Tuesday, 3^rd February, 2026

The House met at 1430 hours

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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OATH OF ALLEGIANCE

The following hon. Member took and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance:

Bright Nundwe

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ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM SPEAKER

ACTING LEADER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN THE HOUSE

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I have received communication to the effect that in the absence of Her Honour the Vice-President, who is attending to other Government business, the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Hon. Jack J. Mwiimbu, SC., MP, has been appointed Acting Leader of Government Business in the House from today, 3^rd February, 2026, until further notice.

Thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM MAGOYE SECONDARY SCHOOL

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of pupils and teachers from Magoye Secondary School in Mazabuka District.

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

Thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM WORSHIP POWER HOUSE FAMILY CHURCH DESTINY SCHOOL

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of pupils and teachers from Worship Power House Family Church Destiny School in Lusaka District.

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

Thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

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CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OF SESSIONAL COMMITTEES

SESSIONAL COMPOSITION – MEMBERSHIP

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to inform the House that in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 176(3), I have made changes to the composition of the following Committees:

Committee on Legal Affairs, Human Rights and Governance

Mr Emmanuel M. Musonda, MP

Committee on Transport, Works and Supply

Mr Bright Nundwe, MP

Thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

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COMMUNICATION FROM THE SPEAKER

SECOND MEETING OF THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE THIRTEENTH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, in line with Order 56 of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, I wish to address the House.

Hon. Members, I wish to warmly welcome you all to the second Meeting of the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly. I trust that you had a restful and productive festive period, and that you took the opportunity to engage meaningfully with your constituents on matters affecting their communities and the nation at large.

Let me take this opportunity to congratulate and welcome to this august House the newly elected Member of Parliament for Chawama Parliamentary Constituency, Mr Bright Nundwe, MP, whom I have just sworn in, following the by-election that was held on Thursday, 15^th January, 2026. I wish the hon. Member success, and urge him to participate diligently and effectively in the Business of the House in the service of the people of Chawama, whom he is privileged to represent.

I further wish to extend my sincere congratulations to the hon. Members who were recognised during the annual awards ceremony for Parliamentarians that was held on Wednesday, 3^rd December, 2025. The awards signify exemplary service, dedication and commitment to parliamentary duties. I commend the recipients for their distinguished performance and encourage all hon. Members to draw inspiration from this recognition and participate actively and effectively in parliamentary business.

The House may wish to note that during the recess, I had the honour to commission the Kaoma Central Parliamentary Constituency Office, which was constructed using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) at a total cost of K2.2 million. This is the third constituency office constructed using the CDF that I have commissioned after those in Lundazi and Kanchibiya. This important milestone represents yet another significant step in strengthening participatory democracy by bringing Parliament closer to the people. I am aware that other constituency offices, such as in Solwezi West and Isoka, have been completed and are awaiting commissioning. Let me urge other hon. Members to ensure that their constituency offices are completed this year.

Let me take this opportunity to also urge all hon. Members to implement the Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative (PCEI), which aims at developing small solar farms to generate 2 MW of electricity in each constituency countrywide. Once implemented, this project will greatly improve electricity supply to all districts and create guaranteed income streams for participating constituencies through power sales, thereby enabling community development while contributing to national energy security.

Hon. Members, let me now turn to the Business of the House for this Meeting. As you are aware, the primary purpose of this Meeting is the consideration of Bills. However, the House will also transact other business, including Questions for Oral Answer and reports of delegations to international conferences in line with the Standing Orders. The House is also expected to consider Private Member’s Motions.

As the House is aware, His Excellency Mr John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, will be coming to address the House on Thursday, 5^th February, 2026. This will be followed by the Motion of Thanks to the President of the Republic of Ghana’s Address, which will be debated on Tuesday, 10^th February, 2026.

I further wish to inform the House that the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, is expected to address the House on the Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles, in line with Article 86(1), as read together with Articles 8 and 9(2) of the Constitution of Zambia, Chapter 1 of the Laws of Zambia. This will be followed by the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address, which will be debated for a period of ten Sitting days from Tuesday, 24^th February, 2026 to Wednesday, 11^th March, 2026.

Hon. Members, it is clear from the foregoing that we have a lot of work ahead of us. In this regard, the need to maintain decorum, order and parliamentary etiquette for the smooth conduct of business throughout this Meeting cannot be overemphasised. I sincerely hope that during this Meeting, hon. Members will conduct themselves in a manner befitting the dignity of this House and avoid any form of unparliamentary conduct.

In conclusion, I wish to implore the House to work as a collective unit in the shared interest of advancing development and prosperity for our nation. I wish all of you fruitful deliberations throughout this Meeting.

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Does the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House wish to comment on the communication I just rendered?

 

The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House (Mr Mwiimbu, SC.): Yes, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity you have given me to comment on behalf of the Executive on your timely and well-considered communication at the commencement of this Meeting.

To begin with, Madam Speaker, may I join you in welcoming the newly-elected hon. Member of Parliament for Chawama Constituency under the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) party, Mr Bright Nundwe, MP. I trust that he will contribute meaningfully to the legislative work of this House in the service of the Zambian people.

Madam Speaker, allow me to also congratulate the United Party for National Development (UPND) for winning the bigger prize involving two constituencies in the Northern Province, Lukashya and Kasama Central.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: I congratulate the UPND on winning the mayoral seat in Kasama District, especially since it was in the master bedroom of the Patriotic Front (PF).

Madam Speaker, the Executive fully aligns itself with your guidance regarding the orderly conduct of business in this House, particularly as we turn our attention to the consideration of Bills and other important parliamentary matters.

Mr E. Tembo: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Madam Speaker, we take note of your call for diligence, decorum and respect for established parliamentary rules, which remain the cornerstone of effective parliamentary democracy.

Madam Speaker, the Executive strongly supports your emphasis on the prudent and transparent utilisation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), especially that with the passing of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025, we, as hon. Members, are all going back to councils so that we prudently utilise the CDF. Indeed, the commissioning of the Kaoma Central Parliamentary Constituency Office stands as a commendable example of how public resources can be applied to strengthen participatory governance and bring Parliament closer to the people.

Finally, Madam Speaker, the Executive assures you and this House of its full co-operation throughout this Meeting. We remain committed to constructive engagement with all hon. Members in advancing legislation and policies that promote national development and the welfare of our citizens.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

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

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, you know what the Standing Orders state. Do not stand to raise a point of order when you know that this is not the appropriate time to do so. So, please, wait. Let us transact business first.

Does the hon. Leader of the Opposition also wish to comment on the communication?

Interruptions

Mr Chabinga (Mafinga): Yes, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I am equally grateful for the opportunity given to me as the Leader of the Opposition to comment on the communication you just rendered, marking the opening of this Legislative Meeting.

Madam Speaker, may I also join you and the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House in welcoming all hon. Members to the Legislative Meeting of the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly.

Madam Speaker, I further wish to join you and the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House in welcoming the newly-elected hon. Member of Parliament for Chawama Parliamentary Constituency, Mr Bright Nundwe, to the House. I wish him well as he undertakes his constitutional responsibilities. As a fellow Member of Parliament of the Opposition, I urge him to put the country’s interests first as he discharges his parliamentary duties.

Madam Speaker, we, the Opposition, appreciate your reaffirmation of the principles of parliamentary decorum, etiquette and respect, which underpin our parliamentary processes. The Opposition recognises that the effective functioning of this House depends on discipline, mutual respect and adherence to established procedures, as we fully support your guidance in this regard.

Madam Speaker, I just want to emphasise to my Whip that we shall not tolerate indiscipline in this city.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chabinga: Madam Speaker, your remarks on the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) are both timely and necessary. If you look at the hon. Members on your left, you will see that they are very cool, calm and collected, because they like to be orderly and disciplined, as they follow their leader when he talks. 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chabinga: Madam Speaker, the Opposition supports the transparent and accountable use of public resources, and agrees that funds must be directed towards programmes that produce tangible benefits for our communities. In this regard, we, the Opposition, the real Opposition, would like to thank the Executive arm of the Government, led by the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, for its unwavering commitment to ensuring that the CDF is available. We, the hon. Members on your left, are committed to ensuring the prudent utilisation of the CDF in our respective constituencies.

 

Madam Speaker, while the Opposition will continue to discharge its duty of scrutiny with diligence, we reaffirm our commitment to constructive engagement within this House in the broader national interest. We further pledge to discharge our duties in a non-biased manner, and to not act as an impediment towards progressive Government initiatives and proposals, such as the increased CDF from K36.1 million to K40 million per constituency per year. We in the Opposition will always support such progressive moves, as they enhance the social and economic growth of our country.

Madam Speaker, we thank you for your leadership, and ensure you of our co-operation and support, as you discharge your functions –

Mr B. Mpundu: To “assure,” not ensure.

Mr Chabinga:  To ensure.

You must understand English.

Hon. PF Members: Question!

Mr Chabinga: I want to assure you of our co-operation and support for a productive and dignified meeting.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Members on your left support you.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

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BUSINESS STATEMENT

The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House (Mr Mwiimbu, SC.): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the House Business Committee met on Thursday, 29^th January, 2026, to determine and schedule the Business of the House for the period 3^rd to 13^th February, 2026.

Madam Speaker, the House Business Committee resolved to lay before the House, business for consideration during the first two weeks of this Meeting as set out below.

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

The following Ministerial Statements on topical issues may be considered:

1. Update on the temporary suspension and restriction of certain United States of America (USA) visa categories for Zambian nationals by the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation;

1. Update on the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) payments to the farmers who supplied maize during the 2025 Crop Marketing Season by the hon. Minister of Agriculture;

1. Update on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme by the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning;

1. Update on electricity supply and adjusted tariffs by the hon. Minister of Energy;

 

1. Update on the anticipated crop yield in the 2025/2026 Farming Season by the hon. Minister of Agriculture;

1. Update on the economic situation in the country by the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning; and

1. Update on the delimitation exercise and preparation for the 2026 General Elections by the Vice President.

Bills

The Bills listed hereunder will be considered:

1. Food Reserve Agency Bill, No. 33 of 2025. This will be at the Second Reading stage and the date for consideration is 4^th February, 2026;

1. The Immigration Control Bill, No. 18 of 2025. This will be at the Second Reading stage and the date for consideration is 4^th February, 2026;

1. The Teaching Profession Bill, No. 14 of 2025. This will be at the Committee stage and the date for consideration is 6^th February, 2026;

1. The State-Owned Enterprises Bill, No. 37 of 2025. This will be at the Second Reading stage and the date for consideration is 10^th February, 2026;

1. The Agriculture Credit and Warehouses Receipts Bill, No. 34 of 2025. This will be at the Second Reading stage and the date for consideration is 10^th February, 2026;

1. The National Payments Systems Bill, No. 32 of 2025. This will be at the Second Reading Stage and the date for consideration is 12^th February, 2026;

1. The Agriculture Marketing Bill, No. 35 of 2025. This will be at the Second Reading stage and the date for consideration is 12^th February, 2026; and

1. The Zambia Deposit Insurance Corporation Bill, No. 38 of 2025. This will be at the Second Reading stage and the date for consideration is 13^th February, 2026.

Private Members' Motions

The following Private Member’s Motion is scheduled to be considered during this period:

Mr S. Chanda, MP, will move a Motion entitled: “Introduce a National Heritage Cultural Week” on 11^th February, 2026.

Questions

Hon. Ministers will respond to fifty Questions for Oral and 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 Notice of Questions for Friday, 12^th September, 2025 and Friday, 28^th November, 2025, which were circulated to all hon. Members.

 

Address by the President of the Republic of Ghana

His Excellency Mr John Dramani Mahama is scheduled to address the National Assembly of Zambia on Thursday, 5^th February, 2026, during his State Visit to Zambia. The House will debate the Motion of Thanks to the Ghanaian President's Address on Tuesday, 10^th February, 2026. To this effect, on Wednesday, 4^th February, 2026, I will move a Motion to suspend relevant Standing Orders to accommodate the Address by the President of Ghana.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the House Business Committee, and in accordance with Order No. 44 of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, I have the pleasure to present the business for the first two weeks of this Meeting to this august House.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

As you know, hon. Members, in accordance with our Standing Orders, only three Urgent Matters without Notice can be raised at a sitting. So, we will start with the hon. Member for Chama North.

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MR MTAYACHALO, HON. MEMBER FOR CHAMA NORTH ON THE HON. MINISTER OF EDUCATION, MR SYAKALIMA, ON BASIC SCHOOLS DOWNGRADED TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North): Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to present my Urgent Matter without Notice, but before I do so, allow me to welcome you and all hon. Members of Parliament to the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly. Allow me to also congratulate Hon. Bright Nundwe for being elected Member of Parliament for Chawama Constituency for the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) under Tonse Alliance.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mtayachalo: The people of Chama are very impressed with your victory, Hon. Bright Nundwe.

Interruptions

Mr Mtayachalo: Madam Speaker, my Urgent Matter without Notice is directed at the hon. Minister of Education. I raised this matter during the last meeting of the House and I directed it at Her Honour the Vice-President, who requested for more time for her to come back to this august House with an answer. Off course, due to insufficient time, she could not present the Ministerial Statement then.

Madam Speaker, the issue of downgrading basic schools to primary schools following the new curriculum has brought many challenges. The situation, as I had earlier noted, is that, parents and guardians are now failing to secure Form 1 places for their children because of fewer schools. For example, Sitwe Middle Basic School is located about 60 km away from other schools. So, how can a child go and stay in a weekly boarding house? The situation is so desperate especially in rural areas. In town, there are no challenges. I thought that the hon. Minister of Education would come to this august House with a Ministerial Statement.

Madam Speaker, the challenge is that there are girl children who start school at the ages of four and five.  By the time they reach the age of eleven, they would be sent to schools that are far away and they would stay in weekly boarding houses.  Can such children concentrate on education? So, this matter is very serious–

The Hon. Member’s time expired.

Madam Speaker: If you can wind up the question hon. Member, your time is up.

Mr Mtayachalo: So, Madam Speaker, I seek your serious indulgence in this matter.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much, hon. Member for Chama North. I suggest you file in a question. Since the matter relates to children who are supposed to go to school now, you can file in an urgent question.

 

Mr Syakalima indicated.

Madam Speaker: I believe the hon. Minister wants to speak but there is no provision for that.  He can only speak if he brings a Ministerial Statement.

Mr Syakalima indicated dissent.

Madam Speaker: The hon. Member for Chama North will file in an urgent question which will be on the Floor of the House maybe, by Wednesday or Thursday, and the hon. Minister will be able to respond. That way, hon. Members will be able to ask questions. If the hon. Minister responds now, there will be no follow-up and supplementary questions.

MR MWILA, HON. MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR MUFULIRA, ON THE ACTING LEADER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN THE HOUSE, MR MWIIMBU, SC., ON SAFETY AT MOPANI COPPER MINES

Mr Mwila (Mufulira): Madam Speaker, allow me to join you and my hon. Colleagues in welcoming the newly elected Member of Parliament for Chawama, Hon. Bright Nundwe, who won the election under the Tonse Alliance.

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

It is FDD!

Mr Mwila: Madam Speaker, my question is primarily directed at the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development but since I cannot see him in the House, I will direct it at the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House.

Madam Speaker, safety has been the hallmark of the mining sector in this country moreso, that now, the mining technology has improved. Miners feel very safe to go and work underground, come out and go to meet their families and continue with their lives.

Madam Speaker, three weeks ago, we had two fatalities that occurred underground in Kitwe and Mufulira. The fatality in Mufulira happened on Saturday, 31^st January, 2026. These accidents have instilled fear in the miners who work underground. They feel it is risky and unsafe for them to work underground. So, I was expecting that the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development or the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House would issue a statement on safety measures that have been put in place at Mopani Copper Mines in Kitwe and Mufulira, to ensure that miners safely go underground and come out to meet their families and continue with their lives.

Madam Speaker, I seek your indulgence.

Madam Speaker: Thank you, hon. Member for Mufulira. I suggest you file in a question and the hon. Minister will be able to address your concerns.

MR KANG’OMBE, HON. MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR KAMFINSA, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF ENERGY, MR CHIKOTE, ON THE COST OF ELECTRICITY UNITS

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, allow me to join you in welcoming all hon. Members of Parliament and in particular, the hon. Member of Parliament for Chawama.

Madam Speaker, there is public outcry regarding the cost of electricity units in Zambia. You are aware that the procedure for adjusting the cost of electricity units is prescribed in the laws of Zambia. The law demands that if ZESCO Limited has plans to adjust the cost of the tariffs, it should issue a public notice, people should make submissions and the regulator, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB), should then consider the application from the power utility company.

 

Madam Speaker, we have not seen any advertisement running on the possibility of increasing electricity tariffs yet, there is public outcry that the cost of electricity units has been adjusted. Previously, when people bought electricity units, units would last a much longer period. Now, because of this public outcry, it is necessary that information is provided to the public as to whether or not there is an emergency tariff that has been adopted by ZESCO Limited through the regulator. I therefore, direct an Urgent Matter without Notice at the hon. Minister of Energy …

Mr. B. Mpundu: Amalaiti yalepwa bwangu!

Mr Kang’ombe: …on whether he is in order not to provide information to the public as to whether or not the tariff has been adjusted in terms of the cost of units. It is important that an opportunity is given to the hon. Minister to clarify this important aspect which is exercising the minds of our people.

Madam Speaker, I seek your indulgence.

Mr B. Mpundu: Baletwiibila!

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members.

Hon. Member for Kamfinsa, thank you very much. However, if the hon. Member for Kamfinsa paid attention to the Business Statement that was rendered by the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House, he would have noticed that under Ministerial Statements, there is update by the hon. Minister of Energy on electricity supply and adjusted tariffs. So, the hon. Member for Kamfinsa can hold on to his questions until the hon. Minister of Energy comes to the House to give that Ministerial Statement.

So, that is three questions on Urgent Matters without Notice.

There is a request that since this is the first day, we should allow more Urgent Matters without Notice. Is it the wish of the House that we allow more Urgent Matters without Notice?

Hon. Opposition Members: Yes!

Hon. UPND Members: No!

Madam Speaker: The Standing Orders say only three questions. So, it is the House that makes decisions. If the House is willing to proceed with more Urgent Matters without Notice –

Hon. Opposition Members: Yes!

Hon. UPND Members: No!

Mr Kampyongo: We are willing.

 

Madam Speaker: No, the majority are saying no. So, tomorrow, hon. Members can bring those Urgent Matters without Notice.

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MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

 TEMPORARY SUSPENSION AND RESTRICTION OF CERTAIN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA) VISA CATEGORIES FOR ZAMBIAN NATIONALS

The Minister of Tourism (Mr Sikumba) (on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation (Mr Haimbe, SC.)): Madam Speaker, I wish to thank you, most sincerely, for granting me this opportunity to inform this honourable House and the nation at large of the recent decision by the Government of the United States of America (USA) to impose temporary restrictions on the issuance and use of certain visa categories to Zambian nationals.

Madam Speaker, through this Ministerial Statement, the Government seeks to provide clarity on the nature and scope of the measures, explain their implications for Zambian citizens and businesses, and outline the actions that it has taken to address the matter and to safeguard Zambia’s bilateral relations with the USA.

Madam Speaker, the decision arises from the USA immigration compliance framework, which provides for administrative corrective measures where overstay rates by nationals of a particular country exceed prescribed thresholds.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, according to the most recent USA visa overstay report, Zambia recorded overstay rates of 10.73 per cent for B-1 and B-2 visas and 21.02 per cent for F, M and J visas. These rates are above the compliance benchmarks applied under the USA immigration policy and have, consequently, triggered the application of temporary administrative measures. I wish to emphasise that this decision is administrative and rules-based and should not be construed as a political or diplomatic sanction on the Republic of Zambia.

Madam Speaker, the measures that are currently in force are specific, limited and corrective in nature. They do not constitute a general travel ban and apply only to defined visa categories as follows:

Immigrant Visas

 Madam Speaker, immigrant visas and visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to relocate to the USA on a permanent basis, including for purposes of family reunification, employment-based permanent residence, or diversity-based immigration. Under the current measures, the issuance and entry of Zambian nationals under immigrant visa categories has been temporarily suspended, subject to limited legal and humanitarian exceptions, as may be determined by the USA authorities. This suspension applies only to new immigrant visa processing and entry, and does not invalidate lawful permanent residence status already granted.

 Non-Immigrant Visas Subject to Suspension

 Madam Speaker, the USA authorities have also temporarily suspended the issuance and entry of Zambian nationals under the following non-immigrant visa categories:

1. B-1 visas for short-term business travel, including meetings and conferences;

1. B-2 visas for tourism, family visits and medical treatment;

1. F visas for academic studies;

1. M visas for vocational and technical training; and

1. J visas for exchange programmes for scholars, interns and cultural participants.

 

Madam Speaker, these categories were identified due to elevated overstay rates.

Restriction of Visa Validity for Certain Categories

Madam Speaker, for non-immigrant visa categories that remain operational, including A-1, A-2, G-1 and G-2 visas issued to Government officials and representatives attending official meetings and conferences, consular officers have been instructed to reduce visa validity periods to the maximum extent permitted under the USA law.

Madam Speaker, for the avoidance of doubt, the measures do not affect diplomatic relations between Zambia and the USA. They do not interrupt trade, investment, development, co-operation or financial flows. They do not isolate Zambia from the international community. The measures are temporal and subject to review based on demonstrable improvement in compliance outcomes.

Madam Speaker, the suspension of the affected visa categories has implications for students, business persons, tourists and participants in exchange programmes. However, holders of valid visas remain subject to the terms of their lawful stay. Official, diplomatic and other legally exempt categories remain operational, and the Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, is providing guidance to affected citizens and institutions. This situation underscores the importance of adherence to visa conditions by all travelling abroad.

Madam Speaker, I wish to re-assure the honourable House that Zambia’s trade and investment relations with the USA remain fully intact. Exports, imports, investments, remittances and financial transactions continue without any interruption, and existing contractual agreements remain unaffected.

Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, in collaboration with relevant line ministries and agencies, is addressing this matter through the following measures:

1. continue diplomatic engagements with the USA authorities to clarify compliance benchmarks, and review mechanisms and pathways for the eventual lifting of the restrictions;

1. enhance public sensitisation on visa conditions and the legal consequences of non-compliance abroad;

1. strengthen institutional co-ordination on migration data, traveller monitoring and compliance management in line with international best practices; and

1. parliamentary accountability. The Government will keep this honourable House informed on the progress made.

 Madam Speaker, as I conclude, I would like to say that Zambia remains firmly committed to lawful international mobility, and to maintaining strong and mutual beneficial relations with the USA. The Government urges all Zambian citizens travelling abroad to respect the laws of host countries, comply strictly with visa conditions and return home within authorised periods.

Madam Speaker, through the responsible conduct of our citizens and continued diplomatic engagement, the Government is very confident that the temporary measures will be reviewed and lifted in due course.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the Ministerial Statement presented by the Acting hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Most appreciated, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, before I pose my question on a point of clarification, permit me to acknowledge, first of all, the business statement and also urge the Executive to ensure that it brings the Bills in good time so that we can have enough time to scrutinise them.

 Madam Speaker, I would also like to join you in welcoming and congratulating my dear brother, Hon. Bright Nundwe, who emerged victorious on behalf of the Patriotic Front (PF) and the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), under the Tonse Alliance.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member’s coming has evoked interesting emotions. He has replaced a distinguished young lady who is still mourning our national parent, and, indeed, he is sitting where another young, vibrant Member of Parliament, named Munir Zulu, used to sit. So, he has come with many responsibilities.

Madam Speaker, in the same vein, I would like to join the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House in congratulating a young man called Peter Judah Chikweti who gave half of his Cabinet, which was deployed to Kasama, a good run.

Mr E. Banda: Including the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning!

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, there were thirteen Cabinet Ministers, …

Mr Simumba: Nama honda fulu!

Mr Kampyongo: … up against the young man and Hon. George Chisanga.

Mr Sampa: Elvis na kasaka ka ndalama!

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, only two months have remained. We shall go back to the ground.

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Laughter

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, the substantive hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation was recently on the Floor of this august House to give assurances –

Interruptions

Mr Kampyongo: Nakatuntulu takakabombe nombaline mu August.

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr Kampyongo: Batuntulu tantameni.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

Mr Kampyongo: He knows (pointed at Mr Nkandu).

Madam Speaker: Order!

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister of Youth –

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

Mr Kampyongo: He is disturbing me.

Interruptions 

Mr Kasandwe: Akatuntulu kalipwa.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I know it is the first day of this Meeting. We all want to throw things at one another, but, please, this should remain a House of order, etiquette and decorum. So, as we ask our questions, let us ensure that we are compliant with the Standing Orders.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, there is so much talking. Please, tone it down.

May the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu continue.

Mr Sampa: Hammer!

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, the Acting hon. Minister just gave the same assurances that the substantive hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation gave last year on the matter under discussion. The substantive hon. Minister assured this august House that by this time, the matter would be resolved.

Madam Speaker, simply put, bilateral relations are held on a reciprocal basis. They are mutual in nature to the extent that if a country is going to have bilateral relations, that  country needs to have good terms of engagement. Considering what happened, in a literal sense, Zambians are being told to not travel to the United States of America (USA), although the hon. Minister is trying to be diplomatic about the categories that would be allowed to visit the USA.

Madam Speaker, I would like to know from the hon. Minister what the major causes of the administrative measures by the USA are, other than visitors overstaying. The aspect of overstaying is synonymous with all African countries when it comes to people who move from the African continent to the USA. So, what could be the major issue now? We are hearing speculation that there may be a breach of some mineral agreement. We saw –

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

 

Please, ask a question on a point of clarification on the statement that has been rendered by the Acting hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation –

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, my simple question to the hon. Minister –

Madam Speaker:  Hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, I have not finished giving guidance.

Hon. Members, please, let us not debate. Rather, let us ask questions on the points of clarification on the statement that has been rendered. Let us not incorporate or bring in issues that have not been mentioned in the statement.

So, hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, please, can you quickly ask your question on a point of clarification because there are other hon. Members who are interested in asking questions. Two minutes have passed from the time you stood up to ask your question, but you are still trying to seek clarification. Please, can you quickly ask your question so that we can make progress.

You may continue.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, thank you so much for your guidance.

Madam Speaker, my question is: What reciprocal measures are being put in place in reaction to the decision made by the US Government through its embassy in Zambia?

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I just want to indicate that the US Government notified our ministry on 16^th December, 2025, and obviously, the said measures took effect on 1^st January, 2026.

Madam Speaker, we all know that each country has its own rules and regulations. The prescribed threshold for overstaying in the USA is 10 per cent of visas issued for certain categories, and we have gone above the threshold. That is the reason we always insist on abiding by rules. I mentioned in the Ministerial Statement that it is incumbent upon us, the citizens of Zambia, to abide by the rules that are stipulated in the respective countries that we travel to.

Madam Speaker, I will not talk about speculations. However, what is there or the data we have been given is what we have shared, which is that our B1 and B2 visa applicants have overstayed in the USA by 10.3 per cent and those with F, M and J visas have overstayed by 21.02 per cent, which is well above what is prescribed. Therefore, what the substantive hon. Minister said, which I am going to repeat, is that we will continuously engage our colleagues bilaterally so that the issues of concern are managed administratively.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr B. Mpundu (Nkana): Madam Speaker, it is good to be back. I just hope that we will be given more time to deliberate on issues that will come before this House, noting that this could be our last fight. I know that people like Hon. Jack Mwiimbu, who has been in this House for twenty-five years, may not actually come back. So, we need more time.

Laughter

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, permit me to welcome my elder brother, Hon. Bright Nundwe, to the House. As many may know, Hon. Bright Nundwe was my boss when I served as the District Commissioner (DC) for Kitwe. He was the Permanent Secretary (PS) for the Copperbelt Province. I have great respect for him and I know that he brings value to the House, as opposed to what we would have been subjected to had the other party gone through.

Laughter

Mr. B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, Zambia has enjoyed a cordial relationship with the United States of America (USA) predating Independence. In over sixty-two years, we have never been listed or blacklisted, as the case may be, let alone sanctioned by the United States (US) Government.

Madam Speaker, in the recent past, the US Embassy has issued a number of statements to the effect that even the aid that is given to us will now be tied to bilateral engagements related to business.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister knows that flouting visa conditions is the least of reasons our people are being sanctioned from traveling to the USA. It is mostly about issues of governance, corruption and other things.

Madam Speaker, I would like to know from the hon. Minister how the current state of affairs with the USA reflects on his Government, noting that for sixty-two years, we have never been in this position. However, today, under his leadership, we are among those countries that are being sanctioned. Does it reflect on his poor and inept leadership? What is going on?

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, at the risk of sounding pedantic, Zambia has not been sanctioned. Zambia has not been isolated, nor have our diplomatic relations been downgraded. This is purely an administrative issue, as I mentioned, which obviously is automatic with the US Government.

Madam Speaker, when the notification was issued on 16^th December, 2025, it was not just about Zambia because other countries were also listed regarding visa overstays.

 Interruptions

Mr Sikumba: Clearly, the hon. Members behind me seem to know more than we do at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation. I think, it will only be right that we invite them to our offices so that they give us the facts, which we should be able to deal with accordingly.

 Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mumba (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon.  Minister for the update that he has given us. Clearly, those who have been following American politics know that immigration has been at the centre of the Government. The American Government has been very strict on immigration; it does not want what is termed “illegal aliens”. From the statistical data that the hon. Minister has given us, 10 per cent of people overstay their visas. Has the Government received any Zambians who were deported from America? If so, how many has it been able to account for?

 

Interruptions

Mr Mumba: I can repeat the question.

Madam Speaker, I was reminding the hon. Minister that one of the major policies of the current American Government is immigration. The American Government does not mind people going to America legally. One of the things it is dealing with is illegal immigration. The reason our country is in this situation is that, according to the hon. Minister’s statement, 10 per cent of Zambians overstayed their visas. So, anybody who overstays their visa in America is there illegally. I want to find out whether we, as a country, have received individuals from America from the mass deportations that have been conducted in America. If so, how many Zambians have been received? That is what I want to find out.

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I would like to confirm that, yes, the total number of overstays obviously is 10.73 per cent for the B-1 and B-2 visas and 21.02 per cent for F, M, and J visas. The hon. Member will realise that “overstay” simply means people who ordinarily should have returned home at a specific time but have not exited the United States (US.).

Madam Speaker, with regard to the number of people deported, I may wish to give that number later. I invite the hon. Member to visit our office so that I can give him specifics. However, one thing I will tell him is that the statistics or the percentages I have shared with this House today are from the US Consular Office, which has indicated the number of our citizens who overstayed their visas in the US.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Anakoka (Luena): Madam Speaker, I would like to begin by bringing you greetings from the people of Luena …

Mr Amutike: And Mongu.

Mr Anakoka: … and Mongu Central Constitueny. I passed through Mongu on my way from Luena. The people, particularly the people of Makapaela, are forever grateful that you spent the new year with them.  

Madam Speaker, let me also take this opportunity to congratulate our new Mayor of Kasama. He is a mayor for two constituencies, which means that as the United Party for National Development (UPND), we are counting that two constituencies are already in the bag in that region.

Madam Speaker, I would also like to congratulate the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) Member of Parliament, Hon. Bright Nundwe. At the same time, I feel a little pity for him. I hope he knows his President; whether it is Makebi Zulu, Hon. Lubinda, or possibly the hon. Colleague sitting next to him there.

Interruptions

Mr Anakoka: We hope he will not run into confusion.

Madam Speaker, Zambia and the United States of America (USA) have enjoyed –

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

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Luena, there is an indication for a point of order.

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

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, the rules of this august House are very well known. The decorum of this august House is very important. Is the hon. Member of Parliament for Luena in order to take the Floor and start citing people who cannot defend themselves here? The rules are well known. We cannot start behaving as if we are trading at a market.

Interruptions

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, we risk turning this august House into a circus, as we go towards the end of our term. We should avoid that, as distinguished hon. Members.

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Member in order to cite individuals who are not in this august House to defend themselves?

I seek your very serious ruling, Madam Speaker.

 

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

I think, let us go back to business. Some of things that you throw at each other – from what I heard, I think, the hon.  Member for Luena said, “I do not know who your President is.”

Interruptions

Mr Kampyongo: Question, Madam Speaker!

Madam Speaker: I do not know if he mentioned any name.

Mr Sampa interjected.

Madam Speaker: Please, hon. Members, desist from attacking each other in a subtle manner, like the hon. Member for Matero is doing. He came into the House showing a party symbol, but nobody said anything. So, please, let us behave ourselves. We know the Standing Orders. We know what we can do and what we cannot do. Let us welcome the newly-elected hon. Member of Parliament for Chawama. Please, hon. Member for Chawama, I do not know whether you should continue sitting where you are, because the hon. Member for Matero might ...

Hon. Member: Contaminate him!

Madam Speaker: ... contaminate you.

Laughter

Mr Sampa rose.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member, that was on a lighter note.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: No, he is also your President.

Laughter

 Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, the situation is this. The House knows that the hon. Member for Chawama, Mr Bright Nundwe, came on the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) ticket. That is without doubt. On whether there are some marriages somewhere, we do not know those things. We just know the facts; we do not want to speculate.

 May the hon. Member for Luena continue.

Mr Anakoka: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, Zambia and the United States of America (USA) have enjoyed very cordial diplomatic relations, even though some people insinuated otherwise in the recent past. The USA has been undertaking major reviews of its immigration policy, and this has affected many countries. In fact, at the last count, I think, America issued a temporary pause on visa processing for over seventy countries around the world. Is the hon. Minister in a position to assure the people of Zambia that what is happening in relation to visa applications for Zambians wishing to visit the USA is simply a normal review of visa application processes that any country would undertake any time, and that this does not, in anyway, suggest a strain in the relations between Zambia and the USA?

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I thank my hon. Colleague for that follow-up question.

Madam Speaker, as the hon. Member has mentioned, the temporary suspension of visa processing has not been imposed only on Zambia alone, but many other countries across the globe. I just want to also indicate that this measure, as we may have heard insinuated elsewhere, is not punitive against Zambia, as I mentioned earlier; it is administrative. I mentioned earlier that this measure requires us to start educating our citizens on the need to abide by the rules and regulations that prevail in the countries which they travel to, and the need to return on the dates that they need to come back home.

Madam Speaker, I also wish to allay the fears of members of the public. The Government will not give an exact date as to when the suspension will be lifted, but I just want to assure the House that the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, is in direct contact with the US Government to ensure that the number of Zambians who overstay their visas in the US is reduced.

 

The moment you see this number reducing, Madam Speaker, you will see us returning to the House, to notify the nation that the suspension has finally been lifted.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Twasa (Kasenengwa): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for this opportunity. Let me also join you and my hon. Colleagues in welcoming our dear brother, Hon. Bright Nundwe, to this august House.

 

Madam Speaker, through you, I might be a little bit lost; I am at sea. I am sure many others are too. I seek clarification from the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation. He keeps saying that there are no restrictions and that the issue at hand is administrative yet, he just mentioned about the suspension being lifted.  What is being lifted? There was a question about whether there are sanctions on the B1 and B2 visas and also, if any punitive measures have been put in place. In response, he said that that was just an administrative matter. May he be clear about what he means by saying it is an administrative matter because everyone else knows that Zambia is amongst the African countries that have violated their B1 and B2 visas in the United States of America (USA).

Through you, Madam Speaker, I want the hon. Minister to be clear on whether there are sanctions that have been imposed on the Zambian nationals who wish to travel to the USA, who are applying for B1 or B2 visas, and whether there are any punitive measures that have been put in place. If he says it is an administrative issue, what does he mean? Why was something that was supposed to be sorted out in-house publicised?

 I seek your indulgence, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Sikumba: I thank you very much, Madam Speaker, and I also thank the hon. Member for the question.

 

Madam Speaker, you have always advised us hon. Members to pay attention when hon. Ministers are responding on the Floor of the House.

 

Madam Speaker, there is a temporary sanction on B1 and B2 visas. There is a also temporary sanction on F, M and J, due to overstay. The moment the reduction of the overstay which is above the threshold of 10 per cent will be achieved, the suspension will be lifted. Are there sanctions, Madam Speaker? No, there are no sanctions.  I did categorically state that the Government officials have continued travelling to the United States of America (USA) to attend meetings and conferences

 

Madam Speaker, I further went on to mention that all those visas acquired by 1^st January, 2026, remain valid. We are Zambians. In future, it will be very important to start checking on who is paying attention so that we do not repeat what we say in this House ...

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

Mr Sikumba: …and also, not allowing members to be asking questions, which obviously, may have been ably touched in the Ministerial Statement.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

Mr Twasa: Madam Speaker, you have clearly stated in this House that there is a provision for us to ask questions on points of clarification. Is the hon. Minister, Madam Speaker, in order to insinuate that I was not paying attention when I was simply following your guidance that we should seek clarification?

 

I seek your serious ruling, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. Members: What Standing Order No. are you referring to?

 

Mr Twasa: Standing Order No. 71.

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: The hon. Member for Kasenengwa is even laughing.

 

Hon. Member, the question that you asked was already addressed in the Ministerial Statement. It appears you were not following the Ministerial Statement. So, that was the remark that the hon. Minister made. Hon.  Member for Kasenengwa, if you were indeed listening, you would have asked another question, not what you asked, because that was already addressed in the Ministerial Statement. So, the hon. Minister is not out of order; he is in order.

 

Thank you very much, Happy New Year.

 

Mr Munsanje (Mbabala): Thank you so much, Madam Speaker. Happy New Year to you. I welcome all the hon. Members back to the House.  

 

 Madam Speaker, I also wish to join you and my hon. Colleagues in welcoming the new hon. Member of the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), Mr Nundwe. I also want to congratulate the mighty United Party for National Development (UPND for winning the by-elections in Kasama, Mongu Central, and many other areas, bringing the total number of won by-elections to more than 105, since it came into office. So, there is a sign on the wall that we are continuing, Madam Speaker, till 2090.

 

Madam Speaker, there is also a sign on the wall of good news for this country. I am just from a meeting where health demographics have shown that life expectancy has increased from 55.6 years in 2019 to 67 years this year. This is good news as a result of the works being done by the New Dawn, UPND Government. Even in the education sector, Hon. Syakalima announced good results for this country for the first time.

 

Madam Speaker: Hon Member for Mbabala, please ask your point of clarification.

 

Mr Munsanje: My point of clarification, Madam Speaker, is:  What is Zambia’s ranking in terms of the overstay visa compared to other sub-Saharan African countries? Is there any consolidated action by the sub-Saharan African countries with regard to economic development between the USA and Zambia?

 

Mr Sikumba: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I also thank the hon. Member for that question.

 

Madam Speaker, if I got him correctly, I sense he asked two questions. The first one is asking about statistics on what Zambia ranks in the sub-Saharan Africa, and obviously, what collective action it is taking. 

 

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, we do not have those statistics today on the Floor of the House. I may want to invite our hon. Member to come to the office so that we can share that information with him. However, concerning collective action, I think it is very important to emphasise the neutrality of the USA compliance framework.  Obviously, this transcends many other countries. How we treat consular issues in Zambia may differ from the way Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana do.  What is very important, in terms of collective action, as I had mentioned earlier, my ministry, together with that of the US Embassy, is highly engaged to ensure that some of these issues that may have been raised, which speak to getting temporary suspension of the issuance of visas, are resolved in the shortest possible time.

 

Madam Speaker, I just want to take advantage of this platform to indicate and reemphasise to members of the public that as we are going through a growth trajectory, a precondition to take off trade investment between Zambia and the USA is still maintained, as W. Rostow would say. So, if there are any colleagues of ours who still want to trade with the USA, they can apply. It will definitely be at the discretion of the USA Government.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Sampa (Matero): Thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, allow me to welcome everybody in the House, and also say that this is the last Session ever. After this Session, we will have general elections. This reminds me of my time at the Constitutional Court. As I sat in the court, I thought about the fact that if the matter was ruled against me, I would not come here, to this House, and that I would not see you again. The matter was ruled in my favour. I am grateful.

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

 

 If you want to thank anybody, you can do that in your own time. We are considering questions on points of clarification. So, what is your question on a point of clarification on the Ministerial Statement that has been presented by the Acting hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation?

 

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, I was just about to thank you for your guidance during the five years and to say that I would have missed you had I not come back based on last week’s matter.

 

Madam Speaker, I have nothing to say about Kasama. That election was full of violence, …

 

Eng. Nzovu interjected.

 

Mr Sampa: … and it was rigged.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

 

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, I would like to welcome and congratulate the hon. Member of Parliament for Chawama, the people of Chawama, and the people of Lusaka Province, who belong to the Patriotic Front (PF), who are here at Parliament, to congratulate the new Member of Parliament for Chawama, the former Permanent Secretary (PS), Hon. Bright Nundwe.

 

Madam Speaker, I would like to ask the Acting Minister, the substantive Minister of Tourism, Hon. Rodney Sikumba, MP, to congratulate the Mayor of Livingstone for winning that case that was under the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

 

Laughter

 

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, she was accused of having received a bribe, but she won the case. The hon. Minister should pass on my message.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, moving on to my question on a point of clarification, the issue with the United States of America (USA) is not peculiar to Zambia. All countries –

 

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

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Matero!

 

A point of order is raised.

 

What is the point of order, hon. Member for Zambezi East?

 

Mr Kambita: Madam Speaker, ordinarily, on a day like today, when there is tranquillity and people have just come in fresh from visiting the constituencies and are pregnant with ideas on how to improve this country, we should be serious in the way we approach the conduct of the Business of the House.

 

Madam Speaker, in line with Standing Order 75, is the hon. Member for Matero, in order to proceed on that trajectory, hitting everywhere and sundries, and not focus on the statement that has been presented by the Acting hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation? Is he in order to continue on that trajectory?

 

Madam Speaker, I seek your serious ruling. Otherwise, the people of Matero must choose somebody who will represent them in a better way.

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Thank you very much, hon. Member for Zambezi East. The hon. Member for Matero was guided.

 

Hon. Member for Matero, please, maintain the decorum of the House by sticking to the Standing Orders. Ask a question on a point of clarification. Do not mention people who are not here, in this House. I believe a point of order was raised earlier, on not mentioning people who cannot defend themselves on the Floor of the House. So, ask your question on a point of clarification. If you have other questions to ask people, you can meet them quietly and discuss your private issues. That is why I said that you should be a good example to the newly-elected Member of Parliament for Chawama. I know you can be a good example. I trust that you will do that.

 

You may continue.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: So, the hon. Member for Matero was out of order. Now, can he finish asking his question on a point of clarification.

 

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, I am well guided by you. I am a law-abiding citizen both inside and outside the House.

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, we know the geopolitics of the USA, President Donald Trump and what is happening elsewhere. Some African Presidents, like the President of South Africa, have engaged the President of America in the Oval Office. Some Foreign Affairs Ministers have also engaged the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio in discussions. My question to the Acting hon. Minster of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation is: Has his office attempted to engage the Secretary of State on the issue concerning visas for the Zambian people, because baletufumya muchiyenga? Zambians always want to travel. The reasons may not be there. Has the President of Zambia made an effort to contact his colleague to meet in the Oval Office to discuss this issue that is stopping Zambians from going to America? Some of us, our children were born in that country. If they stop us from seeing our children, it is a problem. That is my question.

 

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for that question. He is very brave for wearing lime green, I must say.

 

Madam Speaker, I think, it is in the public domain and a well-known fact that His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, Commander-In-Chief of the Defence Forces has economic diplomacy at the core of his leadership. It is also in the public domain that we have engaged the USA Government at the highest-level. Not so long ago, the President spoke to the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, and a senior member of the USA Government was sent to this country to meet us. Now, I am not quite sure if going to the Oval Office would satisfy the hon. Member’s, …

 

Mr Syakalima: Ego!

 

Mr Sikumba: …ego.

 

Thank you, hon. Minister of Education.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, to answer the hon. Member’s question simply, we are engaging, and we will continue to engage and, sooner rather than later, this matter will definitely be resolved.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, allow me to congratulate the newly-elected Member of Parliament, who is my former boss too, having served as District Commissioner (DC) in Kaputa. He was my senior. I welcome our champion.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has told us the category of visas that are affected. In the same statement, he has also said that trade will not be affected. If you peruse through the category of visas that are affected, you will note that that is where we have the go-between of trade, because there is no interface between America and Zambia in terms of trade if that particular category is cut off. The other thing is that the hon. Minister said that the matter is temporal. However, in the same statement, he said that we hit the threshold, and he gave percentages. Much of this issue is in the control of America. We should not comfort ourselves in saying that we are the ones who are in control, or even bring up words like bilateral. The directive is coming from America, and we are receiving the punches. Given that background, I would like to know whether it is not a contradiction that the hon. Minister, in the same breath, said that a category of visas has been cut off and that the situation will not affect trade, when the category that facilitates trade is the one that is affected.

 

Mr Mutinta: Question!

 

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, I seek clarification on whether that is not a contradiction.

 

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I am a little bit at a loss. I am not quite sure how I should explain this matter, or rather, how the hon. Member of Parliament is failing to comprehend this particular issue.

 

  Madam Speaker, firstly, I am in no way contradicting myself. Secondly, I mentioned that Government officials, or hon. Ministers, including myself, will be travelling to the USA on 15^th February, 2026. We are going to attend trade meetings. We will be going as a delegation of Government officials to the USA to address trade issues. So, I am not quite sure at what point I am contradicting myself. However, I just want to re-assure the hon. Member that the USA-Zambia relations remain intact. The trade relations will continue until such a time, obviously, when we will allow our people to freely travel to the US. We are working towards it, and I am very certain that it will be done sooner, rather than later.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

_______

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

REHABILITATION OF ROADS IN SERENJE

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

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to rehabilitate the following roads in Serenje Parliamentary Constituency:

 

1. Tazara/Kabundi;
2. Lupiya/Kampumbu/Mingomba;
3. Chimupati/Chimfunde; and
4. Mapepala/Nabowa;

 

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

 

1. if there are no such plans, why.

 

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Sialubalo): Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to rehabilitate the following roads in Serenje Parliamentary Constituency: 

 

1. Tazara/Kabundi;

 

1. Lupiya/Kampumbu/Mingomba;

 

1. Chimupati/Chimfunde; and

 

1. Mapepala/Nabowa.

 

Madam Speaker, the plans will be implemented once funds are made available. The Government is working to rehabilitate and upgrade township and feeder roads in a phased manner. For township roads, priority is mainly on provincial centres.

 

Madam Speaker, the ministry has directed local authorities to utilise available resources, such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and motor vehicle licencing grants, to carry out immediate interventions, including spot improvement works on sections of roads in a deplorable state.

 

Madam Speaker, the implementation plans are there, as indicated above.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kandafula: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for indicating that plans to rehabilitate the said roads are already in place. However, we have been talking about the Tazara/Kabundi Road for the past three or four years. If he can remember well, it is one of the roads that was under the project funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). It was supposed to be funded by the Building Resilience of Food, Livelihoods and Ecosystems Services (BREFOLES), a livelihood engagement under AfDB. Many people have suffered while using that road. There are roads in Zambia that are not in good condition, and many people suffer while using them, but the road I am talking about has made people suffer the most. For example, to move across a stretch of about 42 km, people are made to pay close to K500, and if they have to return, they spend K1,000. That is the current situation.

 

Madam Speaker, I want to know whether any measures can be taken so that we can be given some money to just carry out spot maintenance. The quotation that came through our local authority –

 

Mr E. Banda: Bill of quantities (BoQ).

 

Mr Kandafula: Sorry, the bill of quantities (BoQ) was about K90 million, which means that with the allocated Constituency Development Fund (CDF), there is nothing we can do.

 

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I really sympathise with my dear hon. Colleague. We had an engagement before we came to Parliament regarding the same issue. I indicated to my dear hon. Colleague that I have a skeleton team at the ministry because most of the officers are out of station. However, I expect my hon. Colleague to come to the ministry tomorrow so that we can look at any interventions that can ease the movement of our people in Serenje. So, I sympathise with him a lot. As I have indicated, we already discussed and tomorrow, around 1000 hours to 1100 hours, he should be at the office so that we can engage my team to find a quicker solution to the challenge.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

 

So, hon. Member for Serenje, the hon. Minister is inviting you to a meeting, but your neighbour wants to ask a question.

 

Mr J. Chibuye rose.

 

Madam Speaker: You will ask later. For now, we start with the hon. Member for Chipili.

 

Mr Chala (Chipili): Madam Speaker, in his response, the hon. Minister indicated that sometimes, we can use available resources, referring to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Yet, he knows that from the CDF allocation, K5.9 million has already been taken to other projects. Is he being fair to the hon. Member?

 

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, no one has taken K5.9 million from the CDF. The K5.9 million has been invested to benefit the people of Serenje through improve electricity, which has been a major challenge. It is an investment and the dividends will go back to the local authority. So, no one has gotten that K5.9 million, other than it being invested and dividends will get back to the people of Serenje.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member asked whether I am being fair. I believe I am because nothing prevents him from undertaking another project with the remaining allocation. Let us say there is K20 million for projects. The K10 million can be allocated to the solar initiative and the other K10 million can be used for other intervention measures within Serenje.

 

Madam Speaker, we know there are many competing needs. However, it is the first time that the Government has released such colossal sums of money in constituencies. That is why I asked my dear hon. Colleague to come to the office tomorrow. I cannot assure anything until we engage my technical team. We need to have a meeting with my technical team to look at how best we can help the people of Serenje, in addition to the K3.1 million that was set aside for feeder roads. Maybe, there can be a solution on how best we can help them to have better movement.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker. 

 

Mr Kandafula: Madam Speaker, just to emphasise, this issue is not just about the road in question, but also about the crossing points, which are damaged. That is why I mentioned the K90 million, which our local authorities produced as the BoQ. If anything, please, when I go to his office tomorrow, may I have a cheque for K90 million.

 

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, the assurance that the K90 million cheque will be found tomorrow is not there, but together as leaders, we have to find a solution for the people.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Dr Andeleki (Katombola): Madam Speaker, before I ask my question, allow me to join my dear hon. Colleagues in this House, who have extended congratulations to our hon. Colleague, the new Member for Chawama. I worked with him in the Civil Service. I welcome you, my brother, and I wish to state that you should learn from the best, so that you can serve your people the best way.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

ROAD LEVY FOR DUNDUMWEZI-ZAWA CONTROL POINT

130. Dr Andeleki asked the Minister of Tourism:

1. why residents of Moomba Chiefdom in Kazungula District are charged a levy for using the road that passes through the Dundumwezi – ZAWA Control Point in order to access Kalomo District;

1. whether the Government has any plans to abolish the levy; 

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

1. if there are no such plans, why.

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that bona fide residents of Moomba Chiefdom in Kazungula District who pass through the park are not charged any fees or levies when accessing the road that passes through the Dundumwezi – ZAWA Control Point in order to access Kalomo District. The Government, through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), ensures that bona fide residents living adjacent to and within the Game Management Area (GMA) are not restricted in their movements for purposes of accessing essential services, such as schools, health facilities and markets. However, individuals not classified as bona fide residents of Moomba Chiefdom are requested to pay prescribed fees and levies, as stipulated under the Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015.

 

Madam Speaker, it therefore follows that parts (b), (c) and (d) of the question fall off.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Dr Andeleki: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the response he has provided. However, the bona fide residents of Moomba Chiefdom are being charged, contrary to the position that has been taken by the hon. Minister. Who are the bona fide residents of Moomba? What is the meaning of that?

 

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, my hon. Colleague, the hon. Member of Parliament, knows very well as well as I do, that there is a specific road which the bona fide members of Dundumwezi used to use. The bona fide members, as we all know, are those who are in the register of Moomba Chiefdom.

 

Madam Speaker, I want to indicate that there is a road that does not go into the park, which is in a deplorable state. I want to implore the hon. Members of Parliament for Katombola and Dundumwezi, who have yellow equipment bought under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), to patch that road so that people can use that facility. Just last week, the DNPW and Moomba Chiefdom had a meeting to discuss this very issue. We were gladly welcomed by Her Royal Highness, who agreed that individuals or rather vehicles which will be using the Dundumwezi-DNPW gate checkpoint will be registered by my officers to allow for trade between our colleagues from that chiefdom and others in Kalomo or any other places. Those who may find themselves straying within that particular area, such as my hon. Colleague from Chifunabuli, Hon. Kapala here, will definitely be charged the levies that are prescribed in the Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Madam Speaker, whoever gave the hon. Minister that answer misled him.

 

Madam Speaker, the people of Moomba are paying K33.50 to use the road, whether they are going or coming. If a truck is carrying fifty people, each individual pays that amount, and the driver pays more. Is the hon. Minister able to inform me and my hon. Colleague whether the officers at Dundumwezi gate have registers to ascertain the bona fide members of Moomba Chiefdom?

 

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I think that it would be very important for us in the Government to share the right information with our hon. Colleagues. As such, I will share correspondence with our officers. They have been advised to not charge any of our bona fide residents of that area, but to charge anybody who does not live in that particular area. I will share the correspondence or the internal communication with my officers at Dundumwezi gate, so that if anybody charges the bona fide residents of Moomba Chiefdom, then he or she will be doing it outside the jurisdiction of what we have guided them to do.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Dr Andeleki: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for his responses.

 

Madam Speaker, does the hon. Minister know that those ‘toll fees’, I call them that because poor people are being forced to pay them, are de-campaigning this Government? Most poor people are trying to survive. Does the hon. Minister know that?

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, now it is like we are in court, having cross-examination.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I think that I was very clear when I mentioned that we are not charging any of the residents in that area.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Okay, my guidance here is that, looking at all things, I think, the hon. Members for Katombola and Dundumwezi should approach the hon. Minister of Tourism with the receipts. If you are saying that people are being charged, approach with the receipts and try to resolve this issue. It looks like we are not getting any concrete position on whether people are being charged, and if they are being charged, who is being charged and all those things. So please, do liaise, get the information and visit each other. I am sure, you want the problem resolved.

 

So, with that, we can make progress. I have seen some more indications, but I think that it is not adding up to what we are doing.

 

 So, we move to the next question. By prior arrangement, the question will be asked by the hon. Member for Msanzala.

 

PLANS TO REDUCE THE COST OF THE LEVIES, RATES AND FEES CHARGED BY PETAUKE DISTRICT COUNCIL

131 Mr E. Daka (Msanzala) (on behalf of Mr S. Banda (Petauke Central)) asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development:

1. whether the Government has any plans to reduce the cost of the levies, rates and fees charged by Petauke District Council;

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

1. if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Sialubalo): Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to reduce the cost of levies, rates and fees charged by all local authorities, including Petauke Town Council.

Madam Speaker, the plans are already underway. The ministry has introduced measures to enhance revenue collection efficiency and transparency through implementing the Information Communication Technology (ICT) systems for direct payment of levies, fees and charges, which could potentially reduce costs.

Madam Speaker, the plans are in place as indicated in part (a) of the response.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr E. Daka: Madam Speaker, I would like to declare interest because I am a resident of Petauke. Is the hon. Minister aware that even after guiding the Petauke District Council, people are still being victimised and pushed to the extent that even Bailiffs pounce on them? What measures has the Government put in place to address that? The Petauke District Council was guided, and the matter is before a tribunal in Chipata but the people in Petauke are still being troubled. What is the hon. Minister’s advice to the officers at the Petauke District Council?

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, indeed, on several occasions, I have lamented that local authorities should not increase levies without engaging stakeholders. Levies should be adjusted without affecting economic achievements and there should be stakeholder engagement.  Many are times that what we say as local authorities lands on deaf ears.  Very soon, the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and other ministries will issue a joint statement on easy ways of conducting business in Zambia, which will expect all local authorities to adhere to the guidelines that will be issued. It will not only be for local authorities but for other ministries that charge levies. That will be done very soon, looking at the economic achievements. The Government wishes people to start benefiting from economic achievements.

Madam Speaker, when local authorities and other institutions outside my ministry are talked to, they drag their feet. So, the Government will show the way through a joint statement that will be issued soon. Already, certain commodity prices have been reduced. The Government wishes to see the benefits trickle down and directed to people.

Madam Speaker, soon, local authorities will be generating income through the Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative. That is also another avenue where local authorities will generate money. Therefore, there should be relief for taxpayers through levies because another window has been opened. So, the Government will issue a joint Ministerial Statement. The Government wishes Zambians to start benefiting from or enjoying the economic gains, and part of the economic gains are the levies that my hon. Colleagues are talking about. So, it will not even take two weeks; A statement will be issued.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, part 3, Section 16 of the Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019, empowers local authorities to perform certain functions. One of the functions is the collection of levies. In a local environment, levies are connected to value for money, inflation, and the prevailing economic environment of an area. In 1991, Zambia took the direction of–

Mr Mposha: Question!

Mr Fube: Excuse me.

Madam Speaker, in 1991, Zambia had a liberalised economy, not a command economy. Many of the laws were within the parameters of a liberalised economy, not a command economy. Measures such as reduction, price controls, and control of levies fell within the test of a command economy, not a liberalised economy. Therefore, it is a requirement for local authorities to collect revenue using their own means. Given that background, is it in order for the Government to reduce levies for local authorities throughout the country without considering the prevailing economic activities in local authorities? I would like to get clarification, especially in line with Part 3, Section 16 of the Local Government Act No. 2 of 20.

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, we know that local authorities collect levies to offer services in their localities. The Government wishes local authorities to implement levies that are reflective of the economic status.  For example, if the rate of a property costed K40,000, the Rating Act No 21. of 2018, tripled that amount to K120,000. So, these are the issues that we, as the Government, need to take interest in. We know money needs to be raised but if the rate of property that one constructed at K300,000, was K40,000, and from 2018, it tripled to K120,000, even the owner of the property would interrogate that. 

So, as leaders, elected to deliver on our promises, we are not going to leave the matter unattended. We need to ensure that the rates are reflective of the economic status. So, I am not saying that local authorities should not collect levies. No!  However, there should be an understanding and a mutual agreement between the payee and the payer. A tax should be user-friendly. How can the situation that I have given be explained? How can we explain a situation where the rate of K40,000 triples to K120,000? So, as the Government, should we just sit back because under a liberalised economy, local authorities should be left to conduct their business? No, we have an economy to protect. The achievements that we are seeing can only be protected once the local authorities collect reasonable fees and rates.

I thank you so much, Madam Speaker.

Mr E. Daka: Madam Speaker, what the hon. Minister has alluded to is part of the point I wanted to make. The people of Petauke are not saying that they should not pay, but that the rates are too high. A property that was billed K1,000 previously, is billed K15,000 today. So, the people are complaining, and asking why they should pay that. The issue is still under a tribunal. However, the local authority has gone ahead to victimise businessmen in Petauke. Let us find a solution. Hence, the question to the hon. Minister is: How best can the people of Petauke be helped so that they are not victimised by the local authority?

Madam Speaker: I do not know if the hon. Minister wants to comment on that.

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my dear colleague, the hon. Member for Msanzala, for the question.

Madam Speaker, there is no need to victimise anyone. Let us engage. I was recently in Chipata. I engaged the Chipata City Council on how it jumped from collecting a meagre K5 million to K35 million, and the team I found there said that they engage. Parties have to agree. You do not force. You engage. People should know the reason they need to pay that money and they also need to see the services. There is no way you would keep paying, yet services are not being offered. That is wrong.

Madam Speaker, my clarion call to local authorities is to make the services visible, as the people pay. Engagement is important for the district to develop. Local authorities play a pivotal role under decentralisation but they need to engage, unlike forcing matters. That is wrong. People should understand and see where the resources are going.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Zulu (Nyimba): Thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister is on point in saying that when one is elected, one should look after the people. The problem is that when Petauke sneezes, all the areas are affected, because four districts were established out of it. If Petauke has a headache, that means Lusangazi, Nyimba and Sinda all have headaches. The problem affects the four districts.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has said that the ministry will enhance the collection of fees through electronic collections, especially in bus stations and markets. That is good. That is what is being done in Chipata. Now, when it comes to rates, properties in town are even cheaper in terms of payments. The way rates for properties in the Eastern Province, especially between Petauke and Nyimba, are quoted is beyond the ordinary citizens. Even the hon. Minister would feel the impact of paying for his property in Petauke or Nyimba.

 

 Madam Speaker, after engaging the authorities, the complaint is that because of the number of officers the ministry sent to the local councils, the salary payments have jumped from the local councils’ capacity to a certain level, which they are failing to manage, because the money that comes through the Local Government Equalisation Fund (LGEF) is not enough to sustain the salaries. Is the hon. Minister in any position to see to it that the equalisation fund in the local councils is enhanced so that all the workers can be paid on time? He may be aware that the officers in Nyimba and Petauke are behind in terms of salary payments. They have not been paid for a good number of months. Is the hon. Minister in a position to tell us if the ministry will increase support to the councils?

 

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my dear hon. Colleague from Nyimba for the good supplementary question.

 

Madam Speaker, I had a meeting with the principal officers of the local authorities. I told them that their challenge is my challenge and their success is my success, meaning whenever they have a challenge, the hon. Minister is there to attend to it with them.

 

Madam Speaker, let me just give one or two examples on Mufumbwe and Mpika. There is gold rush in these areas, as well as local authorities. How are local authorities positioning themselves to ensure that they also benefit from that gold rush for the benefit of the districts, or is there any law that hinders those local authorities from obtaining a licence to own a mine, and to partner with anyone for the betterment of that district? Does it pay for the local authority in Mufumbwe, sorry I am abusing Mufumbwe and Mpika, where people are getting millions of Kwacha in terms of gold transactions, to write to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development requesting K5 million to work on the roads that were damaged by the people who were transporting gold? We need a mindset change. We need to shift in the way we reason. Local authorities need to inculcate a sense of ownership in what happens in the district. Money that is collected by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) comes from the very districts where the local authorities are based, but they ask for money from the Central Government. Nothing stops a local authority from positioning itself in Chitambo, for example, whereas the area has gold, manganese or copper. How can we position the local authority so that it can, at least, make money? Once principal officers reduce on the travelling hours and workshops, and think of running local authorities in a more organised manner, even talking about not being paid for three months will be a non-issue, because the districts are endowed with the resources.

 

Madam Speaker, my clarion call to local authority principal officers is that they show leadership. They should reduce travels and do a lot of work. The resources are in the districts, unlike charging someone K100,000 for a property that he or she constructed under K200,000. That is not good. We need to work together. I am the principal officers’ partner in ensuring that local authorities come out of the situation that they are in at present.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

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

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours

 

[MR SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Before business was suspended, the hon. Member for Nyimba had indicated to ask a question. May the hon. Member proceed.

Silence

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: He is not in the House.

Let us make progress.

 NATIONAL ANNUAL MAIZE CONSUMPTION

132. Mr Hamwaata (Pemba) asked the Minister of Agriculture:

 

1. what the total national maize consumption per year in Zambia is;

 

1. what the total storage capacity for maize for the country’s food security is;

 

1. for how many seasons the maize at (b) can be stored; and

 

1. what measures are being taken to ensure that the country is food secure.

 

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr Mtolo): Mr Speaker, let me join other hon. Members in congratulating the United Party for National Development (UPND) for winning the mayoral seat in Kasama.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mtolo: In the same vein, I welcome our new Member in the House, Hon. Nundwe. Welcome, Sir.

 

Mr Nkandu: From FDD.

 

Mr Mtolo: Mr Speaker, it is also important that as I welcome the new Members, I also mention the most important thing that happened in this country yesterday; the price reductions on essential commodities in our country.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mtolo: Mr Speaker, it rarely happens that people react to the appreciation of the Kwacha. People react to the good governance system where prices are reduced. What is happening is a new phenomenon and we should appreciate it.

 

Mr Speaker, according to the 2025/2026 National Food Balance Sheet, the total national maize requirement is 3,539,024 metric tonnes, broken down as follows:

 

Category                                                       Metric Tonnes

 

Human consumption                                      2,029,886

Strategic reserves                                             500,000

Stock feed                                                        413,811

Breweries                                                         151,538

Seed grain                                                          11,006

Anticipated losses                                             182,782

Structural cross-border trade                             250,000

 

Total                                                             3,539,024

 

Mr Speaker, therefore, how much maize is needed every year for the people living in Zambia? The answer is 3,539,024 metric tonnes.

 

Mr Speaker, the combined storage capacity for maize for the country’s food security is 2,601,510 metric tonnes, broken down as 1,105,510 metric tonnes for the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) storage facilities and 1,500,000 metric tonnes for the private sector storage facilities.

 

Mr Speaker, our national storage food reserves can store maize up to seven farming seasons.

 

Mr Speaker, the Government has designed interventions under the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP) to ensure that the country is food secure, which include the following:

 

1. ensuring enhanced extension services to farmers;

 

1. promoting private sector enabled agricultural equipment leasing services through refinancing facilities to reduce cost of production through mechanisation. That is the use of equipment to reduce the drudgery in agriculture;

 

1. promoting private sector investment in public irrigation infrastructure, like dams and canals, through public-private partnership (PPP) models to bring 500,000 ha of arable land under irrigation;

 

1. enabling farmers to have increased access to finance for crops and machinery; and

 

1. increasing access to output markets for increased value chain efficiency by bringing together structured markets for farmers involving a diversity of players, including secondary processors, aggregators, farmer co-operatives, small and large traders, marketing corporations and commodity exchanges.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Tayengwa (Kabwata): Mr Speaker, indeed, the challenge that we have is storage capacity. I remember that the last time we saw some silos being constructed in this country was way back in the days of President Kaunda. At the moment, we seem to have a lot of energy for more bumper harvests. We are projecting production of maize to increase to about 10 million metric tonnes by 2030. However, the challenge will still be storage. Does the hon. Minster have any intentions of using the public-private partnership (PPP) model to find partners who can construct silos in all the 116 districts?

 

Mr Mtolo: Mr Speaker, the answer to the question by the hon. Member for Kabwata is yes. We do have those intentions. However, like in everything else, our economy is private sector driven. The hon. Member for Kabwata should engage his friends in building a storage facility and the FRA will get it from him and pay for storage space. The rentals are very good. This goes to all the hon. Members in the House. I always say in here that they should get involved in building storage facilities and the Government will rent the facilities from them.  Whether we like it or not, we are going to hit the 10 million metric tonnes production of maize. Where are we going to keep it? All of us need to get involved, or those who have the capacity. There are a few hon. Members here who are already involved; I do not want to mention names, but one is seated on my right. He has storage facilities, and I think we are renting them from him.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Which one?

 

Mr Mtolo: He is laughing. You will see him shaking like that.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Hamwaata (Pemba): Mr Speaker, in the 2023/2024 Farming Season, we did not have enough rainfall. As a result, quite a number of interventions were put in place. I thank the New Dawn Government because no one died of hunger. Now, as a result of climate change, it is possible that any year, we may have a drought, and the next year, we may  have enough rainfall and a bumper harvest. Are there plans to store enough food, such that if we do not have rainfall in a year, we will not be compelled to import maize because we will have enough reserves within the country?

 

Mr Mtolo: Mr Speaker, again, the obvious answer to that is yes. Whilst the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has facilities that can store 500,000 metric tonnes of strategic national reserves, the Cabinet has actually encouraged the agency to look at increasing the storage capacity in the country to 1 million metric tonnes so that we do not get into the trouble we did last time. It is also important that the hon. Member realises that the Government is working very methodically towards making sure that production is sustained. You have had no complaint whatsoever on fertiliser and seed distribution, meaning that this season, we expect another very good crop. Therefore, we should have no fear. The system is working very well. The Government is working exceptionally well in terms of production.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Mr Speaker, I would like to appreciate the hon. Minister’s answer to this question and his tabulation of seed, feedstock, and many other factors.

 

Mr Speaker, maize is the base material for by-products like mealie meal and many others. According to the laws of supply and demand, when we have a lot of raw materials, we expect the by-products of that material to be cheap. However, from 2021 to date, we have seen a sharp increase in the price of by-products like feedstock for animals. If I may demonstrate, a 25 kg bag of grower for fish was between K318 and K322. The same bag –

 

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

 

Ask a supplementary question that is related to the substantive question.

 

Mr Fube: This is related to –

 

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: No, no, the substantive question is about maize.

 

Mr Fube: Yes, and my question is on maize.

 

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: You are talking about feed.

 

Mr Fube: Ah! Feed comes from …

 

 Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, I have guided you. Ask a question that is in relation to the substantive question.

 

Mr Fube: Mr Speaker, this is the question I have. If I am allowed to finish asking the question, maybe, you will get something out of it.

 

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: I have guided you.

 

Mr Fube: Mr Speaker, then I choose to resume my seat because this is the only question I have.

 

Mr Simushi: Sit down!

 

Mr Fube resumed his seat.

 

Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North): Mr Speaker, of course, we, as the Government, have an ambitious programme to achieve the production of 10 million metric tonnes of maize per annum. As a rider to the question that Hon. Tayengwa asked, I would like to say that the Ministry of Agriculture has come up with the Agriculture Credit and Warehouse Receipts Bill, which is very progressive, in the sense that our farmers will be able to take maize and other crops to warehouses, so that when it is ideal for them to sell the crops, they will sell them at a good price. So, that is a good programme.

 

Mr Speaker, will incentives be provided to the private sector so that it can build storage facilities? I know that there are some remote places where people grow a lot of maize, but there are no storage facilities, for example, Kanyelele in Chama North Constituency. Does the ministry have a deliberate policy to create incentives for the private sector to go and build storage facilities in such remote areas?

 

Mr Mtolo: Mr Speaker, I want to be very careful in answering that question because I would not like to create a flurry of hon. Members saying that I said there is a facility where they can go and get money to build storage facilities. I think, what I can assure the hon. Member is that, if he went to a bank, the bank should be able to give him money to build a storage facility. What I can assure him is the usage of that storage facility. That would be the primary incentive that the Government can give him. However, regarding where to source the money for the facility, I think, as at now, it is personal initiative.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Mapani (Namwala): Mr Speaker, allow me to welcome the newly-elected hon. Member of Parliament for Chawama, though he has already been deserted. That is the way those people are, so he is really in the wrong group.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Mapani: Mr Speaker, my question is on storage capacity. There was a contract which was given to ADAS by the previous regime for the construction of about seventy-six sheds across the country, but only six were constructed. I just want to find out whether the New Dawn Government intends to complete the remaining sixty-eight sheds so that we can talk about the issue of storage capacity for the sake of our food security.

 

Mr Mtolo: Mr Speaker, I appreciate the question from Hon. Mapani, but I am constrained to discuss it because that issue is in court. I would be creating a problem for myself, the ministry and the Government.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Munsanje (Mbabala): Mr Speaker, Happy New Year to you. I would also like to thank the hon. Minister for the statement to the good people of Pemba.

 

Mr Speaker, on behalf of the good people of Mbabala, I wish to find out whether the ministry has designs for the storage sheds that can be shared with us for private sector development. For example, using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and other avenues, we can build storage sheds. We have seen the old silos, those that are drum-like, which were used in the 1970s and 1980s. Now, we have storage facilities that are more like warehouses. Which design does the ministry prefer, and can it share the designs with constituencies in order for us to market the design for development by the private sector or the CDF?

 

Mr Mtolo: Mr Speaker, this is a very important question.

 

Mr Speaker, the orientation of grain marketing in Zambia is bag-based. Therefore, most of the sheds that we would put in the rural areas are those that would take bagged grain. The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has specific designs for that. So, I would encourage the hon. Member, if he is interested in constructing sheds, to go to the FRA for designs.  That does not mean to say he should not put up silos that take loose grain. If he has the money to prepare the silos, I will leave that to him. The design we have at the agency is for the sheds that take grain packed in bags.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Hamwaata (Pemba): Mr Speaker, I would like to know the current status in terms of the maize stock in the 116 districts. Do we have enough maize in these districts?

 

Mr Mtolo: Mr Speaker, yes, we have sufficient maize stock in Zambia for assured national and household food security. My very important plea is that since we have a lot of maize all over, as hon. Members of Parliament, we should be checking on the state or quality of that maize. So, if we see that some maize is not well stocked or looked after, we can quickly take remedial action. It will be a loss for all of us if this maize goes to waste. Yes, we can point fingers at each other, but at the end of it all, it will be a national loss.

 

So, please, let us work together on this. I cannot have eyes all over. It is not easy for my eyes to be on Pemba, Solwezi, Kasempa, and Chama.  So, I am really pleading with my hon. Colleagues to check on the quality of maize in our areas. This includes the new hon. Member of Parliament who has just joined this House. 

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Zulu (Nyimba): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for acknowledging that we have maize in the country. The unfortunate party is that many areas that grow a lot of maize do not have the storage facilities.

 

Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister may agree with me that his ministry grabbed the storage facility that belonged to the people of Nyimba and gave it to the people of Petauke, when it knows that in Nyimba, we grow more maize than in Petauke.

 

Mr Speaker, the hon. Member is aware that the Eastern Province, particularly Nyimba and Katete, areas like Pemba and many other districts in Zambia produce a lot of maize.  There are sheds which were supposed to have been constructed and one of them is supposed to be the Muchimazi Shed, where the hon. Minister passes every week and month.

 

Mr Speaker, the Auditor's Report cited that the project was completed. The hon. Minister will agree with me that last year, we did not have enough storage capacity for maize in the district. As a result, maize was transported to Lusaka and Chipata. 

 

Mr Speaker, what is the Government doing about the money that was misused or maybe, stolen? Is the ministry able to give us back the money so that we can construct the storage facilities? Currently, the people in the valleys are crying due to insufficient maize.  What happened is that we had maize on one side and drought on the other side.

 

Mr Speaker, people are asking why the maize is being transported to Lusaka, Chipata or Sinda. What will happen to them? The hon. Minister of Agriculture has been in this position for five years, but he has failed to arrest the people who mismanaged the money for storage facility.

 

Mr Speaker, my question is: When is the ministry going to construction our shed? The hon. Minister knows what happened, and I cannot even tell him anything. He is more informed of what happened to that shed than myself. What is the ministry doing about it?  I am asking this question on behalf of the people of Nyimba.

 

Mr Mtolo: Mr Speaker, I will answer this question in three parts.

 

Mr Speaker, the first part is about what I responded to the hon. Counsel, Hon. Mapani’s question. I said that the case of those storage facilities that are incomplete, and whatever the Auditor’s Report cited, is in court and it is not in order for me to talk about it.

 

Mr Speaker, secondly, at the ministry, when positioning maize, we do not look at one particular constituency. We look at the map of Zambia and take maize to where there are storage facilities.

 

So, in Nyimba, right at the market, Hon. Zulu, there is a shed which is full of maize. At Muchimazi, he is right, I pass there when I am going to the constituency. I even stop there. I have checked the maize. The shed is full of maize. So, I do not know what the hon. Member is worried about. I go to these places, hon. Colleagues.  Therefore, when you come to ask questions, you should be very careful because I visit the places. The shed is full of maize, very good maize.

 

Mr Speaker, finally, something which should make the hon. Colleagues from the Eastern Province a bit relaxed is that we are exporting maize into Malawi. That maize is coming from Chipata or a 100 km radius from Chipata. So, he will have storage. At least, he will be better than some of the areas where the sheds are totally full. So, Hon. Zulu should be less worried.  He is lucky the maize is moving into Malawi.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Ms Nakaponda: Mr Speaker, allow me to welcome my former Permanent Secretary (PS), Hon. Nundwe for Muchinga Province, to this august House under the ticket of the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD). Hon. Member, you are welcome. Remain strong and focused.

 

 Mr Speaker, kindly allow me to also congratulate the United Party for National Development (UPND) for scoping the Kasama Mayoral seat. Congratulations, UPND.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

CONSTRUCTION OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN SANSAMWENGE IN ISOKA PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY

133 Ms. Nakaponda (Isoka) asked the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock:

1. when the construction of the following infrastructure in Sansamwenge Ward in Isoka Parliamentary Constituency will be completed:

 

1. an office block;

 

1. a dip tank; and

 

1. a staff house;

 

1. what the cause of the delay in completing the projects, is; and

 

1. what the cost of the outstanding works on each project, is.

 

The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock (Mr Kapala): Mr Speaker, our response to the construction of Livestock Safe Centre Tier 2 at Sansamwenge, Isoka parliamentary constituency, is earmarked for resumption in the second quarter of 2026, which is this year, and the completion is scheduled for December this year, 2026.

 

Mr Speaker, as the hon. Member may recall, I previously responded to this question on 20^th November, 2024, and indicated the following:

 

Mr Speaker, the construction of infrastructure at the Livestock Service Centre Tier II at Sansamwenje Veterinary Camp in Isoka District was contracted under the Livestock Infrastructure Support Project in 2017 at a cost of K2,264,000. The project was funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), and it was closed in 2021 without the works being completed. The contract was awarded to VG-LUX Resources Corporation Limited, and the scope of works included the following:

 

1. two low-cost houses;

 

1. one office block;

 

1. one dip tank;

 

1. one farmers shelter; and

 

1.  water reticulation.

 

Mr Speaker, the construction works halted following the termination of the contract on 16^th April, 2021, after the contractor abandoned the site. At the time of abandoning the project, the status of the construction works was as follows:

 

1. one staff house was at 95 per cent, and only needs to be connected to power supply;

 

1. the second house was at 70 per cent, and the remaining works include fitting ceiling boards, doors, other internal fittings and painting;

 

1. the office block was at 60 per cent, and the remaining works include fitting ceiling boards, doors, other internal fittings and painting;

 

1. the dip tank was at 90 per cent, and there were only minor leakages to be addressed;

 

1. the farmers shelter was at 90 per cent, and only painting remains to be completed; and

 

1. the site has a borehole and an overhead tank in place for water reticulation. What remains is the installation of a submersible pump.

 

Mr Speaker, currently, the project is at procurement stage, and my ministry anticipates awarding the contract to a new successful contractor by the second quarter of 2026.

 

Mr Speaker, the project has delayed by two years due to financial constraints.

 

Mr Speaker, the estimated cost of the remaining works is K1.2 million. My ministry has allocated K1.5 million to cover contingencies to ensure that the project is successfully completed.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Ms Nakaponda: Mr Speaker, what assurance can the hon. Minister give the people of Isoka concerning the project? They want an assurance.

 

Mr Kapala: Mr Speaker, when we come to this House, we give Government assurances. So, I am assuring the people of Isoka that the project is at the tender stage. In the second quarter of the year, it will be awarded to a successful contractor.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Ms Nakaponda: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister, and let him know that the people of Isoka will be waiting for the project to be completed.

 

Mr Samakayi (Mwinilunga): Thank you very much, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Speaker, allow me to congratulate the hon. Member of Parliament for Chawama. Allow me to also congratulate the people of Kasama and the United Party for National Development (UPND) on winning the mayoral elections last week.

 

Mr Samakayi’s hands were clasped behind his back.

 

Mr Second Deputy Speaker was inaudible.

 

Hon. Members: Manja!

 

Mr Samakayi: Yes, Mr Speaker. The other time I was told to not point at people. So, that is why I am –

 

Laughter

 

Mr Samakayi: Mr Speaker, my question is No. 134.

 

BANNING THE EXPORTATION OF UNPROCESSED TIMBER

134. Mr Samakayi asked the Minister of Green Economy and Environment: 

1. whether the Government has any plans to ban the exportation of unprocessed timber in order to promote value addition within the country;

 

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

 

1. if there are no such plans, why.

 

The Minister of Green Economy and Environment (Mr Mposha): Mr Speaker, let me also join my hon. Colleagues in congratulating Hon. Bright Nundwe and the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) on scooping the Chawama Constituency seat. I would like to encourage him to be focused and to serve the people of Chawama Constituency well. In the same vein, I wish to thank our political party, the United Party for National Development (UPND), for running a non-violent and very peaceful campaign in Chawama Constituency. I also wish to congratulate Mr Simposya for scooping the Kasama mayoral seat on behalf of the UPND. I thank our campaign teams for putting up a brilliant fight in the constituency.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mposha: On a sad note, Mr Speaker, I would like to register my condolences to the people of Muchinga, Mpika in particular, on the loss of the Council Chairperson, Mr Mwape Musoma, a gallant son of Muchinga Province and Zambia, who was put to rest yesterday. I pray and wish the family God’s strength during this very difficult time.

 

Mr Speaker, with that said, let me proceed to answer the question asked by Hon. Samakayi.

 

Mr Speaker, Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 94 of 2015 prescribes the categories and sizes of timber eligible for export. The SI expressly prohibits the export of unprocessed timber, that is, round logs, and requires that all timber intended for export be processed locally to promote value addition, industrial development and employment creation within Zambia.

 

Mr Speaker, the restriction on the export of unprocessed timber remains in force. The restriction will be further strengthened through the ongoing revision of the Forests Act No. 4 of 2015 and the associated SIs, which will explicitly provide guidelines permitting the export of processed and semi-processed timber products only. This measure reinforces the Government’s policy on value addition, sustainable forest management and domestic industrial development.

 

In addition, Mr Speaker, the National Forest Policy, which was launched last year, places a strong emphasis on encouraging private sector investment in value addition, particularly through the establishment and expansion of timber processing and industrialisation plans within the country.

 

Mr Speaker, as stated in response to part (a) of the question, the Government is embarking on measures to promote value addition and progressively limit the export of raw timber.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Samakayi: Thank you, Mr Speaker, my question has been fully answered.

 

Mr E. Tembo (Feira): Mr Speaker, allow me to join others in congratulating my brother, Hon. Bright Nundwe, who campaigned on the ticket of the able Tonse Alliance, for severely defeating the United Party for National Development (UPND). Of course, I am constrained to say the same for the UPND regarding the Kasama mayoral seat because I do not believe it won the seat freely and fairly. I am not taking anything away from our friends, but the circumstances on the ground indicate that the Tonse Alliance won.

 

ALLOCATION OF A POST BUS TO LUANGWA DISTRICT POST OFFICE

 

135. Mr E. Tembo asked the Minister of Technology and Science:

 

1. why the Post Bus, operated by the Zambia Postal Services Corporation (ZamPost), which was allocated to Luangwa District Post Office in April, 2021, has not been delivered; and

 

1. when the bus will be delivered.

 

The Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (Mr Mubanga) (on behalf of the Minister of Technology and Science (Mr Mutati)): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that there was no bus operated by the Zambia Postal Services Corporation (ZamPost) allocated to Luangwa District Post Office in April, 2021.

 

Mr Speaker, in view of the response above, no bus will be delivered.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr E. Tembo rose.

 

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Any supplementary questions?

 

Mr E. Tembo: Mr Speaker, sorry, I rose too quickly. I apologise.

 

Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister, as is always the case, might not be well-informed. In April, 2021, before the general elections, there was a bus that was allocated to be operating under ZamPost between Lusaka and Luangwa and that decision was made on 30^th April, 2021. So, it was supposed to be delivered. If the hon. Minister is not aware of that fact, perhaps, he can come back to me after he has researched and obtained the correct information.

 

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, it is surprising that you think that the hon. Minister is not aware about the issued you have raised. Who should be aware between you and the hon. Minister?  I think the hon. Minister has stated his position, unless he still wants to comment.

 

Mr Mubanga: Mr Speaker, I am very much aware that no such bus was allocated to Luangwa District. So, there was no bus to be delivered.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

CONSTRUCTION OF MUCHINDA SECONDARY SCHOOL IN SERENJE

 136. Mr Kandafula asked the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development:

 

1. when the Government will resume the construction of Muchinda Secondary School in Serenje District;

 

1. what the cause of the delay in completing the project is;

 

1. at what percentage of completion the project was, as of August, 2025;

 

1. what the cost of the outstanding works is; and

 

1. when the project will be completed.

 

Mr Mubanga (on behalf of the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development (Eng. Milupi)): Mr Speaker, the Government will resume construction of Muchinda Secondary School in Serenje District in the first quarter of 2026.

 

Mr Speaker, the delay in completing the project is due to inconsistent funding, which led to the contract expiring due to a lapse in time.

 

Mr Speaker, as of August, 2025, the project was at 60 per cent completion.

 

Mr Speaker, the estimated cost of completing the project at the time of terminating or re-tendering the works was K50.1 million. However, the actual cost of the remaining works will only be determined once the contractor has been procured, or rather found.

 

Mr Speaker, the project will be completed eighteen months after the commencement date.

 

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Kandafula: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for those answers. However, this again takes us back to the same issues of space and distances that children have to cover to attend secondary school.

 

Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister talked about the first quarter of 2025, which is this very quarter that we are in right now. I just want some assurance so that the people listening out there get something. Muchinda is a vast ward under Serenje Constituency and that is the only secondary school in that area. So, the hon. Minister should imagine the situation in those lines. I think he is being briefed behind there.

 

Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister talked about the contractor and that the project will be completed in eighteen months. However, if we have not yet procured a contractor, it means that those months he counted will carry over into 2027. Are we assured that before this year ends, we will have a contractor on site?  

 

Mr Mubanga: Mr Speaker, this Government is very serious and we know what we are doing. The first quarter is up to April, or somewhere there. So, I want to assure the hon. Member that we will be able to fulfil our promises because the amount of money remaining has been budgeted for.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Mutale (Chitambo): Thank you very much, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Speaker, allow me to first congratulate my brother, Hon. Bright Nundwe, on joining us in this House. I welcome him to this House. Please, he should feel at home. Allow me to also congratulate my brother, the hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts for ensuring that the mayoral seat was won in Kasama. So, I congratulate the mayor of Kasama.

 

STAFF ESTABLISHMENT FOR AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICERS IN CHITAMBO

137. Mr Mutale asked the Minister of Agriculture:

 

1. what the staff establishment for agricultural extension officers in Chitambo District was, as of September, 2025;

 

1. how many extension officers there were in the district, as of the date above;

 

1. whether the number of officers above was sufficient for the  district; and

 

1. if not, when the Government will recruit additional officers for the district.

 

Mr Mtolo: Mr Speaker, Mr Mutale of Chitambo asked –

 

Mr Nkandu: Question!

 

Mr Mtolo: Sorry, …

 

Laughter

 

Mr Mtolo: … Hon. Mutale.

 

Mr Nkandu: Remember Mutale of Chitambo.

 

Mr Mtolo: Remember Mutale of Chitambo.

 

Mr Speaker, the staff establishment for Agricultural Extension Officers in Chitambo District as at September 2025 was sixty.

 

Mr Speaker, there were seventeen Agricultural Extension Officers in the district as at September 2025. These were: two Agricultural Supervisors and fifteen Agricultural Extension Officers.

 

Mr Speaker, the number of extension officers for the district is insufficient to meet the demands of the district.

 

Mr Speaker, the Government will recruit additional officers for the district when Treasury authority to employ is granted.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Mutale: Mr Speaker, I will not say “Mr Chipata”.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Mutale: Mr Speaker, I would like the hon. Minister to inform the people of Chitambo when Treasury authority will be granted. When it is granted, how many Extension Officers does the hon. Minister think can manage Chitambo? How many Extension Officers is the hon. Minister willing to give the people of Chitambo?

 

Mr Mtolo: Mr Speaker, the information I have is that an establishment of sixty members of staff is required in Chitambo, but we have only twenty-six. So, there is a variance of thirty-three. We will look at filling the thirty-three positions.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order!

______

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House (Mr Mwiimbu, SC.): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

______

 

The House adjourned at 1753 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 4^th February, 2026.

 

____________

WRITTEN REPLY TO QUESTION

REHABILITATION OF NCHELENGE SECONDARY SCHOOL

138. Dr Mwale (Nchelenge) asked the Minister of Education:

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to rehabilitate Nchelenge Secondary School in Nchelenge District;

 

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

 

1. what the estimated cost of the project is; and

 

1. if there are no such plans, why.

 

The Minister of Education (Mr Syakalima): Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to rehabilitate Nchelenge Secondary School in Nchelenge District.

 

Mr Speaker, the rehabilitation works are scheduled to be implemented in 2026.

 

Mr Speaker, the estimated cost of the rehabilitation project is K16,239,173.49.

 

Mr Speaker, in view of the response provided in part (a) of the question, part (d) does not apply, as the Government has plans to rehabilitate the school.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.