, the big picture of the plan is on track. I think, Hon. Anakoka has outlined some of the elements of the big picture in the plan being implemented with satisfaction. Before I go to that, let me just point out that the debate that I heard focused on elements that are not really the big picture. That is where the debate was focused. However, the truth is that the big picture is being implemented. In the last four years, the economy has been growing year after year. On average, it has been growing not at 1 per cent or 2 per cent but at 5 per cent, which is something that we never saw under the Patriotic Front (PF).

 

Madam Speaker, when we came to power, one of our plans was to do something about the unsustainable debt that the Patriotic Front (PF) left behind. That debt has also been ticked off now because that unsustainable debt has been dealt with. When the hon. Colleagues who were debating here left the Government, inflation in the country was more than 22 per cent per annum. In the last four years, in spite of the challenges we have faced, we have never reached an inflation rate of 22 per cent. The highest we ever got, even in the period of serious drought, was 16.8 per cent. They left it at 22 per cent. Now, with the drought over, inflation is at 14.3 per cent, according to the last report we got. Watch the space on Friday because next week, the latest inflation number will be reported. I am almost certain that the rate of inflation that will be reported will be lower.

 

Madam Speaker, when they left office, the international reserves of the country were just about US$2 billion. Today, the reserves of the country are more than US$4.5 billion.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, in the social sector, four years ago many of us who used to go to rural areas would find that in schools, Grade 1 to Grade 9 classes had only three teachers.  Sometimes, two or one teacher. In spite of all the money that the previous Government borrowed, it never bothered to hire teachers or nurses. Many other aspects of development were not there. Today, those things are being done, and that is the big picture I am talking about when I say that the big picture is being implemented –

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

 

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, before business was suspended, I was saying that the bigger picture is that the development plan is being implemented, even though the smaller picture has some issues.

 

Madam Speaker, let me respond to some of the issues that were raised. Hon. Kafwaya asked what type of Government the United Party for National Development (UPND) is. My answer is that the UPND Government is good, and a better Government than the PF Government.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Musokotwane: What are my reasons for saying that, Madam Speaker? The hon. Member has lamented that the development plan is underfunded. However, I have demonstrated that the key things are undertaken because they are being funded.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Musokotwane: We could not completely fund, as per the Budget, because we are dealing with a problem that the PF Government left behind, that is, unsustainable debt. Through this Supplementary Budget, we will pay a huge amount of money to clear the arrears on fuel that it left behind. When those arrears are being cleared, it means that money for everything else in the plan cannot be available. We are clearing the debt that the PF Government left behind, but the key things are still being funded and implemented.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Colleagues also asked why the UPND Government gave shares to foreigners in the Mopani Copper Mines Plc and the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM). The previous Government had ten years, and in five of those years, the shares of the mining companies were 100 per cent in its control. What did we see? Did the country benefit from that? No, because the moment it acquired the shares, it also closed down the mines. So, how can hon. Members claim that they were receiving tax revenue from the mines that the PF Government closed down? This Government is good. It is better than the PF Government because it has re-opened the mines.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, this morning we had a seminar. The biggest source of revenue for the country is the mining sector because we have re-opened the mines, which are producing more, instead of closing them down. Therefore, they are paying more taxes.

 

Madam Speaker, we are told that there is load-shedding because we are exporting electricity. Even a child knows that electricity is in short supply because of the drought. However, we have not stopped there. By the end of this year, this Government will install an extra 1,000 MW of power on the grid using solar energy.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, in the ten years that the PF was in the Government, how much power did it add to the grid?

 

Hon. UPND Members: Nothing!

 

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker ­

 

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

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: There are no points of order being admitted under this segment until we finish.

 

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, considering the things that the PF failed to implement, whereas it closed down the mines, we have re-opened them. When power went out, we invested in power. The conclusion is that this is clearly a better Government than the PF Government.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, if I were them, I would just be congratulating the Government …

 

Mr Nkandu: Hear, hear!

 

 Dr Musokotwane: … and saying to the Government, “Well done, because we, as the Patriotic Front (PF), failed”.

 

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Chaatila: Madam Speaker, let me thank the debaters on this Motion and the hon. Minister for his responses.

 

Madam Speaker, I must mention that this is the third review this House is doing of the 8NDP. We had the Fifth, Sixth and Seventh NDPs, which never saw the light of day in this House. So, we want to commend the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning for promoting transparency by bringing such documents to this House, something which was not the case before.

 

Madam Speaker, I wish the hon. Members had time to compare the 8NDP and 7NDP. The output targets in the former are very clear and specific. You are aware that from 2017 to 2021, I was a member of the Planning and Budget Committee. We reviewed the 7NDP and I know the differences with the 8NDP. So, I want to encourage hon. Members to compare the two documents. They will then have a better understanding. Without comparing the two plans, some of them will be debating from a narrow angle of view without broadening their perspective on the two documents.

 

Madam Speaker, I want to thank you again for allowing the Committee to look at such a technical report. I also want to thank the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, again, for promoting transparency. We have seen quite a lot of development in terms of what is needed for a Committee such as ours. The hon. Minister introduced the Public Debt Management Act and we have the Planning and Budgeting Act. Those documents are very important because they help the Committee to look at such matters.

 

Madam Speaker, let me not take long. Once again, I want to thank everyone for supporting this Motion.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ON THE PERFORMANCE AUDIT REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FREE EDUCATION POLICY IN ENHANCING ACCESS AND QUALITY OF EDUCATION TO LEARNERS IN ZAMBIA, 2020-2024

 

Rev. Katuta: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. Government Members: On whom?

 

Mr Kamboni (Kalomo Central): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this House adopts the Report of the Committee on Education, Science and Technology on the Performance Audit Report on the Implementation of the Free Education Policy in Enhancing Access and Quality of Education to Learners in Zambia, 2020-2024, for the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 23^rd July, 2025.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Chienge, you are raising a point of order on whom?

 

Rev. Katuta: Madam Speaker, it is the same point of order I wanted to raise on the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning when he was on the Floor. Then you said it was not the moment for points of order.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Yes, because the Hon. Madam Speaker had ruled that she was not going to allow any more points of order on the Motion that was on the Floor. I did not recognise you because of the ruling that was made by Madam Speaker. So, we have moved on to another Motion.

 

Let us make progress.

 

Is the Motion seconded?

 

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

 

Mr Kamboni: Madam Speaker, pursuant to its terms of reference, as set out under Order No. 207 of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, the Committee considered the Performance Audit Report on the Implementation of the Free Education Policy in Enhancing Access and Quality of Education to Learners in Zambia, 2020-2024.

 

Madam Speaker, in considering the audit report, the Committee invited various stakeholders to present both oral and written submissions. I will only highlight a few of the salient issues contained in the report, as I would like to believe that the hon. Members have had an opportunity to read the report.

 

Madam Speaker, the report of the Auditor-General revealed that the Ministry of Education has promoted access and participation of learners at the three levels of education through the introduction of the Free Education Policy in 2022, with enrolment increasing by 94 per cent for early childhood education, 9 per cent for primary school education and 60 per cent for secondary school level from 2020 to 2024. In this regard, the Committee is of the strong view that in order to sustain the gains made under the Free Education Policy, there is an immediate need for investment in classroom infrastructure. Therefore, the Committee urges the Executive, working with co-operating partners, to prioritise the expansion of learning spaces, especially in over-enrolled districts. This should include modular classroom units and accelerated construction supported by the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

 

Madam Speaker, the report further revealed that there was inadequate school infrastructure and specialised rooms, such as science laboratories, home economics rooms and information and communication technology (ICT) laboratories at the three levels of education. The report also revealed that schools faced challenges of limited classroom space due to inadequate funding for infrastructure development and high enrolment of learners, resulting in overcrowded classrooms.

 

Madam Speaker, in addition, the audit also revealed that there were inadequate teaching and learning materials in schools. In this regard, the Committee urges the Executive to fasten infrastructure expansion and expedite the construction of early childhood education infrastructure. These efforts should align with initiatives such as the Zambia Enhancing Early Learning (ZEEL) Programme and other co-operating partner supported programmes.

 

Madam Speaker, with regard to specialised infrastructure, the Committee urges the Executive to invest in ICT infrastructure and that this should be linked to the national digital transformation strategy with support from the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) and other partners. With regard to science laboratories, the Committee recommends that, where possible, modular or mobile laboratories should be introduced in resource-constrained areas.

 

Madam Speaker, the audit report also revealed inadequate toilet facilities in schools, and the Committee observes that this poses serious risks to health, safety and learning continuity. It is also of the strong view that inadequate and unsafe toilet facilities could lead to disease outbreaks and school closures, especially for young learners. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Executive conducts a national sanitation audit and work with health and local government authorities to construct more ablution blocks. The Committee urges that priority should be given to schools without running water or gender-sensitive facilities.

 

 As I wind up, Madam Speaker, the Committee is grateful to you and to the Clerk of the National Assembly for the guidance and support rendered to it during the consideration of the Performance Audit Report on the Implementation of the Free Education Policy in Enhancing Access and Quality of Education to Learners in Zambia, 2020-2024. The Committee is also indebted to all the witnesses who appeared before it for their co-operation in providing the necessary memoranda that informed the Committee’s recommendations in the report.

 

Madam Speaker, with those few words, I urge all hon. Members to support the report of the Committee.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

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

 

Ms M. Phiri: Madam Speaker, Now.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Phiri: Madam Speaker. I wish to thank the hon. Member for Kalomo, Hon. Harry Kamboni, for ably moving the Motion in which he has highlighted key issues in the Committee's report. In seconding the Motion, allow me to comment on a few of your Committee's recommendations and observations.

 

Madam Speaker, the report of the Auditor-General highlights interviews with key stakeholders, such as United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and World Vision, and that these interviews revealed that there was a challenge with accessing data at national level as the Ministry of Education did not have up-to-date data on the total number of learners enrolled in schools. The Committee urges the Executive to put measures in place that will strengthen education management information system capabilities, supply schools with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment and establish real-time data integration in centralised systems. There is also a need to devise strategies that will enhance connectivity of underserved rural parts of the country.

 

Madam Speaker, your Committee also urges for integration of smart care-style systems drawing lessons from the health sector. The adoption of a smart care-like platform for education would enable digital school-level data tracking, supporting better monitoring of enrolment and education management systems, among other benefits.

 

Madam Speaker, with regard to the availability of school desks, the Committee notes that the Ministry of Education has continued to make notable progress in addressing the shortage of desks in schools across all levels of education. This notwithstanding, your Committee urges the ministry to ensure full enforcement of the Presidential pronouncements of ensuring that no child sits on the floor and accelerate decentralised desk production through provincial carpentry workshops. Your Committee also urges that desk supply should be tied to classroom capacity to avoid under-utilisation. The Committee further urges that the ministry should establish a national tracking system to monitor the quality of desks being supplied and distributed to needy schools.

 

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

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North): Madam Speaker, I thank you for according me this opportunity to add my voice to the debate on the Report of the Committee on Education, Science and Technology on the Implementation of the Free Education Policy. Before that, allow me to thank the mover of the Motion, Hon. Kamboni and the seconder, Hon. Phiri, for having done a good job, as a Committee.

 

Madam Speaker, education is an investment. If we consider education as a cost, then, we are not helping this nation. Education is an investment and the best equaliser because that is the only way we can fight poverty. I am happy that our people have responded positively to the Free Education Policy. The enrolment levels in schools have increased as a result of the Free Education Policy.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mtayachalo: I know that most of us here who were educated during Kenneth Kaunda's (KK) time, had free education from Grade 1 up to the university. So, for that, it is quite gratifying.

 

Madam Speaker, the Free Education Policy has also come with its own challenges. Your Committee has highlighted several challenges that the Free Education Policy has come up with. For example, overcrowding, the widening pupil/teacher ratio and inadequate classrooms. Although the Government has made strides in recruiting more teachers, that does not match the enrolment levels. You find that there are 120 to150 students. Therefore, it is difficult for the teachers to give pupils homework because how is a teacher going to mark a class of more than 120 learners? So, we need a lot of investment in this particular sector. Otherwise, we are going to undermine the quality of education.

 

Madam Speaker, this country can only achieve quality education that meets international standards if we ensure that this sector is adequately funded. I note that in the report, the issue of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has come up vividly. We appreciate the increase of the CDF because it is helping us to build more classroom blocks.

 

However, the challenge we have, hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr Musokotwane, is that rural constituencies need more money for infrastructure development. Our friends in urban areas do not need more money for infrastructure because they already have the infrastructure. So, the pressure on the CDF is too much. The K21 million plus, which is allocated for projects is not enough because we also get instructions from the ministry such as a certain amount of money should go towards building chiefs palaces, a certain amount of money should go toward the purchase of ambulances or police vehicles and so, at the end of the day, we remain with very little money. Meanwhile, the Government has been employing teachers every year. So, where do we accommodate those teachers? So, I think there is a need for a shift in the allocation of funds so that rural constituencies can be given more money than the urban constituencies. Urban constituencies may need more money in terms of grants, loans and skills development, looking at the high number of people in the urban areas. However, the big challenge in rural constituencies is the accommodation.

 

Madam Speaker, what is also compounding this problem are the transfers. Most of the time, when the Government recruits teachers, we discover that within two or three months, the teachers go back to urban areas or town. I think this is undermining the quality of education, especially in rural areas. So, I think that the Ministry of Education must ensure that this trend is not allowed to continue. Already, just this year alone, Chama District has lost more than fifty teachers who were employed there and the pay point is Chama, but the teachers are in urban areas. This issue is supposed to be addressed.

 

Madam Speaker, your Committee’s report has highlighted the issue of reinforcement of education standards. We have the District Education Standards Officers (DESOs) in the districts, but they do not have adequate transport to enable them to go to remote areas and inspect schools. Gone are the days when we used to have inspectors going into schools. However, this time around, that is not the case because standards have fallen in many schools. I am aware, of course, that the Government gives grants to schools, but there is no transparency and accountability in schools. It is as if the Government does not even give grants to schools. Schools are failing to buy even just small items, but grants are paid to them. How is the money being used? The Ministry of Education must ensure that this is also looked into as quickly as possible.

 

In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I want to thank the World Bank for helping Zambia to build schools under the Zambia Enhancing Early Learning (ZEEL) Project. Unfortunately, schools under ZEEL are taking too long to be constructed because of the conditions attached. My appeal to the hon. Minister of Education is that he should engage the World Bank to relax some of the conditions. The Government is not allowed to find a contractor to build the schools; the locals have to be used. There are many challenges regarding those school projects, especially in rural areas. There is a day secondary school in Chili which should have been completed last year, but to date, we are struggling to complete the school because of the challenges I have highlighted.

 

With those few remarks, Madam Speaker, I support the adoption of the report.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mrs Sabao (Chikankanta): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me an opportunity to add my voice to the debate on this very important Motion, on behalf of the people of Chikankata. Allow me to appreciate the mover of the Motion, Hon. Harry Kamboni, and the seconder, my sister, Hon. Phiri.

 

Madam Speaker, education is an equaliser. The report has focused on the implementation of the Free Education Policy, enhancing access and quality of education to learners in Zambia, covering the period 2020-2024. I will focus my debate on page 9 of the report, item No. 3.1(2). The report, on page 9, looked at the lack of physical infrastructure, information and communication technology (ICT) material, toilet facilities and the deployment of teachers. I feel so sad that sixty years after Independence, we are still struggling with infrastructure in our country. In the past, we had a Government which borrowed too much money. So, as the New Dawn Government, we have the challenge of paying back the debt. Where was the money taken? I understand that most countries, like Japan, had to invest in education in their first years to develop. In our case, we borrowed money, but when one goes around the country, there is no infrastructure. Why is that so? Those are the questions that our leaders should answer.

 

Mr Amutike: Quality!

 

Mrs Sabao: Madam Speaker, we are lucky people because we have a responsible Government under the New Dawn Administration, through the leadership of the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema. In response to the Free Education Policy, we are able to construct more classroom blocks. I will give an example of Chikankata. In Chikankata, we are not constructing new schools, but more classroom blocks to create more space for school children. We have now employed more teachers because the New Dawn Government is responsible and understands that a country can only develop when it educates its people. An area can develop, but if its people are not knowledgeable, they will destroy the infrastructure. Under the New Dawn Government, we are investing in education. We are going backwards to correct the wrongs that were done in the past. Instead of investing more in industries, we are now investing in education. Why is that happening? It is because we had the wrong leadership before us. That is why we are deploying more teachers. However, we have a challenge with housing units. Young teachers are running away from rural areas because there is no clean water or housing units.

 

Mr Amutike interjected.

 

Laughter

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Give her a chance.

 

Mrs Sabao: Madam Speaker, the road infrastructure is bad. There is no transport for teachers to enjoy their time in rural areas. There are young people called ‘rich kids.’ They are sent to Chikankata after university, where there is no running water or proper roads. Do we expect them to stay there? They run away. Why is that the case? It is because we had the wrong leadership before us.

 

Madam Speaker, under the New Dawn Government, a lot has been put in place. The Government has instructed us to work on feeder roads to open up districts like Chikankata, where most roads are feeder roads. If we construct good feeder roads, people can visit their relatives. A good road shows that there is development in an area, hence young people will go there and work as teachers. So, as a people, it is important that we pay attention to issues of investment. My question is: Where were the Eurobonds invested for us to have the challenges that we have now? Hon. Siyakalima is having sleepless nights responding to many challenges. Why is that so? It is because of the wrong leaders we had in the past. Like I said, now we have a good leader.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Laughter

 

Mrs Sabao: Madam Speaker, why should we be discussing toilets this time? In Chikankata, we have a challenge with bad toilets. The safety and health of a girl child is at stake. Why, again? It is because of wrong leaders. However, through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), we are constructing more ablution blocks in schools. Instead of channeling resources to other economic sectors, we are going back to education, which we should have invested in twenty years ago.

 

Madam Speaker, with those few remarks, I support this very progressive Motion.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kapyanga (Mpika): Madam Speaker, indeed, education is an equaliser. The Committee’s report, again, highlights the failure of leadership.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, we are discussing a very important sector of our country, which is education. Despite the Government introducing a good policy, the Free Education Policy, four years down the line, it has failed to build enough infrastructure.

 

Mr Nkandu: Question!

 

Mr Kapyanga: There are schools without laboratories and classrooms. In rural areas today, some pupils are learning under trees. The enrollment rate has gone up and more than 200 pupils sit in one classroom.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Kapyanga: That is the reality on the ground.

 

Madam Speaker, when we ask pertinent questions in this House regarding the issues we are raising today, we are told that there is no money. We are told that what we ask for will be done when funds are made available. Today, the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) Report has revealed that US$3.5 billion, which is K81.9 trillion, has gone to offshore accounts. If that money were invested in the education sector, many things would be achieved. As I speak, in my province, there is a by-election. A lot of money will be spent on it, yet 200 pupils sit in one classroom. If that is not a failure of leadership, then what is it? Infrastructure must correlate with education requirements. We cannot talk of quality education when 200 pupils sit in one classroom against the recommended forty pupils per class by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). We have a problem. The United Party for National Development (UPND) Government misplaced priorities –

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Mpika, 200 seems like a big number. Is it factual that there are 200 pupils in one small classroom?

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, the statistics are available; even the National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) has the statistics. We live in those areas –

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Do you have the statistics to lay on the Table of the House?

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, I have the statistics in my head.

 

Laughter

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: No. Hon. Member for Mpika, please, withdraw the figure 200 because that looks like a big number. Let us try to be factual. We do not have enough time. We still have some Bills in the committee stage to consider. So, focus on the report.

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, I withdrew the number, but many pupils are beyond the recommended number of forty. A Lack of infrastructure in primary, secondary and community schools must be addressed by the UPND Government. The Government says that it collects a lot of revenues from the mines, yet K14 billion in mineral royalties was not collected. That is the same money that can fund the education sector for sufficient infrastructure for our children to learn in. These people have failed to do that. They are in this House talking about ten years of the Patriotic Front (PF) and ten years of the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) Governments. Are they serious about governance? Why should they be using the PF as a yardstick for their leadership?

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

 

Mr Kapyanga: Are they serious about governance, Madam Speaker?

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Please, hon. Member, do not stray from the contents of the report. Just focus on the report. You have challenges in your constituency. Let the hon. Minister hear about those challenges than talking about political parties and other things. Just focus on the report.

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, I appreciate you for always giving us the opportunities to bring the challenges to this House. However, we are told that there is no money, yet every month, there is a by-election. Where does the money come from? Why is the Government not taking that money towards infrastructure development in the education sector? That is our point. It must take governance and the needs of our people seriously.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government talks about teacher recruitment. From 2016 to date, 190,000 teachers have been registered. Out of that number, 70,000 are unemployed.

 

Hon Government Members: How many did the PF employ?

 

Mr Kapyanga: Get the statistics.

 

Madam Speaker, teachers are unemployed. They need to be employed. The Government says that there is no money. However, there will be money for a by-election.

 

Ms Sefulo: Bill No. 7 (The Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7, 2025)!

 

Mr Kapyanga: She has even reminded me of something, Madam Speaker. She has done well.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government is spending money on a constitution-making process for the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7, 2025, which it calls Bill No. 7, which is a misplaced priority. These must set their priorities straight (pointed at the right). They must fund the education sector.

 

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

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, one cannot talk about quality free education without infrastructure –

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Are you done debating, hon. Member for Mpika?

 

Mr Kapyanga: You said, “Order!”, Madam Speaker. I am not done. I want them to listen.

 

Madam Speaker, schools receive small amounts of money, which the Government calls grants.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Kapyanga: That is about K7,500 which, according to them, should sort out all the problems that schools face. Madam Speaker, a Government cannot take education in the direction that the UPND Government is taking our education sector. It should focus on mobilising resources. The Government should allow the mines in Copperbelt Province and the North-Western Province to pay taxes. When those companies pay taxes, the Government can fund the education sector.

 

Madam Speaker, one cannot talk about quality education when a classroom has more than forty pupils and a teacher handles 300 pupils. Mis-priority –

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kapyanga: I mean misplaced priorities.

 

On the looting of our resources, Madam Speaker, US$3.5 billion was transferred into offshore accounts. These (pointed at hon. Government Members).

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

 

Do you have evidence of that?

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) report states that US$3.5 billion went into offshore accounts under the watch of these people. Then, in this House, they tell us that there is no money to fund the education sector. Corruption is the cancer. The education sector is suffering because there is corruption.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

The hon. Member’s time expired.

 

Ms Sefulo (Mwandi): Madam Speaker, thank you very much –

 

Mr Kapyanga rose.

 

Ms Sefulo: Aha, sit.

 

Hon. Government Members: Resume your seat, iwe!

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Mpika, please, resume your seat.

 

Mr Kapyanga interjected.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: No. That is against our Standing Orders.

 

Mr Kapyanga resumed his seat.

 

Ms Sefulo: Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity, on behalf of the people of Mwandi, to add my voice to the debate on the Motion to adopt the report on the Floor of the House.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member wanted to run away before I debated. I am glad he is in the House to listen.

 

Madam Speaker, I learnt something from the Bemba people. They say that ushitasha mwana wa ndoshi. I also learnt recently that they revised that saying …

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: What does it mean?

 

Ms Sefulo: … to ushitasha endoshi. The first one means that a person who does not say thank you is a child of a witch, while the revised saying means that if one is not appreciative, then, that person is the witch. That is what the Bemba people say, not me.

 

Madam Speaker, having read this report, I would say that in terms of free education, Early Childhood Education (ECE) enrolment has increased by 94 per cent, primary school enrolment by 6 per cent, and secondary school enrolment by 60 per cent. I am looking at how long this Government has been in power, which is about four years, and it has a 94 per cent and 60 per cent increase in enrolment. So, I am wondering. If one looks at the 6 per cent and 60 per cent jump, one can tell that those are children who were denied the opportunity to go to school by the former Government, the Patriotic Front (PF). Those are children who come from rural areas like mine, who wanted to go to school, but their parents could not afford to pay school fees. Today, someone who says that we have failed is saying that those children should have remained on the streets, and not have gone to school. We have a 60 per cent increment. When we talk about education, being a girl who grew up in a rural constituency, for example, I understand what the New Dawn Government is doing and what the investment means. There were many teenage pregnancies but, with the Free Education Policy that the New Dawn has introduced in my constituency, I see a reduction. Whoever comes to oppose what free education is doing is a heartless person. This Government has given an opportunity to every child in this country to go back to school. I was in this Parliament when it was announced that a forty-one year old woman, who sat in the Public Gallery, had been given an opportunity to go back to school.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Sefulo: Madam Speaker, that is a woman who could not see light at the end of the tunnel in her life because she could not pay for education. She came and appeared before this Parliament. That was a woman who was denied free education.

 

Madam Speaker, when people say that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is not doing anything, I wonder what they are talking about. I want to say to the people are listening out there that 2026 is near. So, let us watch our leaders and what they are doing.

 

Madam Speaker, through the Free Education Policy, we have managed to build classroom blocks in Mwandi. I can tell you that today, there is no child sitting on the floor while learning in Mwandi because of the investments we have made using the CDF. Children would walk a distance of 22 km to access school. With the introduction of free education, we have been able to take classrooms closer to the children. We have also taken water and sanitation facilities closer to the children to make sure that their future is brighter.

 

Madam Speaker, the other issue that I want to talk about concerns teachers in rural constituencies. This Government has done an excellent job. I saw a teacher being recruited eight years after graduating. Yes, the gap still exists, but with what this Government has done, it has shown a lot of commitment to not only making sure that we take the children to school, but also giving grants to schools and employing teachers.

 

Madam Speaker, when I became the Member of Parliament for Mwandi, the norm was having one teacher at a school for Grades 1 to 7. Today, I want to congratulate the hon. Minister of Education, as I am debating this Motion.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Sefulo: Madam Speaker, the situation is different. We might have challenges here and there, but his commitment has yielded many good results. The investment being made now is going to show in later years because the children who were on the streets have gone back to school. Teachers who were languishing for many years have been deployed by this Government and are now teaching. Yes, we might have challenges, but the hon. Minister’s commitment is unmatched, and I want to congratulate the New Dawn Government for the work it has done.

 

Madam Speaker, I urge the Government, through the Ministry of Technology and Science, to invest in smart classrooms. The education that we are providing now is without access to internet services. The children who grow up in rural constituencies do not stand a chance in competing with children who grow up in urban areas. When it comes to competing for bursaries, it does not matter where one comes from. Bursaries are not decentralised. That means that children in the rural areas will have to compete with children in the urban areas, who are learning from smart classrooms and using electronic Learning (e-Learning). As we are looking at the education system, let us ensure that we prioritise investing in smart classrooms. Please, let us take telecommunication towers to the rural areas.

 

Madam Speaker, I also want to talk about the plight of teachers in rural constituencies. There are situations whereby a teacher is stationed in a rural area, but is put on the wrong salary scale for a long time. I wish the hon. Minister of Education to take note that if there are any people we need to prioritise, it is the teachers teaching in our rural constituencies. They go through so much to make sure that they take care of the school children. We are grateful for what the ministry has done. As we are doing everything possible, let us prioritise the teachers in the rural constituencies.

 

Madam Speaker, we assure the hon. Minister that using the CDF given to us, we are building classroom blocks, bringing water closer to the children and ensuring that schools have flushable toilets.

 

Madam Speaker, in supporting this Motion, I want to congratulate the New Dawn Government. Every child who has tasted free education cannot fight this Government, and any parent whose child is benefiting from free education can only praise and support this Government.

 

With that said, Madam Speaker, I support the Motion.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Chasefu, you have less than four minutes to debate before the hon. Minister of Education responds.

 

Mr Nyambose (Chasefu): Madam Speaker, thank you for according me the opportunity to add my voice to this important Motion.

 

Madam Speaker, in my debate under four minutes, I will start from the point where someone asked what type of Government the New Dawn is. I want to show the person who asked that question this afternoon that this is the best Government.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nyambose: Madam Speaker, why is it the best Government? It has provided free education, as indicated in the Committee’s report. I salute all hon. Members of the Committee. Free education has brought hope to the hopeless people in this country.

 

Madam Speaker, I will use Chasefu as my reference. In Chasefu, from the time the New Dawn Administration introduced free education, 5,992 boys and 7,076 girls, who were deprived of education by the previous regime, are now back in school.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nyambose: In total, there are 13,068 children in school. What would have happened to these Zambians who could not afford to pay for their education? Due to the good policies put in place by this Government, children are now back in class. That is a right of every child. We should salute those who are doing well. Someone was saying that we should not compare Governments. How do we rate them? Using the education sector, we are able to rate those who are in the Government now and what they are doing, compared with those who were there before. Those who were there before denied 13,076 children their right to education.

 

Madam Speaker, Chasefu Constituency has no boarding secondary school. As a result, children from Chasefu are going to boarding schools in Chama, Lundazi, Lumezi and all over the country. Most of the children end up in day secondary schools or working in shops because they cannot finish their education. Two weeks ago, the hon. Minister of Education and the President of this Republic, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, released K146 million to complete a secondary school, which was abandoned in 2013 by those who are now condemning others who are doing very well. I am stating facts here.

 

Madam Speaker, just last week, the District Education Board Secretary (DEBS), Mr Malaisha, was on television announcing that since we started receiving the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), thirty-four classroom blocks have been built in Chasefu, where children were learning under trees. That was an abandoned area with no hope, and now we have 473 locally recruited teachers out of the 30,000 teachers recruited. These are facts we should put on record so that the Zambian people who are listening can check. We should be rational politicians who state facts as they are.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nyambose: Madam Speaker, I wonder why most of the time we just want to put up debates with no facts. I can tell you this fact: We have built thirty-four classroom blocks using the CDF. Chasefu is now a construction site.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nyambose: We are building schools where we had none. Teachers have been recruited and children are now going back to school. The Free Education Policy introduced by the New Dawn Administration is admirable. This is the real Government. When we talk about leadership, this is how we define leadership.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nyambose: Madam Speaker, I salute the President of the Republic of Zambia.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nyambose: He should close his ears and have his eyes on the ball.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nyambose: Madam Speaker, there is a saying in Tumbuka –

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, please, wind up your debate.

 

Mr Nyambose: I am about to conclude, Madam Speaker. I wish I had been given more time because I have so much to say.

 

Madam Speaker, there is a saying that a dog will only bark at a moving vehicle and not at a stationary one. When you hear people condemning the Government, know that it is working.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nyambose: Just know that the President is doing very well. In Tumbuka we say –

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

The hon. Member’s time expired.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Please, wind up. Your time is up.

 

Mr Nyambose: Lastly, Madam Speaker, I want to say something in Tumbuka so that the gentleman from Chilubi can understand.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Your time is up.

 

Mr Nyambose: Mwana wa munyako pala wachita makola, tikuonga.

 

Hon. PF Members: Time is up!

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Your time is up.

 

Mr Nyambose: When a friend does very well, we thank them. I salute this Government. Keep it up. Close your ears and eyes on the ball.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nyambose: These failed (pointed at hon. PF Members), but the New Dawn Government is doing very well.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Minister of Education (Mr Syakalima): Madam Speaker, I rise to sincerely thank you for granting me this opportunity to contribute to the debate on this important Motion, ably moved by the hon. Member of Parliament for Kalomo Central, Mr Harry Kamboni, and seconded by the hon. Member for Milanzi, Ms Melesiana Phiri.

 

Madam Speaker, allow me also to extend my profound appreciation to the Committee for its thorough and diligent examination of the Auditor-General’s Report on the Implementation of the Free Education Policy. The Committee’s work is commendable and reflects a strong commitment to accountability and transparency in public service delivery.

 

Madam Speaker, the report tabled before this august House …

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Mr Syakalima: … is both comprehensive and balanced. It clearly highlights the significant progress made since the reintroduction of the free education policy, spanning early childhood, primary and secondary education, while also objectively outlining the challenges encountered and the critical areas that require further improvement. Indeed, the Committee’s work is instrumental in informing policy refinement and strengthening service delivery in the education sector. It provides a valuable roadmap for ensuring that the gains achieved under this transformative policy are sustained and enhanced for the benefit of all learners across the country.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, since its introduction in 2022, the Free Education Policy has transformed Zambia’s education landscape, and the numbers that have been spoken speak to the tremendous strides we have made in expanding access to education, particularly for the most marginalised in our society. We acknowledge the commendation by both the Auditor- General and the Committee, as well as the recognition of programmes such as the Orphans and Vulnerable Children Initiative, the Keeping Girls in School, the Re-entry Policy, and the expansion of the Home-Grown School Feeding, now benefiting over 4.6 million learners in 106 districts.

 

Madam Speaker, while we celebrate these achievements, we do so with a sense of responsibility and humility. The challenges raised in the report, ranging from inadequate infrastructure, shortages in specialised rooms, desks, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities, to teacher shortages and under-resourced monitoring systems are issues the ministry is actively addressing.

 

Madam Speaker, through the Zambia Education Enhancement Project (ZEEP), the Zambia Enhancing Early Learning (ZEEL) programme, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and support from our co-operating partners, we are investing in 115 secondary schools, 222 early childhood education (ECE) centres and over 1.4 million desks.

 

Madam Speaker, the ongoing reforms to our Education Management Information System (EMIS) overseen by the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) are central to ensuring data-driven planning and timely reporting. We are also taking measures to address the shortage of teaching and learning materials, improve teacher deployment, particularly in ECE and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, and strengthen the capacity of Education Standards Officers. Additionally, the ministry has engaged the Cabinet Office to establish a dedicated ECE staff structure and is exploring incentives to retain teachers in rural areas.

 

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the ministry, I welcome the Committee’s recommendations, and assure this House that they will inform the on-going refinement of our strategy. The development of a ten year school infrastructure development plan, the operationalisation of specialised directorates and strengthened co-ordination mechanisms with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) and other key stakeholders, are testament to our commitment.

 

In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I wish to reiterate the ministry’s unwavering resolve to deliver equitable, inclusive, and quality education for all. We are determined to ensure that no learner is left behind and that the gains of the free education policy are safeguarded and deepened for generations to come.

 

Madam Speaker, let me, once again, thank the Committee, all the stakeholders who made submissions, the Office of the Auditor-General and this august House for their continued support and oversight in our quest to build an educated and resilient Zambia.

 

Madam Speaker, let me now say a few things which ...

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, one year or so ago, the United Kingdom (UK) went to elections. The Labour Party won because they promised the people of England or the UK to recruit 6,500 teachers. This is a country which has 280 million inhabitants and just 6,500 teachers whom they promised to recruit, and the Labour Party won the election.

 

When this Government was talking about free education, we did not state how many teachers we were going to recruit.  We just said it would be free education, but then, we realised that the free education we were talking about needed to go with teachers. How many teachers did we recruit just at once? They were 30,000. Mind you, those are human beings and not sweet potatoes. Thirty thousand teachers were recruited. When we came in 2021, the Patriotic Front (PF) Government had only recruited 1,000 teachers. Now, the teachers who were roaming the streets were 120,000. How do you recruit 1,000? Hence, corruption was creeping in. However, just at once, and within three and a half years, we have recruited more than 42,000 teachers, ...

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Syakalima: … just within this period. So, whilst we acknowledge that free education had an influx of so many children in school, it was a good problem. It was a good problem. Where were these around two million children going to be in the next twenty years? We are going to raise vagabonds in this country. So, we are better off that the school system becomes part of social control. A child has got a defined day every day, to go to school. That is how we control our society.

 

Madam Speaker, when we are talking about infrastructure, I have gone around this country, just like the hon. Member of Parliament for Chasefu was \ saying. It was the whole country where teachers’ houses, school classrooms and so on and so forth were abandoned with some of them having been abandoned for over ten years to twelve years.

 

Madam Speaker, when we came into office, is when we started trying to finish off those works. So, if the PF were recruiting at least even 10,000 every year, the backlog, which was at more than 130,000 and is now around 117,000 or about 90,000, we were going to have 100,000 within their ten years. Today, we could not have had this backlog. Those people!

 

Madam Speaker, this is why sometimes, I say that the power of social shame does not dawn on them. If I were them, I could not even have been standing up to talk here.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Minister, the word total shame is unparliamentary and a bit strong. Kindly, withdraw it and replace it with a better word.

 

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, it is a figure of speech, but anyway, they are an embarrassment.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Laughter

 

Mr Syakalima: Total embarrassment. They destroyed our school system. Today, we were going to be talking about something else. We thank the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning. By the way, it is the Ministry of Education that gets a fair share in the entire Budget for the past four years.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Syakalima: If you include others, like the CDF and whatever, we will reach 20 per cent of our budget in the school system. So, in the sub-region, we are doing fine. In any case, everywhere we go, everybody is asking how we have we managed to offer free education. It is like a dream to everybody.

 

Madam Speaker, I came to the House late, but there are about eighteen countries which are at our National Science Centre. Everybody is admiring our school system. Now, when they failed, they want to look at us as failures ...

 

Mr Mukosa: How?

 

Mr Syakalima: … before we even finish five years. Let me tell them that if President Hakainde Hichilema went to Europe or the UK and said that he wanted to be Prime Minister, the people there can vote for him several times because instead of the 6,000 teachers promise, President Hichilema here recruited 30,000 at once, and now, more than 43,000 teachers are in school. What I define the ten years of the PF is a lost and wasted decade.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kamboni: Madam Speaker, may I take this opportunity to thank the seconder, Hon. Phiri. May I also take this opportunity to thank the debaters, that is, Hon. Mtayachalo, Hon. Sabao, the Member of Parliament for Mwandi, Hon. Sefulo, and Hon. Nyambose.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister summarised the debate, so I have very little work. He said what is supposed to be said.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

_______

 

BILLS

 

HOUSE IN COMMITTEE

 

[THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the

Chair]

 

THE NATIONAL ROAD FUND (Amendment) BILL, 2025

 

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

 

Title agreed to.

 

THE BORDER MANAGEMENT AND TRADE FACILITATION BILL, 2025

 

Clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52 and 53 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

 

First Schedule ordered to stand part of the Bill.

 

SECOND SCHEDULE

 

The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane) (on behalf of the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry (Mr Chipoka Mulenga)): Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in the Second Schedule, as follows:

 

1. on pages 31 and 32, by the insertion of the following applicable laws in the appropriate places:

 

The Business Regulatory Act; Act No. 3 of 2014;

 

The Income Tax Act; Cap 323;

 

The Insurance Premium Levy Act; Act No. 21 of 2015;and

 

The Value Added Tax Act; Cap 331; and

 

1. on page 32, by the deletion of item 44 and the substitution therefor of the following:

 

1. The Plant Health Act;                                        Act No.1 of 2025

 

Amendment agreed to. Second Schedule amended accordingly.

 

Second Schedule, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

 

Third and Fourth Schedules 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 National Road Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2025

 

Third Reading on Friday, 25^th July, 2025.

 

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

 

The Border Management and Trade Facilitation Bill, 2025

 

Report Stage on Friday, 25^th July, 2025.

 

_______

 

MOTION

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

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

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

_______

 

The House adjourned at 1826 hours until 0900 hours on Friday, 25^th June, 2025.

 

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