Thursday, 5^th February, 2026

The House met at 1430 hours

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

_______

ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM SPEAKER

MOTION OF THANKS ON THE PRESIDENT OF GHANA’S SPECIAL ADDRESS

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, please, take note that, as indicated yesterday, the Motion of Thanks on the President of Ghana's Address will be moved by the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House on Tuesday, 10^th February, 2026.

TIME OF THE PRESIDENT’S SPECIAL ADDRESS

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 His Excellency Mr John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, will arrive at 1500 hours to address the House.

Business was suspended from 1432 hours until 1500 hours.

His Excellency Mr John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, entered the Assembly Chamber escorted by Madam Speaker.

(Assembly resumed)

SPECIAL ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, the House wishes to welcome to the Assembly the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Mr John Dramani Mahama.

We are honoured, Your Excellency, that in the course of your official visit to Zambia, you have decided to come and address this august House.

I now invite you, Your Excellency, to deliver your address.

Your Excellency.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Quality!

The President of Ghana (Mr John Dramani Mahama): Madam Speaker, hon. Members of Parliament, I consider it a great honour to have been invited to address this august House. I know that to be invited to address Parliament is an honour given to visitors who are held in high esteem.

Madam Speaker, having been a Member of Parliament for three terms, …

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Interruptions

The President: … I am quite familiar with the traditions of the House.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, having been President too, I am quite used to heckling. So, I will not have a problem.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Laughter

The President: Rt. Hon. Madam Speaker, hon. Members of Parliament, hon. Ministers of State, Senior Government officials, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me acknowledge and introduce my wife seated to my left, otherwise known as domestic commanders-in-chief.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Laughter

The President: Madam Speaker, I am deeply honoured to address this august House and to convey warm fraternal greetings from the Government and people of the Republic of Ghana.

Madam Speaker, I wish, at the outset, to express my profound appreciation for the gracious hospitality extended to me and my delegation since our arrival in this beautiful city of Lusaka.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, this visit re-affirms the enduring bonds of friendship and solidarity between Ghana and Zambia, bonds that were forged during the historic struggle for Africa’s political emancipation under the visionary leadership of our founding fathers, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah and Dr Kenneth David Kaunda.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, their shared pan-African conviction, sacrifice and courage laid the foundations on which our two nations and, indeed, our continent continue to build. Ghana’s historic support for Zambia’s liberation struggle is well documented, and generations of Zambian freedom fighters were shaped by pan-Africanist ideals fostered at institutions such as the Kwame Nkrumah Ideological Institute in Winneba. Today, our friendship remains grounded in mutual respect, shared democratic values and a common aspiration for peace, development and African dignity.

Rt. Hon. Madam Speaker, the responsibility of our generation is clear; to translate historic solidarity and political goodwill into concrete economic and social dividends for our people. Our forebearers won us Independence and nationhood. Now, we must win the fight for economic transformation and prosperity for our people.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, we must confront the battle for economic emancipation of our countries at a time when global geopolitics is undergoing tectonic shifts. Today, global humanitarian assistance is shrinking, official development assistance is declining, defence spending is rising and traditional multilateral systems are under strain. Africa, therefore, faces a different pandemic; the pandemic of unfulfilled potential. Millions of our young people remain unemployed, health systems are fragile and economies extract wealth without building capacity.

Madam Speaker, Africa must confront this changing reality with transparency and pragmatism. Only days ago, I had the opportunity to address global leaders in Davos, where I spoke about the Accra Reset initiative and the urgent need for Africa to redefine its development trajectory. Too many African countries remain trapped in what I described as triple dependency; dependency on external actors for security choices, dependency on donors for health and education systems, and dependency on suppliers of critical minerals while capturing little or no value. This condition undermines genuine sovereignty.

Rev. Katuta: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, History teaches us, however, that a crisis can sharpen resolve, and so, Africa must take its destiny into its hands.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, the Accra Reset does not seek to disrupt global partnerships. The initiative advocates the forging of new partnerships to transform global systems that have been rigged against Africa and much of the global south for a long time. We must reset the narrative through unity of action, self-reliance and a leveraging of our comparative advantages for industrial growth and economic transformation. We demand a redesign of outdated governance systems, including greater representation in global institutions, such as the United Nations (UN) Security Council.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, we are calling for a rejigging of global financial systems that have kept Africa in poverty and debt.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, while we must work collectively to achieve these objectives, much depends on how we act locally. Leadership is fundamental to achieving the goals of the initiative.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mabeta: Correct!

The President: Madam Speaker, we have started taking action to change our narrative in Ghana. Since my return to office one year ago, my Administration has been guided by a clear pragmatic reset agenda that is focused on economic recovery, macro-economic stability, job creation and inclusive growth.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr B. Mpundu: Alikwata amano!

The President: Madam Speaker, this approach is anchored on fiscal discipline, productive investment, good governance and strengthened regional co-operation. We have chosen execution over excuses.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, we have reduced the size of the Government to fifty-eight Ministers and Deputy Ministers, including Regional Ministers.

Mr B. Mpundu: Mwaumfwa?

The President: Madam Speaker, we are digitalising public services to fight corruption and we are investing in skills for the future; digital, green and industrial skills. We have restructured our debt to invest in people, not just to service loans, and that is what resetting Ghana means, and it is delivering results.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Hon. Members, I am pleased to note that Ghana has made tangible progress. Inflation has declined sharply from over 23.4 per cent at the end of 2024 to 3.8 per cent in January, 2026.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. Opposition Members: Ebaume aba!

The President: Currency stability has been restored, with the Ghanaian currency appreciating by 32 per cent and ranking among the five best performing currencies in 2025. We have successfully renegotiated our debt obligations on terms that safeguard our national sovereignty and ensure sustainability, and we are steadily exiting the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Credit Facility with dignity as partners and not as supplicants.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: These reforms are not merely national achievements. They contribute to regional confidence and integration. In this regard, Zambia is a natural partner.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: The complementarities between our economies, notably in mining, agriculture, energy and manufacturing present compelling opportunities for joint ventures, value chain developments and expanded bilateral trade.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Rt. Hon. Speaker, to achieve economic transformation, Africa must not be ashamed to leverage its comparative advantage and its natural resource endowment.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Africa must exercise greater sovereignty over its natural resources if it is to create prosperity for its people. The era in which we parcelled out large-scale concessions to speculators who then turned around and flipped them for huge profits must end.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: We have the know-how, technology and capital available. Indigenous companies must be encouraged to participate in the extractive and mining sectors. We must support our indigenous private sector to capture the commanding heights of our economies.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: In Ghana, mining and extractive sectors play a significant role in our economy. Much like Zambia and other African countries, we are the sources of critical minerals like gold, bauxite and manganese, yet very little value is added to these minerals locally. My country is changing that narrative. Ghana established the Ghana Gold Board (Goldbod) in April last year to take control of and regulate our gold exports.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: The Goldbod was given sole authority to export gold out of Ghana. Since the establishment of the board, gold exports from the artisanal and small-scale mining sector have increased from 63 tonnes to 104 tonnes in ten months.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The President: The sweetest part of it is that the 104 tonnes have earned Ghana over US$10 billion in foreign exchange inflows.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: We are also taking steps to domesticate the value addition of our minerals. The Goldbod has recently signed an agreement with a local gold refinery to refine about 1 tonne of gold every week, rather than exporting the raw ore gold. We aim to commence the local processing of our manganese and bauxite as well, instead of exporting the raw ores. We have also replaced the flat-rate royalty system for minerals with a sliding scale system from 5 per cent to 12 per cent, depending on the international market price of the mineral.

Rt. Hon. Speaker, in Dubai, I attended the launch of the Global African Investment Summit. This initiative is led by Akinwumi Adesina, former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), and a few collaborators, who seek to find new ways to leverage the continent’s natural resource endowments to raise more affordable financing to support Africa’s economic transformation. This is an exciting initiative and it has the potential to unlock enormous financial resources for Africa’s development.

Rt. Hon. Speaker, as the African Union (AU) champion for African financial institutions, I am leading advocacy for the repatriation and investment of part of Africa’s huge foreign reserves in African financial institutions. Most of our foreign reserves are by colonial construct held in Western financial institutions and, in most cases, generate no interest. If 30 per cent of all the foreign reserves of African countries were repatriated and invested in our own African financial institutions, such as the AfDB, it would create an immense pool of wealth that could drive rapid infrastructure and economic growth.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, no African country can survive in isolation. We must build regional prosperity platforms, shared manufacturing zones, integrated energy grids and digital infrastructure. We must negotiate with one voice on minerals, trade and climate finance. Unity must be our strategy, not just our slogan.

Madam Speaker, a critical factor in changing Africa’s story is governance and leadership. We must admit that Africa needs and deserves transparent and accountable leadership.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The President: The institutions and laws to fight corruption must be allowed to operate without fear or favour. Abuse of public trust must be punished. We must protect public resources and use them efficiently for the good of our people.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: As President Obama said during a visit to Ghana, “Africa does not need strong men, it needs strong institutions”.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: We must build our democratic institutions to be independent and efficient. Parliament and the Judiciary must work independently in the public interest.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Leaders must respect their oath of office to respect the constitution. In our sub-region of West Africa, democracy is backsliding with a return to military dictatorships. Ghana is, however, on a mission to prove that democracy works and that our people can achieve prosperity and opportunity under a constitutional democracy.

Rt. Hon. Speaker, I commend the efforts of the Government and people of Zambia to stabilise your macroeconomic environment.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Rev. Katuta: Ekobali kanshi!

The President: The improved performance of the Zambian currency, the Kwacha, and the on-going reform agenda, sends positive signals to investors and regional partners.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: So, Ghana looks forward to deepening trade investment and financial co-operation with Zambia …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: … to reinforce resilience and shared prosperity.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Ghana follows Zambia’s democratic journey with kin interest and confidence.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: As Zambia prepares for general elections in August this year, we wish to express our trust in the strength of its democratic institutions …

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: … and the commitment of the Zambian people to free and fair elections.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

The President: It is in this spirit that Ghana and Zambia have revitalised their permanent joint commission for co-operation, providing a structured results-oriented framework for collaboration across all priority sectors, including trade, investments, energy, tourism, mining, agriculture, education, science and technology, youth development, and defence co-operation. Just this afternoon, we have signed ten Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) …

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: … to act as the framework for our joint co-operation. Prominent among them is the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to allow visa free travel for all categories …

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: … of passport holders between Ghana and Zambia.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: So, it means as of this afternoon, when signatures were appended, Zambians do not need a visa to go to Ghana …

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: … and vice versa.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: This is an important step towards the free movement of our people on the African continent.

Madam Speaker, peace and security remain indispensable foundations for sustainable development. Ghana values her co-operation with Zambia in defence training, intelligence sharing and peacekeeping. We remain committed to strengthening collective security across our continent.

Equally important is the quest for restitutive justice and restoration. The African Union (AU) 2025 theme is “Justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations.” This is both a moral imperative and a forward-looking call to action. As the AU champion for reparations, Ghana will shortly sponsor a United Nations (UN) resolution on slavery. The resolution seeks to declare slavery as the greatest crime against humanity.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: We will be honoured to count on Zambia amongst our core sponsors.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, I am also addressing you this afternoon in my capacity as the AU Champion for Gender and Development.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Ghana has moved beyond symbolism to action.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: We have elected our first female Vice-President and operationalised the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act, mandating a minimum of 30 per cent female representation in all public appointments.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Our reset agenda includes establishing a women’s development bank to unlock financing for female-led enterprises.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: However, this is a continental struggle, and I urge us to advance together towards a decade of African women’s financial aid and economic inclusion. When we invest in our women, we accelerate national development.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Madam Speaker, the future of this world is African. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers us unprecedented opportunity to boost intra-African trade, promote value addition and accelerate industrialisation. So, Ghana remains committed to working closely with Zambia to reduce trade barriers and harmonise standards to stimulate private sector partnerships. Our people are the true custodians of this partnership. The presence of Ghanaians in Zambia and Zambians in Ghana enriches both societies. Africa’s democratic dividend, projected to account for a quarter of the world’s population by 2050, demands investments in skills, innovation and representation in global governance.

Rt. Hon. Madam Speaker, I thank you sincerely for this invitation to address this Parliament. Ghana remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening its co-operation with Zambia, guided by mutual respect and shared destiny. Zikomo.

Hon. Members: Kwambiri!

The President: May God bless the Republic of Zambia.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: May God bless the Republic of Ghana, …

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: … and may God bless Africa.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

His Excellency the President of Ghana left the Assembly Chamber escorted by Madam Speaker.

_______

[MR SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

MS NYIRENDA, HON. MEMBER FOR LUNDAZI, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF WATER DEVELOPMENT AND SANITATION, ENG. NZOVU, ON LUNDAZI DAM

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

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Ms Nyirenda: Mr Speaker, the matter I wish to raise is directed to the hon. Minister of –

Interruptions

Ms Nyirenda: I said, “Mr Speaker”. He is my brother. I proudly know that he is a man.

Mr Simumba: Hear, hear!

Ms Nyirenda: Mr Speaker, the matter I wish to raise is directed to the hon. Minister of Water Development and Sanitation.

Mr Speaker, there are serious flash floods in Lundazi, which have washed away the walls of Lundazi Dam, which is used by the Eastern Water and Sanitation Company Limited (EWSC).  In addition, Mukomba Dam walls have also been washed away. We are sitting on a time bomb. There is no water in our constituency now. All the water in Lundazi River has been contaminated by floods. We are actually desperate now.

Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister Water Development and Sanitation in order to sit here, knowing very well that the only water we are receiving is rainwater? If the rain water is not harvested, we are going to have serious sicknesses like diarrhoea, cholera and many other diseases in Lundazi.

Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order to sit here and not instruct people to carry out works in Lundazi, especially that rebuilding the dam walls will assist us?

Mr Nkandu: Question!

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order!

Ms Nyirenda: Mr Speaker, we need your serious intervention, especially since you come from Lundazi as well.

Mr Nkandu: Question!

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member, this is the segment for Urgent Matters without Notice, but you are now presenting a point of order. You can file in an urgent question that the hon. Minister will be able to respond to. So, file in an urgent question.

MR KANG’OMBE, HON. MEMBER FOR KAMFINSA, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND INTERNAL SECURITY AND ACTING LEADER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN THE HOUSE, MR MWIIMBU, SC. NOT ADDRESSING THE ISSUE OF MUFUMBWE MINE

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Mr Speaker.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Mr Kang’ombe: Mr Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to direct an Urgent Matter without Notice to the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House, who is also the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security.

Mr Speaker, you are aware that the Government undertook an operation to remove those who were mining in specific places in Zambia, Mufumbwe being one of them. As a result, many young people who had started doing economic activities in remote mining places went back to their residential areas. In my recent visit to my constituency, I found a report from officers from the Zambia Police Service that the levels of crime have gone up, because most young people do not have things to do, as a result of not participating in mining activities in places such as Mufumbwe. My assessment is that Mufumbwe is not the only mining area where young men and women were told to leave and go back to their residential places.

Mr Speaker, the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House should be accorded an opportunity to explain what the plan is for those young men and women who are no longer doing mining activities in Mufumbwe and many other places. It is important that this issue is addressed, because young people need job opportunities.

Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security in order to not provide a report on what plans the Government has for those young men and women who are no longer doing mining activities in those places?

Mr B. Mpundu: Tell them.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order!

 Hon. Member for Nkana, avoid debating whilst seated.

In the same vein, hon. Member for Kamfinsa, file in an urgent question, which the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development will attend to.

MR ZULU, HON. MEMBER FOR NYIMBA, ON THE ACTING LEADER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN THE HOUSE, MR MWIIMBU, SC., ON THE STATE OF THE GREAT EAST ROAD

 Mr Zulu (Nyimba): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Mr Speaker.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, my Urgent Matter without Notice is directed to the hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development. Since he is not around, I will direct it to the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House.   

Mr Speaker, the Great East Road has become a death trap for all of us travelling to the east. Today, if you drive on that road, you may hit potholes, which are now becoming drum holes. It is difficult to navigate between Chongwe and Luangwa Bridge. In addition, the culverts along the Great East Road have become a danger to the people travelling on that road, especially those travelling at night.

Mr Speaker, in 2024, the hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development promised that the road between the Airport Road roundabout and Luangwa Bridge would be worked on. However, to date, we have not seen any activities along the Great East Road. When is the ministry going to attend to the road?

Mr Speaker, if you asked the people you are seated with, they would confirm that their cars have tyre tread separation, or they change tyres every month when using that road. Does the Government have a plan to work on the Great East Road? The road has become a death trap.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Thank you very much. Your matter does not qualify to be an Urgent Matter without Notice. You can file in an urgent question, and it will be attended to.

Let us make progress.

_______

BILL

FIRST READING

TOBACCO CONTROL BILL, 2025

The Minister of Health (Mr Muchima): Mr Speaker, I beg to present a Bill entitled the Tabacco Control Bill, No. 40 of 2025. The objects of the Bill are:

1. to provide for the protection of present and future generations from devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco use, nicotine addiction and exposure to the harmful emissions of tobacco products, tobacco devices, nicotine products, or nicotine devices;
2. to constitute the Tobacco Control Committee and provide for its functions;
3. to regulate the manufacture, distribution, sale, import and use of tobacco products, tobacco devices, nicotine, nicotine products and nicotine devices;
4. to provide for the packaging and labelling of tobacco products, tobacco devices, nicotine, nicotine product, or nicotine device;
5. to regulate the advancement, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products or tobacco devices, nicotine, nicotine products and nicotine devices;
6. to domesticate the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control; and
7. to provide for matters connected with, or incidental to, the foregoing.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: The Bill stands referred to the Committee on Health, Community Development, and Social Services. The Committee is required to submit its report on the Bill to the House in due course. Hon. Members who wish to make submissions on the Bill are free to do so within the programme of work of the Committee.

Thank you.

_______

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

NEW CONTRACTOR FOR THE ZIMBA/NYAWA/KALOMO ROAD

146. Dr Andeleki (Katombola) asked the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development: 

1. when the Government will engage a new contractor to construct the Zimba/Nyawa/Kalomo Road;
2. what the estimated cost of the project is; 
3. what the timeframe for the completion of the project is;
4. whether the road will be tarred; and
5. if the road will not be tarred, why.

Dr Andeleki: Mr Speaker, the question has been overtaken by events, I wish to withdraw it. The contractor is on-site. These are –

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Andeleki: The contractor working on the Zimba/Nyawa/Kalomo Road is on-site and doing a good job. Therefore, the question is overtaken by events. We thank the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development for the job well done.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member says the question has been overtaken by events. So, the hon. Member, perhaps, should be given permission by the House to withdraw it.

Question put and agreed to. Leave granted.

Question, by leave, accordingly withdrawn.

PLANS TO CONSTRUCT MPIKA/NABWALYA ROAD

147. Mr Kapyanga (Mpika) asked the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development:

1. whether the Government has any plans to construct the Mpika/Nabwalya Road in Mpika District;
2. if so, when such plans will be implemented;
3. what the estimated cost of the project, is; and
4. if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr Kabuswe) (on behalf of the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development (Eng. Milupi)): Mr Speaker, before I answer the questions, I would like to congratulate the New Dawn Government for making the Kwacha perform so well.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kabuswe: Mr Speaker, today, it is trading at around K18.4 to a United States (US) Dollar. Congratulations to the hardworking New Dawn Government. This is as a result of the good policies of President Hakainde Hichilema, which have made the Kwacha one of the best-performing currencies in the world.

Mr Chikote: Commander-in-Chief.

Mr Kabuswe: Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to construct the Mpika/Nabwalya Road in Mpika District.

Mr Speaker, the Government will endeavour to implement the plans once funds have been secured from the Treasury.

Mr Speaker, a re-assessment exercise will need to be undertaken by the Road Development Agency (RDA) Muchinga Regional Office to update the cost estimation. Furthermore, as stated in the answer to part (a) of the question, the Government has plans to construct the Mpika/Nabwalya Road in Mpika District.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Mr Speaker, the road in question is very important because of the natural resources, especially wildlife, around that area. The hon. Minister has stated that the road can only be worked on when resources are available. I believe that that response has become the standard answer, looking at how some of these –

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, may you ask your question.

Mr Fube: Mr Speaker, I am asking my question.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: You are debating.

Mr Fube: Yes.

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: May you ask your question, hon. Member.

Mr Fube: Mr Speaker, I will ask the question, though some people are participating like they are also speakers.

Mr Speaker, where does the Government intend to get the same resources because the hon. Minister said that the work would be undertaken when resources become available? Where does the Government intend to get the resources if not in the 2026 Budget?

Mr Kabuswe: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for the question.

Mr Speaker, a responsible government works within a budget. So, if a road is budgeted for and funds are made available, the road will be worked on. Otherwise, the plans are there. In fact, the works had started, but because of challenges in funding, the contract collapsed. So, the Government will still secure funds and the road will be worked on.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Nkandu: Quality!

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Mr Speaker, yes, indeed, as the Acting hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development has said, there was a contractor working on that road, but the contract was cancelled.

Mr Speaker, maybe, it can be helpful if a period is provided. What period are we looking at in terms of getting the works done? The hon. Minister has just talked about the assessment, but we do not even know whether the assessment of the cost of working on that road has commenced. What assurance can the hon. Minister give the people of Mpika and Nabwalya on when they should expect to see the works on that road begin?

Mr Kabuswe: Mr Speaker, the assurance I can give the people of Nabwalya and Mpika is that the Government has plans to undertake road works across the country. The agenda of this Government is to make sure that development is rolled out across the country, but of course, it all depends on the fiscal space. So, if the funds are made available, like I said, the RDA will go and re-assess any given project. After the lapse of time, changes in inflation and other factors, there is a need to re-assess the value of contracts for various road works. The assurance is that the RDA will go back and do a re-assessment and the said road will be worked on once funds are available. So, it all depends on how the re-assessment will come out.

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Mr Speaker, the hon. Member for Mpika is asking this question because he knows that the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government is bouncing back to power in the next few months. He is trying to find out whether this caring Government will attend to the needs of the people in Mpika in the next five years, as we continue voting for President Hakainde Hichilema and his Government.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sing’ombe: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister confirming that he will look into the plight of the people of Mpika, since the hon. Member for Mpika has confirmed that we are coming back to power, hence this question?

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kabuswe: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for that supplementary question.

Mr Speaker, yes, indeed, the hon. Member of Parliament for Mpika is aware that the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government will continue in office.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kabuswe: Further, like I said, the plans of the UPND Government in terms of road infrastructure are holistic. Road works must touch all places, including Nabwalya. So, our plans for road works are long-term and will continue beyond 2026.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kapyanga: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity to ask a follow-up question and I thank the hon. Minister for the responses.

Mr Speaker, the intention of the late President Michael Chilufya Sata was to construct the road in question to connect Muchinga Province to the Eastern Province via the Nabwalya/Ngabwe area on the other side. This is a very important economic road owing to the abundance of wildlife in that particular area.

Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has stated that the Government has plans to undertake works on that road. I am of the view that if the Government, indeed, has plans, those plans must be complete. They should include timeframes on when the road works will be implemented. If not, there are no plans at all. So, why do the plans not have timeframes?

Mr Kabuswe: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for the question.

Mr Speaker, I want to give a little bit of background by tagging on what the hon. Member talked about. The contract to work on the said road was given on 13^th March, 2014, and it lapsed in April, 2022. Only 50 km of the 117 km stretch was graded in trying to show that works were going on. When we look at the period from 2014 to 2022, we can see that it was over seven years after the contract was awarded. However, when this Government came into power, it looked into the issue of a road that was said to have been worked on. Since the contract was given in 2014, the road should have been constructed. By then, nkalakatimba had not yet come into power.

Mr Speaker, when President Hakainde Hichilema came into power, we looked at the whole plan for infrastructure development and decided to redo it so that the right thing could be done by ensuring that the roads that were worked on were those planned for.

Hon. PF Members: What is nkalakatimba?

Mr Kabuswe: Mr Speaker, nkalakatimba is umuntu umukali uwaishiba ukubomba sana like President Hakainde Hichilema.

Mr Speaker, yes, we have plans. We are now addressing the confusion over the road in question so that we can give the hon. Member a clear timeline of when and how we are going to work on it.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kapyanga: Mr Speaker, I am enjoying the answers from the hon. Minister, although he is not very clear.

 Mr Speaker, I would like to draw the attention of the hon. Minister to the challenges that the people of Nabwalya face. There is literally no road connecting the chiefdom of about 30,000 people –

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Can you ask your question, hon. Member.

Mr Kapyanga: Mr Speaker, works on the road in question were undertaken under the Link Zambia 8,000 Km Road Project. Does the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government have a similar plan for working on that road?

Mr Kabuswe: Mr Speaker, we cannot follow a plan that failed.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kabuswe: So, there is no way we can have a similar plan. That is why we are re-planning the whole process. Firstly, as I said, we are trying to get the RDA to redo the design and give us new figures on which we will base the new contract. The hon. Member is asking us whether we have similar plans to what failed and our answer is that we cannot follow what failed. Our only lesson from what failed is that you do not give contracts anyhow and allow projects to stall afterwards. Therefore, we are going to learn from those who failed to undertake road works. So, we are going to do it.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

CONSTRUCTION OF NEW CRUDE OIL REFINERY IN NDOLA

148. Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa) asked the Minister of Energy:

1. what the name of the company constructing a crude oil refinery in Ndola District is;
2. why the Government opted to construct a new refinery, as opposed to recapitalising the Indeni Oil Refinery; and
3. what the terms and conditions of the contract between the Government and the company at (a) are, once construction is completed.

The Minister of Energy (Mr Chikote): Mr Speaker, the name of the company that is constructing the crude oil refinery in Ndola is Zambia Petrochemical Energy Company Limited (ZPEC).

Mr Speaker, the Government is not constructing a new refinery. However, modernising the INDENI Energy Company Limited plant would require substantial capital investment, which the Government does not have.

Mr Speaker, as you may be aware, the Government, through the Ministry of Energy, disengaged from financing and procuring petroleum products for the Zambian market. This policy reform is intended to promote efficiency, transparency and competition by enabling the private sector, particularly, oil marketing companies (OMCs), to take the leading role in the supply of petroleum products. This policy and regulatory environment has also facilitated strategic private investment in the petroleum subsector. In this regard, Fujian Xiang Xin Corporation is investing in the development of a crude oil refinery to be operated by ZPEC Limited, a special purpose vehicle established for this purpose. The ownership structure comprises 30 per cent equity held by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and 70 per cent held by Fujian Xiang Xin Corporation. The IDC has contributed land, while Fujian Xiang Xin Corporation is providing financing, technology and operational expertise under this arrangement. The IDC is not investing any other capital. The investment demonstrates the Government's commitment to creating an enabling policy environment that attracts private sector investment, enhances value addition and strengthens national petroleum security.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kang’ombe: Mr Speaker, I am on record asking the Government to recapitalise INDENI Energy Company Limited. When I was told that a new investor was investing in a new refinery, I was curious, and I remain curious, to find out why the Government did not recapitalise the existing refinery instead of relocating people in the affected area, looking for designs and money. Why did the Government not make a simple decision to recapitalise the company? There is an investor with millions of United States (US) Dollars, why not direct that investment into an existing refinery, which is INDENI Energy Company Limited? The answer that was given initially was that the Government needed about US$200 to US$300 million. So, my question is: Why did the Government not simply engage the investor to inject the money into the existing refinery, instead of building a new one?

That is my first follow-up question, Mr Speaker.

Mr Chikote: Mr Speaker, the recapitalisation of the old INDENI Energy Company Limited was assessed, and it was discovered, according to the private sector assessment, that the refinery is outdated. It requires a lot of money, and so the private sector has concluded that it does not make sense to recapitalise an outdated refinery. Construction of the crude oil refinery is a private sector participation project. It is not the Government that is constructing it. The investment is based on the assessment of the investor’s business plan.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kang’ombe: Mr Speaker, the laws of Zambia are clear. The regulator; the Energy Regulation Board (ERB), is the Government’s entity. The policy of the energy sector is controlled by the Government. The decision still lies with the Government. When an investor comes to Zambia, through the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), with the intention to invest money, the decision still lies with the Government. I still want to understand, given the response that has been provided by the hon. Minister. I am aware that the Government is not injecting money into the project. However, from a policy and regulatory point of view, and the Government's thinking point of view, the decision still lies with the Government. Did the Government advise the investor on the fact that there is an old refinery that simply needs a hydrocracker? If that machinery was replaced, INDENI Energy Company Limited would be operationalised.

Mr Speaker, that is my second follow-up question.

Mr Chikote: Mr Speaker, let me repeat myself. I have said that the old INDENI Energy Company Limited is outdated. The technology at the refinery is outdated, according to the private investor, who has undertaken an assessment. So, our job, as the Government, is to create an environment that allows the private sector to invest. Our role is to not dictate, whether the private sector has undertaken the assessment, that it recapitalises INDENI Energy Company Limited. No. Our duty is to create an enabling environment for the private sector to participate in the energy subsector.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: I hope the hon. Member has heard your response loud and clear.

Mr Mabeta (Kankoyo): Thank you very much, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker, I was privileged to understand INDENI Energy Company Limited through research I undertook during my studies for a degree at the Copperbelt University (CBU). The refinery's current maximum capacity to process diesel, despite the recapitalisation, remains at 90,000 metric tonnes per year. Zambia's current demand for diesel is growing towards 150,000 metric tonnes per year with the revamping of the Mopani Copper Mines Plc and the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Plc, and future demands based on economic expansion. The new refinery is projected to produce over 200,000 metric tonnes of diesel once completed. Hence, the need to allow an investor who will produce more to meet future demands. Was capacity one of the reasons the Government saw it wise to allow the construction of a completely new refinery, looking at future demand for fuel in the country?

Mr Chikote: Mr Speaker, firstly, I would like to appreciate the hon. Member. Indeed, the investment that is coming in at full throttle will be producing 802,500 metric tonnes of oil per year.  Secondly, as I said in my response to the first question, the assessment has been done. As the Government, our job is to ensure that we create an environment to support investment that will ensure the energy security in the subsector for this country.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

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

Mr Speaker, I would like to start by declaring interest due to the fact that I am part of one of the oversight Committees that has had many interactions with INDENI Energy Company Limited through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). The IDC, as a shareholder, is aware that the strategic investment of INDENI Energy Company Limited has had a very viable turnaround strategic plan. Therefore, if that plan was implemented, it would improve the operations and production of INDENI Energy Company Limited.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, may you ask your question.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister, what will happen to the turnaround strategic plan which the IDC is aware of?  We have been to INDENI Energy Company Limited to interact with management, and it assured us that the strategy is implementable.

Mr Chikote: Mr Speaker, I said that the IDC has been in the forefront. It has even provided land for the construction of the new refinery, which will be done in partnership with Fujian Shanxing Investment. So, it has experts who are able to provide more oversight than what the hon. Member is saying.  It can guide us. We have given that entity the mandate to analyse issues of investment and provide direction.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

RECRUITMENT OF ADDITIONAL STAFF FOR HEALTH CENTRES IN KASENENGWA

149. Mr Twasa (Kasenengwa) asked the Minister of Health:

1. whether the Government has any plans to recruit additional staff for the following health centres in Kasenengwa Parliamentary Constituency:

 

1. Chipembaulo in Mphunza Ward; and 

 

1. Luona in Ng’ongwe Ward;

 

1. if so, when the plans will be implemented; and
2. if there are no such plans, why.

  The Minister of Health (Mr Muchima): Mr Speaker, the Government remains firmly committed to recruiting additional health workers, not only for Chipembaulo Health Centre in Mphunza Ward and Luona Health Centre in Ng’ongwe Ward of Kasenengwa Parliamentary Constituency, but also for other health centres across the country.  This measure is aimed at strengthening our human resources for health thereby, improving access to quality health care services for all citizens.

Mr Speaker, the deployment of additional health workers to above-mentioned facilities will be implemented under the current 2025 National Health Worker Recruitment Exercise.

Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to recruit additional staff. Therefore, part (d) of the question falls off.

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

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

Mr Twasa: Thank you, Mr Speaker–

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

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, thank you very much for giving me this chance to raise a point of order. I know that we are supposed to raise points of order contemporaneously.

Mr Speaker, when hon. Ministers are presenting matters of national interest, it is important that when they are giving us responses –

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: What has been breached?

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, the point of order is on the hon. Minister of Energy.  I am saying that the information hon. Members present in the House must be factual and verifiable. Is the hon. Minister in order to deliberately duck my question about what was going to happen to the turnaround strategy?

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, remember that you have risen on a point of order.

Mr Kampyongo: Yes, Mr Speaker, that is a point of order.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: As a senior hon. Member, you know how to present a point of order. You are now debating.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister of Energy in order to deliberately avoid answering the question I clearly asked him on the turnaround strategies, which will determine the fate of INDENI Energy Company Limited, a national strategic instrument?

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: You are debating, hon. Member.

Mr Kampyongo: I seek your serious ruling, Mr Speaker. This is a matter of national interest.

Interruptions

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, you did not even state the Standing Order.

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

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Apparently, hon. Member, you were once a Minister, and you know that what a Minister says on the Floor of the House is Government position. 

May the hon. Member for Kasenengwa, proceed.

Mr Twasa: Mr Speaker, I also appreciate the hon. Minister for saying that the ministry has added two mini-hospitals to receive additional staff, unless I did not get him rightly. However, I want to mention that the two facilities we are talking about here are called mini-hospitals, but the way they operate does not conform to a mini-hospital. So, we want the hon. Minister to be more specific. When will additional staff be sent so that the hospitals can be fully operational? If he is going to generalise his response by saying, “as we employ more people”, the mini-hospitals will be underutilised. We will continue to overcrowd the district and central hospitals in Chipata District yet, Kasenengwa, as a separate district, has facilities, which can fully attend to the people.

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

Mr Twasa: Mr Speaker, when will the hon. Minister beef up the two facilities so that they can operate fully as mini-hospitals?

Mr Muchima: Thank you, Mr Speaker, and hon. Member of Parliament.

Mr Speaker, this Government has indicated that it is firmly committed. In every province, we have provincial health directors. In every district, there is a district health director. We have set up hospitals across the country using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for direct construction, and work is still ongoing.  The Government is aware of the deficit. The establishment of the entire requirement is about 151,000. However, at the moment, the numbers we have fall below 50 per cent. Ever since this Government was formed under His Excellency the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, it has tried to ensure that the recruitment goes on, despite the problems of low fiscal space it found when it just came into Government. Today, things are looking bright, and we can even see how the Kwacha is becoming strong. The equipment is being bought. Facilities are being built everywhere. Prices are coming down through the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry. The people of Zambia have hope.

Eng. Nzovu: Inflation.

Mr Muchima: I am coming to that.

Mr Speaker, every year, we recruit.  I mentioned that the 2025/26 recruitment exercise is on board. Why did I talk about district health directors? It is because they submit returns indicating the deficits in terms of staffing levels for every health facility in the country. We are going to recruit 2,000 health workers for 2025 for the whole country. Therefore, we cannot fulfil the desire of every health facility in Ndola, the hon. Member’s constituency, or even the University Teaching Hospital (UTH). However, this small number of health workers to be recruited will be distributed to all provinces and districts. Mind you, this is not about nurses and doctors. It is about everyone. A doctor does not work alone; he works with nurses and other staff. We are trying to be prudent. We are trying to see how we can distribute the staff in order to provide minimum service.

Mr Speaker, first of all, infrastructure is there. We have tried to do our level best, and we thank those who are volunteering because they are helping us. The Government, through President Hakainde Hichilema, is looking into the issue of human capital. The Budget alone cannot accommodate all the health workers who need to be recruited. However, through what we are calling “other means,” it will be possible to address this matter to some extent. In short, the recruitment of health workers in 2025 might give us some hope. We shall talk to the Provincial Health Director (PHD) and the District Health Director (DHD) to see what can be done for that place.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Twasa: Mr Speaker, I want to assure the hon. Minister that the District Health Director (DHD) and the staff in the Eastern Province are doing a tremendous job, under difficult conditions. So, if he will consider them regarding sending more health workers, I am sure that they will have some relief. I can assure the hon. Minister that they are doing a lot and trying their best.

Mr Speaker, my take, which I will deliver to the people of Kasenengwa, is that the hon. Minister has assured us that he will consider the two mini-hospitals regarding staff, when the recruitment of health workers for 2025 is done.  

COMPLETION OF THE KATETE/CHANIDA ROAD

151. Ms Phiri (Milanzi) asked the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development:

1. when the Government will complete the construction of the Katete/Chanida Road;
2. at what percentage of completion, the project was, as of August, 2025;
3. what the cause of the delay in completing the project, is;
4. what the cost of the outstanding works on the project, is; and
5. when the project is expected to be completed.

The Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr Kabuswe) (on behalf of the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development (Eng. Milupi)): Mr Speaker, the construction of the Katete/Chanida Road is expected to be completed by 31^st December, 2027.

Mr Speaker, as of August 2025, the project’s progress was approximately 6 per cent.

Mr Speaker, the delay in completing the project is due to the fact that the concessionaire is yet to attain financial close to allow the commencement of full construction works.

Mr Speaker, the outstanding construction cost is estimated at US$79,785,115, Value Added Tax (VAT) inclusive.

Mr Speaker, the project is expected to be completed by 31^st December, 2027.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Eng. Daka (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, we appreciate the Government initiative to promote private sector participation in road infrastructure development. However, the concessionaire in question in charge of the construction of the Katete/Chanida Road is quite disappointing. I know that the hon. Minister is aware that the concession agreement was signed in 2022, but three years have passed without the concessionaire attaining financial closure. As the people of Chadiza, we are interested –

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, ask your question.

Eng. Daka: Mr Speaker, I want to find out whether it takes three years to attain financial closure under any Public-Private Partnership (PPP) contract in Zambia. If the concessionaire is failing to attain financial closure, why are we hesitating cancelling the concession agreement? The concessionaire has terribly failed. Even the amount of work that has been done is pathetic. I can challenge the hon. Minister to go on site today to see the works that have been done on the first 3 km in Katete District. The works are pathetic.  The people of Chadiza and Katete want to find out why we are finding it difficult to cancel the concession agreement with the aforementioned concessionaire.

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

Madam Speaker, I really feel for the hon. Member. Indeed, this issue has taken a bit of time, but what I can tell him is that by 30^th March, 2026, the period for financial close will expire, and the review he is talking about is going to be conducted. So, let us wait for the end of March this year.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Zulu (Nyimba): Mr Speaker, the Katete/Chanida Road is an international road; it is not just for the people of Katete and other parts of the Eastern Province. Was due diligence done on the contractor working on site, in order to find out what happened regarding the previous projects he had worked on in this country? If it was done, were the engineers at the Road Development Agency (RDA) or the National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) satisfied with the quality of works that the contractor had performed in this country?

Mr Kabuswe: Mr Speaker, I want to say that before a contract is awarded, due diligence is always done. I will give an example of mines, because I am the substantive Minister overseeing mines. There is a period when we said that the Vedanta Resources of the past and the Vedanta Resources under the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government would be very different, and we have proved that; Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) is one of the best-performing mines right now, under the same contractor who was underperforming under a different jurisdiction. So, even as we give contracts, we are serious about financial close. So, on 30^th March, 2026, we will review the issue and then we will inform the nation on the way forward. So, yes, due diligence was done.

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Ms Phiri: Mr Speaker, the people of Milanzi are concerned with the lack of progress on this project. The hon. Minister has indicated that only 6 per cent of road works have been done since the project commenced three years ago. How sure is he that the road works will be completed by 31^st December, 2027, as he indicated?

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

Mr Speaker, the current concessionaire has already constructed 3.2 km of asphalt roads in the central business district (CBD) of Katete. Some preparatory earthworks have also been carried out as we wait for financial closure. So, to me, that shows commitment. I think that the contractor would not want to lose the money already spent and just abandon the project. So, the assurance of commitment is there, looking at the fact that the contractor has already spent some money even before financial closure of the contract.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

ZESCO LIMITED’S CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PROGRAMME IN MUCHINGA

152. Mr E. Banda (Muchinga) asked the Minister of Energy:

1. whether ZESCO Limited has any plans to undertake the following activities under corporate social responsibility in Muchinga Parliamentary Constituency:

          (i) rehabilitation of the Musa Mine/Lusiwasi Road; and           

          (ii) provision of a utility vehicle to Her Royal Highness Chieftainess Serenje;

1. if so, when the plans will be implemented; and 
2. if there are no such plans, why.

Mr Chikote: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Government has plans to rehabilitate the Musa Mine/Lusiwasi Road under ZESCO Limited’s corporate social responsibility to ease mobility challenges. ZESCO Limited is committed to facilitating the construction of the road before 2027. The hon. Member is aware of that situation because we have engaged him. So, what is remaining is to make sure that the implementation takes shape.

Mr Speaker, the request for the provision of a motor vehicle for Chieftainess Serenje is under consideration. Similarly, we are in touch with the hon. Member on the matter. I was, therefore, surprised to see this question because engagements with Her Royal Highness are at an advanced stage.

Mr Speaker, I reiterate that the Government, in conjunction with ZESCO Limited, is scheduled to rehabilitate the Musa Mine/Lusiwasi Road before 2027. Therefore, the plans have been put in place, as we have heard from my earlier response.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr E. Banda: Mr Speaker, it is true that we have been collaborating and I still remember the meeting that took place on 21^st August, 2025.

Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has mentioned that ZESCO Limited has plans to rehabilitate the Musa Mine Road up to the Lusiwasi Power Station. That is difficult to believe because since 1974 when ZESCO Limited started operating in the area, that road has not been worked on under corporate social responsibility. That is the reason I went to the hon. Minister’s office.

Mr Speaker, the Serenje Town Council has written to ZESCO Limited requesting for partnership to work on that road in 2026, not in 2027. The council is going to provide some resources to supplement the efforts of ZESCO Limited. That information is for the hon. Minister.

Mr Speaker, many things were agreed upon in August, 2025, during our meeting, but the hon. Minister is saying consideration is underway. Is the hon. Minister saying that consideration is underway just because the question is before the House? I have been knocking on his door and I have even gone to the office of the Managing Director of ZESCO Limited to get an update for Her Royal Highness on what is to be done, but nothing has happened. So, is it because the question is on the Floor of the House today that makes the hon. Minister says that consideration is being made?

Mr Chikote: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for the follow-up question.

Mr Speaker, the hon. Member is aware that we have had discussions over this issue and the discussions are at a really advanced stage. As he has mentioned, we discussed this matter in August, 2025, although nothing seems to have been done.

Mr Speaker, the hon. Member should bear with us because we were going through a very rough period at ZESCO Limited in terms of finances in the recent past. Now is the time we are trying to make sure that we get the little that we have to import power. That is the more reason we could not do anything from August, 2025.

Mr Speaker, further, I have also said that something will be done before 2027. This means that the programme to work on the road in question is going to be carried out this year. Under the 2026 Budget, we are trying to make sure that we fulfil what we promised Her Royal Highness Chieftainess Serenje. The hon. Member should trust us because something is going to be done. He has mentioned some progressive ideas, such as the Serenje Town Council and ZESCO Limited putting something on the table.

 Mr Speaker, as I have said, the road will be worked on before 2027. ZESCO Limited is going to do something regarding that road. Further, there are other promises that have been made, which are still under consideration. So, this is not about the question that the hon. Member put before the House, but about what we have been going through. As I stated earlier, the delay was caused by the situation that we were going through. The financial position of ZESCO Limited was a bit bad because of load-shedding and the hon. Member knows about it. However, we promise that we are going to do something under corporate social responsibility. The hon. Member has said that since 1964 nothing has been done, but ZESCO Limited is under new management under the New Dawn Administration and we will make sure that we do something.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Zulu (Nyimba): Mr Speaker, the people of Serenje have trust in the hon. Minister because the things that we do as hon. Members have perpetual succession. For the last fifty-two years, that road has not been worked on by ZESCO Limited. However, the hon. Minister has given assurance to the people of Serenje that the road will be worked on this year.

Mr Speaker, I know that the hon. Minister is coming back to his position in September this year. Can he promise the people of Muchinga Province in Chieftainess Serenje’s area that when he comes back in September, we are not going to ask him this same question again? He should also promise that he is not going to give us excuses, such as the road has not been worked on because there were elections. We want that road to be worked on by then because for the last fifty-two years, that has not happened.

Interruptions

Mr Zulu: I trust that the hon. Minister is coming back. Are we not going to ask him the same question in September if the road is not worked on?

Mr Chikote: Mr Speaker, I have received the sentiments from the hon. Member. Actually, there are a lot of indications that the able leadership of Mr Hakainde Hichilema will continue even after elections, courtesy of the people of Zambia. The hon. Member is also sure that this Administration will continue providing the services to the good people of Muchinga, it is not only after the elections. Even when we, as Members of Parliament, go to seek mandates from the people of this country, the work will continue. The Government will continue with its mandate. These are issues that cannot stop simply because we are going for elections; they will be worked on. Whether we are in Parliament or not, the Government will continue to do the right thing.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr E. Banda: Mr Speaker, indeed, this ZESCO Limited under the New Dawn is new. That is why it is easy to visit the hon. Minister’s office and ZESCO Limited to talk. I cannot complain. My appeal is that we should see to it that things are done when something is agreed on.

Mr Speaker, what will be the solution to the plight of the people of Chieftainess Serenje’s area who have a power generation plant under ZESCO Limited, but cannot see anything being done? It is very sad to see Her Royal Highness, who provided land to ZESCO Limited, travelling to Serenje and other areas on Noah buses when ZESCO Limited can jump in to help.

Mr Speaker, what is the status of the electrification of Masase Primary School for which the hon. Minister told the people of Serenje and Muchinga, last year in November that the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) would undertake a feasibility study the following week? Where are we on that?

Mr Chikote: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member is trying to expand his substantive question. Indeed, I promised that the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) would come in. However, as the initial question is different from what the hon. Member has extended into, I am not in a position to give an update on REA’s position on the electrification of the area he has mentioned. I have a very good interaction record with the hon. Member. I would still like to invite him to the office on Monday, so that, together, we can find out the position in terms of the electrification of the area he has mentioned.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

_______

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to.

_______

The House adjourned at 1633 hours until 0900 hours on Friday, 6^th February, 2026.

____________

WRITTEN REPLY TO QUESTION

MEASURES TO MOTIVATE TEACHERS WITH UPGRADED QUALIFICATIONS

150. Mr Siachisumo (Lufwanyama) asked the Minister of Education what measures the Government is taking to motivate teachers who have upgraded their qualifications using their own resources.

The Minister of Education (Mr Syakalima): Mr Speaker, the Government recognises and appreciates the commitment and personal sacrifice demonstrated by teachers who have upgraded their professional qualifications using their own resources. In recognition of this dedication, the Ministry of Education has instituted several measures aimed at motivating such teachers, and ensuring that their enhanced competencies contribute to improved learning outcomes.

Mr Speaker, the Government is implementing the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) promotion and career progression framework, which provides for the promotion of teachers based on merit, qualifications and experience. Under this framework, teachers who upgrade their academic and professional qualifications are eligible for consideration for promotion as and when vacancies arise.

Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Public Service Management Division (PSMD) and the TSC, is harmonising and standardising qualification requirements across teaching ranks to ensure fairness, transparency and consistency in the recognition of upgraded qualifications.

Mr Speaker, the ministry prioritises the creation of positions for promotions whenever Treasury authority is granted, in order to accommodate qualified teachers and facilitate career progression within the available establishment.

Mr Speaker, the Government continues to improve the conditions of service for teachers through regular reviews of salary structures and allowances under the collective bargaining process. These improvements benefit teachers across all qualification levels, including those who have upgraded qualifications using personal resources. Furthermore, the ministry is strengthening Continuous Professional Development (CPD) platforms to support teachers in effectively applying their upgraded skills. These initiatives include leadership training, subject enhancement programmes and pathways into specialised and administrative roles.

Mr Speaker, finally, the ministry remains committed to ensuring that all teachers who have upgraded their qualifications are fairly and equitably considered for promotion, subject to availability of positions, budgetary provisions and adherence to established procedures. These measures underscore the Government’s commitment to recognising and rewarding the professional growth of teachers in order to strengthen the education sector.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.