Thursday, 25^th September, 2025

The House met at 1430 hours

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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Mr Chala walked into the Assembly Chamber wearing a white and black suit.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: That is right.

Laughter

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MADAM SPEAKER

VISITORS FROM BLESSED SHILOH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

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

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

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

VISITORS FROM SALENA TRUST SCHOOL

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

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

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

FREE ONE-DAY HEARING CHECK-UP EXERCISE

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to inform the House that Hearing the Call has been granted permission to conduct a free one-day hearing check-up exercise. Hearing the Call is a United States of America-based group of private practice audiologists and volunteers who are passionate about service and committed to best practices in audiology.

The exercise will be held on Wednesday, 1^st October, 2025, from 0900 hours to 1300 hours in the Main Reception area, Parliament Main Buildings. During the exercise, a limited number of hearing aids will also be available, free of charge, for hon. Members who may require them.

The objective of this initiative is to raise awareness about the impact of hearing loss, assist hon. Members maintain effective hearing capacity and inspire advocacy on this important public health issue within communities.

Hon. Members are encouraged to take advantage of this complimentary health service.

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

­­Madam Speaker: I can see that the hon. Member for Nyimba is indicating to raise an Urgent Matter without Notice. Hon. Members, there is no slot today for Urgent Matters without Notice. As you may be aware, we are suspending business tomorrow. So, even if you raise an Urgent Matter without Notice, we will not have sufficient time to address it. So, if any hon. Member has issues that are urgent in nature, I urge him or her to get in touch with the respective hon. Ministers directly in order to try and resolve or address those issues.

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MOTION

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS 24(1), 27(2), 87(1), 168(2) AND 171(1)(2)

The Vice-President (Dr Nalumango): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that Orders No. 24(1), 27(2), 87(1) and 168(2), as well as Orders No. 171(1) and (2) of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, be suspended to enable the House to effectively transact business pertaining to the presentation and subsequent approval of the 2026 National Budget.

Madam Speaker, the first three of the aforementioned Standing Orders relate to the transaction of business on Fridays, while the last two deal with the budgeting processes. Specifically, Standing Order No. 24(1) provides for the sitting of the House at 0900 hours. Standing Order No. 27(2) provides for automatic adjournment of the House at 1300 hours, while Standing Order No. 87(1) provides for the Vice-President’s Question Time.

Madam Speaker, further, Standing Order No. 168(2) provides for the Vice-President or hon. Minister to appear before an appropriate Committee to present policy statements on the estimates for ministries and spending agencies. Similarly, Standing Order No. 171(1) provides for the Vice-President or hon. Minister to present to the House for consideration, the Estimates of Expenditure for the ministries or the departments that they are responsible for. Further, while Standing Order No. 171(2) provides for the Vice-President or hon. Minister to move Motions to approve expenditure for the respective heads of the ministries or departments they are responsible for.

Madam Speaker, the suspension of the above-mentioned Standing Orders is meant to enable the House to:

1. sit from 1415 hours until business is concluded on the Order Paper on Friday, 26^th September, 2025;
2.  omit the Vice-President's Question Time from the Order Paper on the date above; and
3. enable Provincial hon. Ministers to:
4. present policy statements to Committees on the estimates concerning their provinces;
5. present to the House for consideration the estimates of expenditure for their provinces; and
6. move Motions to approve heads of expenditure for their provinces.

Madam Speaker, the long-standing practice of the House has been to allow the hon. Minister responsible for finance to present the National Budget on a Friday afternoon, as well as ensure that the Budget is subsequently approved. It is with this in mind that I move this Motion to suspend the aforementioned Standing Orders.

Madam Speaker, this is a procedural and non-contradictory Motion. I, therefore, urge all hon. Members of this august House to support it.

Madam Speaker, I beg to move.

Mr Mumba (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity.

Madam Speaker, in seconding this non-controversial Motion, it is important for me as a Member of the Opposition to remind the Government that we are expecting a Budget Address that will highlight how we will be able to respond to the challenges of our people. The Budget Address should not only point out the 5.2 per cent economic growth and the gross domestic product (GDP) to debt ratio of below 100 per cent, but state how we will respond to people’s challenges such as the electricity deficit, the cost of living, unemployment and taxes. The Government has always preached that it is business-oriented. Therefore, we want low taxes so that we can spend more money and live better lives.

Madam Speaker, let me also remind the Government about the social safety arrangements being implemented in the country. For example, there is the Cash-for-Work Programme. Some people under that programme have not been paid for almost three months. That is a beautiful programme initiated by the New Dawn Government, but people are being let down. We want proper allocation of money to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). We want timely and proper disbursement of resources under the CDF to continue, just as it was done in the past. That is another beautiful programme, but it is being undermined because the Government is not fulfilling its obligations.

Madam Speaker, let me thank the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning in absentia. He has provided serious leadership in a difficult economic environment, and I think all hon. Members of this House can give him a pat on the back.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mumba: It has not been easy to ensure that we wriggle through the debt crisis and get to where we are. We are now able to record economic growth of 5.2 per cent even after we had a drought in the country.

Madam Speaker, we want a clear policy direction on the bumper harvest we had in the last farming season. People should not be shot for smuggling maize when the Government has beautiful programmes that encourage people to plant more maize. The country produced 4 million metric tonnes of maize and people want to start trading, but they fear being shot down for smuggling. How possible is that? So, the policy direction in that regard should be clear. Are people going to be allowed to export maize in its raw form or only after they turn it into mealie meal and create jobs?

Madam Speaker, those are the issues we want to hear addressed in the Budget presentation, among many other goodies that we are looking forward to.

Madam Speaker, that said, on a lighter note, I think, we can give the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning a “hear, hear”.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to wind up debate on the Motion.

Madam Speaker, you can tell that people in the House are keen to receive the wonderful 2026 Budget because the hon. Member decided to totally veer off my Motion. My Motion is on suspending Standing Orders, but he has gone on to talk about the upcoming Budget presentation. That means we are eagerly waiting to see that wonderful Budget presented by the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning. However, the House should wait and hon. Members will be given an opportunity to debate that matter.

Madam Speaker, in winding up debate, I would like to thank all the hon. Members for supporting this procedural and non-controversial Motion to suspend particular Standing Orders so that we can move smoothly in doing what is supposed to be done next in the House.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Question put and agreed to.

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MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

NUMBER OF ARTISANAL MINING LICENCES ISSUED TO YOUTHS IN SERENJE FROM JANUARY, 2021 TO JULY, 2025

Mr Kabuswe rose.

Hon. Members: Ema jerabo aya!

Laughter

The Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr Kabuswe): Madam Speaker, I need your protection.

Madam Speaker, I thank you very much for according me this opportunity to render a Ministerial Statement to this House and to the nation at large on the number of artisanal mining licenses that have been issued to youths in Serenje from January, 2021 to July, 2025, year by year, and other related matters. This matter arose on 16^th September, 2025, during the proceedings for the consideration of a Question for Oral Answer asked by Mr Emmanuel Banda, hon. Member of Parliament for Muchinga.

Madam Speaker, as the House may be aware, the artisanal and small-scale mining sub-sector has grown considerably in recent years and serves not only as a source of livelihood for many people, but also contributes significantly to the country’s socio-economic development. The sub-sector has huge potential to enhance its contribution to the mainstream national economy through revenue generation and wealth creation.

Madam Speaker, the Government has been making strides in ensuring that the artisanal and small-scale mining sub-sector is re-organised. The interventions being undertaken include the formation of mining co-operatives across various parts of the country where informal mining and trading activities have been taking place. The ministry has also implemented capacity building programmes for miners in basic mining methods, skills, occupational health, safety and environmental protection.

Madam Speaker, I wish to inform this House that since 2021 up to 8^th August, 2025, a total of 1,498 artisanal and small-scale licences have been issued countrywide. Out of that number, 1,201 are for gold mining and 297 are for non-gold mining commodities, such as manganese and copper.

Madam Speaker, during the period under review, the following artisanal mining licences were issued in Serenje District, year by year, including the list of recipients, which is in the appendix:

Year                             No. of Licences

2021                                 14

2022                                   1

2023                                 16

2024                                 31

2025                                 14

Total                                 76

Madam Speaker, a cumulative total of seventy-six artisanal mining licences were granted in Serenje District over the stated period involving a variety of minerals such as copper, gold, manganese, quartz, limestone, talc and iron ore. The diversity of mineral commodities demonstrates the significant mineral potential of Serenje District.

Madam Speaker, while the above developments are encouraging, it is important to underscore the fact that artisanal mining activities face several challenges. These include lack of access to geological information, limited access to finance and markets, lack of mining equipment and technology, lack of skills and occupational health and environmental safety concerns in mining operations.

Madam Speaker, the Government, in addressing the various challenges faced by artisanal and small-scale miners, is undertaking initiatives that include the following:

1. establishing a dedicated department of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM);
2. facilitating access to finance, markets and equipment for artisanal and small-scale miners;
3. conducting capacity-building programmes and training for miners on basic mining methods, skills development, occupational health and safety;
4. encouraging the formation of co-operatives to enhance collective participation and granting them artisanal mining rights; and
5. undertaking a countrywide high-resolution aerial geophysical survey.

Madam Speaker, the Government has also repealed and replaced the Mines and Minerals Development Act No. 11 of 2015 with the Minerals Regulation Commission Act No.14 of 2024, and the Geological Minerals Development Act No. 2 of 2025. The Government has set up a fund dedicated to supporting the capacity development of artisanal and small-scale miners through the reforms. I wish to reiterate that the Government’s agenda is to transform the artisanal and small-scale mining sub-sector into a sustainable driver of job creation, revenue generation and socio-economic development. The issuance of artisanal mining licences to our youths in Serenje is not just about access to mineral rights, but about providing them with a gateway to opportunity, empowerment and dignity. Under the reforms on legal policy and institutional framework, the Government is determined to turn the untapped potential of artisanal mining into a formal, vibrant and profitable sub-sector that benefits every Zambian. As the Government, we will continue to build capacity, provide support and create an enabling environment where our youths and communities can thrive from their God-given resources.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

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

Mr Chisanga (Lukashya): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to be the first one to ask the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development a question on a point of clarification.

Madam Speaker, I am attracted to the idea of financing. I want to know if financing for the artisanal miners will be availed by the Government, and how much money will be available.

 Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for Lukashya for that very important question.

Madam Speaker, from the outset, I would like to state that the Government is already supporting the artisanal miners. Currently, the ministry has given some artisanal miners washing plants and gold detectors. I think that as the Hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning presents the Budget tomorrow, we will know the exact figure that has been allocated to the artisanal miners.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr C. Mpundu (Chembe): Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, of the number of artisanal licences that the ministry is giving to the youths, how many have been given to the youths in Chembe, especially since the hon. Minister has been quiet pertaining to Muombe Mine?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, if I were asked to bring anything on Luapula Province and Chembe District, I would gladly do so, but this question was specific to Serenje.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Ms Nakaponda (Isoka): Madam Speaker, I also want to talk about Isoka, because I have youths in the district. I want to know if the ministry has given licences to my youths in the constituency.

Hon. Members: Quality!

Madam Speaker: Even if it is quality, it does not fall under the question that is on the Floor, unfortunately.

Hon. Members, you can file in your own questions for clarification if you want those specifics.

Hon. Member for Mitete, I hope you are not also going to talk about Mitete.

Mr Mutelo (Mitete): Madam Speaker, thank you very much. The statement is clear.

Madam Speaker, of late, we have had, and, of course, they still are; illegal miners. How will the legal miners, whom the Government will support, and those who will bring some money into the national coffers, be protected from the illegal miners? You may have heard about illegal miners going against Government security officers. How will the artisanal miners be protected?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, the issue of illegal mining is an emotive one. It is a problem that has been entrenched in our mining sector for a long time. I am glad to say that President Hakainde Hichilema has given clear instructions on how to approach the issues of artisanal and small-scale mining vis-à-vis illegal mining. One of the things he has made clear is that there will be no illegal mining. There has to be legal mining everywhere. Secondly, there has to be safe mining. Thirdly, there has to be formal trade. Fourthly, which, I think, speaks to what the hon. Member has asked about, is security. Two weeks ago, I gave mining licences to artisanal miners who, for the first time, have been trained by this Government. We have trained and capacitated them, and also put in place a security cluster, which has been cleared by the Cabinet. When a budgetary allocation is made to that cluster, it will be able to clear out the areas, and land will be subdivided, that is specifically for Zambians. Artisanal and small-scale mining activities are specific to Zambians. So, we are working with the security wings of the Government so that we can have the areas cleared and protected. As they are being cleared, we want the artisanal miners to simultaneously move into the areas and begin mining safely and legally; in a formal way, in areas that are secure.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr E. Banda (Muchinga): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development for the Ministerial Statement. I hope I will have the privilege to ask two questions, as the Ministerial Statement was prompted by a question from the hon. Member for Serenje.

Madam Speaker, in the first place, I must commend the Government for coming up with the idea of artisanal mining licences to cure the issue of illegal mining and to empower youths. Unfortunately, the hon. Minister said that the ministry issued only seventy-six mining licences to the youths in Serenje but youths in that area are illegal miners.  As a Member of Parliament from Serenje District, I know the co-operatives and youth clubs that applied for mining licences from 2021 up to 2025, but did not get the mining licences. If the hon. Minister issued artisanal mining licences to the youths, then those youths do not belong to Serenje.

Madam can the hon. Minister confirm to the youths of Serenje engaged in mining under the Serenje All Metals Youth Club, Serenje Diggers Youth Co-operative Multipurpose, and Rock Bottom Co-operative Multipurpose, that their organisations were issued with mining licences? I have six names of miners I know   in Serenje, but they do not have licences. The hon. Minister said that seventy-six artisanal mining licences were issued. So, if we put aside seventy licences, we will remain with six. Can the hon. Minister confirm that six who were issued with artisanal mining licences are from Serenje?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, I may not go through the whole list due to time, but I have an appendix that is attached to my Ministerial Statement, of all the names of people who have been issued with mining licences in Serenje.

Madam Speaker, let me just say that mining licences for people from other districts can be issued in Serenje. That is very possible. That is the way mining works.

Interruptions

Mr Kabuswe: Yes!

Madam Speaker, miners can come from anywhere. As long as they are Zambians, they can apply for mining licences anywhere. So, what is important is for us leaders to be more proactive and to push for our co-operatives to apply for mining licences. I have a list here. Sometimes, when people apply for mining licences, they give addresses for different areas, for example, Serenje. Therefore, the ministry may not know that the address is for Serenje and the perform is from a different place.  I have a list of all the seventy-six names and their licence numbers. I will avail it to the House and to the hon. Member of Parliament.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Ms Halwiindi (Kabwe Central): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the Ministerial Statement, and congratulations to the New Dawn Government for considering artisans and co-operatives; they are now receiving artisanal mining licences.

Madam Speaker, my follow-up question is on the structure that the ministry has put upin Serenje and Mufumbwe, in the North Western Province, to avoid revenue loss through taxes. The structure in Mufumbwe, is excellent because there is the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines - Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH), which is the off-taker, and the ministry will be able to control revenue.  What has the ministry put in place in Serenje, since the off-takers are fragmented? How is the ministry going to make sure that there is no revenue loss?

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

Madam Speaker, as I said, the Government is rolling-out the programme that the hon. Member has mentioned. We are piloting it in Mumbwa, and through the Zambia Gold Company Limited and the ZCCM-IH, we will roll-out the programme across the country. So, even Mumbwa will be included. As it stands, we are still working with the people of Serenje, but not at the rate that we want. We are rolling-out the programme and the ZCCM-IH is buying the product. I think even Serenje will be catered for at a particular time.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Zulu (Nyimba): Madam Speaker, Nyimba Constituency shares a boundary with Muchinga Constituency. From the example that the hon. Minister has given, it appears that some people who apply for artisanal mining licences provide addresses for other areas.  You will find those people would not even the areas they are applying for. For example, those in Lusaka will be told about a tenement in a different area and they would apply even when they do not know anything about that particular area. What measures is the ministry putting in place to curb that trend? There are local small-scale miners out there who know the areas where minerals are, but they are deprived the opportunity to get artisanal mining licences because they have no capacity to travel to Lusaka to get them?

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

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Nyimba’s concern is very valid. We have people who have been masquerading as miners in certain areas. So, when we receive their applications, we fail to determine which areas they belong to like I said in my previous answer. In Kikonge, for example, we worked with the local leaders there to make sure that the co-operatives that applied for artisanal mining licences were really domiciled within the area because we want a large percentage of applicants.  Gold is scattered all over the country. This time around, we want a large percentage of the people domiciled in particular areas so that they benefit from that resource as they sell it to the aggregator. So, we are now going to apply the “use it or lose it” rule. If somebody abuses their mining licence, we will grab it.

Madam Speaker, the Minerals Regulation Commission will be the regulator; it will come in handy in such situations. It will make sure that people are not abusing their mining licences. We have had many speculators. People are keeping their mining licences because they want to make money out of them. So, we need to work with local leaders. One of the things that the Minerals Regulation Commission will do is set up committees within districts. These committees will be checking to see whether mining activities are taking place where mining licences have purportedly been issued. So, we are rolling-out that programme; it is a process. I know that the hon. Member’s concern is valid. He has been to my office several times on that issue, and I think it is being addressed. It is just a matter of enforcing the “use it” or “lose it” rule.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr E. Banda: Madam Speaker, artisanal mining licences are issued based on the actual point where the mineral belt is. They are different from exploration licences for small-scale and large-scale mining. In Serenje, the youths or the clubs I outlined here got recommendation letters and applied through the local leadership or the District Commissioner (DC) but their applications were pushed away.  They and called illegal miners. Afterwards, people with mining licences started mining. 

Madam Speaker, now that the hon. Minister knows that most, if not all the youths issued with artisanal mining licences in Serenje, belong to the youths or co-operatives there, what remedial measures is the ministry going to put to make sure that people in Serenje have artisanal mining licences?   If people cannot get artisanal mining licences in the districts where they come from, then they cannot get them elsewhere. The people of Serenje also need to benefit from the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Fund that the Government has set up. However, without artisanal mining licences, they will never benefit from the fund. What remedial measures has the ministry put in place to make sure that the youths of Serenje benefit from the very good programme that the ministry has set up?

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

Madam Speaker, I really feel for the hon. Member over that matter. Probably, the hon. Member needs to come to the ministry so that we go through the list together. The people on the list may be from Serenje. May be, they do not just know.  We must be alive to the fact that there are pure miners who live in Serenje and applied for mining licences. So, probably, we need to find out from the Appendix that I have if those people live in Serenje.  Just speculating that a person lives in Serenje is not good.   The hon. Member has said that people pass through the local leadership when applying for artisanal mining licences, like in Mufumbwe. In Kikonge, the process has not been perfect. There are people who hide their real addresses and pretended to live in Kikonge. Right now, they have artisanal mining licences. That happens because of the nature of human beings. Nevertheless, we can still verify the issue through the appendix that I have been given.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chala (Chipili): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has already answered the question. I wanted to ask him, on the measures that he has taken on the artisanal mining licences that are dormant, because most of them are dormant. His answer was that the Minerals Regulation Commission will come and address that. However, let me ask him another question.

Mr Simumba: Quality.

Mr Chala: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister mentioned that small-scale miners in Mufumbwe have been trained and issued with artisanal mining licences or co-operative licences. Is he sure that there is gold in the slots covered by the artisanal mining licences that were issued to the over 50,000 small-scale miners who were trained? The hon. Minister has said that there is gold everywhere in Mufumbwe. How did he come up with that information? Some people will not get anything from those slots. 

Madam Speaker: We have drifted to Mufumbwe.

The hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development may respond.

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

Madam Speaker, that can apply to Serenje. Mining is always a risk; that is why big mining companies share the risk. Sometimes, you can have a portion and not find anything there. That is a possibility. That is why we are now mapping the minerals in the country. When we map the minerals, we can do targeted exploration and mining because we will know that a particular mineral could be in a particular area. That is why mapping is very important for this country. It will help us to do targeted mining and exploration. Finding nothing is a possibility because mining is a risk. That is why we are mapping the minerals in Zambia.

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Nkandu: Good answer. Naupya.

Mr Wamunyima (Nalolo): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the Ministerial Statement. I also commend him for training small-scale miners.

Madam Speaker, in the training of small-scale miners, is the environmental component looked at? I think that mining is increasingly becoming a threat to the environment in terms of pollution. We can see that miners are using mercury to mine and polluting our water. So, I would like to find out if there is an environmental component. I would also like to know if the small-scale miners are given certificates once they are trained, so that they can be identified.

Interruptions

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, I am being disturbed by the hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts.

Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for that question. Yes, what is happening is that we are selecting co-operatives. We are giving them what we call offer letters and taking them to classes. We use a multi-sectoral approach in the trainings; the people from the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation are there, the youths are there, and those who oversee the youths are there. When the miners are trained, they are trained in mining itself and safe mining and legal mining, which the President has talked about. They are also trained in environmental matters so that they can mine in an environmentally friendly way. We go further to teach them the economy of mining, meaning the business side of mining, so that they do not just mine but also make money. Any mineral is a wasting asset; it finishes. So, we are also teaching them about making and reinvesting money.  

Madam Speaker, our vision is to have small-scale miners and artisanal miners eventually begin to form consortia. We have huge mining companies in Zambia today that started with tailings in Ndola. It is a common story. They built themselves into huge mining conglomerates. So, the training we are giving our artisanal miners is meant to build capacity and to teach them to think big and to think outside the box, through safe and legal mining. Through formal trade and security, they can eventually grow into junior miners, medium-scale mining companies and big mining companies.

Mr Nkandu: Quality.

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, when you meet young artisanal miners, you will realise that by virtue of what they have been doing illegally, most of them understand geology and what they are doing. You find that they have turned themselves into surveyors. So, when we teach them, they relate the theory or science of mining to what they have been doing on the ground. After we train them, we produce a certificate for them. That certificate is the qualification to get a mining licence. So, they cannot get artisanal mining licences without those certificates that show that they have been trained. So, really, the hon. Member’s concerns have been taken care of. The process may not be perfect, but we are moving. When something starts, it can have teething issues but, eventually, we start making progress. Ngo ulekwela ulupili, you start with one step, which means that when you are climbing a hill, one step is very important. So, that is what we are doing.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, the next question will be from the hon. Member for Chimwemwe. The hon. Member for Lundazi will be the next to ask a question after the hon. Member for Chimwemwe. Please, get ready.

Mr A. Banda (Chimwemwe): Madam Speaker, seventy-six co-operatives is a good enough number. The hon. Minister said that some people are getting licences from areas where they do not live. It is true that most of our youths are envious of their colleagues who live in areas rich in minerals. It is unfortunate that they cannot also be miners in those areas. Does the hon. Minister have any intentions of perhaps allocating a certain percentage of artisanal mining licences, like 20 per cent or 30 per cent, to the people who do not live in those areas, so that they can also enjoy what their friends are enjoying?

Madam Speaker: Mwavela?

Laughter

Madam Speaker: It means, “Have you heard the question?” You got the question?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, yes.

Madam Speaker, I think that the hon. Member for Chimwemwe is asking about those who live within the mineral-rich areas envying those who go to mine there. I am sure that I got him correctly.

Madam Speaker, that is why I have said that the way we have rolled out artisanal mining licences in Kikonge is the way we want to roll them out in other areas, whereby local community leaders can identify the people applying for licences. It is very important that those who are mining, even at artisanal level, have the social licence. This is because the people in the mining areas cannot be cooking within those areas and seeing their friends’ lives change without experiencing the same. So, really, the involvement of local leadership is cardinal. We need to ensure that those who live within mineral-rich areas benefit from the minerals. We want to ensure that if there is a mine in your area, the first thought that should come to you, like the hon. Member for Serenje said, is the people who live within the area where you are. That is being taken care of by engagements. I must apologise for how it was done in the past, but I think that we are going to correct it.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Nyirenda (Lundazi): Madam Speaker, my question relates to us failing to grow the foreign exchange reserves held by the Bank of Zambia (BoZ) due to the haphazard way of carrying out mining activities.

Madam Speaker, was the issuance of mining licences by the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development to miners in Serenje based on mineral mapping or it was just done the usual haphazard way? If it is the latter, we may not get any benefit out of that initiative because the recipients of those mining licences will end up selling to private buyers.

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

Madam Speaker, I think that we need to learn to use the right vocabulary in our language. Maybe, those who are coming from a haphazard scenario in the past think that everybody else is working haphazardly.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, our Government is methodical and systematic in its activities and for the first time, we are training people in basic mining methods.

Madam Speaker, I can show the House how the production figures have increased since 2020. In 2020, artisanal mining activities contributed 13,000 metric tonnes of minerals to the country’s total production. After this Government came into power, artisanal miners have increased production and last year alone, they produced 45,000 metric tonnes of minerals. Numbers do not lie. This year, we are targeting 80,000 metric tonnes of minerals from artisanal miners. So, we have set a target and we are getting there.

Madam Speaker, based on the figures I have highlighted, who was haphazard and who was systematic and methodical? As I have said, numbers do not lie. We are now producing 16 per cent above what was produced during the period that certain mines were dead. We are rushing towards the target of 1 million metric tonnes of copper production. So, the barrier to increased production in the past was psychological because for the first time in the history of Zambia, we are heading towards producing 1 million metric tonnes of minerals.

 Madam Speaker, even the quarterly report for the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development that I referred to shows that there is an increase in gold reserves at the Bank of Zambia (BoZ). If the hon. Member did not research to finding out what is happening in the economy, she can say that the foreign exchange reserves held by the BoZ are going down. The truth of the matter is that the foreign exchange reserves are going up and we have figures to show that that is the case. I am ready to bring the figures on the Floor of the House tomorrow and show the hon. Member how various figures have moved from the time President Hakainde Hichilema, nkarakatimba, took over the reins of this country. The figures are going up. So, if improvement is equal to haphazardness, limbi nishi icisungu tucinje. What I mean is that we must swap the words in describing what was happening in the past and what is happening now. For us, haphazardness is what was happening in the past. During this time, things are done in a controlled, proper and methodical manner and we are moving forward.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Zulu: On a point of order!

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Zulu: Madam Speaker, my point of order is pursuant to Standing Order No. 71. Is the hon. Minister in order to use a foreign word like “nkarakatimba”? What does nkarakatimba mean? Maybe, he is insulting us. Can he tell us what he means by using that word.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Hon. Minister, what does that word mean?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, it means a great person. It means a man who is strong, hard, tough and very hardworking. That is what it means.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: So, hon, Member for Nyimba, the hon. Minister was just saying that you are nkarakatimba.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Unfortunately, we have run out of time. Maybe, I can allow a few more questions by adding ten more minutes.

Mr C. Chibuye (Mkushi North):  Madam Speaker, the scenario in Serenje is not different from what is happening in Mkushi. There are many youths who are involved in mining. As such, mine is not a question, but an appeal or request.  Could the hon. Minister be in a position to share with the House information on how many licences the ministry has given to artisanal miners throughout the country, segmented district by district. Maybe, the information can be distributed through our pigeonholes. We need to have that information so that we give it to youths in our constituencies, in case they are missing out on something.

Madam Speaker: There is a request, hon. Minister.

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, that is a very fair point. We can do that. I will give instructions to my officers to do the breakdown on that information. It is quite a lot because over 1,500 licences have been issued. We need to prepare an appendix like the one we have done for the question about Serenje so that hon. Members can even print it out. I will try my level best to bring the information to Parliament so that it can be put in the hon. Members’ pigeonholes.

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Katambo (Masaiti): Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker, I have taken note of the issue that was raised by the hon. Member of Parliament for Serenje that about six groupings were left out in the issuance of mining licences. Therefore, how can the ministry make artisanal and small-scale mining operations more equitable as well as avoid human rights abuses and child labour in the process?

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

Madam Speaker, I have applauded the House for supporting the setting up of a mining regulator because therein lies all the things that should be addressed in the sector. In the past, we lacked the capacity to supervise what was going on in mining areas. However, the four pillars under our critical mineral strategy are meant to ensure that there is no illegal mining. There has to be safe mining and formal trade in all minerals. All the issues in the mining sector will be dealt with by the regulator. The Minerals Regulation Commission has to ensure that mining companies are adhering to the Government’s policies, including not engaging in child labour.

Madam Speaker, the introduction of free education has led to many children leaving illegal mining sites to go back to school. The School Feeding Programme is also attracting children to be in class because they are given food. Those are some of the things that have helped in children leaving illegal mining sites. Things are working out well, but the problem is not finished completely. In this regard, the mining regulator will have to ensure that there is no child labour or illegal mining in the sector. It will also have to ensure that communities in areas where mining tenements are domiciled benefit from such activities.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to direct a very important supplementary question to the hon. Minister responsible for mines and minerals development.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament from Muchinga has raised a very important issue, which I think needs to be addressed holistically because we need to look at it from a national point of view.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister is aware that Zambia has been mining since 1930. If we go back to our history, we will note that people migrated from different parts of Zambia because of mining on the Copperbelt Province. That is why I want to understand the policy around the criteria for allocating licenses to artisanal and small-scale miners. When the hon. Minister says a local person should be given priority, there must be a national document that speaks to that criterion, which accommodates Zambians. We are all Zambians and, therefore, all Zambians would want to enjoy our natural resources. Therefore, we need to have a holistic point of view and avoid a situation in which some local people feel others should not be given an opportunity. So, what is the policy of the Government on how mining licenses should be issued so that we are guided on building one nation? We need a nation that allows everyone to enjoy the same opportunities.

Madam Speaker, I hope my question is very clear and the hon. Minister can provide an answer that guides the nation. We need to build a better Zambia.

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, it is true that, as a country, we have been mining for over a 100 years. One thing that I will clearly say, which is a policy direction from the Government, is that Zambia is one unitary State and all the wealth of this country belongs to every Zambian. That one is clear. The Government has been clear. If we start segmenting, we will cause problems. So, all the wealth of the country, be it in agriculture, forestry or mining, belongs to every Zambian.

Mr Michelo: Even water!

Mr Kabuswe: Everything. Every resource, including water, belongs to every Zambian.

Madam Speaker, we must not forget that we have people who host the resources, and we must not leave them out. That is why I have said that with the coming in of a mining regulator, the ministry will be looking at issues such as licences for artisanal miners, which are being issued. The ministry has developed a model for gold mining at Kikonge Gold Mine. The majority of the people from Mufumbwe, Kasempa and other areas are acquiring artisanal licences for Kikonge. If people from other provinces were blocked from going to Mufumbwe, the Kopala guys would also say that only ba Kopala will be in their area. Then, the people of Nangoma would also stop the ‘Mumbwans’ from going to Nangoma. So, we must never allow that. That is why even yesterday, when President Hakainde Hichilema spoke to the chiefs, he said that Zambia is one unitary State, and all wealth belongs to every Zambian. However, the people who host the resources will be taken care of.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chewe (Lubansenshi): Madam Speaker, the people of Lubansenshi are following.

Madam Speaker, empowering the people of Zambia with licences is progressive. I say so because I have had the opportunity to visit Tanzania and some areas within Zambia where many youths and adults are doing something to take care of themselves. That is good. However, as many as our people can obtain artisanal mining licences, what mechanisms has the Government put in place to ensure that the country benefits from the taxes collected from artisanal miners? I know that if they acquire licences to mine gold – Gold is expensive– they will have a lot of money, at the end the day, they may not pay any taxes, and the Zambian Government will keep losing revenue. What measures has the Government put in place to ensure that national resources can be shared equally by all Zambians?

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, a licence is a document that gives the ministry traceability of whoever is undertaking mining activities. The House may recall a question that was asked on the Floor, and in response, I said that the Government would implement the “use it or lose it” policy. We do not want licences to be owned by speculators. That is why, sometimes, you may hear the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) state that it has a certain number of licences in its records, but only a certain number of holders pay taxes. The reason is that most licence holders could be speculators, and that is why the regulator comes into place. I used to emphasise on the Floor of the House that a regulator was needed in place, because those are some of the things it will resolve, working hand-in-hand with the tax authorities. So, that will be followed through to ensure that the ministry profiles everyone undertaking mining activities so that they pay the necessary taxes.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Thank you.

I think that is how far we can go. We make progress.

_______

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

ERRATIC DISBURSEMENT OF 2025 CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT FUND (CDF)

24. Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North) asked the Minister of Finance and National Planning:

1. what the cause of the erratic disbursement of the 2025 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for Chama North and other parliamentary constituencies, is; and
2. when the CDF will be fully disbursed.

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Sialubalo) (on behalf of the Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane)): Madam Speaker, the story of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is nothing less than a testament to the success of this Government in fostering inclusive development at the local level through the enhanced CDF. The people of Zambia have been empowered to be the architects of their own development. That is reflected in the increase of the CDF allocation to K5.6 billion in 2025 from K249.6 million in 2021, translating into an allocation of K36.1 million from a paltry K1.6 million per constituency in the past.

Madam Speaker, I wish to report that as at 31^st August, 2025, the Treasury had released K3.4 billion, representing 60 per cent Budget performance. In view of the foregoing, let me affirm that the Treasury is on track with the disbursement of the CDF. Let me further reiterate that the release of the CDF to various constituencies is based on the consumption capacity. Let me repeat that because it is important for hon. Members of Parliament. Let me further reiterate that the release of the CDF to various constituencies is based on the consumption capacity of the constituency.

Madam Speaker, with regards to Chama North, I wish to inform this august House that my counterpart from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, who is also myself, …

Laughter

Mr Sialubalo: … can confirm that K25.9 million has been released to the constituency, representing 72 –

Mr Kang’ombe: Where?

 Mr Sialubalo: You are not from Chama North.

Laughter

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, K25.9 million has been released to the constituency, representing 72 per cent of its total CDF allocation. This means that, so far, Chama North has received a higher proportion of its allocated funds and shows that the CDF implementation pace for Chama North is relatively higher than the average constituency. With that being said, I wish to acknowledge and commend the Member for Chama North, Hon. Yotam Mtayachalo, and ask him to continue with the exemplary utilisation of funds, and highlight the fact that his constituency may be one of the few to receive the entire K36.1 million for 2025. However, let me also acknowledge that there is an increase in demand for funds due to the 2024 allocation not being funded in full. In that regard, the Treasury is set to address that shortfall in 2026, revenue permitting.

Madam Speaker, as the House may be aware, the CDF disbursement is quarterly and, therefore, the next disbursement will be made in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

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

Madam Speaker, what I know is that Chama North has been paid less than K15 million. However, about two months ago, we requested for funding but up to now, the money has not been released. So, I am surprised that the hon. Minister is saying that K25 million has been paid. Was it released today?   I am asking this question because when I checked yesterday, there was no money in the account.

Mr B. Mpundu: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

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

What is your point of order, hon. Member for Nkana.

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, Standing Order No. 71 speaks to factual information provided to the House. 

Madam Speaker, I am afraid that if the status quo, is not corrected, vis-à-vis, the information the Acting hon.  Minister of Finance and National Planning has provided. I am saying so because if left uncorrected, it is going to put us, hon. Members of Parliament in a very awkward position.

Madam Speaker, for example, in 2025, Nkana has only received K3 million if not K4 million.  In 2024, we only received 20 per cent of the expected amount. Now, if the information that the hon. Minister has tendered to this august House is not corrected and is allowed to grace the Hansard, it will look like we are just lazy. The people who are following this conversation will think that we are not just utilising the funds that have already been allocated.

Madam Speaker, is he in order to tell the Zambians that he has released funds when in essence, this is almost the end of the year, but he has only given us K4 million for 2025, and just about 20 per cent for 2024? Is he in order to give us and the public misleading information?

I seek your serious ruling, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

 I do not know whether that is a point of order or a question. Maybe, you could just ask a question and provide your own facts, which you have.  As it is, it is difficult for me to rule whether the hon. Minister is in order or out of order because I do not have facts.  I am also just listening to the Acting hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, who has also been given that information by his operatives. The hon. Member for Nkana is also on the ground. So, it is very difficult to determine who is being truthful.  Just ask a question later on, hon. Member for Nkana.

Acting Hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, there was a question from the hon. Member for Chama North.

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, the House may recall that from 2022 to 2023, the consumption rate of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), called the burn rate was very low. So, there was no way a Government could have kept sending money to non-performing local authorities. It only did that when it decided to have demand notices from the local authorities. Once they exhaust what we give them, they show proof of that by writing to the ministry.  That is when we release more funds. Now, if Nkana Constituency is doing the opposite, that is unfortunate, and a follow-up should be made.

Madam Speaker, let me now talk about Chama North.

Madam Speaker, I wish to commend the hon. Member of Parliament for the push. It is really commendable. Now, when I mentioned the K25.9 million, I did not mean it was paid at a go. No! There is a quarterly disbursement.  Next year, there will be other quarterly payments. So, next year, there will be an allocation for them. The hon. Member said that they only received K15 million and the ministry is keeping K25.9 million. I will therefore, need to reconcile the figures so that we know exactly whether it is the local authority that has incorrect information. Otherwise, the information comes from the ministry.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

However, according to the information from the hon. Member for Chama North, he only received K15 million, but the ministry is saying that K25.9 million has been disbursed. Now, where is the difference? I think you need to sit down and do some reconciliation. There could be some serious anomalies there.

Let us make progress.

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, aba K15 million baliko na bwino.

Laughter

Hon. Members: Meaning?

Mr Kang’ombe: Meaning the one who has received K15 million is even better than most constituencies.

Madam Speaker, I want to take advantage of this very important question that the hon. Member of Parliament for Chama North raised.  The Acting hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning who is also the substantive hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development is aware that some of us have been calling him over the issue that has affected our young people in both private and public colleges, who expect that money will be released on time.  We have students who go to radio stations to complain. Yesterday, I received a phone call from Kitwe that Northern Technical College (NORTECH) students had gone to Radio Ichengelo to complain about the money that has not been released. The Town Clerk for Kitwe is aware about that issue. I am taking advantage of this question because a wrong impression might be created on the Floor to show that one constituency was given K15 million when Kamfinsa has only receivedK4 million. I am wondering that even if there is a provision for a demand notice, it cannot be at variance with a disbursement of funds because projects are being implemented at the same time, and that is why I want to find out from him.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister, who is Acting hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, wants the CDF to work, but the money is not being disbursed. Can he confirm before this august House how much money is supposed to be released on a quarterly basis.  Already, three quarters have passed.  If we divide thirty-six by four quarters, it will give us K9 million per quarter. By now, we would have received K27 million. Can the hon. Minister clarify that?

Madam Speaker, otherwise, these hon. Members of Parliament, including those from the Ruling Party will be sacrificed. (pointed at hon. Opposition Members and the UPND hon. Members).

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, the substantive question is for Chama North, but I will give the hon. Member for Kamfinsa a bonus answer. Not long ago, …

Madam Speaker: No, hon. Minister. The question goes beyond Chama North.  It is for Chama North and other Parliamentary Constituencies.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I thank you for that correction. Let me now respond to the hon. Member. 

Madam Speaker, truth be told. Two months ago, I talked to my dear Colleague, the hon. Member of Parliament for Kamfinsa, when he was faced with challenges of non-payment of allowances to students.  I wish to state here that money for his constituency was released ... 

Mr Amutike: Eh!

Mr Sialubalo: … two months ago. In addition, two weeks ago, he even called for more money due to pressure. 

Laughter

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I told him that I needed to consult the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning. That was done and I even gave him feedback. 

Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is a conveyor belt.  When the Ministry of Finance and National Planning releases money, we disburse it. At the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, money is disbursed within forty-eight hours. So, I gave the hon. Member a response from the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning. So, if someone says that only K4 million was given to them, and that information is true, then there must be something wrong with the local authority in that particular constituency.  Literally, we need to develop interest in knowing what that problem is.  Otherwise, when resources are made available, and a demand notice is given to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, money is shared. The same applies to Chama North. Three months ago, the hon. Member called me and we sorted out the issue because resources were there. Now, there has been a delay because we are still waiting for the money to come from the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, and we have been told that it will come in the fourth quarter of the year, which is next week. The hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning has assured the ministry that all the resources will be made available within this year. That is the response I can give. So, regarding the variance that was stated, my dear colleague, the hon. Member for Chama North, should come to the office tomorrow in the morning so that we reconcile the figures, because what I gave him was the official figure that the ministry was given.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr B. Mpundu: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Order!

There is an indication for a point of order.

Hon. Member for Nkana, this is the second point of order you are raising today.

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, I need your serious indulgence on this matter.

Madam Speaker, I am raising this matter pursuant to Standing Order No. 71. The hon. Minister on the Floor is the Acting hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, not the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development. He is making statements in which he is insinuating that he has not received the money from the Ministry of Finance and National Planning.

Madam Speaker, is he in order to continue responding to questions …

Interruptions

Mr B. Mpundu: … as though he is the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, when this question has been posed to him in his capacity as the Acting hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning? He should actually give a clear answer as to how much money has been released, say, in Kamfinsa. Has K4 million or more been released? This must be corrected.

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order to run away from the responsibility of Acting hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning and now give assumptions?

I seek your indulgence, Madam Speaker.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

From where I am seated, I am attentive and I am listening. So, what I have seen is that the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development was answering questions as the Acting hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning. However, in the same process, he said that he was a conveyor belt. So, it was from that point that he said, “As a conveyor belt, as Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, I did send money to the hon. Member for Kamfinsa.” Then he asked for more money. That is what he was saying.  He was just –

Mr Kang’ombe: It is money that I did not receive.

Madam Speaker: Then, I think, that is the issue.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 The best that can happen under the circumstances is engaging directly with the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development. In turn, he will engage the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning to determine the amounts of money that have been disbursed to the hon. Member for Kamfinsa, the hon. Member for Nkana, or any other hon. Member who wants to find out how much money has been disbursed. From what I have heard, remember that the hon. Minister said that money is released according to the burn rate; you issue a demand notice or whatever notice it is and then you receive the money.

 So, hon. Member for Kamfinsa, if you issued a demand notice and the money was not disbursed, I am sure that you can show that demand notice to the hon. Minister and say, “We used the money, we issued a demand notice, now we need our next disbursement.” I am just trying to see how best this issue can be resolved, because I see that most hon. Members are saying that money has not been released.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: So, hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, please, consult with the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, especially after the Budget, to see how you can engage the hon. Members so that this issue is clarified. Otherwise, it will keep on coming up. Even if I give more time to hon. Members to ask questions, I think that the story will be the same.

Mr B. Mpundu: It will be the same.

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

Ms Tambatamba rose.

Madam Speaker: The hon. Minister –

Ms Tambatamba walked over to Mr Nkandu.

Madam Speaker: Oh, okay. I thought it was the hon. Minister of Labour and Social Security about to raise a point of order.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Kanyama, what is your point of order?

Interruptions

Mr B. Mpundu: Senior junky.

Mr Chinkuli: Just behave.

Madam Speaker, my point of order is on the hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development.

Mr B. Mpundu: He is not here.

Mr Chinkuli: Madam Speaker, last week, this House was informed that Kanyama was allocated 2.9 km of roads to be constructed in Kanyama. Now, what is happening on the ground is different.

Mr Mubika: How many kilometres have you been given?

Mr Chinkuli: We have only been allocated 100 km, other than the 2 km –

Interruptions

Mr Chinkuli: I mean 1 km.

Interruptions

Mr Chinkuli: Can I finish?

Madam Speaker, only 1 km of the road network in Kanyama will be worked on, instead of the 2.9 km that we were assured would be worked on.

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order to not come back to the House to tell us whether there has been a change of plan or allocation of kilometres that need to be worked on in Kanyama?

Madam Speaker, I seek your serious ruling on this matter.

Madam Speaker: I was just wondering. If there was an allocation of 2.9 km, but you have been allocated 100 km, is there any reason to complain?

Laughter

Mr B. Mpundu: Mubwesheko shimbi!

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Kanyama, that point of order is not admissible because that issue is something that you can discuss with the hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development. Please, go and visit him. According to our rules, the Standing Orders, that point of order is not admissible.

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, we have a problem. The question was about the erratic supply of money to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). The supply of money is not even endemic or epidemic, it is pandemic.

Madam Speaker, three values have been attached to the CDF. There is demand for the right prices and the like; the Government always parrots that. However, the CDF is a cycle that starts with approval of projects, procurement, and then implementation. There is also an issue of inflationary pressure. For instance, in Chilubi, some materials have to be transported on water. There are many factors involved. You will find that a slight change of just two weeks can create different prices of materials. Now, we have a problem of unfinished buildings because of the same issue.

Madam Speaker, the problem that I have seen, the hon. Minister has to guide me, is policy inconsistency. The hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning can say that the ministry is not going to mop up resources for the CDF for different years, and that the resources can stay and each constituency can have a fallback plan in case of anything. However, you will find that midway, another thing will be introduced and all the councils will have to mop up resources. I do not know if the councils take the resources to Control 99 or something like that; they know better. Hence, constituencies remain with empty accounts.

Mr B. Mpundu: With K60.

Mr Fube: At the end of the day, there is nothing left to be used in constituencies. Meanwhile, councils would have engaged contractors and even the Attorney-General’s Office would have been involved. Contractors would have legal contracts, but you find that the disbursement of money is erratic. I just want to appeal to the hon. Minister. I know that he is a victim of circumstance in that ministry. Can we have some policy consistency instead of changing the monetary arrangement, whereby today you say this, tomorrow you say that?

Hon. UPND Members: What is your question?

Mr Fube: That is the question.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

We are not going to make progress at this rate. It appears many hon. Members want to debate while they are seated. We are throwing our Standing Orders to the wind. Please, let us desist from doing that.

I do not know if the Acting hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning has a comment.

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, thank you so much.

Madam Speaker, allow me to thank my dear colleagues, especially the hon. Members on your left, because they have now accepted that the CDF is, indeed, a game changer.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sialubalo: They have accepted because they are now seeing development in their respective constituencies.

Madam Speaker, when we look at the question on the Order Paper, we can see that it does not state that there is no disbursement, but that the disbursement is erratic. So, it is commendable that funds are being disbursed because certain people and some hon. Members of Parliament were saying that CDF is a hoax. I thank my dear hon. Colleagues for, at least, seeing the value of CDF. The New Dawn Government is, indeed, working and should be commended.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my dear brother, the hon. Member of Parliament for Chilubi, for his question. However, I fail to understand why he says there is inconsistency in the Government’s policies. If he had said that the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning had earlier said that the CDF would be cancelled, I would have said that, indeed, there is inconsistency. Since the hon. Member is saying that the CDF is there and it shall be given out, definitely, there is no inconsistency. When the money is given to the local authorities, they should not wait for the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to mop it up. We have asked why we should send money to people who do not want to use it. If a local authority does not want to use the money, definitely, it will be taken out of the account and taken where it is required to be urgently utilised. This is why we came up with a demand notice. When a local authority wants money, a demand notice is sent to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and we ask the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to release the money. When the money is released, it goes to the constituency.

Madam Speaker, it would be recalled that when I debated in this House two weeks ago, I said that as hon. Members of Parliament, we are major stakeholders in the utilisation of the CDF. Who is asking questions here about the disbursement of the fund? It is the hon. Members of Parliament. So, we should take the local authorities and controlling officers to task to make sure that once the money goes into the accounts, it is utilised. Once it is utilised, the ministry should be informed. Once we know, we will talk to the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning. So, basically, there is no inconsistency.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr S. Banda (Petauke Central): Madam Speaker, I thank you for giving me a chance, on behalf of the good people of Petauke Central, to ask the Acting hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning a question.

Madam Speaker, since the method of disbursement is slowing developmental projects in our constituencies, does the hon. Minister intend to provide a lump sum directly to our constituencies in the near future?

Mr B. Mpundu: Hear, hear! E question iyo.

Madam Speaker: Order!

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for Petauke Central for that question. I was in his constituency and we had a very good time inspecting CDF projects together. It was very wonderful.

Madam Speaker, initially, when the Government came up with the enhanced CDF, money was released as a lump sum. However, money was not being utilised. A lot of issues arose. So, we said that we could not allow money to just sit in bank accounts when the Government needed money to be used in other needy areas. At the time the money was being mopped up, some councils had not even selected projects.

Madam Speaker, I would like to commend all hon. Members of Parliament because they are putting me in the right position by pushing for the CDF to be released. They are anxious because they want to utilise the money, unlike what was happening in the past, whereby money would just sit in the banks accounts of local authorities without being utilised. In fact, council officers were often out of the office and, therefore, we decided that we needed to control the system. As a result, we now have a say in the developmental agenda in our constituencies.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.  

Mr Zulu (Nyimba): Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker, the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is a flagship programme of the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government. Some constituencies have utilised the fund to the fullest. I was just checking the figures for my constituency. Last year, we received less money than this year. The utilisation capacity of Nyimba Council regarding the CDF is 100 per cent. The constituency has one of the best performing councils. In fact, we are among the five best performing councils in the country and the hon. Minister knows it.  

Madam Speaker, when we compare the disbursement of funds between this year and last year, the situation has not been encouraging. Therefore, my question is very simple. A good number of our constituencies have been looking for K10 million per constituency for the last two months. Due to non-release of funds, the CDF projects have stalled in Nyimba. In this regard, I would like to know when the hon. Minister is going to fund the constituencies that need money. Further, I have written a demand notice to the hon. Minister’s office.

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, thank you so much.

Madam Speaker, I was in Nyimba and saw very good projects. Nyimba is changing because of the CDF.

Hon. PF Members: Question!

Laughter

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, in my statement, I indicated that resources –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Minister, you are now answering as the Acting hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning.

Hon. Member: Hammer!

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I am sorry.

Laughter

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, as I indicated in my earlier statement, in the fourth quarter, which starts next week, resources will be made available. It is the wish of the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning that all the balances are given to local authorities before the end of the year. Maybe, by 31^st December, 2025, every council will receive the balance.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chala (Chipili): Madam Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity.

Madam Speaker, there is no need to belabour how the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is doing in our constituencies because everyone knows. However, the problem is –

Hon. Government Members: Jealous.

Mr Chala: That is what I am saying.

Mr Kasandwe: The problem is?

Mr Chala: Madam Speaker, there is no need to belabour that point because it is there for all to see. However, if projects in our constituencies are not funded, it is a different story. In my constituency –

Mr Nkandu: Which one?  

Mr Chala: Chipili.

Laughter

Mr Chala: Madam Speaker, we have submitted request for funds and every time council officers try to find out from the hon. Minister’s office when funds will be made available, they are asked to resubmit.

Mr Nkandu: Question!

Mr Chala: Madam Speaker, I was talking to the council secretary in Chipili. Therefore, I am not buying the statement the hon. Minister has brought before this august House. However, I want him to invite me to his office, not for a cup of tea, but to collect money for my people.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Order!

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Chipili, I am just wondering, do you want to be invited by the Acting hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, or the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development?

Mr Chala: Madam Speaker, I think, the one who is presenting the statement; the Acting hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, then, through him, he can contact whom I have sent him to, to be there.

Laughter

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I am inviting the hon. Member, as Acting Minister of Finance and National Planning. I will relay the message to the substantive hon. Minister.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member, make sure you go with an ukwa bag.

Laughter

Mr Mutale (Chitambo): Madam Speaker, I am sure the challenges that everyone has raised here, on the Floor, are real. There is no money in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) account. In this case, Chitambo wants to buy the yellow machines. Even yesterday, I talked to the Council Secretary who told me that there was no money yet, and that the suppliers are still holding on to the things that we want to buy. Is the hon. Minister able to furnish Members of Parliament with a list of how the money has been disbursed to each constituency? That information can be put in our pigeonholes so that we can compare it with what our Council Secretaries are telling us.

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, this is a very transparent Government. That will be done.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr A. Banda (Chimwemwe): Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that the Government is losing a lot of money, especially in construction works, due to price variations and the new system that it has put in place, in which local councils need to raise demand notices? Giving a practical example of Chimwemwe, we have lost K150,000, so far, through projects because the money did not come on time. Does the ministry have any intentions of making an assessment to see how much money the Government is actually losing due to this new system? Perhaps it needs to relook at the system.

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, money is given quarterly. So, if there is a loss of money, we will undertake our own investigations. We will go on the ground, make an assessment and see where an adjustment can be made. Of course, the route that was initially taken cost more than what I think could be the loss currently. Otherwise, we are ready to make an assessment to save resources.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: I think, we have exhausted the question, but let us try again.

Mr C. Mpundu (Chembe): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity, on behalf of the people of Chembe, to echo my voice on this important matter.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister may be aware that the period for working on most projects concerning bridges and roads is mainly from April to October. Looking at the issue at hand, how quickly are the constituencies, including Chembe, going to have the money in their accounts?

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, as Minister of Finance and National Planning, I said the first quarter. The first quarter has the first two weeks. It is my sincere wish that the resources will be made available in the first two weeks of October to all the constituencies that utilise and have sent demand notices.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Sorry. Is it first quarter or fourth quarter?

Mr Sialubalo: Sorry, Madam Speaker. Fourth quarter. The first two weeks of October.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the wonderful work that he is doing.

Interruptions

Mr Mung’andu: Madam Speaker, if we politicise the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), we will simply be killing our own people because it is something that involves all of us, as Members of Parliament. If the burning rate, the way the hon. Minister has indicated, is low, you will not get the money. In Chama, we have used the CDF to work on 60 km of roads and bridges. We have no problem with the payment.

Interruptions

Mr Mung’andu: Madam Speaker, I wonder why some people say that they do not receive the money. It simply means that they want to play politics at the expense of the people.

Interruptions

Mr Mung’andu: Madam Speaker, my question to the hon. Minister is exactly what the hon. Member for Chembe asked. We are all running out of money, but we get paid. Last year and the other year, we were paid in full. As Chama, my hon. Colleague is here, in this House, and can attest to that. So, since the hon. Minister has said that we will be paid in the first two weeks of October, I have no further questions to ask.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Interruptions

 Madam Speaker: Does the Acting hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning want to comment on that point?

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I have been exonerated. Let me make it clear. Resources will never be made available to local authorities that do not want to use them. When resources credited for the CDF are utilised and a statement is sent to show that the money has been utilised, that is when more resources will be made available. So, hon. Members who are pushing, like the hon. Member for Chama North and hon. Member for Chama South, will receive the CDF in full. If we sit here, in this House, and just politick without pushing the local authorities to do the right thing, those are the challenges that we will face. I am pleading with my fellow Members of Parliament to ensure that we push the local authorities.

I am pleading with you, hon. Member for Nkana.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Let us listen to the last question from the hon. Member for Lumezi. He is new, maybe, he has some new ideas.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. PF Members: Question!

Mr Ngoma (Lumezi): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving the voice of Lumezi a chance to ask a question.

 Madam Speaker, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is a game-changer. Delay in disbursing funds is delay to development. Lumezi has never failed to implement CDF funded projects.

Interruptions

Mr Ngoma: I want to thank the hon. Minister –

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

 Hon. Members, I cannot hear what the hon. Member for Lumezi –

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members! Please.

Mr Ngoma: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development for the wonderful job he is doing. I was just texting my Council Secretary to check how much we have received as Lumezi, and it is over K19 million. It is a significant amount of money. However, we do not keep the money in the coffers; immediately money is credited, we disperse it because we are in a hurry to develop.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Ngoma: Madam Speaker, we have projects that are running currently, but we have run out of funds. A demand notice has already been issued so that we can complete the projects that are running. The request to the Acting hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning is that perhaps the remaining balance be given to the Lumezi Town Council to finish up works, and avoid contractors decamping and leaving the projects. We are in a hurry to ensure that Lumezi is beautiful before 2026.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, the truth cannot be hidden, at least, it is coming out bit by bit. If you allowed twenty hon. Members to speak, in the end, you would find that those who said that they have received K4 million would have walked out of Parliament without you noticing.

Laughter

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I commend my dear hon. Colleague from Lumezi. That is the way it is supposed to be. We push. The assurance, definitely, is that my office, as Acting Minister of Finance and National Planning and Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, is open. Resources will be made available within the first two weeks of October.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: I think on that point, we can make progress. Hon. Members, you are encouraged to engage the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning to follow up on the disbursements.

CONSTRUCTION OF KAWIKU SECONDARY SCHOOL IN MWINILUNGA DISTRICT

25. Mr Samakayi (Mwinilunga) asked the Minister of Education:

1. when the Government will resume the construction of Kawiku Secondary School in Mwinilunga District; 
2. at what percentage of completion the project was as of July 2025;
3. what the cost of the outstanding works is; and
4. what the cause of the delay in completing the project is.

The Minister of Education (Mr Syakalima): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the construction of Kawiku Secondary School in Mwinilunga District, which was planned under the 2010/2012 infrastructure operational plan, did not commence. However, once funds are secured, the Government may consider resuming the project.

Madam Speaker, in view of the response to part (a) of the question, parts (b), (c) and (d) do not apply.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Samakayi: Madam Speaker, has the project been considered in next year's Budget which will be presented tomorrow?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, since the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning has not yet presented the Budget to Parliament, I am not sure I have an answer to that at present. That is why I said that works on the project, which never started, cannot be resumed. The ministry has been trying to complete stalled projects that were last attended to eight or ten years ago. However, the project will be a “green”, if you like, project altogether.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has confirmed that, because the project was not started, there is nothing like resumption. Is he able to indicate to the people of Mwinilunga if the estimates have been worked out, as part of the planning process? Clearly, there is still a need for our children to access a secondary school in the area. I am sure that is why the area hon. Member of Parliament has raised the issue. So, from a planning point of view, have the estimates been worked out, and how much are we looking at so that there can be somewhere to look at to implement the project?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, as I said, at that time, the cost of the outstanding works had not been established because engineering designs or Bills of Quantities (BoQs) had not been developed. The final cost will be determined based on the approved scope of work and the detailed designs, which in turn will inform the BoQs.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Ms Nakaponda (Isoka): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, the hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, and the hon. Minister of Education, for sending the contractor to Michael Chilufya Sata Girls Secondary School. The contractor is on site. The only worry I have is that work has stalled because the contractor has not been paid. Why has the contractor not been paid so that the school can be completed?

Madam Speaker: I do not know whether to call on the hon. Minister. Maybe, he can respond on his own.

Hon. Member for Isoka, on a serious note, the question on the Floor relates to Kawiku Secondary School in Mwinilunga. It is not about Michael Chilufya Sata Girls Secondary School.

Ms Nakaponda interjected.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: I think, if you wish to know more, you can file a different question, but I see that the hon. Minister wants to respond.

Do you have an answer, hon. Minister?

Mr Syakalima indicated assent.

Madam Speaker: The hon. Minister of Education may respond.

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, she is the only one whose question is outside the bounds of the question on Mwinilunga that I will respond to. I have put a caveat. So, I am not opening a pandora's box.

Madam Speaker, bringing back the contractor was difficult because the project had stalled for a long time. So, the contractor had to remobilise. Remobilisation also needed money. That is why we do not want to lag. Once the contractor is on site and completes part of the project, an interim payment certificate (IPC) will be issued. The hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning tells me that the ministry will try by all means to pay all the contractors who are owed so that they do not demobilise, because it would be a cost for us.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: That was a bonus answer.

Mr Hamwaata (Pemba): Madam Speaker, is Kawiku Secondary School among the priorities for new secondary schools to be constructed in the near future?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, as I said earlier, that is a green project, if we had to start. Since the hon. Member has said, “In the near future”, my response is yes.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Laughter

Mr Samakayi: Madam Speaker, I am worried because of the answers that the hon. Minister is giving. The need for a secondary school in Kawiku, in Mwinilunga, was identified thirteen years ago. You can imagine that a number of children in need of education in that area has since increased.  If we say “In the near future”, that does not give hope to me and the people of Mwinilunga, particularly those in Kawiku. Is there anything the ministry can do? If the hon. Minister looked at 20 km, is he able to look at 2 km, as far as the school is concerned?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, I thought the hon. Member of Parliament for Mwinilunga would be very excited when I said, “In the near.” You know, “near” is not like “in the future.” So, really, that 20 km is not 20 km if we say “near.” The hon. Member used numbers, while I used English. So, …

Laughter

Mr Syakalima: … strictly speaking, I really feel for him.

Madam Speaker, the operational plan was made between 2010 and 2012. That is basically more than thirteen years ago. So, there should have been even a slab. For ten years, money for operations for Kawiku Secondary School was provided.  I am sure that the reason Kawiku Secondary School was chosen is that there is some distance to the nearest secondary school. Is there not? I may need to go and check so that I am really informed. I guess Kawiku Secondary School should have been included in the project because there was a need for a secondary school there. So, I think that we will strictly look at it. If we will have to do green projects, I think that Kawiku Secondary School could be one of those schools that we will prioritise.  

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Madam Speaker, let me appreciate the dedicated service that the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr Musokotwane, has offered to this country. It is through his knowledge and the knowledge of the entire United Party for National Development (UPND) Administration that we are going to have a credible Budget. The money that was planned is the money that is being released. Therefore, it is important that we appreciate that. Those of us who understand how economies are run appreciate. The hon. Minister should continue serving this nation, together with President Hakainde Hichilema.

Madam Speaker, I do not want to be classified as someone who uses words or figures. On behalf of the people of Mwinilunga, can the hon. Minister tell me when the project will be done? Will it be done maybe next year in June 2026 or 2027? The people have trust in the hon. Minister. Is he able to give them a specific time when the project will be done, like 2026, 2027 or 2028, so that they can expect the work to start at that point? Is the hon. Minister able to do that?

 Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, since tomorrow is Budget presentation day, we shall look at what the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning will give us. Then we will be able to respond as to whether the project will be done next year, 2027 or 2028. So, we will wait for the Budget.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

_______

MOTIONS

MOTION OF THANKS

(Debate resumed)

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts (Mr Nkandu) (on behalf of the Minister of Labour and Social Security (Ms Tambatamba)): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Motion of Thanks. On behalf of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the entire labour and employment sector, I wish to express our profound gratitude to the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, for his inspiring and visionary address delivered during the Official Opening of the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly on 12^th September, 2025.

Economic Transformation and Job Creation

Madam Speaker, in his address, the President highlighted progress in both economic transformation and social development. We particularly note the focus on job creation, economic reforms and diversification in key sectors, such as agriculture, mining, tourism and manufacturing. These initiatives are very critical for fostering sustainable socio-economic growth and enhancing the livelihoods of our workforce, and we find such efforts worthy of praise.

Madam Speaker, my ministry will, therefore, continue implementing the Decent Work Country Programme, with a very strong focus on social dialogue. This programme aims to promote inclusive, equitable and sustainable workplaces, the key aspects of the decent work agenda, which includes labour law reforms.

Madam Speaker, the Government is strengthening labour laws to improve compliance with international labour standards, including those related to freedom of association, collective bargaining and elimination of child and forced labour. Currently, the following pieces of legislation are being revised. The Employment Code Act, whose revision will, among other things, consider industry participation by inclusion of the sector skills bodies. Others are the Industrial and Labour Relations Act, Chapter 269 and the Apprenticeship Act.

Tripartite Dialogue

Madam Speaker, my ministry is fostering meaningful tripartite dialogue involving Government workers and employers to ensure all voices are heard in the pursuit of decent work and social justice. We believe that social dialogue builds trust and co-operation, thereby, creating a foundation for long-term partnerships and collaborative problem-solving. This can be witnessed with the sustained industrial peace and harmony on the labour market. Today, you are unable to see many strikes by workers because of the industrial harmony that has been created.

Madam Speaker, on job creation and employment, my ministry, in its mandate, promotes employment programmes that focus on skills development in order to enhance employability, productivity and economic development. The revision of the Apprenticeship Act will also focus on ensuring that skills development is aligned with the emerging needs on the labour market through the incorporation of all forms of work-based learning that initially were not part of the law.

 Labour and Industrial Relations

Madam Speaker, the President, in his speech, recognised the vital role played by the labour movement and the continued spirit of social dialogue in both the public and private sectors. Indeed, as the Republican President rightly observed, industrial harmony is the foundation upon which sustainable growth, productivity and national prosperity must be built.

Madam Speaker, –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, before business was suspended, I was talking about labour and industrial relations.

Madam Speaker, in order to sustain the existing industrial harmony, my ministry reaffirms its unwavering commitment to promoting constructive engagement among stakeholders in the labour and employment sector. Sustaining existing industrial harmony takes a lot of responsibility. For instance, at the moment, civil servants are able to know the date they are supposed to be paid, unlike previously when people would be paid on the fortieth or fiftieth day. They did not even know which day they would be paid.

Hon. UPND Members: Sure!

Mr Nkandu: This Government has given civil servants something to smile about because they now know that they will be paid on a particular day.

Madam Speaker, still on the issue of industrial harmony, I want to remind the Zambian people, in case they have forgotten, that during time of the Patriotic Front (PF) Government, our hon. Colleagues on your left, council workers would go up to fourteen or fifteen months without being paid.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkandu: The Zambian people out there should listen carefully to what we are talking about. The people now in the Opposition were not paying public workers for fourteen to fifteen months. If we go to any council today in the country, we will find that there are no employees who have not been paid, not even for one month. We cleared the nkongole, which is the debt, and now, we are up to date.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkandu: So, I do not understand why hon. Members of the PF can even stand on mountaintops and talk about industrial harmony when this Government is doing the correct thing. We are saying that ours is a good Government that should be supported.

Madam Speaker, industrial harmony is critical for the country to continue attracting investment in the economy, which we have seen in mining, agriculture, energy, tourism, construction, manufacturing and other sectors. As a result of that investment, we have witnessed a significant increase in employment opportunities, as highlighted by the hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts yesterday, and more business opportunities for our people. Increased job creation has boosted social security schemes as more members join the schemes. When more people are employed, the number of social security scheme members increases. For example, the National Pension Scheme Authority’s (NAPSA) investment portfolio has grown from K56 billion in 2021 to K101 billion in June, 2025. This is as a result of employment opportunities that have been created, thereby creating value for the scheme members. That is against a backdrop of the scheme having successfully paid out K10 billion as partial withdrawals of benefits from NAPSA and K2 billion as benefits from the Zambia National Provident Fund (ZNPF). The growth in the investment portfolio allows NAPSA to deploy additional capital in sectors such as energy and infrastructure.

Madam Speaker, in case our hon. Colleagues have forgotten, we used to see people lining up at the Ministry of Justice offices to pursue their benefits. People were sun basking there for days. Some people were even sleeping at the Ministry of Justice. Today, our hon. Colleagues want to stand on mountaintops and say that some people have not been paid their terminal benefits. We have paid many retirees who served under the Governments of the United National Independence Party (UNIP), Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) and the PF itself. Hon. Colleagues in the PF should be the last people to talk about good governance and industrial harmony. At least, we are able to talk about having paid K10 billion from NAPSA and K2 billion from ZNPF.

Madam Speaker, prudent management of social security schemes has unlocked the local investment potential of institutional investors working with the private sector. NAPSA and the Workers Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB) have invested in projects such as the Chingola/Kasumbalesa Road, Lusaka/Ndola Dual Carriageway, United Capital Fertilizer, Maamba Energy Limited, among others, resulting in the creation of more jobs.

Madam Speaker, the owners of social security funds have not been forgotten as their interests are being taken care of through the current wave of pension reforms. The reforms are aimed at enhancing the benefit levels through upward adjustment of the income replacement rate and minimum pension as well as the introduction of supplementary saving schemes, thereby creating a multi-layered pension benefit structure.  Through this inclusive approach, we are confident that we can build a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits all Zambians. I urge all stakeholders to join us in this noble endeavour, as together, we can create a brighter future for our nation.

Good Governance Environment

Madam Speaker, I wholeheartedly agree that we have made significant strides in leveraging technology to enhance service delivery and governance. The online citizen support services portal has been instrumental in allowing citizens to interact with Government departments and access essential services seamlessly. This approach has improved citizen experience and enhanced service efficiency and effectiveness. I commend the President’s leadership in driving digital transformation. My ministry is –

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You can wind up, hon. Minister.

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, indeed, thank you.

Madam Speaker, my ministry is committed to harnessing technology for service excellence and national development.

Madam Speaker, allow me to wind up by thanking the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, for his exemplary leadership and guidance. The initiatives highlighted in his address will undoubtedly enable the Government to achieve the theme, which is: “Consolidating Economic and Social Gains towards a Prosperous, Resilient and Equitable Zambia”. There is a saying that, Uwakupata takakwebe ubusuma obe. Even when a speech is brilliant, people will not appreciate it. Whosoever despises you will not see anything good in you.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry (Mr Chipoka Mulenga): Madam Speaker, allow me, as I rise with a profound sense of pride and purpose, to add my voice to the numbers congratulating His Excellency the President of Zambia for his insightful and comprehensive address delivered to this august House during the Official Opening of the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly. I would also like to congratulate His Excellency the President for bringing together the Royal Highnesses from all corners of our country, and for having an engagement that was positive on uniting the country in standing firm as “One Zambia, one nation,” and one people.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chipoka Mulenga: Madam Speaker, as the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, we welcome the President’s emphasis on economic diversification, industrialisation and job creation. Industrialisation is a cornerstone that is needed for developing the economy of a country. For a long time, the people of Zambia have complained when foreign nationals and bigger economies come into Zambia, and open wholesale and retail shops, which Zambians can do. The leadership of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema has given strict instructions to the ministry to the effect that any foreign investment must bring value addition, which creates jobs and businesses that, in turn, create taxes that are directed into our Treasury.

 Madam Speaker, allow me to itemise a few policies; how they have been implemented and what they are giving birth to. For a long time, the people of Zambia have continued to buy cars from different parts of the world, yet we do not contribute a single component to the cars. In the last three and a half years, we have attracted investment for our manganese in terms of value addition. Manganese has always been exported in its natural form from different parts of the country. We are proud to say that we have invested in a battery manufacturing plant, and we are manufacturing car batteries, which we are not only using locally, but also exporting to other parts of the region. The plant has been set up in Chibombo. The industrialisation agenda in car battery manufacturing has created in excess of 400 to 500 decent jobs.

Madam Speaker, we have said that we will not only revive the mining sector, but also diversify into the agricultural sector. To meaningfully diversify into the agricultural sector, we need to produce a number of facilities, components and even implements that are needed in the sector. For the cause, the Government has invested US$6 million in reviving the Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ), which will be commissioned by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia early next month. The revival of the NCZ is contributing meaningfully to food security by producing fertiliser for the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP). The revival has created 400 to 500 decent direct jobs,

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chipoka Mulenga: Madam Speaker, the move has also contributed to the timely delivery of farming inputs to our people. As I stand on this Floor, I am proud to say that seeds and fertiliser are being delivered to the people, and there is an increase in jobs.

Mr Nkandu: Hear, hear!

Mr Chipoka Mulenga: Madam Speaker, the people who have been contracted by the facility are Zambians who had no jobs in the past.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chipoka Mulenga: Madam Speaker, to increase the production of fertiliser, the Government has also invested in the manufacturing of fertiliser through the United Capital Fertiliser Zambia (UCF) Company Limited, for which His Excellency the President has spoken about partnerships and joint ventures. Over 10,000 direct jobs have been created, with a production capacity that is not only sufficient for Zambia, but also for export within the region, as the country has become the biggest producer and exporter of fertiliser. In the same UCF industrial yard, we declared –

Mr Nkandu: You have more time!

 Mr Chipoka Mulenga: Ndeibomfya, boi, bwino.

Madam Speaker, we declared the same facility an economic zone where phosphate will also be processed. I would like to thank the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development because we work as a team. That ministry has given a mining licence to the Wonderful Group of Companies Limited to mine phosphate, which is a component needed for manufacturing fertiliser and at mining facilities. The phosphate plant will come with 10,000 more jobs by the second quarter of 2026.

Mr Nkandu: Hear, hear!

Mr Chipoka Mulenga: Madam Speaker, regarding value addition, job creation and industrialisation, I wish to inform this House that we are committed to ensuring value addition and industrialisation in our sectors.

Madam Speaker, the cotton-growing sector had declined. Through His Excellency the President's vision of ensuring that Zambia takes ownership of the pride of our chitenge material, we are reviving Mulungushi Textiles (Zambia-China Mulungushi Textiles). The Government has invested US$140 million to re-equip the company, which is coming with 500 to 600 direct jobs. Before the end of this year, we will be commissioning the company sustainably. Even before the company was opened, as the Government, in partnership with the Chinese Government, we invested US$40 million in out-grower schemes with over 4,000 cotton farmers in the country. That is what we mean when we talk about growing the economy without leaving anyone behind. As a ministry responsible for investment, we have gone an extra mile to bring more investment into different sectors, not limited to mining, agriculture and health.

 Madam Speaker, let me talk about something very important we have done in the mining sector. I will not talk about the Mopani Copper Mines Plc, the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Plc, First Quantum Minerals (FQM) or Lumwana Copper Mine. The small-scale mining sector partly falls under my portfolio because it is an industry, as we work with my dear brother from the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development. One thousand four hundred and ninety-eight small-scale mining licences have been given. To be given, each small-scale mining licence requires a minimum of ten people. The ten must employ, on average, fifty people to operate. If we multiply fifty by 1,498, we are talking in excess of 74,000 newly-created jobs for our youths in the sector.

Madam Speaker, the President has focused on our youths. It is for the passion and love of the youths of our country that he went the extra mile to introduce free education. No one will develop the economy of this country if we leave the youths behind. They need to be brought into the value chain. Because of free education, those who were left out can now sit at the table and debate meaningfully about the growth of our economy.

Madam Speaker, on international trade, which His Excellency the President talked about, Zambia has continued to grow its trade portfolio locally and outside the country. However, the challenge is the energy sector, which I will highlight in my concluding remarks.

 Madam Speaker, our gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4 per cent through the toughest time; during the drought. The House should not forget that not long ago, our GDP declined to negative 2.8 per cent because there was no production, export or trade.

Madam Speaker, enhanced trade provides stability in the economy. That is why we have seen that our inflation rate is declining. Our currency and fuel costs are stable. The price of fuel has reduced, in the past seven months, from K35 to K25. A stronger Kwacha has enabled our local traders to trade with people outside the country.

Madam Speaker, it is for these reasons that I wish to acknowledge and recognise the commitment of His Excellency the President and the policies of the New Dawn Government, which are premised on value addition, industrialisation and trade within the country, using local resources and human capital.

Madam Speaker, I want to congratulate His Excellency the President for the work in the Ministry of Health. Not very long ago, when we took over the reins of Government, availability of essential drugs in hospitals was 37 per cent. Numbers do not lie. Every day, when anybody went to hospital, they would get prescriptions. Today, Zambia has 86 per cent of essential drugs. The 14 per cent missing drugs are drugs like antiretrovirals and cancer drugs, which we do not manufacture in the country yet. The President demonstrated leadership because the first time he left State House to go and work, he went to the Ministry of Health, and we found the solution to the problem.

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, allow me to assure the country that the challenges of energy we are going through could have been worse, if we had not brought in reforms like the Electricity (Open Access) Regulations, 2024, and involved the private sector to provide power to the needy. We are also investing heavily in diverse energy production. As opposed to dependence on hydro-power, we are investing in coal, solar and geothermal energy.

Madam Speaker, I wish time were available for me to itemise a number of the pronouncements by the President. For now, I want to call on the Zambian population to believe and have faith that we are headed in the right direction to grow our economy without leaving anyone behind.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Sialubalo): Madam Speaker, thank you so much for giving me this great opportunity to render a Ministerial Statement on the speech delivered by His Excellency the President on the Floor of this very august House.

Madam Speaker, at the very outset, allow me to recall the President's call for accelerated economic transformation anchored on inclusivity and shared prosperity. This statement places the local government at the heart of development delivery at the community level, where inclusivity and prosperity must be realised.

Madam Speaker, the President emphasised that no citizen shall be left behind in the quest for national development. In this regard, my ministry is ensuring that district and ward development plans are harmonised with the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), so that local government structures remain the principal vehicles for implementing programmes that directly reach out to our citizens.

Madam Speaker, His Excellency reminded us that resources must be prudently utilised to deliver tangible benefits to our people. Financing remains a major challenge for our local authorities. To this effect, my ministry is:

1. ensuring the timely release and strict accountability of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations and other grants;
2. supporting local authorities to broaden their own revenue sources in order to reduce dependence on Central Government transfers; and
3. introducing performance-based financing mechanisms that will reward local authorities demonstrating efficiency and fiscal discipline.

Madam Speaker, notable achievements under the CDF include, among others, 156 monitoring vehicles and 156 police service vehicles. The Government has further, procured 156 ambulances, out of which 119 have been distributed to various constituencies so far. Further, since the year 2024, the Government recruited and empowered over 2,480,000 beneficiaries on the Cash for Work programme as a drought response intervention to alleviate the adverse effects of the 2023/2024 Drought Season for the general citizenry in 123 constituencies, or may I say, in eighty-seven districts.

Madam Speaker, the President underscored the need for a professional and efficient public service that is responsible to citizens' needs. In line with this directive, my ministry is collaborating with the Local Government Service Commission to deploy critical staff to local authorities in engineering, planning, procurement and monitoring and evaluation. Additionally, we are scaling up training programmes to strengthen service delivery capacities across all the 116 districts.

Madam Speaker, the Head of State stressed that accountability and transparency are non-negotiable in the management of public resources. My ministry is enhancing oversight at the local level through as follows:

1. audit mechanisms and compliance with procurement procedures;
2. community monitoring of the CDF projects; and
3. mandatory publication of budgets, procurement plans and project updates by all councils, both physically on notice boards and digitally on council websites to keep citizens informed.

 Madam Speaker, His Excellency highlighted the importance of infrastructure in economic recovery, stating that improved roads, markets and public facilities are enablers of productivity and dignity. Accordingly, my ministry is prioritising the following:

1. upgrading rural and feeder roads to enhance connectivity;
2. modernising markets and bus stations to improve revenue collection and restore order; and
3. expanding solid waste management services to safeguard public health and environmental sustainability.

Madam Speaker, since the year 2024, the Government has rehabilitated and upgraded 47 km of township roads to bituminous standard, rehabilitated about 400 km of feeder roads to gravel standards and completed 51 km of concrete line drainages in various districts.

Further, the Government has completed and handed over fourteen chief palaces, eight modern markets and two bus stations across the country. The President's goal for results and measurable progress, not rhetoric, provides us with clear direction. In response, my ministry is developing a robust monitoring and evaluation framework for the local government aligned with the National Performance Management System. This will ensure accurate reporting to this House on the progress and the impact of the local government and the rural development programmes, especially those funded through the CDF.

Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development constitutes a bridge through which national aspirations are translated into concrete community outcomes. Guided by His Excellency the President's Address, my ministry is committed to strengthening the local authorities so that they may become engines of inclusive development, transparency and accountability.

 Madam Speaker, with those remarks, I do support the President's Speech.

Hon. Members: Towers!

 The Minister of Technology and Science (Mr Mutati): Madam Speaker, in response to the inspiring address by His Excellency the President during the opening of Parliament, the Ministry of Technology and Science wishes to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to drive Zambia's economic transformation agenda.

Madam Speaker, His Excellency reminded us that technology, science and innovation are engines of economic transformation. As a ministry, we are fully aligned with this vision and are accelerating investment in Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure, enhancing digital literacy, promoting innovation driven by entrepreneurship and strengthening research and skills development to ensure that every Zambian benefits from the digital economy.

Madam Speaker, to ensure that this momentum translates into nationwide access, the ministry is prioritising universal ICT access as a key pillar of inclusive development. In 2025 alone, the Government has completed the construction of eighty-two communication towers offering Second Generation (2G), Third Generation (3G) and Fourth Generation (4G) services, and commenced the construction of an additional eight communication towers, bringing the total number of communication towers constructed as at 31^st June to 359,000.

Madam Speaker, the Zambia Telecommunications Company Limited (Zamtel) has also advanced the national digital agenda through the modernisation of its 4G network and is on course to upgrading a total of 600 sites from 2G to 4G by the end of 2025. As part of this programme, Zamtel has already upgraded and deployed 235 additional sites. In addition, Airtel in partnership with IHS Towers, will roll out 300 new sites by the end of 2025, further strengthening network coverage and ensuring that more Zambians can benefit from fast, reliable mobile and internet services.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to inform this august House that as a direct result of deliberate policy intervention by the Government on regional integration, Zambia’s fibre optic network has extended to connect our country to all eight of our neighbours, firmly placing Zambia on course to becoming a regional hub. In the first half of 2025 alone, our national fibre backbone recorded remarkable growth, with the total network length increasing by 12.5 per cent from 37,000 km to 42,000 km.

Madam Speaker, to safeguard the integrity of the rapidly expanding digital ecosystem, the Government enacted the Cyber Crime Act and the Cyber Security Act, replacing the 2021 legislation. These laws strengthen the legal and institutional framework for cybercrime prevention, critical information protection and cybersecurity guidelines. As a result, Zambia's global cyber index score improved from 68.8 per cent in 2021 to 92.6 per cent in 2024, placing the country among the best performers in the region and reinforcing digital trust for citizens and investors.

Madam Speaker, in line with the President’s call for strong public enterprises that deliver tangible value to the people of Zambia, I am proud to highlight the commendable progress made by Zamtel. Profitability has been restored, with the company posting a net profit of K1.47 billion as at the end of 2024, raising shareholder equity to over K538 million.

Madam Speaker, the ICT sector continues to create employment and stimulate innovation. Currently, over 300,000 jobs have been created in the sector.

Science, Technology and Innovation

Madam Speaker, in partnership with development partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Huawei Technologies, three innovation hubs have been established, namely the Tumbuktoo MinTech Hub, the Mukuba Unipod at the Copperbelt University (CBU) and the Digital Innovation Hub here in Lusaka. The Tumbuktoo MinTech hub is meant to host African innovators in the mining sector under the Tumbuktoo initiative by the UNDP, and in 2025, the hub hosted ten innovators from across Africa, out of which five were awarded US$25,000 each to finalise their innovation. One of the beneficiaries of this fund is a Zambian innovator called Lukonde.

Madam Speaker, the Mukuba Unipod is currently supporting over 100 innovators, with over ten innovations being developed this year. Additionally, my ministry, in collaboration with the University of Zambia (UNZA), is supporting twenty student innovators out of the ninety-three shortlisted. Further, 100 innovations were enrolled in the 2025 cohort of the ICT Innovation Programme in the first half of the year. The 2025 programme focused on nine thematic areas, namely health, agriculture, education, energy, banking, digital financial services, e-commerce, tourism, hospitality, transport, environment and climate change.

Skills Development

Madam Speaker, in response to the President’s directive on climate change-related issues, the ministry developed various curricula in irrigation, engineering, veterinary technology, solar installation, groundwater mapping and drilling, centre pivot installation and maintenance. Five institutions were selected to offer these programmes, and three of them are already providing the skills training in solar energy installation. This curriculum was developed to provide competence-based education and training so as to produce readily available hands-on graduates for industry. This will ensure that students spend 40 per cent in training in the institution and 60 per cent in industry.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister, you may start to wind up. Your time is almost expiring.

Mr Mutati: Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Key Infrastructure Projects Completed

Madam Speaker, we have completed a number of infrastructure, in particular, in partnership with the private sector. At Chapula, the construction of a brand-new Technical Education, Vocational and. Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) institution, which will be turned into a polytechnic at a cost of K2.5 million, is underway. In partnership with various co-operating partners, we are investing US$6.5 million to equip our TEVET institutions, including the Northern Technical College NORTEC), Kitwe Trades School and other colleges.

Madam Speaker, I wish to state that as a ministry, we are on the move in terms of skills, ICT services and delivering innovators.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock (Mr Kapala): Madam Speaker, I rise with profound gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema. The President’s Address to this august House was not merely inspiring. It was a bold and visionary blueprint for Zambia's future. His message resonated with unwavering hope, strategic clarity, and a resolute commitment to inclusive development. He laid out a transformative agenda that champions economic revitalisation, social justice and national cohesion, reminding us all of the enduring power of leadership rooted in integrity, accountability and purpose.

Madam Speaker, the theme of this year’s address, “Consolidating Economic and Social Gains Towards a Prosperous, Resilient and Equitable Zambia,” aligns seamlessly with the mission and the achievements of my ministry. The two sub-sectors under my ministry are central to our national development strategy, acting as engines of food security, job creation, rural transformation and export diversification.

Madam Speaker, Zambia is strategically positioned to become a regional hub in the livestock sub-sector, leveraging its vast natural resources, favourable climate and growing investment in the animal health and production systems. My ministry has set an ambitious target of US$1 billion in beef export revenues.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, we anticipate that this Government will be able to export about 20,000 metric tonnes of beef this year, which will bring about US$200 million into the country. So, we are steadily progressing towards that goal.

Madam Speaker, to support the ministry’s vision, the Government is actively strengthening the legislative and regulatory framework to ensure that we create an enabling environment for private sector-led growth. In this regard, on 15^th September, 2025, Cabinet approved the regulations for the registration of animal health laboratories, and the regulations for animal identification and traceability for cattle are expected to follow shortly.

Madam Speaker, additionally, my ministry is undertaking comprehensive reforms of livestock legislation to create a more conducive policy and business environment. The legislative framework is meant to boost beef exports and my ministry has already established five beef compartments in the Eastern Province, the Central Province and the Southern Province to actualise this vision. The disease-free compartments will enable Zambia to meet international beef export standards and expand its footprint in the beef trade, both in the region and beyond. The initiative to establish compartments will be scaled up to other provinces as this initiative supports our national target of reaching 7.4 million cattle by 2027, a goal we are steadily approaching.

 Madam Speaker, as highlighted by the President, the Government has significantly expanded vaccination coverage. Despite cattle-related challenges and production shortfalls, we demonstrated resilience and strategic leadership in delivering impactful animal health interventions. Over 600,000 cattle were vaccinated against contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, commonly known as (CBPP), reaching a coverage of over 90 per cent of the targeted animals. Almost 2 million doses were administered for foot and mouth disease, 1.4 million animals were vaccinated against anthrax and 53,000 pets were vaccinated against rabies.

Madam Speaker, building on the progress so far made, my ministry will continue to augment efforts through the local production of critical vaccines, including those for newcastle disease and east coast fever. Furthermore, the construction of a state-of-the-art viral vaccine plant in Chilanga is underway. The facility will reduce dependence on imports and ensure timely access to essential vaccines at affordable prices.

Madam Speaker, significant progress has also been made in value addition and manufacturing, with over 1,000 farmers trained in modern production, packaging and processing. Foundations were completed for livestock and poultry aggregation centres. Thirteen of the sixteen priority projects under the 2024 Public Investment Plan were launched, with seven of them passing 50 per cent completion.

Madam Speaker, on the trade front, over 8,000 metric tonnes of fish feed were exported to East Africa, annual average of over 1,200 metric tonnes of tilapia exports and expansion of non-traditional exports, including chicken, hatching eggs, honey and hides. These milestones reflect Zambia’s strategic focus on transforming agricultural value chains, empowering producers and positioning itself as a regional leader in agro-industrial innovation and trade.

Madam Speaker, through a transformative livestock development initiative, over 15,000 vulnerable households benefited from stocking and restocking programmes, particularly in goats and pigs, with steady growth in sheep, ducks, quails and turkeys.

Madam Speaker, under the environment sustainable pillar, over 5,900 ha of pasture were planted, forage improved for 890 small-holder dairy farmers and 9,500 ha of degraded rangeland were rehabilitated. Infrastructure development is progressing with site selection finalised for forty-five watering points and livestock service centres. Construction in Mbala and Mungwi has reached 60 per cent completion, reflecting our commitment to climate-smart and inclusive livestock development.

Fisheries

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to report that through the progressive initiatives alluded to by His Excellency the President in his address, fish production increased from 178,000 metric tonnes in 2023 to 197,000 metric tonnes in 2024, representing a 10.5 per cent rise. This growth has been driven by both aquaculture and improved management of natural water bodies, reflecting the resilience, innovation and dedication of our fish farmers.

Madam Speaker, Zambia has now emerged as the leading exporter of fish in the region, a testament to our strategic investments and policy reforms in the fisheries sector. A key milestone in this journey is the establishment of the Aquaculture Research Institute of Zambia in Kafue, commonly called (ARIZ), which is spearheading advanced research in fish genetics, feed formulation, disease control and climate resilience of aquaculture systems, all aimed at enhancing productivity, sustainability and competitiveness of Zambia’s aquaculture industry. We remain firmly committed to investment in fisheries to further increase production, boost exports and create more jobs for our people.

Madam Speaker, the President’s call for Zambia to become a nation of producers, not merely traders and consumers, is one we have wholeheartedly embraced. In response, we are empowering farmers and fishermen with the tools, knowledge and support they need to thrive. Through those efforts, we are contributing to food security, economic growth and rural transformation. Moreover, we are creating opportunities for youth and women and building a Zambia that is not only self-sufficient, but also a net exporter of high-quality livestock and fish products.

Madam Speaker, in closing, I wish to re-affirm our full support for the President’s vision and the national development agenda. My ministry stands ready to consolidate the gains we have made and drive further progress. Let us continue to work together across ministries, sectors, hon. Members of Parliament, local authorities, traditional leaders and communities to build a better and more prosperous Zambia for all.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kabuswe rose.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You did not indicate. I am looking at the list on the screen. It is okay if you are not ready.

The Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr Kabuswe): Sorry, Madam Speaker. Your microphone was off when you called on me. However, I am now ready.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Okay.

Mr Kabuswe: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity to contribute to the Motion of Thanks to the address to this House on Friday, 12^th September, 2025, by the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema.

Madam Speaker, allow me to express my gratitude to the President for the visionary leadership he has shown since taking over the reins of power. May I also thank him for being bold and making tough choices to be able to turn around the economy of this country, which was growing in the negatives.

Madam Speaker, I have heard several debates on the Floor of the House. Some came from people who, at some point, were running this country, and you would be surprised at how they were pointing out things that were a result of decisions that were made during their time in power.

Mr Amutike: Hear, hear! Tell them!

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, when the President came to this House to render his speech, he basically gave a plethora of the achievements that this Government has made in the past four years. I will liken what President Hakainde Hichilema and his Government have done in the past four years to a story in the good book about the talents that were given to three people. When the three people were given the talents, one of them just squeezed the talent and buried it in the ground.

Mr Amutike: Can you imagine?

Mr Kabuswe: That is where we are coming from, Madam Speaker. Then came this man who was given the talent to run Zambia in 2021. I realise that Zambia has about 20 million people. For the people to be fed from what I will call the mango tree or cow called Zambia, Zambia needed to be fed because it was dying. After all, it was growing in the negative.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, any child, cow or mango tree that is stunted cannot feed its people. It can only feed when it grows. When it is taken from where it is locked up, that is when it can flourish and grow, and that is when you can feed off it. Zambia was in that space. President Hakainde Hichilema (HH) decided to work out things that could feed the cow for it to grow big so that its people could feed off it. It was growing at a rate of negative 2.8 per cent. The first thing that the President and his team did was deal with the debt by restructuring it because this country was highly indebted. It could not breathe. I usually give this example to our miners or anybody who works. Imagine a situation where aba kaloba bafika, or those you borrowed from, immediately you get paid. They get your salary, and you cannot feed your children.

Hon. UPND Members: Yes!

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, you decide to be wise, and ask aba kaloba if the debt can be restructured so that you have a breather to feed your children and be able to pay them later when you are in a good space. You have to ensure that your children are fed and you also generate resources that will pay off the debt. That is debt restructuring.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, in parallel, the President also looked at the low-hanging fruit that would make the economy grow from a negative 2.8 per cent, firstly, into the positives, because when you are growing in the negative sense, it means that you are dying or rotting. So, he needed to bring the numbers from the negatives to the positives.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, he looked at the low-hanging fruit. Number one is the mining sector. Being the backbone of this economy, he decided that we must resuscitate the low-hanging fruit. Wherever you pluck fruits, you cannot pluck the ones that are high up in the tree. You go for the nearest ones that are ripe. He resuscitated the mining sector so that it could inject new life into the economy.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, we have talked about the Mopani Copper Mines Plc. The President gave an instruction to the effect that there should be no mining in court, only at mining sites. Most mining companies were riddled with legal battles. The Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Plc was in a comatose state, and the Mopani Copper Mines Plc was in confusion. Everything was dying. He said that we should bring order and be methodical so that the mining companies could breathe. You go for the low-hanging fruit to bring something back to life.

Madam Speaker, in parallel, the President also ordered the mapping of this country so that we could begin targeted exploration and mining, because apart from the low-hanging fruits, we can also go for the high-hanging fruits, and that is the brownfield mines. How do we open them up so that they can contribute more to the growth of this economy? We map the country.

Madam Speaker, the President said we would not work cipante pante, as the Government. In other words, he does not want us to be on a soccer pitch that has no goalposts. Then why are you playing that game? Our colleagues had a playing field with no goalpost. When President HH came into office, he said that we would set goals so that when we are playing the football game, we would know where to score. The goal in the mining sector is 3 million metric tonnes.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kabuswe: The goal in the agricultural sector is 10 million metric tonnes. Again, the goal in the livestock sector is US$1 billion worth of beef exports. So, Madam Speaker, each sector has goals, and we are playing on the field knowing where we are going. That is what it means to be methodical.

Madam Speaker, in the mining space, 3 million metric tonnes of copper, and the formalisation of artisanal mining so that we can mop up the gold in the country. Those are the goals that were set so that we could achieve the target of growing the economy. Already, copper production has shown a positive growth trajectory. It is growing at more than 16 per cent. This year, our target is to reach the psychological barrier of 1 million metric tonnes. In the agricultural sector, we have already recorded a bumper harvest this year.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, like I said in my submission earlier, before 2020, the artisanal mining subsector was contributing about 13,000 metric tonnes of copper. During the reign of the United Party for National Development (UPND) so far, because of the good policies and targeted work, the subsector contributed over 45,000 metric tonnes in terms of copper production. This year, we are targeting 80,000 metric tonnes. That is what it means when you are working with targeted goals. You work methodically, not cipante pante.

Madam Speaker, as I said in my preamble, our economy was at negative 2.8 per cent. It is now growing because of the targeted goals.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Minister, start winding up.

Mr Kabuswe: Indeed, Madam Speaker, I will be concluding.

 Madam Speaker, the economy has begun to show a positive growth trajectory, even amidst a bad drought in living memory that we, as a country, experienced, from negative 2.8 per cent to averaging 5.8 per cent. When something begins to grow; when the cow fattens, that is when you can start milking it so that you feed our people. That is what this kind of leadership has brought to the table.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, numbers do not lie. Copper production is rising from both large-scale and artisanal mines. I can go on and on about how we have opened up mines all over, how the agricultural and the manufacturing sectors are flourishing, and how we are now the net exporter of fertiliser, and that is because of targeted policies, not cipante pante. A well-planned and targeted kind of governance.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation (Eng. Nzovu): Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, and, indeed, on my own behalf, I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, for his visionary and inspiring Address that was delivered to this august House during the Official Opening of the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly.

Madam Speaker, his address, under the theme: “Consolidating Economic and Social Gains towards a Prosperous, Resilient and Equitable Zambia”, has, once again, given our nation a clear and progressive roadmap for development. The President stated as follows:

“Today, we reflect on the progress we have made, the challenges that remain and our shared national future.”

Madam Speaker, he clearly stated that when we assumed Government, the economy was growing at a rate of negative 2.8 per cent. As I continue with my debate, I wish to state that the average economic growth from 2017 to 2020 was 1.5 per cent. The economy further grew to 5.2 per cent between 2021 and 2024.

Madam Speaker, the performance of all the sectors has improved.  Mining is on the upswing.  We have a bumper harvest in maize production.  Fish production has moved from 178,000 metric tonnes to 197,000 metric tonnes. 

Madam Speaker, investments have doubled, if not tripled. The small and medium enterprises (SMEs) receive over K1.5 billion. These positive gains must be sustained.

Madam Speaker, His Excellency the President highlighted that in the water and sanitation sector, progress has been a true reflection of focused leadership and prudent use of national resources.  Since 2021, over 2,000 boreholes, 491 pipe water schemes and 671 boreholes have been rehabilitated. They are providing clean and safe water to almost a million of our citizens.

Madam Speaker, through the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF), our people are currently benefiting from over 2,700 water, sanitation hygiene facilities in schools, health centres, markets, bus stations, and communities. These are tangible results of the New Dawn Government’s commitment in the delivery of services to the people. This is in contrast with the years when promises were made but never fulfilled.

 Madam Speaker, further, the successful completion of many transformative projects such as Kafulafuta, Kazungula, Kafue Bulk, and Kaputa, alongside the other ongoing projects in small towns and on the Copperbelt, demonstrate that under the Leadership of His Excellency the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, no part of Zambia is left behind. The investments are not just about the provision of water, public health and job creation. They are also about maintaining the dignity of the people in the face of climate change.

Madam Speaker, as hon. Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to actualising the President’s vision through accelerated investments, strong policies, and effective management of our water resources. This Government is not in the business of rhetoric but action. We are laying foundations that will secure water for agriculture, energy, industry and households. This will therefore, drive the economy and improve the quality of life of all Zambians.

 Madam Speaker, let me also commend His Excellency the President for the decentralisation policy. When I listened to the debate by my hon. Colleague on the Floor of this House, basically, ridiculing the CDF, I was left in shock.

Madam Speaker, in Nangoma, there is free education like the rest of the country. We have built classroom blocks. In Nalubanda, Choma and Nakasaka, we have built clinics.  Every ward in Nangoma Constituency has benefited immensely from the CDF. We have drilled over 150 boreholes.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, in Nangoma Constituency, we had no vehicles at all. Now, we have an ambulance. Our people’s health care services will be improved. Now, we have a police vehicle. In Nangoma, we have cattle keepers and those vehicles will enable us to catch cattle rustlers. We also have a Land Cruiser, a crew-crew ...

Laughter

Eng. Nzovu: …   which we use for supervising. In fact, we have three Land Cruisers in Nangoma.

Madam Speaker, if the CDF is not working, then, what are we doing?

Madam Speaker, in Nangoma, there were no bridges but now, we have built bridges.  In the rainy season, our pupils would not go to school, but now, they are able to go to school.  We are also rehabilitating roads because we are now prudently utilising our resources. Other services that are being rendered in Nangoma include the installation of three towers. Network connectivity has improved.

Rev. Katuta: Question!

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, in Kezwa, Shichazu and Kalundu, there is network connectivity. 

Madam Speaker, our pupils are being supported with skills training. Many people in Nangoma have improved their education. We have built waterborne panel toilet systems.  which were not there in the past.  

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

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, even those who rise and say that the CDF is not working, they are benefiting. Their people are appreciating the benefits. This is a game-changer. You cannot hide development. It is there for all to see. We must appreciate that the CDF is working.

Madam Speaker, in Makuyabombe, we have built clinics. In the past, the people of Makuyabombe used to receive their health services under a tree.  Now, there is a clinic and a maternity annexe there. We have also built waterborne panel toilets systems there. We have put solar there just like in other places. I therefore, wonder why some members are still in denial.

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, let me reiterate the fact that we are doing everything possible to ensure that our water and sanitation services in the country are improv ed.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, we are improving services for all commercial utilities. We are taking water to high-density areas, particularly, on the Copperbelt. We have plans, and in the budget, we have lobbied for more funding for the water sector.  We have plans for places that are very water-stressed like Mufulira, Chingola, Chililabombwe and Kitwe. The projects that were stalled in the past will be completed.

Madam Speaker, we are working very closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure that we provide water to cholera prone hotspots.

Madam Speaker, we have drilled many boreholes in Kanyama. This Government has put in money for projects which were left by our friends and we are completing them.  Very soon, we will improve water and sanitation services in all parts of the country. Water is life. Sanitation is life. This Government will ensure that we support these services with adequate funding.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Chienge, we are behind time.

 The Motion has to be concluded today. So, we are not taking any points of order because there is still a list of hon. Ministers to debate before the Vice-President takes the Floor.  

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister of Luapula Province (Mr N. Musonda): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me the opportunity on behalf of the good people of Luapula to debate the President’s Speech.

Madam Speaker, to start with, I wish the hon. Members on your left, those from Luapula Province were around because they are impoverished.  

Madam Speaker, as I begin to debate the President’s Speech, allow me to thank His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema for the well-articulated address to this august House that has really inspired the nation.  

Madam Speaker, from the outset, I wish to most sincerely thank God Almighty for having chosen President Hakainde Hichilema from among many men and women in 2021, to come and release this country from the shackles of economic mismanagement. As you may remember, this country was in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) four years ago. It was bleeding from social and economic mismanagement. In 2021, all economic indicators had collapsed as the country's debt stock became unsustainable, while violence became part of the Patriotic Front (PF) political chemistry. Through President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision and steady leadership, we have witnessed the restoration of investor confidence and, now, the economy is on a positive trajectory. This year, economic growth is expected to close at 6 per cent.

Madam Speaker, President Hakainde Hichilema, as the Chief Marketing Officer of this country, has managed to stabilise the microeconomic and macroeconomic fundamentals of our economy. You will agree that the exchange rate is now stable. The inflation rate is moving towards a single digit. We have just witnessed the highest bumper crop harvest in the history of this country. We have also witnessed increased investment in the mining sector and the restoration of public peace. These are just a few among the many accolades that put him in the driving seat, even as we race to 2026.

 Madam Speaker, I will talk about decentralisation and devolution, and this is principally the implementation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). The people of Luapula have, for the first time since the end of the United National Independence Party (UNIP) rule, seen improvements in feeder roads across all districts, thanks to the directive by President Hakainde Hichilema that all councils procure yellow machines through the CDF and the provision of K3.2 million per constituency for fuel and lubrication. This has made it possible for all councils to work on their feeder roads. Some Opposition hon. Members of Parliament say that this is not working. As the rainy season approaches, my worries, as Provincial Minister, are diminishing as many feeder roads will remain passable.

Madam Speaker, in addition to the improvement of feeder roads, we have seen that using the CDF, rural health centres, maternity annexes, police posts, classrooms, markets and many other community projects have been built without discrimination. We have also purchased desks and ambulances, including water ambulances, because we are a province that boasts of having about 30 per cent of the country’s water bodies. So, there are districts on water, like Lunga. The people of Luapula Province will remain forever indebted to President Hakainde Hichilema for the enhanced CDF, as it has completely changed the face of our province.

Madam Speaker, I want to talk about energy. I wish to correct the narrative by the hon. Members on your left who debated with regard to the generation of electricity the past few days. It is true that when the PF took over in 2011, the generation installed capacity was around 1,600 MW, and they left it at 3,300 MW. This translates only to 150 MW per year during their rule.

Madam Speaker, the 2024 drought undeniably negatively impacted both power generation and agricultural output. However, this situation also provided an opportunity for the country to diversify its energy generation mix. Under the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government, this year alone, Zambia is expected to add over 300 MW of generation capacity through various energy mixes, but largely from solar generation. Next year, we expect another 300 MW through geothermal power generation to be added to the national grid by June next year. Obviously, I am talking about the Maamba Energy Limited (MEL) solar power plant. Luapula Province alone will add 50 MW through the solar power plant in Mabumba when it is completed this year, and it is ahead of schedule. I was taken aback when some of the speakers on your left doubted the ability of the available transmission network to take on the New Dawn Administration’s plan for 1,000 MW. While the transmission network requires investment, the current infrastructure supports power evacuation from the planned projects. So, there is no need to worry.

 Madam Speaker, the Zambia-Tanzania-Kenya (ZTK) Power Interconnector was conceived in 1995, but successive Governments failed to actualise it.  Due to its prudent economic management, the New Dawn Administration, has now attracted investments to this project to the tune of US$298 million through the World Bank, and its implementation is imminent this December. This project will open Zambia to more energy trade through the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP), which generates surplus and cheap energy. Therefore, this Administration is focused on both short-term and long-term solutions.

Madam Speaker, in terms of infrastructure, all major gateway roads to Luapula Province, the Tuta Road and the Pedicle Road, including the inter-district roads, were left in a deplorable state by the PF regime. Let me just say that Luapula in general was neglected during the twenty years of the Multi-party Democracy (MMD) as well as the ten years of the PF rule. I want to give an example. The PF Government fully financed and paid for the construction of the Pedicle Road, but the road was not worked on. Simply put, there is no road today. Obviously, the “ubomba mwibala” syndrome was heavily entrenched on the project to construct the Pedicle Road.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: What does that mean, hon. Minister?

Mr N. Musonda: Madam Speaker, meaning that those who work in the field also feed from there.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr N. Musonda: Madam Speaker, it is heart breaking that Luapula Province was portrayed as a land of beautiful roads and the bedroom for the PF, yet the reality was opposite. This Administration has developed a long-term plan to improve the road infrastructure across the province. In the next two weeks, we will have a ceremony to break ground for the Musaila/Kasaba Road and the Kashikishi/Lucinda Road to signify the commencement of the construction of the two economic roads.

Madam Speaker, I will be failing if I do not acknowledge that works on the Kasomeno/Mwenda Toll Road are advanced and, once completed, will bring economic benefits.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister, you can start to wind up.

Mr N. Musonda: Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, with regard to agriculture, Luapula Province is poised to become the food basket. The province is blessed with fertile soils and receives predictable rainfall. In the last few years, we have seen people flocking to buy land in Luapula. I urge hon. Members of Parliament to become investors in Luapula because the land will finish very soon. The Luena Farming Block in Luapula has been opened up for investments as it is now electrified and there are good roads across the farming block. Today, we can boast of increased inflow of investment in the farming block, with the first-ever biggest avocado farm in Africa expected to start its first harvest this October, while the Kawambwa Sugar Limited is expected to be commissioned in 2027, becoming the biggest sugar factory in the country, with an expected   –

Madam First Deputy Speaker:  Order!

The hon. Member’s time expired.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister, sorry, we are behind time.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear! Maiden Speech!

Laughter

The Minister for Central Province (Mr Nkulukusa): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to debate.

Madam Speaker, I wish to express my sincere gratitude for giving me this opportunity to contribute to the national address by the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, during the Official Opening of the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly on Friday, 12^th September 2025.

Madam Speaker, the address by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, once again, lived up to the expectations of the people of Central Province on the progress that has been made in key sectors of the economy, due to the undertaking of socio-economic transformation in the last four years by the New Dawn Administration. Therefore, the theme for this year’s address, “Consolidating Economic and Social Gains Towards a Prosperous, Resilient and Equitable Zambia” felt right and resonated well with the province’s initiatives and innovation efforts to harness investment as well as deal with the social ills that the province faces.

Madam Speaker, Central Province has recorded significant economic growth in the last four years. While the national level was averaging 5.2 per cent to 5.6 per cent growth rate between 2021 and 2024, Central Province averaged a nominal economic growth rate of 23.2 per cent. In other words, our economic growth was from K24 billion in 2020 to K44.9 billion in 2023. This remarkable growth is largely attributed to an increase in production and private sector investment in mining and agriculture.

Madam Speaker, the President’s Address on agricultural development reminded the nation about the historical 4 million metric tonnes of maize production during the 2024/2025 Agricultural Season. This has underscored the Government’s commitment to drive sustainable and resilient national food security and ensure economic growth. We are proud to indicate that out of what was produced or is to be produced in the 2024/2025 Farming Season, 680,000 metric tonnes of the maize is from Central Province.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkulukusa: The House may also wish to note that in the last four years, Central Province has produced a total of 2,054,208.5 metric tonnes of maize, making the province the regional food basket in the country. In the same period, we have been able to produce 736,539 metric tonnes of soybeans and 508,520 metric tonnes of wheat. For wheat alone, Central Province accounts for more than 71 per cent of the national production. This has made the province the country’s food basket, and we are grateful to His Excellency the President and the New Dawn Administration for its continued visionary leadership so that we can continue to grow the provincial economy. More initiatives are being set up to support our farmers in order to achieve the 1 million metric tonne target of maize grain by 2030, towards attaining the national target of 10 million metric tonnes.

Madam Speaker, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is making a positive difference in Central Province, more especially in social sectors. More learners are now sitting on desks and more people are accessing loans from the CDF. In the last four years, more than 150,000 desks have been procured in the province. In addition, more than thirty-three health posts and forty maternity annexes across the province have been constructed. Over 800 boreholes and 100 water schemes, between 2022 and 2024, were installed and equipped with all the necessary amenities to ensure there is access to clean drinking water as well as good water reticulation.

Madam Speaker, we were proud to hear the pronouncements by the President of Zambia on the commitment to promote investment and curb illegal mining because Central Province is facing this challenge. I am glad to mention that the province has received private sector investment pledges of more than US$3 billion in the past three years alone. In collaboration with the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, we have been able to scale up formalisation of artisanal and small-scale mining and increase investment in the sector. As a result, an amount of US$600 million has been invested in the Kitumba Sino Mine in Mumbwa District and, at least, US$15 million in Wahfeng New Material Limited in Kabwe. You can see that mining is, indeed, becoming a bigger component of economic growth in Central Province.

Madam Speaker, the Government of the Republic of Zambia has paid particular attention to the growth of the manufacturing sector as well. For this reason, the province has been taking stock and supporting the sector very well. The commissioning of the Zambia Jiangxi Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ), also known as the Chibombo MFEZ, has continued to create job opportunities and promote agricultural and mining value addition in the province. I am glad to indicate that more than thirteen companies have invested in value chains in the Chibombo MFEZ, with an amount of over US$200 million, and they are already operating in the MFEZ. Among those companies are established organisations such as Zamtrust Electrical Limited, which is doing a lot of manufacturing with an investment of US$7 million, and the Xiamen Battery Technology Group Limited that has invested US$34.2 million in the MFEZ.

Madam Speaker, Central Province is delighted with the commissioning of the Bayer Itaba Seed Production Facility in Kabwe. This has become the largest maize seed producer in Sub-Saharan Africa. We are also on course towards the re-opening of the Zambia/China/Mulungushi Textiles, as the remaining containers were shipped into the country. More than US$12 million has been invested already in the plans towards the installation of new equipment to ensure that the company can re-open very soon.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkulukusa: Madam Speaker, the Government is committed to diversifying the energy mix to ensure that the economy remains resilient. We are proud to be the host of Zambia’s largest on-site 100 MW solar plant, which is located in Chisamba District …

Ms Kasanda: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkulukusa: … and was commissioned by the President of the Republic of Zambia. I am happy to know that there is also the 25 MW Mailo Solar Power Plant in Serenje. We have also launched a 50 MW solar plant in Mumbwa under the Kitumba Sino Mine and a 20 MW solar plant in Kapiri Mposhi under the Lunsemfwa Hydro-power Company. More solar projects are expected to be housed in the Central Province to ensure that the energy sector is enhanced.

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, I wish to indicate that we have put a priority on the facilitation of investment in the energy sector in Central Province.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkulukusa: We have the target of ensuring that the province produces at least 395 MW by 2030 from alternative energy to contribute to the national solar target. We will support the Government in the province and ensure the facilitation of solar plants by the private and public sectors.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Eng. Nzovu: Naupya, iwe!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The last one to debate will be the Acting hon. Minister of Health.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Is there no one to act?

The Vice-President (Dr Nalumango): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Motion on the address delivered to this august House by the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, during the Official Opening of the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly on Friday, 12^th September, 2025.

Madam Speaker, allow me to begin by thanking God Almighty for his continued protection of our country. I also extend my sincere gratitude to the President for his profound and well-delivered address to the nation under the theme: “Consolidating Economic and Social Gains Towards a Prosperous, Resilient and Equitable Zambia”. There cannot be a better theme for a time such as this one. From the theme, we can see how inspiring the address was for the nation and, indeed, the House.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, the President was sincere. The speech was not just a reflection, but a declaration of progress, resilience and unwavering commitment to the people of Zambia. The country is yet to recover from the effects of the severe drought that we experienced in the recent past, despite an improvement in the rainfall pattern experienced last rainy season. The adverse weather conditions have had a negative impact on most sectors of our economy, such as water, energy and the food system, which is agriculture. The President showed his sincerity and strength of character by not shying away from stating the challenges that the country is facing. I join the President in acknowledging that the severe drought affected the livelihoods of our people, threatened our food security, rendered our water levels at a record low and, as a consequence, our electricity generation capacity is at its lowest, and that has resulted in long hours of load-shedding.

Madam Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to commend our fellow citizens for their resilience during the challenging times. You can politick all you want, but the people of Zambia know and understand the situation.

Madam Speaker, the President rightly identified that our energy challenges stem from years of under-investment and reliance on hydropower. While other countries prepared for climate change by diversifying their energy sources, Zambia lagged behind. Under-investment in renewable energy sources like solar and other green energy sources showed a lack of foresight on the part of previous Administrations. As it is, if the President had not brought on board initiatives and investments in other sources of energy, Zambia would not be experiencing this kind of load-shedding. We would probably be shut down because the hydropower today, as it was, would be far too low compared to what is needed in the country. We should also appreciate private sector participation, particularly the private power traders who are contributing by importing power into our country. If they did not do that, we would not even have the capacity to supply power to the industries and mines. As it is, ZESCO Limited was run down. It has no capacity to buy power. So, let nobody mislead the people of Zambia into thinking that the participation of the private sector is negative for our economy. The participation is very important, and we appreciate it. There are five main power traders. You can name some of them. People come here, to this House, and shout the loudest about Kanona Power Company Limited, Africa GreenCo or the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Plc. They are helping to make the energy available and, therefore, continue to drive the economic agenda.

Madam Speaker, climate change is fundamentally a problem of water. It affects water availability, quality and distribution, which in turn impacts energy production, agriculture and overall human well-being. The water-energy-food nexus highlights the complexity of the challenges. The United Party for National Development (UPND) Government recognises the interdependences and is taking significant steps to liberalise the energy sector by encouraging the use of alternative sources of energy, such as solar power. The hon. Minister for Central Province mainly talked about solar power, which is doing tremendous work. The province is self-sufficient in terms of power. Therefore, it is a misguided perspective to undermine the efforts of the UPND Government during these challenging times. The leadership demonstrated by President Hakainde Hichilema is commendable.

Madam Speaker, I echo the heartfelt words of the President that:

 “We feel the pain and frustration of power outages faced by our citizens, which includes our families, friends and loved ones. No one has been spared.”

Madam Speaker, that is a mark of true leadership. The leader in President Hakainde Hichilema is one who understands, feels and acknowledges the suffering of his people. The UPND Government, under President Hakainde Hichilema, is working tirelessly to address the energy crisis, fully aware of the crisis’s impact on households, businesses and the broader economy. Those who listened and those who read will agree with me.

Madam Speaker, moving on to the pollution of the Kafue River by Sino-Metals Leach Zambia Limited, or general pollution in the country. It is deeply regrettable that the pollution in the Kafue River, Chambeshi Stream and Mwambashi River has disrupted the lives of the communities that rely on the water bodies, while also degrading the water quality and posing a serious risk to the aquatic ecosystem, farmlands and public health. I must say that the Government is taking serious steps, including curbing illegal mining. I think, we have seen how our President is working to ensure that the illegality found in mining can be stopped by bringing in the formalisation of artisanal mining. The Government is working to normalise that and help them to follow through with safe mining practices.

Madam Speaker, you may have seen that none of those who spoke before me finished their debates on time, it is because there are many things that we can talk about arising from the President's Speech. I would just like to urge all the people of Zambia to support the contents of the President's Speech and his vision, and the concerted efforts that our Government is making to improve Zambia's economy; through our transformative programmes. I can assure the people, and this is a strong belief, that when the economy improves, all the things we worry about will fall into place. An empowered person is capable of making his/her own decisions. As long as poverty drives us, because a few people want to be rich and our Governments cannot make the right policies to grow the economy inclusively, we will remain behind. Mr Hakainde Hichilema is the President that God has appointed for a time such as this. Therefore, we should continue to support him. Let us understand his vision. He spent time here, in this House, clearly bringing it home so that each one of us can understand what it is all about. To be able to follow through, and when we do, Zambia will not be the same. Under President Hakainde Hichilema, Zambia will not be the same economically.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Let us admit that it will not be the same.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: We have seen improvements, Madam Speaker. I could have gone on to talk about what others have spoken about. We have seen the growth of the economy, the gross domestic product (GDP) and a reduction in inflation. We have seen these things.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, they are not happening by saying abracadabra. They are happening because somebody who understands and is a visionary leader is pushing.

Madam Speaker, let me end by saying that we should also listen carefully. The President spoke about the elections. He assured the nation of peaceful and credible elections. Therefore, I would just like to say to the people of Zambia that as we approach the 2026 General Elections, we should all embrace the assurance of peaceful and credible elections, and allow that to be part of our mindset.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Think of Zambia when you think of elections. Think of peace, because it is in the environment of peace that we develop, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, the UPND Government is dedicated to making tangible improvements in the lives of the people of Zambia. Let us unite in supporting the initiatives and work together towards a brighter and more prosperous future for our nation.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Kasanda: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank all the hon. Members for contributing to the debate on the Motion on the President’s Speech, which was presented to this House on 12^th September, 2025.

Madam Speaker, the President gave a clear roadmap and did not shy away from the challenges that this country is facing, one of which is load-shedding. That is something that the President spoke about. As I listened attentively to all the debates that were presented in this House, I must say that I was very disappointed, in particular, the debate by the hon. Member for Bahati.  He spoke about the solar plant in Chisamba. This is a House of facts. When we come to this House, we need to be factual. Unfortunately, with all due respect to the hon. Member, he was not factual.  When he debated the day before yesterday, he said that the output or production of electricity at the solar plant was at zero. I would like to give the House the statistics of the energy production, not for the whole day, but for the afternoon of a particular day. As at 1200 hours, production was at 87.87 MW; at 1300 hours, it was at 83.72 MW; at 1400 hours, it was 75.76 MW; at 1500 hours, it was 57.70 MW; at 1600 hours, it was 35.73 MW; and at 1700 hours, it was 12.19 MW. He said that there was zero output between 1600 hours and 1700 hours. I have just given the correct statistics. When Her Honour the Vice-President stood on this Floor of the House just this Meeting opened, she was categorical. She said that this is not the time to politick, and people should not campaign on the Floor of this House. Time for politicking will come. Therefore, we should be factual.

Madam Speaker, some of our hon. Colleagues have said that the President has done nothing. However, under President Hakainde Hichilema’s visionary leadership, we have seen many deliverables. If someone says that nothing is happening, then, I do not know which country that person lives in. We do not know what they are doing. Maybe, they should head to the road that leads to the airport, because there is a hospital somewhere there.

Madam Speaker, today, we heard the President’s pronouncement about the Cash-for-Work programme continuing.

Mr Chala: Question!

Ms Kasanda: That is a plus, and it is empowering our people, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, when our hon. Colleagues were in power, they cut off meal allowances. We, as the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government, have brought them back.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Kasanda: Madam Speaker, on the school feeding programme, we have children in rural constituencies who walk long distances to get to school, and they cannot learn on an empty stomach. A child cannot learn while sitting on the floor. Today, we have many desks and we are feeding the children.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Kasanda: Madam Speaker, there are school grants. Parents used to pay school fees or the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) fees. That is not the case anymore. All that is being done by our President.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Kasanda: Madam Speaker, I believe that many things are being done. There is a lot that we can say.

Madam Speaker, I can also talk about the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF). I am a second-termer in this Parliament. I was a councillor before, and I used to report to a hon. Member of Parliament. Whenever we talked about the CDF, there was nothing much to talk about. However, today, we have many things to talk about. There are more classrooms and over 2 million children have gone back to school. Then somebody here, in this House, can say that the education sector is doing nothing?

Hon. UPND Members: Tell them!

Ms Kasanda: Madam Speaker, we have to be grateful.

Madam Speaker, I urge my hon. Colleagues to remember that whether we like the President or not, the man has delivered.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Kasanda: Let us give credit where it is due, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

The hon. Member’s time expired.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Your time is up, hon. Member. Wind up. Finish your sentence.

Ms Kasanda: I will wind up and finish my sentence, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank everybody who debated, once again. I would also like to remind and assure the House that we have the right driver in the seat.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Kasanda: Madam Speaker, we have a capable President. Let us support him. As Members of Parliament, we have the CDF, let us utilise it.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Question put and agreed to.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to.

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The House adjourned at 1848 hours until 1415 hours on Friday, 26^th September, 2025.

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