Friday, 5^th December, 2025

 

The House met at 0900 hours

 

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

NATIONAL ANTHEM

 

PRAYER

 

______

 

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER

 

THE CONSTITUTION OF ZAMBIA (AMENDMENT) BILL NO. 7 OF 2025

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to inform the House that the Select Committee that was appointed to scrutinise the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025 is currently receiving submissions from stakeholders. Hon. Members who wish to make submissions to the Committee are free to do so on Friday, 12^th December, 2025, in line with the Committee’s programme of work.

 

Hon. Members are urged to get in touch with the Director (Legal Services) for more information.

 

I thank you.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

______

 

BUSINESS STATEMENT

 

The Minister of Defence and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House (Mr Lufuma): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the House Business Committee met on Thursday, 4^th December, 2025, to determine and schedule Business of the House for the period 9^th to 16^th December, 2025. 

 

Madam Speaker, the House Business Committee resolved to lay before the House the following business for consideration in the next two weeks and, thereafter, adjourn sine die:

 

Announcements

 

The hon. Speaker may make announcements, if there will be any.

 

Rulings

 

The hon. Speaker will render Rulings, if there will be any.

 

Ministerial Statements

 

Hon. Ministers will render Ministerial Statements on topical issues, if there will be any.

 

Reports on International Conferences

 

Reports on International Conferences will be considered, if there will be any.

 

Parliamentary Committee Reports

 

Committee Reports will be considered, if there will be any.

 

Bills

 

The following Bills will be considered:

 

1. The Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill No. 29 of 2025, Second Reading, on 11^th December, 2025;

 

1. The Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025, Second Reading, on 15^th December, 2025;

 

1. The Income Tax (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill No.19 of 2025, Committee Stage, on 10^th December, 2025;

 

1. The Customs and Excise (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill No. 20 of 2025, Committee Stage, on 10^th December, 2025;

 

1. The Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill No. 21 of 2025, Committee Stage, on 10^th December, 2025;

 

1. The Property Transfer Tax (Amendment) Bill No. 23 of 2025, Committee Stage, on 10^th December, 2025;

 

1. The Mobile Money Transaction Levy (Amendment) Bill No. 24 of 2025, Committee Stage, on 10^th December, 2025;

 

1. The Betting Levy Bill No. 31 of 2025, Committee Stage, on 10^th December, 2025;

 

1. The Zambia Revenue Authority (Amendment) Bill No. 22 of 2025, Committee Stage, on 10^th December, 2025;

 

1. The Registration of Business Names (Amendment) Bill No. 26 of 2025, Committee Stage, on 10^th December, 2025;

 

1. The Closed-Circuit Television Public Protection Bill No. 1 of 2025, Committee Stage, on 11^th December, 2025;

 

• The Teaching Profession Bill No. 14 of 2025, Committee Stage, on 11^th December, 2025;

 

1. The Appropriation Bill, 2025, First Reading, yet to be determined; and

 

• The Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025, Committee Stage, on 16^th December, 2025.

 

Madam Speaker, in addition, the House will consider other Bills at various stages, if there will be any.

 

Private Members’ Motions

 

The following hon. Members will present Private Members’ Motions during the period:

 

1. Ms G. Katuta, MP, will move a Motion entitled, “Strengthen Protection and Rights of Persons with Albinism”. This will be considered on 10^th December, 2025;

 

1. Mr S. Chanda, MP, will move a Motion entitled, “Reform the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Allocation Model”.  This will be considered on 11^th December, 2025;

 

1. Mr C. Kang’ombe, MP, will move a Motion entitled, “Revise the Zambia   Institute of Advanced Legal Education Examination (ZIALE) Rules”. This will be considered on 12^th December, 2025; and

 

1. Mr S. Chanda, MP, will move a Motion entitled, “Present the Tobacco Control Bill to Parliament”. This will be considered on 12^th December, 2025.

 

Questions

 

Hon. Ministers will respond to twenty Questions for Oral Answer and Questions for Written Answer.  The questions are contained in Appendix I of this statement, which will be circulated to all hon. Members. Further, the details of the questions are contained in the Notices of Questions of 12^th September, 2025, and 28^th November, 2025, which have already been circulated to all hon. Members.

 

Questions on Standby

 

The Questions on Standby to replace Questions that may not be placed on the Order Paper on the designated day due to unforeseen circumstances are contained in Appendix II, which will be circulated to all hon. Members.

 

Suspension of Standing Orders

 

On Friday, 12^th December, 2025, Her Honour the Vice-President will move a Motion to suspend relevant Standing Orders to enable the House to sit on Monday, 15^th and Tuesday, 16^th December, 2025, from 0900 hours until business is concluded on the Order Paper on each day and also to consider more than one stage of a Bill in a single Sitting and, thereafter, adjourn sine die.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. Members: On which day?

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Lufuma: Yes, Tuesday.

 

______

 

URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

 

MR B. MPUNDU, HON. MEMBER FOR NKANA, ON THE ACTING LEADER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN THE HOUSE, MR LUFUMA, ON THE CONSIDERATION OF THE CONSTITUTION OF ZAMBIA (AMENDMENT) BILL NO. 7, 2025

 

Mr B. Mpundu (Nkana): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, I rise on a very serious Urgent Matter without Notice, which matter I want to direct at the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House.

 

Madam Speaker, you are aware that I just came back to the House yesterday.

 

Hon. Government Members: Question!

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, one of the first assignments we undertook when we came to Parliament, was swear to protect our Constitution. Therefore, we stand as the number one custodian of our laws.

 

 Madam Speaker, as we sit here, there was a report yesterday that certain individual citizens have commenced contempt proceedings against this House, arising from the fact that this House has gone ahead to table the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7, 2025, whose contents were said to have been arrived at using a flawed process.

 

Hon. Government Members: Question!

 

Mr B. Mpundu: As you are aware, a flawed process gives very flawed results.

 

Hon. Government Members: Question!

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, when I was away, I perused what is before Parliament, because I wanted to understand the situation. Is this a fishing expedition?

 

Interruptions

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Can you guide, Madam Speaker.

 

 Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, I found out that the Bill under consideration is the same Bill, with all its contents, that was differed. This is the Bill that was said to have been derived from a flawed process. Therefore, it is possible that this House may be held in contempt.

 

Hon. Government Members: Question!

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, is this House in order to consider the Bill? I do not want to be part of the people to be held in contempt.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member, just conclude.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Hon. Member for Nkana, conclude your matter. Your time is up.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, are we in order to consider the Bill? Is Hon. Lufuma in order to not stop the proceedings of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7, and risk putting this House and its Members in contempt?

 

I seek your indulgence, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. Government Members: Question!

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member for Nkana, you have presented your Urgent Matter without Notice as if it were a point of order. The way you have presented it, it is like you want me to make a ruling on whether the House is in order or not. Hon. Member for Nkana, just find another platform to use. That matter is not admissible under Urgent Matters without Notice.

 

Hon. Member for Lundazi, you may proceed. 

 

MS NYIRENDA, HON. MEMBER FOR LUNDAZI, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, MR MTOLO, ON LATE PAYMENTS BY THE FOOD RESERVE AGENCY

 

Ms Nyirenda (Lundazi): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

 

Ms Nyirenda: Madam Speaker, the Urgent Matter without Notice I wish to raise is directed at the hon. Minister of Agriculture.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You may proceed.

 

Mr Nkandu: She is fired.

 

Ms Nyirenda: Hon. Nkandu, one man’s poison is another man’s cup of tea.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Is that the Urgent Matter without Notice, hon. Member?

 

Ms Nyirenda: Madam Speaker, listen to what Hon. Nkandu is saying. He is saying that I was fired. How can I be fired by someone who does not have powers?

 

Hon. Government Members: Question!

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Ms Nyirenda: It is really worrying that you have allowed him to speak against me, when I just want to raise a serious matter.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

We are looking at Urgent Matters without Notice. The person on the Floor is the only one who is supposed to talk or debate. Please, let us avoid debating while seated.

 

Hon. Member for Lundazi, please, raise the Urgent Matter without Notice.

 

Ms Nyirenda: Madam Speaker, thank you. Please, give me back my two minutes.

 

The matter I wish to raise is directed at my brother, the hon. Minister of Agriculture. The situation concerning payments for farmers is becoming desperate. I have just come from Lundazi, and the challenge there requires his serious attention. Farmers are moving from the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) depots to Indo Zambia Bank. From the bank, they go to the office of the District Agriculture Co-ordinator (DACO). They are just being tossed around.

 

Madam Speaker, it is important that we take care of farmers because they produce the food that we eat. If we neglect farmers, we are simply killing our own citizens. What problem does the hon. Minister have with clearing payments for farmers? People in Lundazi are borrowing money from unscrupulous people against their receipts from the FRA. Those unscrupulous people are giving farmers 5 kg bags of maize seed and asking farmers to pay back five bags of maize. This situation is happening because the Government has not paid farmers their money for supplying maize to the FRA. This situation is de-campaigning the hon. Minister. It is not very working in rural areas because the people have a serious problem.

 

Madam Speaker, my people have asked me to come and ask the hon. Minister to please release the money for farmers. He said the money would be released on 30^th October. Today is November. The hon. Minister of Agriculture is seated just next to the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning. Why can the two hon. Ministers not exchange notes to ensure that farmers are paid their money? The situation is now irritating. It is too much.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You are now debating the Urgent Matter without Notice.

 

Ms Nyirenda: Madam Speaker, I really need your indulgence, because bantu uku ayamba kwiya. Sangale bangaluta banga nyamula nakubataya pasi. What I am saying is that the people in the village are annoyed. If they had a chance, they could lift the hon. Minister and throw him anywhere.

 

 Madam Speaker, I need your serious indulgence because this one is too much. I need your serious indulgence. Bantu bambo kwiya.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

 

Hon. Member for Lundazi, there was a Ministerial Statement issued–

 

Interruptions

 

 Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Hon. Member for Lundazi, there was a Ministerial Statement issued by the hon. Minister of Agriculture over the payments by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to farmers. According to our Standing Orders, we cannot repeat the same Ministerial Statement. However, you can file an urgent question to the hon. Minister of Agriculture just to find out where we are with the payments to farmers.

 

Hon. Member for Kamfinsa, you may proceed. 

 

MR KANG’OMBE, HON. MEMBER FOR KAMFINSA, ON THE ACTING LEADER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN THE HOUSE, MR LUFUMA, ON THE WATER SITUATION IN KAMFINSA

 

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, allow me to direct an Urgent Matter without Notice at the hon. Minister of Water Development and Sanitation. Unfortunately, Hon. Nzovu is not here. I, therefore, wish to direct the matter at the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House, Hon. Lufuma.

 

Madam Speaker, the residents of Kamfinsa Constituency, in particular, the residents of Ndeke Village, Ndeke and Mulenga Compound have been communicating with me over the last two days regarding lack of water. The situation is dire. I know that the Government has a responsibility to provide water to our residents. I wish to direct this matter at the Government on the understanding that no one here can have activities throughout the day without water.

 

Madam Speaker, I, therefore, wish to direct the matter to the Leader of Government Business in the House. Is the Government in order to not provide water to our residents in the last few days that we have experienced this problem so that as I travel back to the constituency, we are able to resolve this particular problem?

 

Madam Speaker, your guidance has always been to raise the matter with the responsible department of the Government, and I have done that as Member of Parliament for Kamfinsa. The matter has been raised with the water utility company but, unfortunately, we still do not have water in Ndeke Village, Ndeke, Mulenga Compound and, consequently, and even in Wusakile, where water is distributed from Kamfinsa.

 

Madam Speaker, I seek your indulgence.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Since water is life, I am going to request the hon. Minister of Water Development and Sanitation to come to this House on Wednesday, 10^th December, 2025, to update us on what measures the Government is taking in order to help solve the water situation in Ndeke Village and other surrounding areas in Kamfinsa Constituency. So, since today is Friday, we will give the hon. Minister a day in between and he can issue the statement on Wednesday, 10^th December, 2025.

 

We make progress.

 

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

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Is the point of order on me?

 

Mr B. Mpundu: No, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker:  Okay. Let us make progress then, it will come later.

 

_______

 

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

 

 THE TAILINGS DAM FAILURE AT MUKABAMO COPPER MINES LIMITED

 

 The Minister of Green Economy and Environment (Mr Mposha): Madam Speaker, I wish to thank you for according me the opportunity to address the House on the tailings dam failure that occurred on 23^rd November, 2025, at Mukabamo Copper Mines Limited in Mwense District.

 

 Madam Speaker, the mine is operated by EZ Mines Limited and has been undertaking mining and mineral processing activities since 2023, to produce copper concentrates under Licence No. …

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Let us give the hon. Minister time.

 

You may continue, hon. Minister.

 

Mr Mposha: … 29763/HQ/SML.

 

Madam Speaker, my ministry received a report of the incident on 24^th November, 2025. Immediately after receiving the incident report, the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) dispatched its emergency response team to the site, which conducted an inspection from 25^th to 27^th November, 2025. The team undertook a preliminary assessment of the scale of the spill, inspected the state of the mine’s infrastructure and evaluated the environmental and livelihood impacts. While ZEMA is still undertaking further investigations, the preliminary findings are that Mukabamo Copper Mines Limited operates an open pit mine, a mineral processing plant, three tailing storage facilities and unused leach pads and ponds. At the time of the inspection, operations had been halted due to the dam breach. While the company has approval from ZEMA for mining, crushing and washing plant operations, it was established that the company was illegally operating additional facilities including a mineral processing plant and tailing storage facilities, which were not part of the approved project components.

 

Madam Speaker, the inspection further confirmed that the dam failure resulted from poor structural integrity of the embankments of the dam. The failure was inevitable due to the extremely poor state of all three tailing storage facilities. The collapsed dam was irregularly designed, constructed with incompatible materials and exhibited extensive cracks, gullies and signs of shear movement.

 

Madam Speaker, additionally, the dams were unlined, allowing tailings to seep directly into the ground, further weakening the integrity of the dam walls. Further, the breached tailings dam was cited on a seasonal stream where storm water further weakened the dam walls, leading to their collapse. None of the dams had approval from the Mines Safety Department.

 

Madam Speaker, the spillage has affected Chebele Stream, which is a tributary of Luapula River. The spilled material was alkaline in nature due to the chemicals used in the company's copper concentrate production process including calcium hydroxide, caustic soda and sodium sulphate.

 

 Madam Speaker, the findings from this incident show that the tailings dam failure was a result of systematic and structural weaknesses, poor engineering and disregard for regulatory compliance. My ministry takes a firm position that such negligence in the mining sector cannot and should not be tolerated. Communities and ecosystems must be protected and operators must bear full responsibility for environmental harm arising from their activities.

 

 Madam Speaker, following this incident, ZEMA issued an environmental restoration order to Mukabamo Copper Mines Limited. This order directs the company to, among other things, immediately cease operations and clean up all the areas affected by the discharge. Prior to the clean-up process, the company will be required to engage an independent and competent assessor to conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine the full extent of the pollution. The findings of this assessment will guide the restoration measures to be undertaken. I wish to make it clear that in line with the polluter pays principle under the Environmental Management Act 2011, as amended by the Environmental Management Act of 2023, Mukabamo Copper Mines Limited will bear the full cost of both the assessment and restoration weights necessary to rehabilitate the affected environment.

 

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to report that as part of the one-Government approach, the District Administration, led by the Mwense District Commissioner (DC), promptly began sensitising the community on the pollution incident and advising community members to desist from either drinking water or eating fish from the affected stream. Further, the community or affected households are being provided with potable water at the cost of the company. The ZEMA and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries collected water, soil and fish samples, which are currently being analysed for heavy metals. Other detailed investigations are still ongoing and in the coming weeks, my ministry will continue to provide updates to the public.

 

Madam Speaker, let me end by assuring the nation that the Government remains committed to safeguarding the environment and ensuring that economic activities do not compromise the well-being of our people. Enforcement of environmental laws will be enhanced, and working with the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, we will continue strengthening oversight to prevent similar incidents in future.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

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

 

Mr Charles Mulenga (Kwacha): Madam Speaker, I appreciate this opportunity you have given me to ask the hon. Minister of Green Economy and Environment a supplementary question. I would also like to thank the hon. Minister for that Ministerial Statement.

 

Madam Speaker, contamination issues are becoming the norm in our country. There is a lot of concern that we risk destroying our environment and losing many lives if urgent measures are not put in place. The effects of these issues may not be seen there and then, but might come a decade or many years after. As the ministry responsible, what measures is the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment planning to put a complete stop to the continuous infiltration of contamination?

 

Mr B. Mpundu: On a Point of Order, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: A Point of Order is raised.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, I raise this Point of Order on the Chief Whip contemporaneously because there is a growing trend in this House. The decorum of the House dictates that hon. Members must conduct themselves and behave honourably. That means respecting other hon. Members when they stand on the Floor to speak. I remember that you have given us guidance several times, and some of us have even been punished for debating whilst seated. The level of heckling and bullying from your hon. Members on the right was unacceptable during the Urgent Matters without Notice segment, especially that some of us have been punished before.

 

Madam Speaker, is the Government Chief Whip in order to allow a situation in which hon. Members, to an extent, fail to enjoy their rights and privileges to debate, owing to the bullying that comes from that side when we, on this other side, are punished? Is the Government Chief Whip in order to allow the hon. Members on your right to continue acting as if they own this House and to bully us when we stand to debate? When we respond, we are punished.

 

I seek your ruling, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Cite the Standing Order that has been breached.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, the decorum of the House is a precedent. Deco –

 

Interruptions

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, this is exactly what I am talking about (pointed at hon. Government Members).

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, a precedent has been set in this House that citing the decorum of the House is a basis on which –

 

Interruptions

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, can we, please, have order.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, can we, please –

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Continue, I am listening.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, that is exactly what this Point of Order is on.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Continue, hon. Member for Nkana.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, when it comes to the decorum of the House, precedent is that there is no need to cite any Standing Order.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr B. Mpundu: It is simply the decorum of the House. You have given guidance on that issue, Madam Speaker. You are the only Presiding Officer. I do not understand why you would allow others to usurp your powers. I am directing this matter to you, but they are heckling.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

 

Please, wind up your Point of Order.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, I still bring it to you and ask: Is the Government Chief Whip in order to allow the hon. Members on your right to be bullies in this House, intimidating us, hon. Members on the left, every time we stand up to speak, and they are allowed to go scot-free?

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member for Nkana –

 

Mr Miyutu: No, he cannot say that!

 

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

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Have you seen?

 

Mr Miyutu: No, you cannot use such terms here, in this House!

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member for Nkana, regarding the last words you used, I do not know whether it is appropriate to say that there are bullies in this House. Kindly withdraw the word ‘bullies’. You came up well talking about what the problem was. However, I think, the public will misunderstand the House on the issue of bullies. Kindly, withdraw that.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, I withdraw the word ‘bullies’. I replace it with ‘hecklers’.

 

Mr Miyutu: You see, he has nothing to say!

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Have you seen?

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order! Let us have order in the House!

 

Mr Chaatila interjected.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member for Moomba, please, if there is something you would like to discuss amongst yourselves, you can use the lobby outside, rather than showing us signs of almost fighting.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member for Nkana, there is also a Standing Order on parliamentary decorum and etiquette. There is so much behaviour that we have to look at. In fact, it starts from A up to Z. So, please, acquaint yourself with the Standing Orders so that you can single out an issue, rather than bringing up matters so widely.

 

If you recall well, I gave guidance when a complaint was raised. I said that we should not debate whilst seated. That was the guidance I gave to this House. Debating whilst seated means that people talk all over in any form. Please, let us not debate whilst seated. Let us also respect ourselves. We are all hon. Members. The people are listening to whatever is going on in this House. Let us give one another room. If somebody is given the Floor, let us listen to that hon. Member. If we are in disagreement, we can raise a Point of Order. So, I request that we give one another room and respect, as we are given the Floor to debate.

 

Hon. Minister, you may respond to the hon. Member for Kwacha.

 

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, as the Government, we regret the frequency of accidents regarding the tailings storage facilities.

 

You are aware that not too long ago, in February, we were dealing with another such incident on the Copperbelt. So, I agree with the hon. Member of Parliament regarding the concerns about the frequency of such accidents. It is obviously very regrettable that, before long, we are talking of another such accident in Mwense.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government, through my ministry and in collaboration with our colleagues from different ministries, including the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, will ensure that we enhance inspections, but also compliance, and that developers of such facilities comply with the regulations.

 

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

 

 Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, given the frequency of such accidents, we will go further to examine our current regulations with the possibility of reviewing them so that they can be more punitive. If we have developers who can develop such facilities without getting approvals and necessary licences, it calls for regulations that would be extremely punitive for such offenders. So, I share the concern of the hon. Member of Parliament for Kwacha, and we shall work on ensuring that we have a relook at our current regulations.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

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

 

Mr Chaatila: Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to raise a point of order pursuant to Standing Order No. 71.

 

Madam Speaker, when the hon. Member of Parliament for Nkana stood to raise a point of order, he included everyone on your right in his point. I was seated here quietly. I did not say anything, and then he made a blanket statement that hon. Members on your right are bullies. You then asked him to withdraw the word “bully,” and he replaced it with “hecklers.”

 

Madam Speaker, the term “heckler” refers to a person who interrupts a performer or public speaker with mocking, abusive, or humorous comments. He is still insisting that we are abusing him. Is he in order to issue a blanket statement that everyone on the right is a heckler, even when we are seated here quietly? I am an honorable Member of Parliament, and I do not engage in such behaviour. Is he in order to include me, the hon. Member of Parliament for the Moomba Constituency, among those he has referred to as hecklers?

 

 Madam Speaker, I seek your serious ruling.

 

 Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, it appears you are raising a point of order on another point of order that has already been raised. So that is not admissible, according to our Standing Orders.

 

We make progress.

 

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

 

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

 

That will be the last Point of Order, as we have a lot of work to cover today.

 

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Madam Speaker, I rise on a very serious constitutional Point of Order arising from Articles 61 and 76 of the Constitution of Zambia.

 

Madam Speaker, Article 61 states that the legislative authority of the Republic lies with this House of Parliament. Article 76 states that:

 

“(1) A Member of Parliament has freedom of speech and debate in the National Assembly and that freedom shall not be ousted or questioned in a court or tribunal.

 

(2) A Member of Parliament shall have the powers, privileges and immunities as prescribed”.

 

 Madam Speaker, I have noted with concern the statements that are being made by leaders of certain political parties in the Republic and individuals who have taken the matter to court, alleging that all the hon. Members of this House, including yourself, Madam Speaker, have committed contempt of court, for we will be debating the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill, No. 7 of 2025.

 

Madam Speaker, the Constitution of Zambia is very instructive that nobody in this Republic, not even the courts of law, can question me on how I debate or how I vote on a matter before this House. I have today's News Diggers Newspaper, a very respected newspaper, with the headline:

 

 “Munir, Mukandila Launch Contempt Proceedings against the Government and  Parliament over Bill 7.”

 

Madam Speaker, yesterday, one of the leaders of the Patriotic Front (PF), Hon. Chishimba Kambwili, threatened that whenever they come back into power, I do not know when, they will ensure that these hon. Members of Parliament debating the Bill are arrested.

 

Madam Speaker, those individuals who are threatening hon. Members of Parliament who are exercising their legislative authority, and those who have taken matters to court, are they in order to abuse the court process, abuse us and mislead the public, when we are protected by the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia? Are they in order to interfere with the operations of Parliament by making such statements and proceeding to take matters to court when you, Madam Speaker, ruled that there is no authority in this Republic that can stop the proceedings of Parliament? Are they in order to continue making such statements?

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mwiimbu, SC. laid the paper on the Table.

 

Interruptions

 

 Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Is this matter already before the court?

 

Mr Kapyanga: Yes, it is.

 

 Madam First Deputy Speaker: So, because the matter is already in court, there is no way we can discuss it here. However, as the hon.  Minister has indicated, , there are three Arms of Government. As the Legislature or Parliament, we have our own rules and procedures. We manage our own affairs. So really, we do not need any interference from anybody because we have the power to make laws or to run our Parliament using our rules or the Standing Orders. Since the matter is in court, I will end at that. However, we should know that Parliament has its own powers, rules, and Standing Orders to ensure that it is functioning. We do not need any interference from anyone. That is all I can say for now, since the matter is in court.

 

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Madam Speaker, I am reminded of a very interesting saying in one of our traditional languages, which goes like this: “Chaona munzako chapita, mawa chili pa iwe.” This simply means that what your friends see today might be the same thing you see tomorrow.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Is that in the Ministerial Statement?

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kapmyongo: Madam Speaker, it is an introduction.

 

Madam Speaker, I want to appreciate the hon. Minister for the Ministerial Statement he has delivered in this august House.

 

Mr Mposha spoke to Mr Sikumba.

 

Mr Kampyongo: I want the hon. Minister to pay attention; he is having an engagement there.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Please, go ahead.

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister acknowledged in his Ministerial Statement that the tailings dam collapsed as a result of poor engineering and workmanship. He also acknowledged that the frequency of these occurrences is a serious concern. Bear in mind that not long ago, we had a similar calamity in Kalulushi. Now, it has happened in Luapula. Like my hon. Colleague from Kwacha Constituency said, the effects of these incidents may not be noticed on our people now, but there could be long-term negative effects. What I want to find out from the hon. Minister is: Who is responsible for ensuring that the tailings dams being built are up to standard, now that we have so many mining operations starting? Does the ministry have an inspectorate which should collaborate with the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development to ensure that these occurrences which are threatening the lives of our people are curbed, by making sure that tailings dams are inspected while they are being constructed? The lives of our people are under threat.

 

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Shiwang’andu for that question.

 

Madam Speaker, these facilities are inspected by the Mines Safety Department, which is under the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development. This is an old mine; it started operating way back in 2019. Some of its licences from the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) were issued, like I said in the Ministerial Statement, around 2023. like the hon. Member said, “chiwamila galu” or whatever–

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hmm!

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Meaning?

 

Mr Mposha: It means that it is better when you say or do something, you must also expect it to be done to other people.

 

Hon. PF Members: Question!

 

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

 

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, the point I am making is that, this is an old mine which started way back in 2019. Like I said, yes, we had a similar incident in February, which the hon. Member and I also alluded to. As the Government, we are concerned about the issue. We are still sorting out the problems on the Copperbelt, and then we are now faced with another problem in Mwense. This is why I said that we are going to heighten inspections, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development and other ministries, including the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. We are going to ensure that mines build tailings dams to the acceptable standards and maintained. We are going to enhance inspections and ensure that such cases are minimised, so that we do not continue seeing a repeat of such incidents. These incidents are extremely regrettable, and we shall intensify inspections.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Lubozha (Chifubu): Madam Speaker, the collapse of the tailings dam at Mukabamo Mine has raised major concerns about environmental safety as well as regulatory oversight. Collapse of tailings dams at mining companies has become a trend. Is the ministry considering constituting a team to start visiting mines that have this type of infrastructure, in order to ascertain the strength of the infrastructure? The collapse of the infrastructure has a lasting impact on our environment, even after the punitive measure of closing the mines that pollute the environment. Is the ministry considering creating an inspectorate department to look at the remaining tailings dams that are holding dangerous materials?

 

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

 

Madam Speaker, like I already said, the department responsible for inspecting tailings dams or storage facilities is already there. The responsibility lies with the Mines Safety Department. I think, what is just required is to ensure that inspections are enhanced, in view of what has been happening. So, I just want to assure the hon. Member of Parliament that the Mines Safety Department is already there. It is the one responsible for inspections and approvals of such facilities. We have been talking to various ministries in order to consolidate our efforts to avert such calamities. So, the hon. Member should rest assured that we are on it. I share his concern that the negative impact of the spillage or pollution is long-lasting on the environment and on our people. Where possible, we must ensure that such incidents are avoided.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Chala (Chipili): Madam Speaker, in the Ministerial Statement by the hon. Minister, I did not hear anything concerning the people who live along the stream that has been polluted. The people depend on the same stream for their drinking water. Is the ministry going to help the people to be compensated by the mining company which polluted the stream? If there are no such measures, the ministry will become toothless.

 

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Member for Chipili for that supplementary question.

 

Madam Speaker, I did indicate in the Ministerial Statement that the affected communities, first of all, are being assisted with water using a water bowser. So, they are not fetching water from the polluted stream.

 

Further to that, I also indicated that an assessment will have to be undertaken before the clean-ups and any other restoration. So, it is the assessment that will be able to speak to what compensation should be given to whoever was affected, particularly those who live around that area. Suffice it to say that we went on the ground with the hon. Minister of Fisheries and Livestock. The good thing is that there were not many settlers around the mine and within the surrounding facilities. However, I assure the House that anyone who is affected downstream, depending on the results of the assessment, will be considered for compensation.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Allen Banda (Chimwemwe): Madam Speaker, this is the second dam that has actually collapsed. Much as there might have been poor workmanship regarding its construction, tailing dams are supposed to be checked weekly. Visual checks should be done and a report should be given to management. So, it does not matter how the dam was constructed. If visual checks are not done on a weekly basis and mines are not checked yearly by qualified engineers, tailing dams will continue to collapse especially during the rainy season. I know this case is under the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, but since the hon. Minister is handling it, does he have any intention of working in conjunction with his colleague from the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development to check whether all the new mines are doing the standard procedure of weekly visual checking of tailings dams?

 

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, I thank Hon. Banda, Member of Parliament for Chimwemwe, for that question.

 

Madam Speaker, I am not sure if the Mines Safety Department does inspections weekly, but suffice it to say that we are working with the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development to ensure that we enhance inspections. However, I also want to confirm through the hon. Member for Chimwemwe’s question and that of the hon. Member of Parliament for Chifubu that instructions have already been given for inspectors to go around the country to ensure that all facilities are properly assessed so that for those that will be found to not be fit, action can then be taken to abate such accidents.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Hamwaata (Pemba): Madam Speaker, in his statement, the hon. Minister indicated that the dam in question was constructed without the approval of the Mines Safety Department under the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development. When was this illegal dam constructed?

 

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

 

Madam Speaker, I do not know the exact year when the dam was constructed, but like I indicated in my statement, investigations are still ongoing and ZEMA, working with other stakeholders, will soon give us a comprehensive report of its investigations, and we will be able to have more information on this facility. Like I said, this facility was illegally constructed by mine developers. I do not know the exact year it was built, but it was an illegal storage facility.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Dr Mwanza (Kaumbwe): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister stated that the tailings dam collapsed due to poor engineering and that there was also negligence on the part of the Mines Safety Department. Is the ministry, in collaboration with the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ), going to impose sanctions on the professional conduct of the engineers who were involved in the construction of this dam?

 

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

 

Madam Speaker, inevitably so, if there were any engineers who were involved in such wrong doings, surely, there should be sanctions. Like I have already said, this facility was illegally constructed without any design approvals. So, if there were any engineers involved, then, they deserve to be sanctioned. The investigations that are ongoing will be able to review all those aspects and, thereafter, we will consider taking that route.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kalobo (Wusakile): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity to ask a question.

 

Madam Speaker, in the recent past, some dams failed in Chambeshi, Roxin and Sino Metals in particular, but it seems we are not drawing any lessons from that.

 

Madam Speaker, when the hon. Minister was responding to Hon. Kampyongo’s question, he indicated that the mining process at Mukamona Dam started in 2019, but the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) licences were given in 2023, confirming that this recklessness or negligence in terms of mining was conducted under his watch. It does not matter how old the dam is. For example, the tailings dam at Mopani Copper Mines, which was constructed before I was born, has never failed. Why? This is because alongside the dam, the contractor put a filter plant, which filters water which is discharged in Mindolo Dam, and every day in the morning and evening, samples are picked to ensure that the water there supports life. To avoid recklessness, is the Government considering, firstly, decentralising the Mines Safety Department, secondly, addressing human capital deficiencies and, thirdly, …

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

 

It is one question per hon. Member.

 

Mr Kalobo: … replicating what has been done at Mopani Copper Mines so that there can be a filter plant because the water is just going in the dam with the slime. So, is the Government considering these three items so that we avoid this academic exercise of sending the Mines Safety Department to an area to investigate what could have happened during the failure of the dam?

 

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, I thank Hon. Kalabo, Member or Parliament for Wusakile, for the question …

 

Hon. Members: Kalobo.

 

Mr Mposha: … Kalobo. Alright.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, at the right time, and after the investigations have been completed, is when we will be able to look at all the viable and possible solutions that will help us avoid a repeat of these accidents. So, if it will be found necessary to replicate the good designs and installations that the hon. Member has referred to, we will be advised by the experts from the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development. There is nothing wrong with picking good lessons happening elsewhere if they are helpful to avoid such accidents.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mrs Chonya (Kafue): Thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, I would like to get the assurance, again, from the hon. Minister on whether the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) will flex its muscles over what happened in Mansa. This is because the agency has been a disappointment to us in Kafue over the dust pollution at a particular quarry. So, will ZEMA do its job in Mwense, as well as in Kafue and elsewhere where there are environmental breaches?

 

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, my assurance is that ZEMA has no choice, but to flex its muscles and apply the law to the fullest.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Chibombwe (Bahati): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, many mining companies in Luapula Province do not adhere to mining safety regulations. From where I stand, it shows that the Mines Safety Department and the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) are not doing much when it comes to inspections. The hon. Minister has alluded to the fact that some highly toxic chemicals, such as caustic soda and calcium hydroxide, were discharged into the stream, and this stream is one of the tributaries of the Luapula River. I want to know whether the ministry got samples from the Luapula River for testing to ensure that the river is not also polluted.

 

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, as I said in my statement, we collected soil and water samples, as well as samples from fish within the affected catchment area. As to whether there will be a need to collect samples from the Luapula River, the ministry will advise in due course, looking at the stretch that was affected. So, the investigations and analysis of the samples are still ongoing. If there will be a need to collect samples from the Luapula River, the ministry will do that. For now, it has collected samples from all the affected areas, such as the water bodies.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister is giving assurances on what the Government is doing. I think, listening to everyone’s submissions today, unfortunately, we keep having cases of tailings dams collapsing. My understanding of a project as big as the one in question is that, firstly, the investor registers a company and then the company obtains other licences that it needs to operate such a facility. A document called the environmental brief or an environmental impact assessment is supposed to state what will be set up at that facility. At that stage, and this brings me to my question, the ministry, through the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and other public organs, should know exactly what will be established in that particular locality. The ministry issued all the licences that are needed for someone to operate the facility under discussion. My question is: In the design of the mine, was the tailings dam included?

 

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, my answer is no. The storage facilities were not part of what was initially designed. In my statement, I mentioned what was permitted in the licence and I also said that those storage facilities were outside what was highlighted or what was permitted.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mabumba (Mwense): Thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the statement and the impromptu visit that he undertook to our district.

 

Madam Speaker, in the statement, the hon. Minister has said that the investigations are ongoing, and like my hon. Colleague said, the Mwense River flows into the Luapula River and the Luapula River flows into Lake Mweru. So, obviously, the impact, if measures are not taken quickly, will be very big. So, in terms of the assessment, when will the investigations be concluded?

 

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, I would to thank the area hon. Member of Parliament for Mwense, where the mine is located, for that question.

 

Madam Speaker, we are hoping that the investigations will be concluded in the next few weeks. I do not have a fixed timeline, but our desire, as the Government, is for our officers to conclude the investigations in the next few weeks, and we will give regular updates based on what is on the ground and also the outcome of the results.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

_______

 

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

 

EXPANSION OF THE LUSAKA/KAFUE ROAD

 

 115. Mr Hlazo (Chilanga) asked the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development:

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to expand the Lusaka/Kafue Road from the Chilanga Golf Field to Farmers Junction in Chilanga District to decongest traffic;

 

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

 

1. if there are no such plans, why.

 

The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security (Mr Mwiimbu, SC.) (on behalf of the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development (Eng. Milupi)): Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to expand the Lusaka/Kafue Road from the Chilanga Golf Field to Farmers Junction in Chilanga District.

 

Madam Speaker, the plans will be implemented once funds have been secured from the Treasury.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Hlazo: Madam Speaker, as you may be aware, the traffic on that stretch is mainly caused by vehicles going into areas of Chilanga like Long Ridge, Musamba and Game and Fisheries. So, the traffic normalises after Mundawanga and Chilanga Clinic. Does the Government have any short-term plans to create a bypass, for example, through Mount Makulu or Lilayi so as to ease the traffic on that stretch?

 

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Madam Speaker, as I indicated, we have a long-term plan for that particular area. We will look at the short-term plan, as he has indicated, and see whether it is viable.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mrs Chonya (Kafue): Madam Speaker, maybe, mine will just be a comment.

 

Madam Speaker, as the Government is making plans, it should think broader than about the small stretch highlighted in the question by considering bypasses from Linda Turnoff into the 70/70 Road and ending up in Kafue. That would definitely decongest the Kafue Road all the way up to Turnpike and even beyond.

 

Madam Speaker, I thought I should just make this comment because the traffic situation on Kafue Road is, indeed, very bad. Our planning should be long-term and holistic, rather than piecemeal.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I do not know whether the Acting hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development would like to comment on those comments.

 

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Madam Speaker, I have taken note of the comments.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Chisanga (Lukashya): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to ask the hon. Minister a question.

 

Madam Speaker, there are two big companies on the Kafue Road near where the challenge is; Chilanga Cement PLC, and, I am told, United Capital Fertiliser Zambia. Why has the Government not considered the possibility of asking the two companies, based on corporate social responsibility, to help expand the road at the spot where congestion gets heavier every day?

 

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Madam Speaker, the Government appreciates such suggestions. We have taken note of that.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, in response to the question that was asked, the Acting hon. Minister highlighted that the Government has plans to expand the road. I am a bit challenged, because maybe he may not have all the information. Has he been briefed on where the plan or proposal is sitting? Is there a master plan in place for decongesting busy roads in most parts of the country, including the affected area we are discussing? Is there a plan from which the Government will pick out the particular stretch and provide funding through the Ministry of Finance and National Planning?

 

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Madam Speaker, the plan is in place. That is why the Government has managed to work on the Lusaka/Ndola Dual Carriageway using the public-private partnership (PPP) model. That is the plan the Government has. We have managed to construct the Ndola/Mufulira Road through PPP model. We are looking at undertaking construction works on various roads in due course. All of this is because of the plans we have, as the Government.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

REHABILITATION OF BRIDGES IN SERENJE CONSTITUENCY

 

116 Mr Kandafula (Serenje) asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development:

 

1. when the Government will rehabilitate the following bridges that are on the verge of collapse, in Serenje Parliamentary Constituency:

 

1. Ng’answa Bridge on Milenje/Kashishi Road; and

 

1. Munte Bridge on Mingomba/Mutale Road; and

 

1. what the cost of each project is. 

 

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Sialubalo): Madam Speaker, the Government will rehabilitate the Ng’answa Bridge on Milenje/Kashishi Road and the Munte Bridge on Mingomba/Mutale Road in Serenje Parliamentary Constituency once funds are made available.

 

Madam Speaker, the cost of each bridge will be known once the detailed feasibility study and the designs are concluded.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you.

 

Mr Kandafula: Thank you, Madam Speaker, and I would like to thank the hon. Minister for that positive response. However, for his information, the road in question is a ring road, so to speak. There is a problematic road, which I have been talking about; the Kabundi/Post Office Road, which, as I speak, is impassable. So, if the two bridges were to collapse, it would mean that there would be no movement for the people in Muchinda Ward and other surrounding areas. Therefore, I request the hon. Minister to allow me to quickly get the Bill of Quantity (BoQ). The Government can look for the money before the bridges totally collapse.

 

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for Serenje for the follow-up question.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member will be doing a great service to the ministry if he takes the stance to get the Bill of Quantities (BoQ) so that we can look at what we have, as a ministry. Bearing in mind that we will start implementing the 2026 National Budget by January, it is important to prepare the BoQ so that we can act on the important road connectivity.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

_______

 

COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY

 

[THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the

Chair]

 

(Consideration resumed)

 

VOTE 52 – (Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation – K2,688,541,974)

 

The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation (Eng. Nzovu): Mr Chairperson, I beg to move that K2,688,541,974 be approved in respect of Vote 52 – Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, to meet the expenditure for the year ending 31^st December, 2026.

 

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

 

Vote 52 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

 

VOTE 53 – (Ministry of Green Economy and Environment – K1,157,664,845)

 

The Minister of Green Economy and Environment (Mr Mposha): Mr Chairperson, I beg to move that K1,157,664,845 be approved in respect of  Vote 53 – Ministry of Green Economy and Environment to meet the expenditure for the year ending 31^st December, 2026.

 

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

 

Vote 53 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

 

VOTE 62 – (Ministry of Energy – K2,555,592,675)

 

The Minister of Energy (Mr Chikote):  Mr Chairperson, I beg to move that K2,555,592,675 be approved in respect of Head – 62, Ministry of Energy, to meet the expenditure for the year ending 31^st December, 2026.

 

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Mr Chairperson, thank you so much for allowing me to make a few comments on the allocation for this very important ministry.

 

Mr Chairperson, looking at the allocation for the ministry for the next fiscal year, it does not give hope to the nation. This is the ministry in charge of energy, and we are facing the worst energy crisis in this country since we got independence. If there is a ministry that deserves enough resources, it is this one. We are trying to find solutions to the power deficit in energy subsector.  How can we plan to do that if we cannot put money where it is needed? Today,  I want to express my pity on the hon. Minister of Energy because what we are allocating in the Budget for his ministry is setting him up to fail to deal with the energy crisis we are facing as a nation.

 

Mr Chairperson, our citizens are supplied with power for two hours. Small and medium-scale businesses are shutting down every day due to power shortages. In  Kalingalinga, which is nearby, our young fellows who weld  have a problem. We are asking the hon. Minister to diversify the energy sources, but how can he diversify them without money? So, we are going nowhere slowly, in terms of the energy sector.

 

Mr Nkandu: Question!

 

Mr Kampyongo: You can question because you can afford a generator and solar system. There are people out there who are struggling every day. So, if there is a ministry which we needed to vary some money to and capacitate, it is the Ministry of Energy. We have listened to so many Ministerial Statements here. As hon. Members of Parliament, we have also been invited to participate in finding solutions to the crisis we have in the energy sector. The President sat there (Pointed at the Chair) and invited us, hon. Members, to come on board. How do we come on board when we do not have money?

 

Mr Nkandu: Question!

 

Mr Kampyongo: What are we going to use to diversify energy sources? How?

 

Mr Mtolo: Bring ideas.

 

Mr Kampyongo: First of all, the Government should start by demonstrating that it can do something, before inviting investors. Which investor is going to come where there is no power? The Government is busy saying that it is going to achieve certain targets. It is even making projections of production of three million tonnes of copper. From where?

 

Mr Nkandu: Question!

 

Mr Kampyongo: That person is saying, “Question.” That is what he does in Cabinet. That is why we cannot go anywhere, as a country.

 

Hon. UPND Members: You had your time!

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Chairperson, we are stuck, as a nation. So, if there is anything the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning can do, please, let him do something to help the Ministry of Energy, because we are a country in crisis.

 

Mr Mtolo: On a point of order, Mr Chairperson.

 

Mr Nkandu: You did not do anything.

 

Mr Kampyongo: Can you sort out anything with such lamentations? You cannot sort out football.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Chairperson, the decorum of the House is being compromised.

  

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

 

Mr Kampyongo: We are discussing serious business.

   

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

 

May you resume your seat, hon. Member.

 

A point of order is raised.

 

Mr Mtolo: Mr Chairperson, there is a very dangerous trend in this country. Leaders, some of them former Government leaders, have a tendency of alarming the nation, instead of building it.

 

Mr Chairperson, is Hon. Kampyongo in order to indicate very clearly–

 

Hon. PF Members: Pay farmers!

 

Mr Mtolo: I am constrained to respond because I am raising a point of order.

 

Mr Chairperson, that is exactly what we are talking about. Instead of people being happy that we are paying farmers, they would like people to say that we are not paying them. That is a very serious problem that our country has. Why would Hon. Kampyongo not stand here and offer a solution, rather than tell people that we are in a very serious position, and indicate that investors are not coming? What is he saying? Is he not seeing investments coming into the country? The tendency of bringing that type of position in this House should be stopped.

 

Mr Chairperson, is the former hon. Minister, Mr Kampyongo, in order to scare the nation and give wrong information?

 

Hon. PF Members: Minister wansala.

 

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

 

The hon. Minister has successfully debated his point of order.

 

Interruptions

 

 The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

 

Business was suspended from 1030 hours until 1100 hours.

 

[THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the

Chair]

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Chairperson, indeed, I was winding up when I was disturbed by the hon. Minister who is yet to pay the farmers in Shiwang’andu and Luangeni.

 

Mr Chairperson, lastly, I just want to urge the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, even if he is not here, to be considerate and ensure that this Budget line is considered in order to respond to the crisis that we are facing as a nation.

 

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

 

______

 

ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES

 

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM ST. DOMINIC SAVIO SECONDARY SCHOOL

 

The Deputy Chairperson: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of pupils and teachers from St. Dominic Savio Secondary School in Kabwe District.

 

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

 

I thank you.

______

 

Mr Chikote: Mr Chairperson, first and foremost, I thank the hon. Member, the former leader, Mr Kampyongo.

 

Mr Chairperson, when we present issues, we need to be factual other than mislead the nation. I will start with the issue of the principal, the President of the Republic of Zambia, when he was addressing Parliament and the nation. When we were discussing issues pertaining to the energy deficit that the country is facing, the President never said “we have money, hon. Members of Parliament come and get this money and invest,” no.

 

Mr Nkandu: Quality!

 

Mr Chikote: The President stated that those who are privileged and have resources must come on board to invest in roof top solar, and that those who have connections should attract investors to invest in the energy sector. This is arising from the fact that this Administration has created an environment, made reforms, and opened the market for private sector participation.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Chikote: Mr Chairperson, this has been demonstrated in the mining sector. There were no public funds but because of the environment that has been created, investors have invested in the mines, and that is money. This has also happened in the agricultural sector. In the energy sector, the policies that this Administration has put in place have attracted investors to invest in the sector, and that is money.

 

Mr President, I mean, Mr Chairperson, …

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Chikote: … we need to realise that our colleagues, the Patriotic Front (PF), missed it in terms of investment. They knew very well that that this country is 85 per cent dependent –

 

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

 

Hon. Minister, I do not feel you are responding to what – Hon. Ministers, you should be very attentive when an hon. Member is raising concerns so you can respond exactly to what has been said because Zambians want to hear. A lot has been done in the energy sector. As Presiding Officer, I expected you to respond to what the hon. Member said that less money was allocated to the sector. However, there are other efforts that have been done, and those are the things that we want to hear.

 

Mr Chikote: Mr President –

 

Mr Nkandu: It is Mr Chairperson.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Chikote: Mr Chairperson, I think, this is arising –

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

 

 Blessings come in different ways.

 

You may proceed, hon. Minister.

 

Mr Chikote: Mr Chairperson, I am responding to the hon. Member –

 

Mr Kafwaya: On a point of order, Mr Chairperson.

 

Mr Mubika: It was a slip of the tongue iwe!

 

Mr Chikote: Mr Chairperson, I am responding to what the hon. Member was saying that this Administration has not put enough money in the energy sector. I was illustrating how we have made reforms to make sure that we are not using –

 

Mr Chairperson, because of the reforms that we have put in place, we have opened the market in the energy sector by attracting private sector participation. Other than the resources that the country has, that money will be spent on free education and the Social Cash Transfer programme. We have created an environment where the private sector has come in, to invest in the energy sector.

 

Mr Chairperson, there are pipeline projects that are running to respond to the power deficit that the hon. Member has just mentioned. The private sector has invested in the Maamba Phase II project, which will bring on board 300 MW.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Chikote: Mr Chairperson, United Capital Fertiliser Company has already put up 85 MW and is targeting 600 MW. That is money coming in the energy sector. There are a number of projects that are in the pipeline, which will see this country not find itself in the situation we are going through because the people who were there before us never invested in the energy sector. This Government is now seriously investing in alternative sources of energy.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Chikote: This country from 1964, Mr Chairperson, just depended on hydropower generation. Now, because of the climate change effects, this Administration has thought it wise to explore other alternative sources of energy. This is what we are doing. Come next year, we will have a number of positive results because of the investments that we have put in the energy sector. Due to the interventions this leadership has put in place –

 

Ms Mulenga interjected.

 

The Deputy Chairperson: Hon. Member for Kalulushi, no one has given you the Floor for you to debate whilst seated.

 

Ms Mulenga: I am just worried.

 

Mr Nkandu: Send her out.

 

The Deputy Chairperson: I do not want to argue with you. I am just guiding you.

 

May the hon. Minister proceed.

 

Mr Chikote: Mr Chairperson, we have already put in place 2 MW for the people in Kalulushi. So, that is how this Administration has decided to put money in the energy sector. What I can assure the hon. Members is that going forward in the energy sector, Zambia will be a trading hub for power supply. This Administration has committed itself and has created better policies that are attracting investment in the country.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Chikote: Mr Chairperson, next year, 2026, they will see a lot of change in terms of power supply.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Chikote: Mr Chairperson, people should not start talking about two hours. We have improved. We have not just announced, but we want people to see the results. The energy sector under the leadership of Mr Hakainde Hichilema will not be the way it was in the past.

 

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

People should now not talk about two hours of power supply because we have improved. We have not just announced because we want people to see the results.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Chikote: Mr Chairperson, the energy sector, under the leadership of Mr Hakainde Hichilema, will not be the same as it was in the past.

 

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kampyongo rose.

 

The Deputy Chairperson: Hon. Member, resume your seat. Our rules state that it is only one hon. Member per political grouping to contribute to a particular Head. The rules are clear. So, let us follow them. We are the ones who make the rules.

 

Mr Kampyongo interjected.

 

The Deputy Chairperson: Order, Hon. Member!

 

An opportunity was availed to you. So, you should have packaged yourself well to ensure that whatever you wanted to put across was done at that opportune time. The hon. Minister has responded to your concerns. We cannot get back to you. The rules do not allow that.

 

Mr Kampyongo interjected.

 

The Deputy Chairperson: So, let us operate by the rules. I cannot bend the rules because of you. It cannot happen. Resume your seat, hon. Member.

 

Mr Kampyongo: We need clarifications!

 

The Deputy Chairperson: Hon. Member, resume your seat.

 

Mr Kampyongo resumed his seat.

 

The Deputy Chairperson: The hon. Minister has responded. He is the one in the Government. You cannot expect him to respond the way you want. Why did you ask for clarification? The hon. Minister has responded. Let us proceed as such.

 

Vote 62 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

 

VOTE 66 – (Ministry of Technology and Science – K1,372,222,431)

 

The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation (Eng. Nzovu) (on behalf of the Minister of Technology and Science (Mr Mutati)): Mr Chairperson, I beg to move that K1,372,222,431 be approved in respect of Vote 66 – Ministry of Technology and Science to meet the expenditure for the year ending 31^st December, 2026.

 

Mr Chairperson, I thank you.  

 

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Mr Chairperson, thank you very much.

 

Mr Chairperson, the Ministry of Technology and Science has been allocated K1.3 billion for 2026. In 2024 and 2025, it was given K1 billion for each year. The ministry we are talking about is anchored on technology and science. The money that has been allocated is out of the K253.1 billion for the National Budget. This is where you assess the seriousness of any government. Technology increases efficiency in any country. What is the ratio of the need for efficiency, as far as the United Party for National Development (UPND) is concerned, as reflected in the allocation for this ministry’s budget? If technology is improved in our country, communication will also improve. With all the cyber laws and restricting legislation that have been enacted by the UPND Government, …

 

Mr Nkandu: Question!

 

Mr Kafwaya: … sophisticated technology is need. To do that, you need a government that can promulgate effective policy, but what has the UPND done? Mr Chairperson, it has only allocated K1.3 billion out of K253.1 billion to an important institution. I think, that money is insufficient. You cannot focus on important matters with few resources and think that you can improve the country. This country will be judged for such actions. The Zambian people are watching, and they are saying that this is the thinking of the Government that they have.

 

Mr Chairperson, technology provides instant access to information. Who does not want instant access to information? For example, if my relatives in some place have a health problem, would I want to know immediately so that if I have anything, I can do something about it? Yes, I do. What can facilitate that is technology. However, the budget for technology is only being allocated K1.3 billion. I think, that is a very poor decision. When we sit as leaders, we must make considerations that reflect that we prioritise the people; we prioritise improving their lives. Daily life and work are made easy by technology. Most likely, what I am saying can be heard across the country because of technology. Do we want improvements in technology? Do we want to improve the policy environment and ensure that we have that kind of life, or even better? I think that the UPND must think about bettering the lives of our people, and that must show in the manner it allocates resources. This allocation is a very poor way of considering important functions of the Government. This allocation is dismal and I urge the UPND – I have not moved an amendment on this particular item and I will not move one because it has passed. Next time – will there be a next time (looked at Mr B. Mpundu)?

 

Mr B. Mpundu indicated dissent.

 

Mr Kafwaya: Oh, there may not be a next time …

 

Hon. Government Members: Question!

 

Mr Kafwaya: … to provide decent numbers for important functions. How does the House feel about the UPND Government giving K1.3 billion to technology? How?

 

Rev. Katuta: I feel bad!

 

Mr Kafwaya: Yes, like me.

 

Mr Chairperson, we feel bad. We are all disappointed. So, we must do better. We should look at important functions with the importance they deserve. Even though I may not necessarily support it, I have no choice but to say that the UPND should proceed. Of course, we need to look at such things in a better way.

 

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

 

 Mr Mutelo (Mitete): Mr Chairperson, thank you very much.

 

Mr Chairperson, picking it from the last debater, there is a plus, not a minus. He said that the allocation is K1.3 billion from the K1 billion that was allocated previously. That is how things work. Yes, there is a need to build on technology, but where does it come from? It is through education. When the base and foundation are well laid, technology is improved. How does that happen? More teachers are employed and more schools are built.

 

This money is for Starlink, an Internet connection that has been provided in a good number of health facilities. As the hon. Minister has also stated, the budget allocation will improve next time or come next year, from K1.3 billion, as the economy is doing well. Copper production is increasing, and the price on the market is now favourable. The economy will grow, and the allocation of resources to the Ministry of Technology and Science, as well as other ministries, will also grow. That is how it works.

 

Mr Chairperson, as the hon. Member for Lunte has also supported, …

 

Mr Kafwaya: I have no choice.

 

 Mr Mutelo: … with the choice that he has, and our choices as well, we support this budget line. However, is it true that the hon. Member for Mpongwe, the hon. Member for Zambezi West, the hon. Member for Liuwa, the hon. Member for Namwala and the hon. Member for Chifubu, are hecklers? Is it true? Is it true that Hon. Kanengo, the hon. Member for Gwembe and the hon. Member for Kalabo Central are hecklers? As I support this allocation, I want to say that it is not true.

 

Mr Chairperson, the United Party for National Development (UPND), under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, means well for this country.

 

Mr Chairperson, I thank you.

 

Vote 66 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

 

VOTE 68 – (Ministry of Tourism – K1,535,615,025)

 

The Minister of Tourism (Mr Sikumba): Mr Chairperson, I beg to move that K1,535,615,025 be approved in respect of Vote 68 – Ministry of Tourism, to meet the expenditure for the year ending 31^st December, 2026.

 

Mr Chairperson, I thank you.

 

Vote 68 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

 

VOTE 77 – (Ministry of Defence – K 11,603,978,986)

 

 The Minister of Defence (Mr Lufuma): Mr Chairperson, I beg to move that K 11,603,978,986 be approved in respect of Vote 77 – Ministry of Defence, to meet the expenditure for the year ending 31^st December, 2026.

 

Mr Chairperson, I thank you.

 

Vote 77 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

 

VOTE 78 – (Zambia Security Intelligence Service – Office of the President – K2,234,222,312)

 

The Minister of Defence and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House (Mr Lufuma): Mr Chairperson, I beg to move that K2,234,222,312 be approved in respect of Vote 78 – Zambia Security Intelligence Service – Office of the President, to meet the expenditure for the year ending 31^st December, 2026.

 

Mr Chairperson, I thank you.

 

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Thank you so much, Mr Chairperson, for allowing me to make a brief comment on this very important Vote 78 – Zambia Security Intelligence Service – Office of the President.

 

Mr Chairperson, this is a very important institution that serves as a mirror of society in the security cluster. The minor increment in the budget allocation to this institution does not speak to the mammoth task this institution will undertake in the coming year, which will be the year of the general elections.

Mr Chairperson, Programme 4154: Sub-Programme 002 – Administrative Operations, there has been a significant reduction in the allocation. This year, this line was allocated K169,226,101. In the coming fiscal year, the proposal is to allocate only K106,572,830.

 

This poses a challenge to the institution. A well-resourced and grounded institution will help to manage the activities of next year. A well-resourced and grounded institution will manage to have the information it requires at any given time. If this institution is well-capacitated and well-grounded, we could avoid regrettable incidents, such as what we witnessed in Chingola. The role of the institution is to ensure that the bearer of the office, from which the institution derives its name, is protected prior to and after his engagements. So, it is important that we put resources in this institution to enable it to function properly.

 

Mr Chairperson, we are in an era of many masquerading busybodies. Where I come from, they call them bakachepa. They can even flatter authorities with hot air in the name of this institution. I urge this institution to start taking firm action against scammers who masquerade as its members. This institution has a solemn responsibility to provide accurate information to authorities on what is obtaining on the ground so that authorities can make informed decisions. Therefore, I am calling on the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning not to think of supplementary estimates to support this institution. It is important that we plan for resources that will capacitate the institution to undertake mammoth tasks, such as the ones it is going to have next year. This institution will work throughout the year as the country goes towards elections. So, my plea to the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House, who has presented these estimates, is that he should engage the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning for more resources to be found for this institution. I have demonstrated how the Government has not depicted the activities that the institution is going to embark on next year. We need to allocate resources that match the mammoth task that the institution is going to have next year.

 

Mr Chairperson, with those few remarks, I would like to hear the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House respond to the concern I have raised with regard to Programme 4154 and Sub-Programme 002.

 

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

 

Mr Lufuma: Mr Chairperson, I would like to thank Hon. Kampyongo for the observation. He is absolutely right that Sub-Programme 002 – Administrative Operations under Vote 78 has been reduced by a certain percentage. I think, it has reduced by 10 per cent or so. It is true that it has been reduced. However, what we should note is that the reduction is in administration. I think, that should not necessarily impede the core operations of the institution. If the hon. Member does not mind, he can check Programme 4154 – Specialised and Technical Services.  This is the core activity of this institution, and the allocation for this programme has been increased, taking into consideration what the hon. Member has raised, which is that 2026 is going to be a busy year. So, the Programme has been given a little more money for 2026 than it was given this year, in order to take care of the fears of Hon. Kampyongo.

 

Mr Chairperson, overall, I think, it is important that hon. Members of Parliament conceptualise that budgeting is a very delicate activity. The Government has competing needs and limited resources. The allocations have to ensure the smooth operations of the Government. As far as we are concerned, as the New Dawn Government, we have done the best we could even for this very important institution, and we hope that it will deliver on its core mandate. However, should there be a need, and I will say it again, should there be any need for us to allocate more funds, the mid-term supplementary budget will come, and we will do exactly that.

 

Mr Chairperson, I hope I have been able to explain what Hon. Kampyongo asked me to explain.

 

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

 

Vote 78 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

 

VOTE 85 – (Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources – K283,092,624)

 

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources (Mrs Masebo): Mr Chairperson, I beg to move that K283,092,624 be approved in respect of Vote 85 – Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, to meet the expenditure for the year ending 31^st December, 2026.

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Chairperson, I have very few comments on this vote. First and foremost, this ministry is very critical in land administration and regulation of natural resources. It is also important for fostering sustainable development in the sector. Looking at the allocation for next year, I would like the hon. Minister to assure us that with the significant reduction of the vote total, the ministry will still function properly. This year, the ministry was allocated K304,337,430, but the allocation for next year, 2026, has been reduced to K283,092,624.

 

Mr Chairperson, notwithstanding the fact that much as we are looking at the projected reduction in the inflation rate, the ministry is already struggling. So, reducing figures in this fashion might pose a challenge for its operations in the next fiscal year. I would like to get an assurance from the hon. Minister on how the ministry is going to ensure that its key portfolio functions are not affected because most of the Budget lines have been reduced. Of course, the only one that has slightly increased is the Budget line to do with PEs, but the rest of the Budget lines have been reduced starting from general operations, which has seen a reduction from K90,842,416 to about K84,952,669, and other sub-programmes.

 

Mr Chairperson, if we look at the challenges the ministry is facing, the ministry has to digitalise its operations fully and delegate its mandate to the local authorities. Insofar as land management is concerned, this should be effectively implemented. So, could the hon. Minister assure us on how the ministry is going to navigate around the reductions of its budget allocation in the next fiscal year.

 

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

   

Mrs Masebo: Mr Chairperson, I thank the hon. Member of Parliament who has ably justified his statement. It does help, because then, we all begin to appreciate the importance of sectors. However, I just want to say that whilst his points are valid, I want him to note that there are some programmes that we have dropped because we completed them the previous year. Secondly, we are mindful of our priorities as a country as most of the money is going to areas where the implications on the communities will be much more impactful. Thirdly, we hope we can apply for a Supplementary Budget, especially when it comes to the Land Development Fund, which is supposed to be given to local authorities, to help them open up new serviced pieces of land countrywide.

 

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

 

Vote 85 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

 

  VOTE 86 – (Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock – K1,854,049,407)

 

The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock (Mr Kapala):  Mr Chairperson, I beg to move that K1,854,049,407 be approved in respect of Vote 86 – Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, to meet the expenditure for the year ending 31^st December, 2026.  

 

 Vote 86 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

 

 VOTE 87 – (Anti-Corruption Commission – K199,960,768)

 

The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security (Mr Mwiimbu, SC.):  Mr Chairperson, I beg to move that K199,960,768 be approved in respect of Vote 87 – Anti-Corruption Commission, to meet the expenditure for the year ending 31^st December, 2026.  

 

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Mr Chairperson, this is just a brief comment on the Vote under consideration, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

 

Mr Chairperson, this is one of the most important commissions in our country and it is supposed to be supported. In order for the ACC to enhance credibility, it must begin to cultivate fairness. The Commission should not just be fair, but it should be seen to be fair. I have in mind an issue that I brought on the Floor of this House, on the arrest of –

 

The Deputy Chairperson: Order, hon. Member!

 

 That is not part of the business on the Floor of the House. I am being tolerant because you are misdirecting yourself.  Policy statement time is over. We are supposed to interrogate the figures.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Hon. PF Members: Question!

 

The Deputy Chairperson: I am a bit tolerant because as politicians, I want us to talk, but now, if you go off, I will intervene. That is not part of the business that we are doing. If I were to be strict, I would only allow figures. So, let us avoid veering off. Let us stick to the business on the Floor of the House.

 

You may proceed.

 

Mr Kafwaya: I am done.

 

The Deputy Chairperson: Are you are done?

 

Thank you very much, Hon. Kafwaya.

 

Laughter

 

Vote 87 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

 

VOTE 45 – (Ministry of Community Development and Social Services – K9,698,684,655)

 

The Minister of Community Development and Social Services (Ms D. Mwamba): Mr Chairperson, I beg to move that K9,698,684,655 be approved in respect of Vote 45 – Ministry of Community Development and Social Services to meet the expenditure for the year ending 31^st December, 2026 in line with the programmes as outlined in the Yellow Book.

 

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Chairperson, I appreciate the figures that have been presented by the hon. Minister. However, I have a few issues to raise. There is a significant reduction from the total allocation this year, whilst we expect the social safety net programmes to be up-scaled, as we move into next year. I would like to take the hon. Minister’s attention to Programme 5451 – Social Assistance. This year, the programme had K8,289,221,473 and next year, there is a reduction in the allocation to K7,667,887,508. It would appear that that is one of the core programmes that the ministry will undertake. At the backdrop of this reduction, under the same programme, there is a significant reduction to Sub-Programme 09 – Social Cash Transfer – Donor under social benefits. The allocation was K1,542,900,000, but it has drastically reduced to only K910,000,000. I would like to hear how the ministry will balance the scale. On one hand there is a huge reduction on donor funding towards the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) Scheme, and then there is also a reduction to social assistance, which has sub-programmes like Public Welfare Assistance, Social Cash Transfer and Care for Older Persons.

 

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

 

Ms D. Mwamba: Mr Chairperson, I acknowledge the submission made by the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu.

 

Mr Chairperson, the reduction is due to the fact that the ministry does not plan to pay out any Emergency Social Cash Transfer in 2026, which is a programme that was implemented between April, 2024 and April, 2025 during the drought.

 

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kafwaya: Mr Chairperson, I just need clarification on two figures, if you can allow me to do it at once so that I do not stand up twice.

 

Mr Chairperson, the allocation under Vote 45 – Programme 5451 ­– Sub-Programme 1001 ­ – Public Welfare Assistance has reduced from K7.2 million in 2025 to K7 million in 2026. Similarly, the allocation to Sub-Programme 1003 – Care for Older Persons has reduced from K11.99 million to K11 million. What could be the reasons for these reductions?

 

Ms D. Mwamba: Mr Chairperson, the reduction under Care for Older Persons is due to the fact that after the validation of beneficiaries in this category in 2024 and 2025, the ministry found that most of them were deceased. Therefore, they are no longer beneficiaries.

 

Mr Chairperson, I would like to take this opportunity to say that the ministry is validating beneficiaries of the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) as well.

 

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

 

Vote 45 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

 

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

 

_______

 

HOUSE RESUMED

 

[ MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

(Progress reported)

 

_______

 

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

 

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

 

Question put and agreed to.

_______

 

The House adjourned at 1202 hours until 1430 hours on Tuesday, 9^th December, 2025.

 

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