24th September, 2025

Wednesday, 24^th September, 2025

The House met at 1430 hours

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM SPEAKER

DELEGATION FROM THE PARLIAMENT OF NAMIBIA

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to acquaint the House with the presence, in the Speaker’s Gallery, of the following Members of Parliament and staff of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) from the National Assembly of Namibia:

Hon. Marta Itope, MP – Public Accounts Committee Deputy

Chairperson and Leader of the Delegation

Hon. Modestus Amutse, MP – Committee Member

Hon. Nelson Kalangula, MP – Committee Member

Hon. Vaino Hangula, MP – Committee Member

Hon. Evilastus Kaaronda, MP – Committee Member

Hon. Marlayn Mbakera, MP – Committee Member

Hon. Michael Mwashindange, MP – Committee Member

Mr Willem H. Isaak – Deputy Director, Committee Services

Mr Andreas Shivute – Chief Parliamentary Clerk

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

I thank you.

DELEGATION FROM THE PARLIAMENT OF MALAWI

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

Ms Chisomo Ngulube – Chief Broadcasting Officer

Ms Rejoice Shumba – Principal Broadcasting Officer

Ms Florence Sadyalunda – Studio Engineer

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

I thank you.

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM CHISAMBA GIRLS ACADEMY

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

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

I thank you.

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URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

MS MULENGA, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR KALULUSHI, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT, MR SIALUBALO, ON THE POOR STATE OF ROADS IN CHAMBISHI

Ms Mulenga (Kalulushi): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Ms Mulenga: Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to raise an Urgent Matter without Notice, on behalf of the good people of Kalulushi. The matter is directed at the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.

Madam Speaker, this afternoon, residents of Chambishi lined up because of the poor state of the roads. In 2020, –

Mr Nkandu: Why did they line up?

Ms Mulenga: They want to protest.

Interruptions

Ms Mulenga: Madam Speaker, can I be protected from that side (pointed at Hon. Government Members)?

Madam Speaker: Let us give the hon. Member for Kalulushi an opportunity to be heard.

Ms Mulenga: Madam Speaker, in 2020, Chambishi and Kalulushi were allocated 74 km roads for rehabilitation. Then, the work was halted by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development. We were told that the ministry would get back to us.

Madam Speaker, what is upsetting the residents of Chambishi and Kalulushi is that, just a few days ago, we saw my dear brother there, (pointed at Mr Tayali) flagging off the rehabilitation of township roads in Ndola. My dear brother here from Roan Constituency also has had roads allocated in his constituency for rehabilitation under the local government. The people are wondering what is happening to Kalulushi.

Madam Speaker, I seek your intervention. Money was already allocated to Kalulushi. We need to calm the residents.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Kalulushi, I suggest that you file in a question. Also, try to engage the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development. That is the only way to sort out these issues. If you just come to the Floor of the House to ask questions, it will take some time before those concerns are addressed. If you want to address the issue, please, as advised, get in touch with the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.

I hope you bought the yellow machines.

Ms Mulenga: Madam Speaker, yes.

Madam Speaker: I am just commenting, since the in-thing is yellow machines.

MR MABETA, HON. MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR KANKOYO, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF MINES AND MINERALS DEVELOPMENT, MR KABUSWE, ON THE POLLUTION OF SULFUR-OXIDE IN KANKOYO

Mr Mabeta (Kankoyo): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Mr Mabeta: Madam Speaker, my Urgent Matter without Notice is directed at the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development. It is over the pollution that my people in the constituency have been experiencing.

Madam Speaker, we appreciate that in the past, the mines started using sulphur dioxide, commonly known as ‘senta’ to produce acid. In the past forty-five days, in August and September, residents were complaining of chest pains and irritation in their eyes, because of the high level of pollution in the community. In addition, just yesterday, the people of Butondo were subjected to a lot of dust pollution from mining activities by Mopani Copper Mines

Madam Speaker, I want to find out from the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development what remedial action is being taken to alleviate the suffering of the people of Kankoyo and Butondo, considering that in 2015, we lost the District Commissioner (DC) of Mufulira, after he was exposed to the same sulphur dioxide which polluted Kankoyo.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member, I suggest you file in an urgent question because you did not specify the circumstances. You did not go into details to explain. We are not aware of the details. You have referred to 2015 when the District Commissioner (DC) died because he was exposed. So, definitely, that issue goes far back; it is not an urgent matter anymore. We do not know whether the Government is aware of the issue. The reason we raise issues is so that the Government is aware, and so that something is done about them.

So, I suggest you file in an urgent question directed to the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development.

I thank you.

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QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

OPERATIONALISATION OF KANCHOMBA LOCAL COURT

20. Mr Hamwaata (Pemba) asked the Minister of Justice:

when the Government will operationalise Kanchomba Local Court in Pemba District; and

what the cause of the delay in operationalising the court is.

The Minister of Education (Mr Syakalima) (on behalf of the Minister of Justice (Ms Kasune)): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that Hamaundu Local Court, being referred to as Kanchomba Local Court in Pemba District, has not been operational since April 2025 due to a dispute that arose between the traditional leadership and the local court staff.

Madam Speaker, the Office of the Registrar is engaging the House of Chiefs for a possible resolution to ensure that Hamaundu Local Court is operational as soon as possible.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Hamwaata: Madam Speaker, the good people of Pemba Constituency would like to know whether the Chiefdom has absolute power to close the local court.

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, it does not have absolute power.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Laughter

Mr Simuzingili (Gwembe): Madam Speaker, what kind of dispute arose between the Chiefdom and the local authority, because we thought that local authorities operate independently?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, that is why I said that the Office of the Registrar is engaging the House of Chiefs for a possible resolution to ensure that Hamaundu Local Court is operational as soon as possible. So, the issue is at the level of engagement.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Hamwaata: Madam Speaker, the good people of Pemba Constituency would like to know how long it will take for the dispute to be resolved. As the hon. Minister has rightly responded, the dispute arose on 25^th February, 2025. Since then, the local court has not been operational. So far, three local court magistrate officers have left the place, putting too much stress on our people, especially that justice needs to be delivered without delay. How long will it take to resolve the dispute?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, I was reliably informed this afternoon that a group from the Judiciary will go there next week. Thereafter, we will see how it goes.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Hamwaata rose

Madam Speaker: Anyway, it is a constituency-based question. I think, let us make progress.

Hon. Member for Pemba. You have asked two questions already. You are only allowed to ask those questions. That is it. The only person I can allow is the hon. Member for Mkushi South.

Mr Chisopa (Mkushi South): Madam Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament for Pemba said that the local court officers have since left the place. How long is it going to take for the people involved to finish the engagement so that those local court officers can go back?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, I refer him to my previous answer.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Interesting, we do not even know what caused the dispute, but let us make progress.

CONSTRUCTION OF A CORRECTIONAL FACILITY IN LUANGWA DISTRICT

21. Mr E. Tembo (Feira) asked the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security:

whether the Government has any plans to construct a correctional facility in Luangwa District;

if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

if there are no such plans, why.

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

Madam Speaker: Before I call upon the hon. Minister, what is the point of order hon. Member for Nkana?

A point of order is raised.

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, everything tendered in this august House goes into the Hansard for the sake of records. When the hon. Minister stands up to respond, it is not just for the hon. Members here, it is for the public and for records sake.

Madam Speaker, was the hon. Minister of Education in order to answer the way he answered, and this House is okay with it? I think, he needs to answer appropriately to the question. I seek your indulgence.

Madam Speaker: What Standing Order has been breached?

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, it is on procedures of this House.

Madam Speaker: There is nothing like –

Mr B. Mpundu: Even Standing Order No. 71 can guide, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Nkana!

Since you have failed to cite the Standing Order that has been breached, the point of order is not admitted.

The Minister of Defence (Mr Lufuma) (on behalf of the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security (Mr Mwiimbu, SC.)): Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to construct a modern correctional facility of 400 inmates holding capacity in Luangwa District. So, yes, there are plans.

Madam Speaker, the plans to construct a correctional facility in Luangwa District will be implemented when funds are made available.

Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to construct a correctional facility, therefore, the why aspect is non-applicable.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr E. Tembo: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security’s response, through the hon. Minister of Defence, that the plans are indeed there. However, when responding to part (b) of the question, the hon. Minister stated that the plans will only be implemented –

Madam Speaker: Maybe, just to correct you, the hon. Minister of Defence was answering in his capacity as Acting Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security. You may proceed.

Mr E. Tembo: Thank you for that correction, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I am quite uncomfortable with the answer to part (b) of the question, which is that the plans to construct a correctional facility will be implemented when funds are made available, because that is not an exact answer. Would the hon. Minister give a period when the funds to construct the correctional facility will be available. This is because, as you know, our youths are not employed, and there are various crimes relating to wildlife and many other things. So, I think, it is important that the hon. Minister perhaps gives us at least an estimated period.

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, I am sorry that the hon. Member is uncomfortable with the answer that has been given. Honestly, I would have liked to tell him that we will address the matter in the next budget cycle. Unfortunately, I do not have the foreknowledge as to when the necessary funds will be made available. So, he just has to trust that, as soon as funds are available, the Government will oblige.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr J. Chibuye (Roan): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this chance to ask a supplementary question.

Madam Speaker, it is gratifying to hear that the Government has plans to construct a correctional facility in Feira Constituency. The hon. Minister has indicated that the holding capacity will be 400 inmates. Can he break down the capacity in terms of the number of holding cells that will accommodate the male, female and juvenile inmates.

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, I wish I had been forewarned about such a request. I would have brought the statistics. Unfortunately, I do not have them offhand. So, I cannot give that breakdown. If the hon. Member so wishes, he can see me after this Sitting. I should be able to avail the breakdowns.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chisopa (Mkushi South): Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, for the hon. Minister to indicate that the holding capacity for the planned facility will be 400 inmates, it means that feasibility studies must have been undertaken. Can he share with the House and the country at large the cost of those feasibility studies.

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, the cost of the feasibility studies is not part and parcel of this question. So, again, if the hon. Member so wishes, he can see me afterwards. I will avail the information.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

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

Madam Speaker, my question is a rider to the questions asked by Hon. Chisopa and the hon. Member for Roan. Luangwa is a growing district. Certainly, planning for 400 inmates would be a serious under-estimation. I know that Luangwa has a subordinate court that deals with matters of –

Interruptions

Mr Kampyongo: I can see that the hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development is murmuring. I think, he has a plan.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, how is the area being served in terms of correctional facility needs, looking at the distance between Luangwa and the nearest facility, which could be in Nyimba?

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, if and when the courts do their job, and the convicts are incarcerated or condemned to a correctional centre, transportation to the nearest facility is available. That is what we do. We simply transport and accommodate them accordingly.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr E. Tembo: Madam Speaker, at the risk of being told that what I am asking was not in the main question, I would like to know the nature of the planned facility because correctional facilities are meant to correct the behaviour of people. Luangwa District also caters for the nearby Rufunsa District for court services and inmates. What kind of facilities will be included, for instance, agriculture and other skills? Are there any plans related to the issue I have raised?

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, I did not get the last part. What I heard is: Are there any plans to do something? I did not get the last bit. Maybe, the hon. Member can repeat the last bit.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Feira, repeat the question.

Mr E. Tembo: Madam Speaker, my question relates to facilities that will be offered at the correctional institution. Obviously, inmates will not only be kept, but their behaviour will be corrected through skills training, such as in agriculture and automobile repairs. That is what I want to hear from the hon. Minister.

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, the facility set for construction is a standard one, with a 400 inmate holding capacity. It will include life-saving skills such as carpentry, automotive works, bricklaying, agriculture and so on and so forth. So, it is a package that goes with a 400 inmate holding capacity correctional service.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

REHABILITATION OF FEEDER ROADS IN MULOBEZI

22 Eng. Mabenga (Mulobezi) asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development:

whether the Government has any plans to rehabilitate feeder roads in Mulobezi;

if so, when the plans will be implemented;

what the estimated cost of the project is; and

if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development (Eng. Milupi) (on behalf of the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Sialubalo)): Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to rehabilitate feeder roads in Mulobezi District.

Madam Speaker, the plans will be implemented once funds are made available.

Madam Speaker, the estimated cost of the project will be known once a full condition assessment of the priority road network is done and the bills of quantities (BoQs) are prepared.

Madam Speaker, the plans are there, as stated in response to part (a) of the question. Therefore, part (d) of the question falls off.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Eng. Mabenga: Madam Speaker, I would like to know if there is an indicative period as to when the feeder roads will be rehabilitated because the rainy season will start soon and the roads will become impassable.

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, I think that is a similar question to the one that was asked earlier about the precise timing. When we say, “When funds are made available,” that is dependent upon budget availability. However, I think, most local authorities have procured the famous yellow machines. I hope the council in Mulobezi has also done the same. So, I think that where pure maintenance of feeder roads is needed, where there are roads that can be worked on with the available machines, we ask that the local authority in the area use the available machines. Fuel can be procured to start the process while waiting for proper rehabilitation to happen when funds are available.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Eng. Mabenga: Madam Speaker, it is good to have the yellow machines. Unfortunately, in Mulobezi, we do not have the yellow machines because the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is not enough to buy that equipment, among other priorities. What I want to find out is whether it is possible to buy more equipment for the Zambia National Service (ZNS) so that the local authority can hire from them.

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, I think that the first answer is that the CDF is distributed equitably. In other words, equal amounts are given to all constituencies. Certain constituencies have bought these machines. It is expected that if Mulobezi had felt that the machine was a priority, I think that it would have procured it.

Madam Speaker, regarding the Zambia National Service (ZNS), I can assure the hon. Member that the ZNS has machines in the province that can be hired. I know this because I was involved in hiring some of its equipment not long ago. So, maybe, he can check with the ZNS within the province to see if the local authority can be in a position to hire from it.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

ESTABLISHMENT OF HARBOURS ON THE SHORES OF LAKE KARIBA

23. Mr Simuzingili (Gwembe) asked the Minister of Transport and Logistics:

whether the Government has any plans to establish harbours on the shores of Lake Kariba in the following districts:

Siavonga;
Gwembe; and
Sinazongwe;

if so, when the plans will be implemented;

what the estimated cost of establishing each harbour is; and

if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Transport and Logistics (Mr Tayali): Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to establish harbours across the country, including on the shores of Lake Kariba in Siavonga, Gwembe and, indeed, Sinazongwe District.

Madam Speaker, construction works for the Siavonga, Gwembe and Sinazongwe harbours are scheduled to commence in 2026. A consultant was engaged to undertake feasibility studies and prepare detailed engineering designs for the three harbours. The consultant has since submitted pre-feasibility studies and preliminary designs, which have since been approved.

Madam Speaker, the estimated cost of constructing each harbour is as follows:

Siavonga Harbour, K40 million;

Chipepo Harbour, K18 million; and

Sinazongwe Harbour, K34 million.

Madam Speaker, as stated in the response to part (a) of the question, the Government has plans to establish the three harbours on the shores of Lake Kariba.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Simuzingili: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for such an elaborate explanation.

Madam Speaker, we appreciate that construction will start in 2026. However, is it possible to have boats running in the three districts, as we wait for the establishment of the harbours, so that we do not wait until the harbours are established to start running the boats?

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, in many water bodies around the country, in places like Mpulungu, where harbour facilities are not in the state that we want them to be, there are boats running because we do not prohibit the movement of water vessels on these water bodies. I think that it is the Government's responsibility to improve our harbours, which is a way to promote a safe way for our people to carry out their day-to-day business on our water bodies. So, in the absence of well-structured harbour facilities with modern landing jetties, there is absolutely nothing that prohibits the use of boats. I am sure that there are ways in which the locals have been improvising.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has confirmed that the designs are ready and that amounts for the construction of the three harbours have been estimated. This money, I believe, is Government expenditure, meaning it has to be in our National Budget for us to be able to implement these three very important projects. Who is going to operate these facilities, considering that the Government will spend money on their construction? Do we foresee the private sector being allowed to manage the facilities, or will the Government run the facilities, considering that we are going to spend taxpayers’ money?

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Kamfinsa for a very intelligent question.

Madam Speaker, I will say that because there is not much commercial viability in this particular sector, the Government has a social responsibility to provide for its citizens. We hope that as we reconstruct this country's economy and improve economic activity, the Government may create a sort of enabling environment, where even the private sector would deem it fit to provide such services.

Madam Speaker, allow me to give an example. I went to the shores of Lake Tanganyika recently, and I appreciated the sort of harbour infrastructure we have in that area; it leaves much to be desired, yet the water body, which is 1.5 km in depth and 700 km in length, offers massive commercial viability. We are actually trying to promote business activity there. In fact, we may provide incentives through the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, such as zero-rate the sort of equipment required for ship-building, because we need to promote shipbuilding inland. This is the direction that this Administration is hoping to take, so that our people around water bodies are not disadvantaged, and that we may create local economies in all those areas.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for ensuring that those three areas are given harbours that are going to promote many businesses for the people in those three areas.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has itemised the amount of money that is going to be spent on the three harbours, according to the visibility studies. Did he go further to look at the ‘visibility studies’ to find out how much revenue each harbour is expected to make on a monthly or annual basis? How much money do we expect to get once the harbours are fully operational?

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I beg to differ. We have not conducted any ‘visibility studies.’ What we have done are feasibility studies.

Madam Speaker, we believe in the concept of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) phenomenon in infrastructure development; take infrastructure to an area and development will follow. For now, all we know is that we need to facilitate services for our people. We believe that facilitating services will ultimately spur economic activity. Under the circumstances, we are not so preoccupied with looking at what we may get out of the harbours. We want to allow our people to conduct safe business on these water bodies.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Chala (Chipili): Madam Speaker, in his statement, the hon. Minister stated that the Government is going to embark on this project in 2026. Now, look at the fiscal space for 2025. The Government is failing to fund some projects under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). In my constituency, some projects have not taken off because money cannot be released because of the fiscal space. In 2026, we will have General Elections. Is the hon. Minister sure that the Government is going to mobilise resources for these projects and the General Elections? May he assure hon. Members that yes, it will be done. If he fails, they will prosecute him.

Laughter

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, one wonders whether the hon. Member for Chipili was trying to create a light moment. Indeed, I thank him for that supplementary question.

Madam Speaker, let me just say that the hon. Member must obviously be patient. He should look at what the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning will present in the 2026 Budget Speech. What this Government is doing is promoting Budget integrity. The 2026 General Elections are is under a separate budget line. If we have contemplated that we must also look at the construction of the harbours, that will be a separate budget line. Elections must not affect development or progress.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mulunda (Siavonga): Madam Speaker, we want to appreciate the positive response from the Government that in 2026, harbours will be constructed in three districts. Can the hon. Minister comfort the people in the three districts a little more, by indicating the period when the construction will take place, so that our people can start expecting to use the facilities after such a period?

Mr Tayali: Madam Speaker, I will be reluctant to go to such an extent of giving a Government assurance or a specific period within which the undertaking will be completed.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Anakoka (Luena): Madam Speaker, a lot of excitement has been elicited as a result of the hon. Minister mentioning that harbour facilities will be constructed in those three districts. Is the hon. Minister in a position to indicate in a little more detail what facilities will be constructed? Will they be fishing or docking points? Will they include passenger handling facilities?

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

Madam Speaker, perhaps, let me take each harbour e at a time. In the case of Siavonga Harbour, considering that its existing jetties are totally dilapidated, we obviously have to rehabilitate and expand the landing jetties and improve the waste management processes at the harbour. We will also need to engage the council to resolve land encroachment. As the Government, we are always advising that strategic pieces of land, such as the ones near harbours, railway lines and airports, are not earmarked for buildings. Those who build on such strategic pieces of land do so at their own peril, because they shall never receive title deeds. I hate to imagine the worst-case scenario of what happens to a property constructed on such parcels of land.

Madam Speaker, in the case of Gwembe District, we hope to engage with Chief Chipepo and the local authority to secure land in that area, provide new jetties, incorporate pollution control measures and rely more on alternative power sources such as solar. In the case of Sinazongwe, there is only one dilapidated landing jetty. So, we will obviously look at rehabilitating and expanding that infrastructure. Apart from that, we also need to conduct land reclamation owing to some erosion that has taken place over time. Designs for this area must include embankment protection, drainage and phased reclamation. These and many other facilities will improve water transport in those areas.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

_______

MOTIONS

MOTION OF THANKS

Mr Chinkuli (Kanyama): Madam Speaker, thank you.

Madam Speaker, before I was interrupted, I was talking about the three aspects through which corruption can be fought. I talked about the independence of these institutions, the investment and the action from the leaders. I said that the leaders have tried to make sure that these institutions are well-funded so that they can do their work. Then I talked about the –

Interruptions

Mr Anakoka: Hammer!

Mr Chinkuli: Madam Speaker, I am being disrupted here.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member, proceed. We are listening. You have the Floor.

Mr Chinkuli: Madam Speaker, those are the issues that I talked about.

Madam Speaker, you realise that the Government has actually brought the level of corruption to something that is manageable. You may wish to note that corruption undermines governance and, because of that, public perception is eroded, and there is misallocation of resources, coupled with stagnation in the economy. As a result of that, inequality increases, and this is what the Government is trying to avoid.

Madam Speaker, we have been complaining of not having resources and this is because of the corrupt acts that have taken precedence. The funds that should have gone to the people, like the vulnerable people in Kanyama, went into people’s pockets. Now, because of the diligence with which the Government is trying to fight this scourge, we are seeing results. If you compare where we are coming from to now, you will realise that in 2018, the corruption indicator was 27 per cent. In 2019, it was 28 per cent and, in 2021, it was 33 per cent. It is currently 39 per cent, meaning we are managing this scourge.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Amutike: Quality.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, note that today and tomorrow have been reserved for hon. Ministers to respond. However, I noticed that there is a long list of hon. Members who have not yet debated. Announcements were made, so, we will proceed according to our plan of work.

We will start with the hon. Minister of Defence.

The Minister of Defence (Mr Lufuma): Madam Speaker, first and foremost, I wish to thank you for according me this opportunity to contribute to the Motion of Thanks to the address of the President of the Republic of Zambia and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, delivered during the Official Opening of the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly on Friday, 12^th September, 2025. Let me also commend my fellow hon. Members of Parliament who have already made valuable contributions to the President’s Address.

Madam Speaker, allow me to congratulate the President for a well-articulated and insightful speech themed “Consolidating Economic and Social Gains towards a Prosperous, Resilient, and Equitable Zambia.” The President clearly outlined the progress made in advancing our economic and social transformation agenda over the past four years since the United Party for National Development (UPND) came into power.

Madam Speaker, the country has regained market confidence, restored growth, and strengthened the rule of law. For my ministry, sustainable peace and enhanced security remain paramount in supporting the realisation of the national vision and aspirations for improved livelihoods.

Madam Speaker, the President highlighted the commendable agricultural performance, particularly in the 2024/2025 Farming Season. I am proud to note that my ministry has been contributing to food security and …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lufuma: … played a very key role in achieving the bumper harvest of the 3.7 million metric tonnes of maize. Furthermore, through the Zambia National Service (ZNS) and aligned millers, my ministry supported the Government’s efforts to stabilise the price of mealie meal by producing and distributing mealie meal at affordable prices across the country. We remain committed to continuing our contribution to socio-economic development in agriculture, health, and infrastructure while ensuring that peace and security are sustained. As hon. Members know, without peace, there cannot be any development at all.

Madam Speaker, the President also underscored the importance of instilling discipline, patriotism, and accountability in our youths. We are proud to be part of the Government’s initiative to reintroduce voluntary national service training, which will equip our young people with life-saving, life-sustaining skills, and empower them to become innovative and self-reliant. My ministry stands ready to contribute actively to this noble cause.

Madam Speaker, on infrastructure development, the President’s emphasis resonates with the ongoing works of my ministry through the services. We have been proactive in infrastructure development, including participation in the construction of Kasama Airport and Nakonde Airport. The Ministry of Defence remains committed to supporting infrastructure development and enhancing connectivity to stimulate trade and commerce. I would like to inform the hon. Members that the ministry, through the ZNS, is ready to assist anybody from any constituency, as concerns infrastructure development, especially roads.

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, I wish to assure this august House that the Ministry of Defence will continue to create a conducive environment for a diversified economy through improved delivery of defence services. Further, we affirm our unwavering commitment to ensuring sustainable peace and security for the prosperity of our nation, One Zambia, one nation.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

The Minister of Education (Mr Syakalima): Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Ministry of Education, I wish to sincerely thank you for according me this distinguished honour to convey before this House, our profound gratitude to the Republican President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, for his inspiring and comprehensive address during the Official Opening of the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly.

Madam Speaker, the President’s Address has once again reaffirmed his vision of consolidating our economic and social gains towards a prosperous, resilient, and equitable Zambia. For us in the education sector, his emphasis on education as the greatest equaliser and inheritance for our children is both motivating and reassuring.

Madam Speaker, we particularly commend the reaffirmation of the gains of the Free Education Policy introduced in 2022, which has enabled over 2.3 million children, irrespective of social or economic background, to return to school. Equally notable are the ambitious investments in the education system highlighted by our Republican President. These are the construction of 166 new secondary schools, over 2,800 classroom blocks, under the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF), the procurement of 1.6 million desks, and the ongoing development of early childhood and university infrastructure. These interventions will significantly expand access to quality education across the country.

Madam Speaker, we further applaud the President’s emphasis on teacher recruitment; 42,000 since 2022, with an additional 2,000 this year. The expansion of the home-grown School Feeding Programme, which now benefits over 4.6 million learners across 106 districts, is another milestone in the education sector. These measures are transformative and will contribute to improved equity, inclusion and learning outcomes for children.

Madam Speaker, we also take note of the President’s call for patriotism, peace and national unity as foundations for sustainable development. As a ministry, we remain steadfast in our commitment to instilling those noble values in our learners through the new curriculum, civic education and character formation. I wish to assure the Republican President and this august House that the new curriculum is being rolled out in a phased and systematic manner. The roll-out commenced this year featuring Early Childhood Education (ECE) Level 1, Grade 1 and Form I. Further, in 2026, implementation will be extended to ECE Level 2, Grade 2 and Form II.

Madam Speaker, on this occasion, we pledge that the Ministry of Education will faithfully translate the President’s policy direction into tangible outcomes, which will accelerate the implementation of on-going programmes, strengthen collaboration with stakeholders and ensure that education continues to drive innovation, inclusivity and job creation.

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, allow me to, once again, express our profound gratitude to our Republican President for his unwavering leadership and visionary guidance. On behalf of the ministry, I reaffirm our steadfast commitment to translating his vision for a better Zambia into concrete action, ensuring that every child, without exception, benefits from quality and inclusive education, thereby securing a brighter future for our nation.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr Mtolo): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address that was delivered during the Official Opening of the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly on Friday, 12^th September, 2025.

Madam Speaker, I would like to sincerely thank the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, for a very progressive and, indeed, informative speech delivered during the address to the House.

Madam Speaker, allow me to take this opportunity to reaffirm the Government’s unwavering commitment to transforming Zambia’s agriculture sector into an engine of prosperity, food security and job creation. The progress highlighted in the President’s Address is not merely a collection of statistics. It is a testament to the resilience of our farmers, the boldness of our reforms and the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Madam Speaker, let me start by clearly stating and asserting, with unwavering conviction – I hope that Hon. Fube is listening – …

Laughter

Mr Mtolo: … that Zambia’s historic bumper harvest is not merely a statistical anomaly or a transient success. It is an irrefutable testament to the transformative power of this Government’s policies.

Madam Speaker, I note that you are looking for him. He is seated on my right. Hon. Fube is there (Mr Mtolo pointed at Mr Fube).

Laughter

Mr Fube walked back to his seat.

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, it is the resilience of our farmers and the collective will of the nation that is determined to reclaim its agricultural destiny. Therefore, to downplay this achievement is to disregard the sweat of millions of our farmers. It is to disregard the precision of our reforms and the data that speaks for itself. I listened to a debate yesterday that moved me strongly to debate this morning and to concentrate only on statistics. Let me put it on record that the bumper harvest is undeniable. The numbers speak for themselves. Sceptics may question the scale of our progress, but that is the evidence. The evidence is unassailable. You cannot question statistics. One plus one is two. No matter how you think, it is two. That is a fact. Maize production surged from 1.5 million metric tonnes to 3.7 million metric tonnes.

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

Madam Speaker: Hon. Minister, apologies. There is an indication for a point of order.

Hon. Member for Chilubi, you were seated there until the hon. Minister mentioned your name. That is when you went back to your seat, and now you want to raise a point of order. What is the point of order?

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, you are right to say that I was seated there peacefully, until I was thrown into the debate of the hon. Minister.

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order to purport that it is his Government’s policy that has driven the bumper harvest this year, and not God who has distributed rainfall, …

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Mr Fube: … – I am still going on – in the three agro-ecological zones? The number of farmers has been constant. He can agree with me that from 2021 to date, there has been no increment in the number of farmers. Further, many private citizens have got into agriculture production because of the prices of crops. That is one effect of maize, and it is not what he has mentioned.

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order to draw the innocent name of the representative of the people of Chilubi, who referred to the proportion of farmers to the population in the nation in the past, into his debate? I mentioned that there were 3.5 million people in Zambia at the time of Independence. I said that, today, the population density is 19.24 per square kilometre. Is he in order to draw the name of the representative of the people of Chilubi into his debate?

Madam Speaker, I am quoting Standing Order No. 71, which is on the relevance of speech on the Floor of the House.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Chilubi, this is the time that has been allocated to the hon. Ministers to respond to the issues that were raised by the Backbenchers in their debates. So, the hon. Minister is trying to respond to those issues. You cannot use a point of order to counter what the hon. Minister is saying. There must be a specific breach that has occurred on the Floor of the House for you to raise a point of order that can be admitted. So, on that ground, the point of order that you have raised is not admitted. Let us allow the hon. Minister to continue.

Mr Nkandu: Hear, hear!

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, thank you very much for your protection.

Madam Speaker, I was bewildered, confused and totally surprised by the economic theories that I heard yesterday. I was totally amazed.

Mr Nkandu: Dumfounded!

Mr Mtolo: Dumfounded. Thank you.

Laughter

Mr Mtolo: What type of statistical analysis is that whereby you believe that the Government has put up good pricing and, therefore, more is being produced, and then you deny that that is not Government policy? Madam Speaker, I need help on that one. What type of thinking is that? In 2011, I sat on the left side of this House, and, at one time, I heard the hon. Minister of Finance then say, “We are not a Government that is going to bask in the empty glory of statistical euphoria”. Today, I am giving statistics. The President gave statistics, yet someone is denying the statistics that show that we have moved from 1.5 million metric tonnes to 3.7 million metric tonnes of maize production. Where is this Government going? Why can people not join in when something good has happened so that the country can develop? Where are we heading? Where are we heading? I want to repeat: How can someone come here, to this House, and say, “We are not a Government that will bask in the empty glory of statistical euphoria”? Maybe, that hon. Minister was right because this misunderstanding of statistics is worrying for a person like me who saw 1.5 million metric tonnes rise to 3.7 million metric tonnes of maize. It is better to say it is not 3.7 million metric tonnes because it appears to be 4 million metric tonnes. That is the type of contribution I would like to hear.

Madam Speaker, soya beans propelled from –

Hon. Opposition Member: Bazadya ma speech bantu?

Laughter

Mr Mtolo: Here is another one who says people will not eat speeches.

Madam Speaker, please, may I guide my hon. Colleagues on the left to join in productive debates.

Madam Speaker, we are the major exporter of seed in Africa.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mtolo: We should be proud of that.

Madam Speaker, the increases in soya beans have almost doubled. Would we not sit here and say, let us enhance this hon. Minister's input, as a group, so that Zambia can reach its real potential in agriculture? That is what I expect.

Madam Speaker, on page 10 of the President’ Speech, he talked about forty mechanisation centres, ten centres of excellence, and indicated that 2,500 farmers had actually accessed the services of the mechanisation centres. However, some people come to this House and start denying such things. Why would someone not come to the Ministry of Agriculture so that we can show them invoices of people who paid? A number of hon. Members here used the tractors, yet, they are denying that the services are not available.

Madam Speaker, let me educate one of the speakers that a centre of excellence is where you have a large number of tractors and other equipment where people go for training, but the forty centres is where hiring services are provided. So, I am happy to inform the nation that we have bought tractors and that there is more power of mechanisation being taken to the different regions of Zambia.

Madam Speaker, may I take this opportunity to give information to the nation, just like I did a few days ago, on the removal of the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) from screening our farmers. Today, I am happy to add that the critical issue of the ten bags of maize which the farmers are supposed to sell has been removed. As a listening Government, we have listened and we have taken it away.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mtolo: Thank you.

Farmers do not have to sell the ten bags of maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA). They can sell that to the FRA or any other place and they will still be considered for the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP). So, the NAPSA issue has been removed and so is the issue of the ten bags of maize.

Mr Nkandu: Bwekeshapo!

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, that is the type of Government we need; one which listens to the people.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. Government Member: Ebene bafyakulya!

Hon. Government Members: Quality!

Mr Mtolo: Thank you!

Madam Speaker, –

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Hon. Minister, just repeat so that we are all clear.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mtolo: I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Ema Speaker aya!

Mr Mtolo: That is why we love you, Madam Speaker.

Laughter

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, firstly, for the FISP this year, farmers will no longer be screened using the NAPSA picture. Even if NAPSA captures them, we will still give them inputs under the FISP. Secondly, we had asked the farmers to contribute to the national strategic reserve by selling ten bags to the FRA. However, there has been a cry that the position is harsh. So, the Government has excluded it. Farmers do not have to sell the ten bags of maize to the FRA to be considered for FISP. That is very good news.

Hon. UPND Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, I thank you for allowing me to speak. Let me not disturb the powerful message. Allow me to end here. However, let me say that agriculture is getting where it is supposed to be; up there.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkandu: Ema Ministers aya!

Madam Speaker: Thank you. The hon. Member for Chilubi is still not happy.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Anyway, at least it is …

Mr Fube: I am saying at least, he has responded to my cry.

Madam Speaker: Okay, thank you.

The Minister for Western Province (Mr Mbangweta): Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to appreciate the speech which was delivered to the House by the Head of State on 12^th September, 2025.

From my point of view, people in the Western Province think that posterity shall hold it as one of the most inspiring speeches delivered by a sitting President in this country. It inspired hope and demonstrated progress. On this basis, I want to congratulate the President and encourage him for demonstrating capacity, resilience and tenacity in the face of adversity during the four years of being in power.

Madam Speaker, Zambians can now exude a sigh of relief because they can see light arising out of his efforts. I affirm the President's Speech because it arises from the fact that four years ago, he took over a divided and bankrupt country, shackled by debt, which was subsequently compounded by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that ensued, as well as the worst drought in living memory. Instead of relenting, he put his hands to the wheel and dumbfounded even his strongest critics by his excellence in performance.

Madam Speaker, he was able to increase the paltry K1.6 million Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation, which his predecessors had even failed to pay, to K25.7 million, which now stands at K36.1 million. As a result of this arrangement, a number of councils in the Western Province are able to work on the roads because they have bought equipment. Among the the councils are Kaoma, Lukulu, Luampa, Mongu, Nkeyema, Senanga, Shangombo and Mwandi. This is not a small achievement because not too long ago, councils could not afford shovels for garbage collection under other Governments.

Madam Speaker, as a country, we have also regained economic stability on the money markets. From a free-falling rated status economy, signs of a revived economy are everywhere in the Western Province, just like in other provinces. Signs of a dying economy were there before the current President took over power. Back then, the Western Province was littered with abandoned projects like a haunted place. Schools such as Libonda Secondary School, Limulunga Day Secondary School, Mitete Boarding Secondary School and Nyengo Secondary School were abandoned as far back as 2014. Due to that, the people of the Western Province were deprived a lot. However, today, I can now attest to the fact contractors are already working on the above-mentioned projects. That shows leadership.

Madam Speaker, let me now come to the agricultural sector. For the sector to make sense and to lift our people out of subsistence farming, it requires farmers to have essential skills of modern productivity, which include improved seed and affordable fertiliser. For too long, the prohibitive cost of fertiliser has been the single greatest challenge stifling productivity and locking our farmers in a cycle of high input costs and low yields. Since the current President is different from others, as indicated in the speech, he has found it important to take the path of domestic investment because understands that true prosperity is not brought with imports, but that it is built with home-grown solutions. This decision embodies what leadership means. It is the courage to make strategic investments today for a self-sufficient and prosperous tomorrow, even when the benefits require patience and conviction. It is on this basis that we are delighted to learn from the President’s Speech that the Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) will be able to produce 108,000 metric tonnes of ammonia, 300,000 metric tonnes of urea, 144,000 metric tonnes of granulated Compound D, among others.

We are, indeed, delighted, Madam Speaker, to also learn of the astronomical increase in tourist arrivals to our great nation; a surge from 554,000 in 2021 to an impressive 2.2 million in 2022. This is a testament to the successful policies and the targeted investments of the presidency, and it is an achievement that all of us should be proud of. However, while we rightly celebrate these gains, we must hasten to add that the country is yet to achieve its full potential in this sector. Our national success story has a missing chapter, and that chapter is written in the Western Province. For too long, the Western Province has been an ignored sleeping giant in the tourism sector. This is a profound irony because the Western Province hosts the second-largest wildebeest migration on the entire African continent in Kalabo District’s Liuwa National Park, an event only surpassed by the Serengeti in Tanzania. Therefore, the Western Province is home to the unique ecosystem of Liuwa and Sioma-Ngwezi National Park, rare landscapes where humans and wild animals have learned to coexist in a remarkable balance. However, the province is now poised for a transformative leap to boost the national tourism arrivals, thanks to a series of strategic infrastructure projects that are unlocking its immense potential, and thanks to the President. These activities include the following:

Lwanginga and Silanda Bridges

The construction of these bridges across the Lwanginga River finally ended the era of seasonal isolation for Kalabo in the Liuwa Plains, ensuring year-long access for tourists and traders alike;

Aviation Infrastructure

The upgrading of Kalabo Airport is progressing well, with designs concluded by the contracted consultant Zulu Burrow Development Consultants. Simultaneously, the expansion of Mongu Airport is back in motion, following the successful undertaking of property valuations. These projects will connect the province to regional and international air networks;

Access Roads

Critically, the Government will embark on the construction of over 100 km access roads within and around Liuwa National Park. This will finally make the park's breathtaking wonders readily accessible to visitors. Previously, inaction on these critical enablers was a classic failure of leadership, a failure to see potential and a failure to invest. This leadership is different. The vision to identify a sleeping giant to invest strategically in it is awakening, and to fully integrate the Western Province into the Southwest Tourism Corridor. This is not just about tourism; it is about economic diversification, job creation and equitable development for the people of the Western Province and for all Zambians. This President is building an enduring legacy of prosperity where others left a disastrous trail of destruction;

Energy

The President has taken power to Mitete for the first time since Independence, and the people of that region are very happy.

Madam Speaker, I can see that my time is almost up, so I will go to my conclusion.

Hon. UPND Members: Hammer, hammer!

Mr Mbangweta: All these things, Madam Speaker, are underpinned by the fact that the President has continuously reminded this House and the nation of his steadfast commitment to good governance. The achievements we see today are the direct result of the prudent utilisation of public funds, a principle that is fundamentally incompatible with corruption. Therefore, we must not mistake the essential act of holding people accountable for a shrinking democratic space. Democracy must never be misconstrued as a licence for wantonness. Good governance can only thrive alongside responsible citizenship. Each one of us must uphold our end of the social contract. Otherwise, we are left with only the bare letter of the law to guide our interactions. It is in this spirit that we thank the Head of State for delivering a speech of profound enduring relevance, a speech for all times and seasons.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister of Green Economy and Environment (Mr Mposha): Madam Speaker, thank you for according me this opportunity to join other hon. Members of this august House in giving a vote of thanks on a very inspiring address by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, during the Official Opening of the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, under the theme “Consolidating Economic and Social Gains Towards a Prosperous, Resilient and Equitable Zambia.”

Madam Speaker, in his address, the President heavily outlined a number of milestones that have been achieved by our Government. The President also made the following key statement:

“Sustainable development continues to be our guiding principle in our quest for socio-economic development. We are harnessing renewable energy, promoting sustainable agriculture, protecting our biodiversity and fostering social equity.”

Madam Speaker, this statement has given my ministry, the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, the impetus to champion the green growth agenda. As the ministry charged with the mandate of promoting effective and sustainable management of the environment, while facilitating support for adaptation and mitigation of the effects of climate change, I am delighted to inform this august House that the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment shall:

strengthen early warning systems in all districts in the country;

enhance the dissemination of weather information to our communities and farmers, so that they can plan and make informed decisions;

ensure forestation programmes are further strengthened to expand and safeguard our forests. To further safeguard forests from over-exploitation, the ministry will continue promoting alternative livelihoods. In addition, the ministry will strengthen and increase community forest management groups. This will enhance the ownership of forests by communities;

build synergies with other stakeholders as that will ameliorate the effects of climate change and improve resilience for our people; and

continue preventing and curbing pollution of water resources to protect human life and biodiversity by strengthening environmental compliance enforcement.

Madam Speaker, the President made it very clear that we want to grow our economy, expand the mining sector, and increase the numbers in the mining industry, but we must do so without endangering or polluting the environment. Therefore, we want to echo his emphasis that investors must always adhere to the regulations in our quest to continue protecting the environment.

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, allow me to urge my fellow hon. Members of this august House and other stakeholders in the nation’s development agenda to take the pronouncements made by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, seriously, as they have the potential of impacting the development trajectory of our nation positively.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (Mr Mubanga): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity to add a voice to the President’s Speech delivered during the Official Opening of the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly.

Mr Nkandu: Hear, hear!

Mr Mubanga: Madam Speaker, let me start by thanking His Excellency the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, for delivering a well-thought-out speech, which was not only inspiring but gave hope to many Zambians.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mubanga: Madam Speaker, the theme of the President’s Speech was “Consolidating Economic and Social Gains Towards a Prosperous, Resilient and Equitable Zambia.” The theme demonstrates the New Dawn Administration’s commitment to promoting the development of small and medium businesses in the country. Given that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) represent 97 per cent of all businesses in the country, contribute 70 per cent to the gross domestic product (GDP) and 88 per cent to job creation, it is clear that His Excellency the President and the New Dawn Government have prioritised SMEs because they are the ones that create employment and wealth for our people.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mubanga: Madam Speaker, the New Dawn Government has prioritised micro, small and medium enterprise development, transforming the economic agenda of SMEs, because SMEs are the backbone of our economy.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mubanga: Madam Speaker, the 2023 National Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Policy recognises access to affordable finance, a policy which the ministry came up with. We have also developed a policy for co-operatives so that we can also put emphasis on co-operatives in the country.

Madam Speaker, when we came into office, we realised that SMEs were not given much emphasis as far as affordable financing was concerned. We found the Empowerment Fund at K40 million per year. However, the New Dawn Government, through His Excellency, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, in 2021, increased the Empowerment Fund to K350 million.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mubanga: In 2022, we increased it to K365 million, in 2023, we increased it to K377 million, and, in 2024, we increased it to K382 million. This demonstrates that we care for the SMEs in the country.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mubanga: The total amount from 2022/2023 has accumulated to K1.5 billion.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mubnaga: These are the funds that have been given to the SME sector, and we have empowered over 84,000 SMEs across the country.

True leadership, Madam Speaker, is measured in one’s ability to recognise a challenge and to overcome it with a practical and tangible solution.

Madam Speaker, the President, in his speech, recognises that despite the remarkable improvement of the Empowerment Fund, there is still a challenge where loan repayments are concerned. However, we have put in place the following measures to tackle the repayment issue from SMEs who got loans, especially from the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC):

some defaulters have been served with demand letters;

rolled out nationwide mind transformation capacity building programmes in all the ten provinces to strengthen management, accountability and financial literacy;

intensified monitoring of projects and handheld the beneficiaries to ensure that SMEs grow; and

implemented a programme we are calling Tamanga Tuesday, where we call all those who got loans from the CEEC, visit them, and encourage them to pay back.

In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I would like to emphasise that micro, small and medium enterprises play a huge role in the Zambian economy. The Government, under the leadership of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, will continue to support SMEs and co-operatives. In doing so, I wish to call upon all partners in the SME ecosystem to continue supporting the development of micro, small and medium businesses. The growth of SMEs requires concerted efforts among the Government, the private sector and all stakeholders so that we can create and build Zambia together through entrepreneurship.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts (Mr Nkandu): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for this opportunity.

Madam Speaker, allow me to say that when our hon. Colleagues on your left were debating, we were in this House listening attentively. However, I am not happy that they are not here to listen to us as we address the issues that were raised.

Having said that, Madam Speaker, I want to appreciate you for according me this opportunity to contribute to the debate on the speech presented by President Hakainde Hichilema on 12^th September, 2025, during the Official Opening of the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly under the theme “Consolidating Economic and Social Gains Towards a Prosperous, Resilient and Equitable Zambia.”

Madam Speaker, I will confine myself to two issues, that is, economic transformation and job creation, because this is where the young people are attracted. Through you, I want to address the young people of the Republic of Zambia and, indeed, the whole nation.

Madam Speaker, our hon. Colleagues who sit on your left, those who have left the House, should have been here because I want to talk about three issues. The President talked about job creation in the speech. Our hon. Colleagues in the Opposition should be the last ones to talk about unemployment levels in this country, and the reason is that we need to reflect on the decisions that we make. Sometimes, people make bad decisions. There are some bad decisions that our hon. Colleagues in the Patriotic Front (PF) made. Firstly, they increased the retirement age from fifty-five years to sixty-five years, meaning that they added another ten years. We need to be mindful of the fact that during the ten years that were added, young people were graduating every year. Let us assume that those who were supposed to retire per year were 5,000 employees. It means that for ten years, about 50,000 young people cannot find jobs because there is no space for new employees. People are not moving out of the work space. They are still in their positions. Those are some of the issues that we, as a country, need to interrogate, first and foremost.

Madam Speaker, as if that was not enough, our friends made another bad decision; the employment freeze. We need to remind our people that that is where we are coming from; an employment freeze. What does that mean? It meant that no one could find an employment opportunity in the Public Service. Our young people were graduating from universities and colleges, yet there was a blanket restriction on employment. Something was not allowing young people to find space to work.

Madam Speaker, thirdly, as if those two decisions were not bad enough, our hon. Colleagues made another decision to bring back people on contract who were supposed to retire. I am well aware that we have some skills for which we can bring back people like engineers and doctors, but not surveyors and certain other skills. The three decisions that were made by our hon. Colleagues prevented young people from finding jobs. That meant that the unemployment levels were increasing. So, even when they talk about unemployment levels, I repeat: They are supposed to be the last people to do so.

Madam Speaker, I am consoled by the fact that I do not expect the Opposition, like the PF, to sing songs of praise for us because if we expected that, then, we would be living in a different world. We would not be on Earth, but, maybe, be on Jupiter. So, I do not expect them to praise us. That is number one. However, I think, it is important that they appreciate something that is done correctly. When talking about job creation, between 2021 and the present day, I think, the President indicated that there were 5,000 jobs across the agro-sector, just in the agro-supply chain, resulting in the transformation of people’s lives and stimulation of rural economies across Zambia. That is 5,000 jobs. There is an insinuation that this Government only employs teachers, nurses and doctors. That is not true. That is not correct. I will give statistics on how this Government has employed many young people. For instance, because of the resuscitation of the mining sector, Kitumba Mine has employed about 3,000 people.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, that is not in the education sector. So, that narrative should be changed.

Madam Speaker, we have come up with solar energy projects. About 600 people have been employed under the 300 MW solar energy plant project in Maamba and 95 per cent are young people, and that is my interest. We can talk about other solar plants, such as the 50 MW project. Gouli Energy Zambia Limited has also employed more than 200 people under a 135 MW energy project. It is young people who are being employed.

Mr Mposha: Correct!

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, in the industrial arts sector, that is Hon. Mubanga’s sector, about 48,000 jobs have been created. That is not in the education sector. That is not in the teaching sector.

Mr Mubanga: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, I move on. Ming’omba Mine has employed more than 1,000 people. Lubambe Mine has also employed more than 1,700 people. Mopani Copper Mines, minus those who were already employees, has employed more than 2,000 people, and 95 per cent are young people. The Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Plc has employed more than 1,000 people. The expansion of the Sentinel (S3) Project at Kansanshi Mine has created about 900 jobs. Again, at Kitumba Mine, 3,000 jobs have been created. We expect about 3,000 jobs to be created at the Luanshya Copper Mine’s Shaft 28 Project. The Mimbula Copper Project has created about 200 jobs. Kalengwa Copper Mine, which was not there forty-six years ago, is now here, and it will employ more people. Further, the Bayer Itaba Seed Plant in Central Province has employed about 180 people.

Madam Speaker, the PF should not talk about unemployment levels. This Government has come to ensure that we create job opportunities. Every credible leader is measured by his or her capacity to fulfil promises. One of the promises that President Hakainde made was that he would ensure that we create credible employment and that is what we have done. So, we are on the right trajectory.

Madam Speaker, when my ministry gives out about 1,000 motorcycles, that is employment. In fact, it is not only 1,000, because I may own a motorcycle, but may not be the rider. So, another person may also join, and about two employment opportunities for young people are created in such a scenario.

Madam Speaker, apart from the 42,000 people employed in the education sector, we will also be employing another 2,000. We can talk about the 18,000 people employed in the health sector. So, this Government has done tremendously well.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, the people of Zambia should trust this Government. They should not listen to noisemakers and, as I said, we do not expect praise from our friends. We do not expect anything positive from our hon. Colleagues. Anything positive is negative for them. I think, the people of Zambia have looked at what we have done in the last four years. If we are given more time, this Government will do more things that can help our economy grow.

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

Mr Mabeta: Quality!

The Minister for the Southern Province (Mr Nanjuwa): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to make a submission on the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Speech.

Madam Speaker, I rise to commend the Republican President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, for his visionary and unifying address during the Official Opening of the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly on 12^th September, 2025.

Madam Speaker, the President has, once again, provided a clear roadmap that calls us to action in advancing inclusive growth, strengthening governance and enhancing service delivery for the benefit of every Zambian. The speech was not only inspiring, but practical, as it laid down the key priorities for economic transformation, job creation, social protection and national unity. Allow me to highlight how the Southern Province is aligning itself with the President’s directives.

Economic Recovery and Job Creation

Madam Speaker, the President's Speech underscored the importance of economic stability and job creation. The Southern Province is well-placed to respond as follows:

implement Government policies and projects. We will continue to supervise and implement the expanding agro-processing industries for maize, livestock and horticulture products to create jobs for our youth in the province;

revitalising small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through access to affordable financing and skills training in line with the President's goal to strengthen entrepreneurship and promoting local content in procurement so that the businesses within our province benefit directly from Government projects; and

continue promoting more investments in key areas, such as energy, which has so far created more than 1,000 jobs in the province this year and also in coal mining.

Agriculture

Madam Speaker, as highlighted by the President, agriculture remains the cornerstone of our economy. The Southern Province is the nation's food basket. We will intensify irrigation development to counter climate shocks and increase our contribution to the national maize yield. We want to beat the Eastern Province and Central Province in the coming season.

Laughter

Mr Nanjuwa: Madam Speaker, we will continue to scale up extension services and digital platforms for our farmers across the fifteen districts. We prioritise livestock disease control to safeguard our cattle industry, which is critical to both our province and the nation. We have embarked on a programme to support our small-scale farmers in the creation of compartments to participate in the beef export market. We will continue working with the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. The Southern Province prides itself in having the highest number of cattle in the country.

Infrastructure

Madam Speaker, the President emphasised infrastructure as a driver of growth and, in line with that, we will accelerate the upgrading of feeder roads to connect farming communities to markets, which we have already started doing together with all the hon. Members of Parliament in the province. We will continue to expand rural electrification and leverage on renewable energy sources such as solar, thereby, supporting schools, clinics and small business industries in the province. We will also invest in modern water supply and sanitation systems to ensure dignity and good health for our people.

Education and Human Capital Development

Madam Speaker, the President reminded us that the youth are the backbone of our future. In the Southern Province, we will continue the construction and rehabilitation of secondary schools, support free education and increase bursary schemes so that no child is left behind. We will promote technical, vocational and entrepreneurship training centres to give our youths practical skills aligned to industry demands. We commit ourselves to the construction of a public university, and we have set that as a priority.

Tourism, Growth and Culture

Madam Speaker, the President pointed to tourism as a key growth sector. So, with Livingstone, the Victoria Falls and our cultural heritage, the province will continue to strengthen tourism infrastructure and promote the regional and international marketing of our tourist sites. We continue to support cultural festivals that showcase our traditions and promote unity, and work with the communities to promote eco-tourism and conservation, ensuring sustainability.

Climate Change and Environmental Management

Madam Speaker, the President warned us about the dangers of climate change. In the Southern Province, we will scale up climate-smart agriculture to protect farmers from droughts and floods, enhance reforestation and community-based natural resource management, and promote renewable energy adoption, particularly solar energy, to reduce reliance on unstable sources.

Good Governance and Decentralisation

Madam Speaker, the President re-affirmed his commitment to accountable leadership and decentralisation. As a province, we will strengthen local councils to ensure that services are closer to the people, promote citizen participation in decision-making and development planning, and uphold transparency and accountability in all provincial projects.

Madam Speaker, the President's message is clear. No Zambian, province and community should be left behind. The Southern Province will be a model of the President's vision in driving economic growth, fostering unity and ensuring tangible development for every household.

In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I would like to echo the President's call for shared responsibility. Development is not the duty of the Government alone, but of all citizens. Together, we will deliver the Zambia we want; a united, prosperous and resilient nation.

Madam Speaker, because of the good works this Government has done in the province, we commit ourselves to deliver a 99.5 per cent vote for President Hakainde Hichilema.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister for Copperbelt Province (Mr Matambo): Madam Speaker, I rise on behalf of the people of Copperbelt Province and, indeed, on my own behalf, to extend our profound gratitude to the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, for his inspiring and forward-looking Speech, which he delivered during the Official Opening of the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly that was held under the theme: “Consolidating Economic and Social Gains Towards a Prosperous, Resilient and Equitable Zambia” on Friday, 12^th September, 2025.

Madam Speaker, the President's Address eloquently highlighted the that progress our country has continued to make under his leadership. We are grateful for his unwavering commitment to national development and good governance, which resonates deeply with the people of the Copperbelt Province and the entire country. In particular, we acknowledge the significant strides made by the Government in infrastructure development. Our road network across the province continues to receive remarkable improvement, enhancing connectivity, and facilitating trade and economic activities that are vital for our province and beyond. Some of the notable roads that the Government is working on –

Madam Speaker, first of all, it is important to take a walk in the past.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Matambo: Madam Speaker, despite voting for the Patriotic Front (PF) since 2006, the province was given a raw deal when it comes to road networks. Whichever district you wanted to visit, you would think there was a war. Let me talk about the notable roads that have been worked on. There is the 327 km Lusaka/Ndola Dual Carriageway, which extends to the Masangano/Luanshya Road. We have a brand-new road from Masangano to Fisenge into Luanshya and the he completed Chingola/Kasumbalesa Road, which was previously neglected. The Government has also completed the Ndola/Sakania Road. Yesterday, I was surprised when one hon. Member of Parliament mentioned that nothing is happening on the Ndola/Sakania/Mufulira Road. I do not think that he lives on the Copperbelt. We have already worked on more 14 km, up to Sakania Border, and we are putting up a modern border post at Sakania. The first-ever concrete road, the 7 km Chibuluma Road, has been commissioned. The Chibuluma Road is very significant and memorable to some of us. This was the only road …

Mr Twasa: Question!

Mr Matambo: … that the President was allowed to use during his time in the Opposition.

Madam Speaker, first of all, we should know that that road was impassable. Whenever the President was in Chingola, the Government would not allow him to pass through Kitwe Town.

Mr Twasa: No!

Mr Matambo: They would let him go to Kalulushi, and then he would use the same road.

Madam Speaker, ten days before the elections, when we were about to go to Chililabombwe with the Vice-President, we were told that we did not have passports to go to Chililabombwe. We went back. Again, we were not allowed to pass through Kitwe. We went round to Kalulushi and later used the same road. The President vowed to fix the road.

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

Mr Matambo: The 7 km Chibuluma Road has been commissioned. It is the first ever concrete road in the history of this country.

Madam Speaker, as I am taking, the Copperbelt is a construction site. We have brand new roads in Luanshya, including the Town/Roan Township Road, the Industrial Road and several other roads. We just had the ground-breaking ceremony for 16.2 km township roads in Ndola. Another 20 km road project will cater for all the four constituencies in Ndola. There is construction of roads in Chililabombwe going on. There is construction of roads in Chingola going on. There is construction of roads going on in Kitwe; I was inspecting them two days ago. Further 16.5 km of roads in Kitwe, covering all the five constituencies, are being worked on. In short, we will have a brand-new road network on the Copperbelt Province because of President Hakainde Hichilema.

Madam Speaker, the health sector has recorded notable improvements with the establishment of six new Level I hospitals. We have four modern, state-of-the-art mini hospitals in Chifubu, Chamboli and Chimwemwe. The other hospital with modern equipment will be opened in the next few days in Bwana Mkubwa. We have received more than 3,600 health workers. We found 43 per cent drug availability in hospitals on the Copperbelt when we came into Government. We now have between 85 per cent and 90 per cent drug availability. That is in the health sector.

Madam Speaker, the President calls education “the best equaliser” and the “best investment.” He also calls it the “best inheritance.” Before we came into office, only 600,000 of our children were enrolled in school. Parents were struggling to pay school fees. Right now, because of President Hakainde Hichilema and the Free Education Policy, 1.2 million children are in school. This means that 600,000 children had no chance to go to school. An orphan in Kapoto, Mpongwe and Twapya has been given a chance to go to school.

Madam Speaker, we have delivered 658,000 new desks to schools. Previously, children used to sit on the floor. We have received about 6,000 teachers. We have sponsored more than 50,000 children to go to boarding schools under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). We have trained more than 20,000 youths in schools. This is all because of President Hakainde Hichilema.

Madam Speaker, let me say that for a long time, the mining sector on the Copperbelt was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The mining sector was dead; this is not debatable. I have been saying that Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) was in the ICU. I have been saying that Mopani Copper Mine was in the mortuary. I have been saying that Luanshya Mine Shaft No. 28 was in a graveyard because it was closed twenty-three years ago. However, as we are talking, all these mines are working. The Mopani Copper Mine managed to pay US$250 million to its contractors and suppliers. It even paid K87 million to the Kitwe City Council (KCC), and a chain reaction happened. The KCC paid retirees who had waited for their money for a long time. In short, the mining sector is back to life.

Madam Speaker, quickly, let me talk about the CDF, which is a game changer. When this Administration took office, it made bold commitments to increase the CDF from a meagre K1.6 million to K36.1 million today. We have implemented thousands of projects on the Copperbelt Province. For example, 2,391 classrooms have been renovated and built; I already spoke about the desks that have been delivered, and 175 staff houses have been built and 2,313 boreholes have been sunk and equipped. There is construction going on in almost all the wards on the Copperbelt Province because of the CDF.

Madam Speaker, quickly, let me talk about the Cash-for-Work programme, which has provided thousands of our citizens with not only a source of income, but also dignity and hope for the people on the Copperbelt Province. More than 190,000 people are benefiting from the Cash-for-Work programme.

Madam Speaker, water is life. The President commissioned Kafulafuta Dam, which was abandoned by the previous Government. Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company (NWSSC) and Mulonga Water Supply and Sanitation Company (MWSSC) have been given money to fix the water problems in Kitwe and Chililabombwe. In short, the water problem is being sorted out in almost all the districts.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Matambo: I will go on.

Hon. Government Members: More time!

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

Mr Matambo: Madam Speaker, I want my hon. Colleagues from the Opposition to know that in 2026, they will be asked the question: “When all these things were happening, mwakali kuli?” meaning, “Where were you when the province was closed?”

Laughter

Mr Matambo: In short, President Hakainde has done wonders, and the people of the Copperbelt are set to give him more votes than he got in 2021.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear! Kopala One!

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

There was an indication for a point of order.

Mr Twasa rose.

Hon. Government Members: Ah!

Interruptions

Mr Twasa: Madam Speaker, protect me from your good people on the right.

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Let us allow the hon. Member to raise his point of order.

Mr Twasa: Madam Speaker, thank you very much.

Madam Speaker, I rise to raise a point of order pursuant to Standing Order No. 71.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister who was speaking, was mentioning figures without providing any proof. Where did he get the figure 600,000 pupils? He said that 600,000 pupils were previously enrolled in school, but now we have 1.2 million pupils in schools, without providing any proof.

Laughter

Mr Twasa: What proof has he got that one citizen in this country, who is now the President, was not allowed to drive on certain roads in this country?

Hon. Member: First termer!

Mr Twasa: I seek your serious guidance, Madam Speaker. We cannot be misleading the public like this.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Kasenengwa, for most of the day, you were not even in the House; you have just come in. You came into the House maybe, about twenty minutes ago. You were not even following the debate, then you come and raise a point of order. That point of order is not admitted.

Mr Twasa interjected.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: I am giving guidance, and you are talking.

Mr Twasa: I am coming for a cup of tea.

Madam Speaker: I think the point of order was raised just to disrupt the proceedings.

Mr Twasa: No, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: I am guiding, and you are talking. So, what is the point of raising a point of order when you keep talking while I am guiding you? You did not even hear what I was saying.

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

[MR SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

The Minister for North-Western Province (Mr Lihefu): Thank you very much, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker, I am grateful for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the President’s Address. As Provincial Minister for North-Western Province, I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, for entrusting me with the responsibility of serving the people of the North-Western Province. I feel proud to share the strides made in the province, in the quest to improve the lives of the people of the North-Western Province.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lihefu: Mr Speaker, allow me to start with the mining sector. As you are aware, this is the backbone of our economy.

Mr Speaker, the mining sector in the North-Western Province has recorded significant investments that are transforming our country's economy. The Kansanshi S3 Expansion, a US$1.25 billion project, has nearly doubled the processing capacity, secured the mine’s future, and created hundreds of permanent jobs in the province and the nation at large. Likewise, the Barik US$2 billion Lumwana Super-Pit Expansion Project will almost double output, generate hundreds of jobs, and increase local supplier networks. These projects are already improving lives through stable incomes, growing local markets, and increased copper output that will boost the Government’s revenue.

Mr Speaker, at the same time, the Government has formalised artisanal mining while clamping down illegal sites. A total of 122 mining licences have been issued to co-operatives in Mufumbwe and Kasempa.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lihefu: Mr Speaker, this has created over 3,000 jobs. This milestone has brought order to the mining sector and will ensure an end to illegal and unsafe mining in the North-Western Province.

Mr Speaker, as a provincial administration, we are protecting all the investments in the province.

Mr Speaker, allow me to speak about the health sector, where the Government is investing in both facilities and personnel. The Government is funding a major rehabilitation to upgrade Solwezi General Hospital into a modern provincial referral facility as the province has attracted many people because of the investment which is there. New digital x-ray machines have already been provided, and a Computed Tomography (CT) scanner, which has not been there since inception, has been installed to improve health care. Drug availability has also remained constantly above 85 per cent in health centres across the province. Furthermore, since 2022, 1,664 new health workers have been deployed, significantly reducing patient-to-staff ratios.

Mr Speaker, allow me to speak about the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which is a game-changer, and has turned our constituencies and provinces into construction sites. I wish to highlight the impact of the CDF. In 2025, each constituency received K36.1 million, amounting to over K259 million province-wide. This locally driven fund has transformed communities, supported macro-loans and grants for small businesses and farming initiatives, enabling people to open workshops and stores, or purchase equipment while also creating ready markets for local products. The CDF has financed the construction and finishing of dozens of schools, building of new maternity annexes at rural clinics, and supported vocational training that has upskilled thousands. In every sector, the CDF is making a difference.

Mr Mabeta: Correct!

Mr Lihefu: Mr Speaker, when we were in the Opposition, the North-Western Province only received the CDF when there was a by-election or when a Councillor was sold to the previous Government.

Hon. PF Members: Question!

Mr Lihefu: However, this time around, the CDF is distributed equitably.

Hon. UPND Members: Hammer, hammer!

Mr Lihefu: Mr Speaker, the progress we, as a province, are seeing in mining, agriculture, infrastructure, education, health and social protection reflects the President’s vision, as outlined in his speech during the Official Opening of the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lihefu: As the people of the North-Western Province, Mr Speaker, we thank him for that bold agenda, and I pledge that the province will continue to implement the Government’s initiatives so that the prosperity and well-being of our people continue to rise.

Hon. UPND Members: Hammer, hammer!

Mr Lihefu: Mr Speaker, on behalf of the people of the North-Western Province and, indeed, on my own behalf, we are always saying, “Kwenyu”, I give a tick to the President of the Republic of Zambia.

Mrs Mulyata: “Kwenyu”, meaning?

Mr Lihefu: Mr Speaker, that means ‘a tick’ on whatever is happening in the North-Western Province, as I express our deep gratitude to His Excellency the President and the New Dawn Government for touching our lives where we needed it most.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Matambo: Quality!

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources (Mrs Masebo): Mr Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Speech.

Mr Speaker, the President’s Speech was anchored on the theme, “Consolidating Economic and Social Gains Towards a Prosperous, Resilient and Equitable Zambia”. This multifaceted theme significantly intersects land administration and the management of natural resources. The two areas are critical for national development, as they directly impact economic development in all sectors, particularly agriculture, mining, tourism, housing and sustainable development.

Mr Speaker, proper land administration is fundamental to realising our national development goals because land is not just the physical space; it is a key economic asset and a source of livelihoods. I would like to digress a bit from the President’s Speech by adding the view, as the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, that management of land is cardinal to economic development and, therefore, people must understand the importance, first of all, of owning land, and, secondly, owning land that is legal.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, I would like the people of Zambia to get that point. I also appeal to the citizens to be careful when buying land. They must ensure that they validate and undertake due diligence to ensure that the land in question is available and that nobody else has a title for it, and if they have a title, they should ensure that it is a clean title. One can find out by visiting the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and undertaking validation with the office of the Commissioner of Lands. The truth of the matter is that we have multiple titles that, over time, people have obtained, some of them illegally. So, we have to be careful.

Mr Speaker, proper land administration, as I have said, is fundamental to realising national development goals because land is not just a physical space; it is a key economic asset and a source of livelihoods. When we talk about land, there is both customary and state land. Just this afternoon, when the President met all the traditional leaders of Zambia; their royal highnesses or paramount chiefs, it was clear that much of the land that Zambia has is still in the hands of our traditional authorities. It is said that 70 per cent of the land in Zambia is customary and only 30 per cent is state land. However, whether customary or state land, it is all land. What is important is for the people of Zambia to understand that the acquisition of both state and customary land has rules. They should take time to visit their local authorities to understand the rules of obtaining land. State land is obtained through the local authorities. Local authorities recommend title issuance to the Ministry of Land and Natural Resources. The actual process of acquiring state land starts with the local authorities because they have all been designated as agents of the ministry.

Mr Nkandu: Tell them!

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, it means that all the local authorities in Zambia are as good as the ministry.

Mr Speaker, one of the issues that I would like to bring out about the local authorities is that in past years, land was advertised, but now, there is a tendency to not properly advertise land. It is important that local authorities follow the statutory instrument (SI) of 1985, which stipulates the rules on how to manage land at that level.

Mr Speaker, let me now come to traditional land and, please, nimveleni. Mvelani.

Interruptions

Mrs Masebo: That means ‘listen’.

Mr Speaker, with traditional land, one needs consent, not from the headman, but from the chief. I hope hon. Members are getting me.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Twasa: Or chieftainess!

Mrs Masebo: Or chieftainess, yes.

Mr Speaker, some areas have a paramount chief. Therefore, you need the consent of the paramount chief in such an area. That is important. If you use shortcuts, even if you build a mansion or a six-bedroom house, you will lose it in the courts of law. I do not know if hon. Members have been following what is happening in our courts. People have been losing houses. It is not just through demolishing, but losing an entire house because the plot in question was given erroneously.

Mr Speaker, I would also like to tell people that after thirteen years, they cannot go to court to claim their land. So, they better do it as quickly as possible. When somebody encroaches on your piece of land, take up the matter with the courts of law. The courts of law are in two categories. There is the Lands Tribunal, which is as good as a court, and the ordinary or usual courts; the High Court, Supreme Court and so on. I know that people are afraid of going to court because court processes are expensive. The Lands Tribunal is as good as a court, and it is not expensive. So, they should not sit on their rights.

Mr Speaker, there is a tendency by town boys and girls to go to rural areas and displace villagers. They should stop that trend of displacing Zambians.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Masebo: It is a bad trend, Mr Speaker. Simply because you have a lot of money, you go to Chief Nkana or whoever or pay a headman a K10,000, or give him a second-hand Corolla, then, the man thinks he has arrived and gives you land, and you think you will get that land. You are wasting your time. So, people should take note. Land is there. There is no need for illegalities. They should just go to the local authority and apply. They will be given a piece of land.

Mr Speaker, the President highlighted the economic gains that have been made in various sectors. Of course, the gains are a result of initiatives that we are putting in place, demonstrating that an efficient and transparent land administration system can, indeed, unlock economic potential.

Mr Speaker, on page 17 of the speech, His Excellency the President talked about geophysical mapping. I would like to add that the ministry, with the support of the European Union (EU), is piloting a national land audit. To that effect, audits have been conducted in three districts so far, and these are Nansanga Farm Block of Serenje, Chibombo and Rufunsa Districts. The reports for Serenje and Chibombo have been produced so far. We will cover the whole country over time. The results of the audit will establish the tenure system between state and customary land.

Mr Speaker, the President further highlighted increased private sector participation in agriculture, increased access to loans and increased yields in cash crops, making Zambia self-sustaining in food security. The outcomes are not accidental. Clearly, we have a President, Cabinet and management with direction. Therefore, all we, as a country, are doing, working together with your Parliament, is yielding the desired results.

Mr Matambo: Correct!

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, security of tenure for agricultural land is the cornerstone for sustainable development, food security and poverty reduction. The security of tenure provides some degree of confidence that land users have in their ability to retain control over their land and its benefits, and enforce their rights in the face of disputes and competing claims. To that effect, the Government is calling upon the Royal Highnesses to make available land for agriculture and, indeed, other sector needs. That can lead to increased productivity, job creation and poverty reduction. As you may have seen during the 2024/2025 Farming Season, we recorded a bumper harvest in Zambia because a lot of land was made available by our traditional leaders through the communities. Therefore, we are still appealing for further allocation of land.

Mr Speaker, let me also appeal to our chiefs to remember the women, youths and the differently-abled persons. Everybody needs land. Further, I also appeal to the local authorities to ensure that every time they give out land, they should remember that, at least, 10 per cent should be for differently-abled persons and, of course, a fifty-fifty percentage for women, men and the youths. Let us ensure that we give everybody some piece of land. The President, in his speech, said that we must ensure that every Zambian owns a piece of land. That is a directive. So, we must start moving towards ensuring that every citizen above the age of eighteen owns land in the various communities.

Mr Speaker, in my conclusion, seeing as time is jealous, I would like to say that globalisation has made the world much smaller and has improved the way business is done. The digital revolution offers …

Mr Nkandu: Quality!

Mrs Masebo: … limitless opportunities to accelerate socio-economic development. Digitisation of the land management system will enhance the delivery of services and reduce in-human interaction. I am sure you all know that currently, the ministry has seventy-one online services on the Government Service Bus (GSB). You do not have to undertake a visit to the ministry. Some people complain about the lifts and that the building is congested.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister, conclude.

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, I am concluding. All I am saying is that you can use a smartphone or laptop to deal with us. You do not have to come and see us in physically; just work from anywhere. Even when you are in the bush, you can get us online.

Mr Speaker, in conclusion, effective land administration is, indeed, a prerequisite for economic growth and sustainable development. I am happy to say that our budget will go towards ensuring that more resources are allocated to the Lands Tribunal to ensure that most of the disputes over land are dealt with this year, and going forward.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, the last person to debate is the Government Chief Whip. As you may be aware, the last two days have been dedicated to the hon. Ministers to respond.

Mr Mulusa (Solwezi Central): Mr Speaker, thank you very much.

Mr Speaker, let me start by appreciating His Excellency the President on the State of the Nation Address.

Mr Speaker, let me base my debate on page No. 4 of the speech, where he stated that:

“Over the last four years, we have made positive strides in our economic and social transformation agenda. We have restored economic growth. We have regained market confidence. We have restored the rule of law. Our efforts are certainly yielding the desired results. Certainly, more remains to be done.”

Mr Speaker, the theme is on point but, first of all, let us all understand where we are coming from. Where are we coming from? Why are we restoring the economy of this nation?

The problem started in 2011 when the Patriotic Front (PF) took over the Government.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mulusa: Mr Speaker, you may be aware that in 2011, the gross domestic product (GDP) of Zambia was more than US$23 billion, and the growth rate was at 5.7 per cent. When our friends took over power, things started going down.

Ms Mulenga left the Assembly Chamber.

Mr Mulusa: Do not run away, just calm down. Come sit down and listen.

Interruptions

Mr Mulusa: Mr Speaker, we saw the Euro bonds being misused. We saw mine closures and an employment freeze. There was nothing like employment under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). At the time of exiting, from a US$23.4 billion GDP, the PF exited with US$18 billion, and the growth rate was negative 2.8 per cent.

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

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Hon. Member for Chilubi, state which Standing Order has been breached.

Mr Fube: Mr Speaker, Standing Order No. 71.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: What does Standing Order No. 71 say?

Mr Fube: Mr Speaker, facts related to speech.

Mr Mufalali: Have you read the Standing Order?

Mr Fube: Yes, I have the Standing Orders.

Mr Speaker, can I say what I want to say since I have stated the Standing Order?

Mr Speaker, is the hon. Member in order to mislead the people of Zambia on the fact that numbers in employment and other factors only started going down when the Patriotic Front (PF) took over?

Hon. Government Members: Yes!

Mr Fube: Alo! Alo! Alo!

Hon. Government Members: Alo, why? Alo, Papa!

Laughter

Mr Fube: Mr Speaker, during privatisation, 225 companies were sold. That is when it is recorded in history that unemployment was widespread. That is what is recorded in the history of Zambia. I am not affiliating that privatisation to anyone, but that is when –

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, you are now debating.

Mr Fube: Mr Speaker, I am just providing a backup to my point of order.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: No, No.

Mr Fube: So, is he in order to –

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, you are debating.

Mr Fube: Mr Speaker, is he in order to insinuate that unemployment rose from 2011 to this time? Has he has forgot about the period of privatisation when –

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, you are debating. should I make a ruling?

Mr Fube: Mr Speaker, yes.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: The Government Chief Whip is basing his facts on the time when there was a transition of Government between the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) and the Patriotic Front (PF). He is basing his statements on the records of that period. So, the hon. Government Chief Whip is very much in order.

Mr Mulusa: Mr Speaker, thank you very much.

Mr Speaker, I would urge the hon. Member to do more research, then, he will find the truth.

Mr Speaker, it was cipante pante, meaning that there was no direction in the PF Government.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: What does cipante pante mean?

Mr Mulusa: Mr Speaker, they were shooting blanks everywhere.

Mr Speaker, the PF Government was also inconsistent in terms of policy direction regarding mining, and that is why giant mines like Mopani Copper Mines Plc and Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Plc folded their bags, and also why there was a threat to Kansanshi Mining Plc, which was the only existing mine. Kansanshi and Lumwana Copper Mine were also prepared to leave. Those are the problems that the New Dawn Government inherited. When you hear that the Government has restored economic growth, remember that we are not coming from an easy place. We are coming from a very difficult place.

Mr Speaker, the theme of this year’s President’s Speech translates into the reality that is on the ground. The economy was run down; there is no two ways about it. So, the efforts that this Government is making are benefiting the people.

Mr Speaker, today, we are talking about the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). I wonder when some hon. Members of Parliament debate the CDF. Even if they want to underplay what the CDF is doing, they should not start comparing using percentages. Of course, the CDF can be 2 per cent of the National Budget, but what is its impact on the ground? Let us go back and see if they can also tell us the percentage of the CDF that they failed to give hon. Members of Parliament between 2016 and 2021. We spent less than three million on the CDF in five years. Today, hon. Members of Parliament are boasting of coming back to Parliament next year. Yesterday, an hon. Member of Parliament was saying that even the number of those who will come back to the House will change. Why? It is because the President has increased the CDF to what it is today. When we talk about development, we talk about the change on the ground at the ward level. In this country, if there is an hon. Member of Parliament who will not succeed in terms of deliverables, then he is not suitable to be an hon. Member of Parliament. The money is there. We have every gun to shoot at the target.

Mr Speaker, let me talk about the North-Western Province. In the North-Western Province, we have benefited from investment, especially in the mining sector. The President just commissioned an airstrip. We heard the hon. Minister say that more than US$1.2 billion will be invested there. Lumwana Mine itself is investing more than US$2 billion. There are other investments as well. For example, the North-Western now boasts of having the first ever Nickel Mine, the biggest in Africa. The Lobito Corridor railway line will pass through the North-Western Province. That will also bring economic transformation. It will be the first railway line to pass through the North-Western Province. There will also be good road infrastructure. All these things will come as a result of a working Government.

Mr Speaker, I boast that every ward in my constituency, Solwezi Central, has not less than five projects, and people are appreciating the works. If you go to Sandangombe Ward, a ward that has never seen development since independence, you will the first clinic in the ward. The President said that whenever we build infrastructure, we should provide water as well. So, we have provided water there. We have built houses there. For the first, we are even clearing a 40 km road from town to Kivu, using the CDF. For the first time, farmers will enjoy because the road that we are opening up will benefit them and encourage farming in Solwezi Central Constituency.

Mr Speaker, for the first time in Solwezi Central Constituency, we are building double-story classroom blocks; we have built five of them. That has not happened before. The people are happy. So, hon. Members of Parliament must appreciate the CDF where it is due. The CDF is a game changer. It has changed many places in all the constituencies in Zambia. If it has not done that in your constituency, then you are the problem.

Mr Speaker, the Government has also given us a district hospital in Solwezi for the first time. The House will remember, under the Patriotic Front (PF), it was very difficult to develop the area because the Government had no support there. The Government would come and, not lie, but tell people lies, saying, “Vote for us. We shall put a clinic here.” However, this Government is taking development everywhere.

Mr Speaker, for the first time, we have the schools provided by the World Bank –

Hon. PF Members interjected.

Mr Mulusa: Yes, the PF denied the people of Solwezi the schools funded by the World Bank. Today, we have two of those schools in Solwezi Central. In the province as a whole, we have twenty-one schools. We hear people talk about development. The people on the ground are feeling the impact of development.

Mr Speaker, as I wind up, let me also talk about corruption. Corruption was very much alive under the PF. Now, Zambia is improving.

Mr Twasa: Question!

Mr Mulusa: Mr Speaker, the cases we have in court emanate from the previous regime. Things are happening now, unlike in the past when there was corruption and over-borrowing. Borrowing without a plan is what plunged this economy into negative growth.

Mr Speaker, tomorrow morning, I will be joining the hon. Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development in my constituency, Solwezi Central, where we are going to open industrial yards for the youth. Employment for the youth is there; teachers, nurses, military and police personnel have all been employed in the Government. I think, as the hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts pointed out, many institutions have employed Zambians.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order!

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to.

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The House adjourned at 1737 hours until 1430 hours on Thursday, 25^th September, 2025.

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Order Paper

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