Thursday, 12th February, 2026

Thursday, 12^th February, 2026

The House met at 1430 hours

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER

MEMBERS OF THE YOUTH IN DEVELOPMENT CLUB

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of members of the Youth in Development Club in Lusaka District.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: On behalf of the National Assembly of Zambia, I warmly welcome the visitors into our midst.

I thank you.

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM WOODFORD SCHOOL

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of another group of pupils and teachers from Woodford School in Lusaka District.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: On behalf of the National Assembly of Zambia, I warmly welcome the visitors into our midst.

I thank you.

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URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

MR KANG’OMBE, HON. MEMBER FOR KAMFINSA, ON HER HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT, DR NALUMANGO, ON THE ALLEGED SHORTAGE OF BLOOD IN HEALTH FACILITIES

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

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

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to raise an Urgent Matter without Notice, directed at the hon. Minister of Health. Seeing that the hon. Minister is not in the House, I will direct it at the Leader of Government Business in the House, who is Her Honour the Vice-President.

Madam Speaker, I have information that has come to my attention, and I am sure many may have picked up the news item relating to the shortage of blood in health facilities. Considering the importance of the component called blood to patients in some health facilities, I thought it would be important to address this matter. The Government needs to assure the people of Zambia that there is enough blood for those who need operations and blood transfusions.

Madam Speaker, is the Government in order to not assure members of the public that the issue pertaining to the reported critical shortage of blood is being addressed to ensure that our citizens have access to blood and not panic? When people panic, they resort to other vices to get the component called blood. Is the Government in order to not assure the nation that there is adequate blood available for patients?

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you.

Is that information verified?

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Is that information verified?

Hon. Government Members: No!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Are you sure there is not enough blood?

Mr Kang’ombe: It is verified. It was on the news, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Member: Ine naliya, balikana umulopa wandi. Nomba kuti nachita inshi?

Laughter

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Kamfinsa, on which news channel was that?

Mr Kang’ombe: It was the main news headline on Millennium Radio yesterday.

Hon. Government Member: Ah!

Mr Kang’ombe: Resolve problems when they arise. That is why they are brought before the Floor of the House.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: It is a pity that the hon. Minister of Health is not around for the House to be sure. In that case, I ask the hon. Member for Kamfinsa to file in a question.

Mr Kang’ombe: I am guided, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you.

File in a question to know whether that situation is true, and what the Government is doing about it.

MR KAFWAYA, HON. MEMBER FOR LUNTE, ON THE GOVERNMENT, REGARDING THE 2025 CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

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

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, thank you so much for allowing me to raise an Urgent Matter without Notice.

Madam Speaker, yesterday, Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) released a report regarding the 2025 Corruption Perception Index. The report indicates that Zambia is sliding into a critical corruption perception. You will not believe it. Zambia has dropped seven places. For the first time, seven countries are now better than Zambia. Zambia has declined by seven places, representing two percentage points. From 39/100 to 37/100.

Madam Speaker, my thinking is that the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government should explain to the people of Zambia why our country is now perceived more corrupt than it has ever been in the past five years. I see that as important. However, do you not agree with me that it may be important for the UPND Government to explain not only to me but to the Zambian people why Zambia is sliding into a critically corrupt country?

I seek your further direction, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Lunte, please, do not involve the Presiding Officer in your issues.

In the matter you have raised, you have clearly cited the 2025 report. However, Urgent Matters without Notice apply only to issues that occur within twenty-four hours. So, hon. Member for Lunte, please, find another platform to bring that matter to the House. It does not qualify to be raised as an Urgent Matter without Notice. The corruption you are talking about did not happen yesterday or within twenty-four hours. Rather, it was mentioned in the 2025 report.

MR MUMBA, HON. MEMBER FOR KANTANSHI, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND INTERNAL SECURITY, MR MWIIMBU, SC., ON THE PURPORTED LETTER ABOUT POLICE RECRUITMENT

Mr Mumba (Kantanshi): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

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

Mr Mumba: Madam Speaker, I equally rise on an Urgent Matter Without notice, and I direct it at the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security.

Madam Speaker, you know very well that I have a lot of respect for hon. Ministers such as my elder brother over there (pointed at Mr Mwiimbu, SC.). I believe that we are here to assist the Government. There are so many programmes that the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government has carried out with our support, as Opposition Members. However, today, I was shocked to come across a letter on social media purported to have come from the office of the Secretary-General of the UPND, asking for names for consideration for the Zambia Police Service recruitment exercise. I have an idea of the signature, but I doubt it is authentic because I know how the hon. Minister operates. However, for the sake of the people of Kantanshi and those of us who believe in some of the leaders, I would like the hon. Minister to clarify whether he is aware of this matter. What actually caught my attention was what was stated in the letter. It stated that:

“As you may be aware, the Zambia Police Service is currently recruiting 4,000 officers to enhance police capacity ahead of this year’s general elections”.

Interruptions

Mr Mumba: Just keep quiet.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Mr Mumba: Madam Speaker –

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

Mr Mumba: Madam Speaker, there is a record that the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government was very clear saying that the Patriotic Front (PF) used to employ junkies in the Zambia Police Service. Obviously, they were coming from situations like this. We would not want the good work that the hon. Minister has done to go to waste, as we wait to take over after 2030. We do not want to inherit junkies from him.

I need your indulgence, Madam Speaker. Can the hon. Minister assure us that this is not true? Maybe, he could also comment on the roadblock at Sabina Junction which has been removed. The people of Mufulira, Chingola and Chililabombwe have raised concerns on the security lapses that will exist because of the removal of that roadblock.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Kantanshi, when you raise an Urgent Matter without Notice, you are supposed to be very specific. However, you raised three issues in your matter. Also, hon. Member, this House does not rely on social media. We have seen many letters circulating on social media. There are many letters circulating of late, that are not genuine, in my own understanding.

Hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, do you want to say something? Nevertheless, we do not rely on letters from social media.

The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security (Mr Mwiimbu, SC.): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to comment on one matter that has circulated on social media.

Madam Speaker, you may recall that last week, I was presiding over a Commander's Conference at the Lusaka Legacy Resort in Chongwe wherein, the Inspector-General of Police requested the Government to employ 4,000 policemen. That was a request for the Government. The Government has not responded to that request. For us to employ staff, we need Treasury authority. There is no Treasury authority. The hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning is here. No Treasury authority has been given to enable us to employ staff. We are a very transparent Government.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Madam Speaker, whenever we intend to employ staff, we inform members of the public. We have therefore, informed members of the public that we are going to employ health workers and teachers. If we are going to employ policemen, we will inform the public. We are not like the Patriotic Front (PF) Government, which used to employ public workers privately. We have evidence that it employed officers in the Zambia National Service (ZNS) and the Zambia Police Service without advertising positions. We are not like that. When the opportunity arises, and we are accorded the privilege of recruiting staff, we will advertise the positions and members of the public will be informed, accordingly.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you for that clarification.

We make progress.

Hon. PF Members: We have to ask questions.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I have permitted the hon. Minister of Tourism to present a Ministerial Statement. However, before the hon. Minister does that, the hon. Member for Kantanshi requested the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security to confirm the authenticity of the letter. That is exactly what we did. I, in fact, ruled that the matter does not qualify because this House does not take things from social media. I just allowed that because the hon. Member requested for clarification from the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security. So, there are no follow-up questions.

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MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

PERFORMANCE OF THE TOURISM SECTOR FROM 2021 TO DATE

The Minister of Tourism (Mr Sikumba): Madam Speaker, this afternoon, I rise to deliver a Ministerial Statement on the performance of the tourism sector from 2021 to 2025, when the mighty United Party for National Development (UPND) assumed office. In the statement, I seek to provide this august House and the nation at large with a comprehensive statement on the progress, milestones and transformative achievements recorded during the period.

Madam Speaker, tourism remains one of Zambia's most strategic economic sectors with immense potential to drive economic transformation, job creation and sustainable development. It is a sector that fosters inclusive growth particularly, benefiting women, youth and rural communities. Since assuming office, the New Dawn Administration has deliberately prioritised investment in tourism. This has enabled the ministry to scale up international and domestic tourism marketing, enhance tourism support infrastructure, strengthen wildlife management systems and deepen community participation in tourism development.

Interruptions

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, the Government's commitment to tourism development is clearly reflected in the increased budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Tourism.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Let us lower our voices.

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, when the UPND Administration assumed office in 2021, the ministry's Budget stood at approximately K303 million. This allocation has steadily increased to K1.3 billion in 2025 and K1.5 billion this year, 2026. This upward trajectory demonstrates the Government's recognition of tourism as a critical pillar of Zambia's economic diversification agenda. I am pleased to report that the Ministry of Tourism has demonstrated strong recovery and resilience, following the severe disruptions caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the 2022-2023 El Niño-induced drought. Zambia recorded 2.3 million international arrivals in 2025, compared to 2.2 million in 2024, representing 4.3 per cent growth. Domestic tourism also showed encouraging growth, with 553,516 visits to museums, national parks and heritage sites in 2025, compared to 530 in 2024, translating to a 4.4 per cent increase. These figures confirm renewed confidence in Zambia as a tourism destination.

Madam Speaker, during the period under review, the ministry prioritised digital marketing as a core strategy to reposition destination Zambia on a global stage. As a result of these targeted digital campaigns, Zambia recorded over 1.5 billion global digital impressions in 2024 alone. Strategic investments were made in both local and international content creators to leverage authentic storytelling that showcased Zambia's natural beauty, cultural richness and adventure experiences. These efforts were complemented by high-impact advertising placements on leading global platforms such as Expedia and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), bringing credible exposure to key source markets.

Locally, Madam Speaker, the ministry launched a campaign dubbed “Take a Holiday Yamu Loko,” which continues to inspire Zambians to explore and appreciate their own country. Collectively, these initiatives have significantly strengthened Zambia's global tourism visibility and destination appeal.

Madam Speaker, the growth of the sector has translated into tangible economic benefits. I will repeat. The growth of the sector has translated into tangible economic benefits. Non-tax revenue collections increased from K131 million in 2021 to over K474 million in 2025, driven by improved licensing systems, park fees, hunting fees and other tourism-related revenue streams. In the same period, tax revenue contributions from the tourism sector grew from K483.5 million to K1.2 billion. Further, the sector currently directly supports over 159,000 jobs across accommodation, transport, tour operators, hospitality and related services with projections indicating continued growth as the sector expands and diversifies.

Madam Speaker, accessible and resilient infrastructure is critical to tourism development. Between 2021 and 2025, tourism access roads rehabilitated increased from approximately 1,600 km to over 2,500 km. Loop roads improved significantly from 556 km to 1,270 km during the same period. While the number of rehabilitated airstrips has declined, this remains a priority area under the Zambia Green Resilient and Transformation Tourism Development Project popularly known as the GREAT-TDP. The Government will rehabilitate and upgrade the following:

Chunga Airstrip in the Kafue National Park;
Jeki Airstrip in the Lower Zambezi National Park; and
the Kalabo Airstrip in Kalabo District adjacent to Liuwa.

These interventions will significantly improve accessibility and increase tourist volumes in key destinations.

Madam Speaker, Zambia’s tourism offering is predominantly nature-based, anchored by the iconic Mosi-Oa-Tunya Victoria Falls and, obviously, the twenty national parks and thirty-six game management areas (GMAs). During the period under review, the ministry intensified conversation efforts, strengthened community participation and implemented measures to reduce human/wildlife conflict.

Madam Speaker, reported cases of human/wildlife conflict declined from over 21,000 cases in 2022 to approximately 16,500 in 2025. While injuries caused by wild animals reduced from 293 to 123 in the same period, we can do more. These improvements are attributed to the deployment of rapid response teams, distribution of deterrent tools, installation of solar-powered electric fencing and enhanced community awareness programmes. Community participation has also been strengthened through the expansion of Community Resource Boards (CRBs) from fifty-eight in 2022 to eighty-five in 2025 alongside increased financial disbursements to CRBs and traditional leaders to ensure that communities directly benefit from the tourism and wildlife resources.

Madam Speaker, Zambia has also consolidated its position as a preferred destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE). During the period under review, the country successfully hosted the first ever Kavango/Zambezi-Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA) Heads of State Summit, the United Nations (UN) tourism regional meetings and the Zambia Travel Expo, to mention, but a few. These events enhanced Zambia’s visibility, attracted high-value visitors and investment in key destinations such as Lusaka and Livingstone.

Madam Speaker, in order to strengthen the regulatory and policy environment and position the tourism sector for sustained growth, the ministry is reviewing key legislation, namely the Zambia Wildlife Act, the Tourism and Hospitality Act, the National Museums Act and the National Heritage Conservation Commission Act. These reforms are aimed at modernising our legal framework, improving efficiency, strengthening conservation safeguards and creating a more predictable and investor-friendly operating environment. In addition, the Government is developing the first-ever museum policy and its implementation plan to provide clear strategic direction for the protection, promotion and sustainable use of our cultural and heritage sites. These reforms are not being undertaken in isolation. We have deliberately ensured broad and meaningful stakeholder engagement. The ministry has engaged industry players, CRBs, traditional leaders, conservation partners, the civil society, the academia, and co-operating partners to ensure that the voices of those directly affected are heard.

Madam Speaker, we are determined to ensure that the revised laws and policies are inclusive, practical and responsive to the realities on the ground while strengthening transparency, accountability and shared benefits for communities. Through this consultative approach, we are laying a strong and sustainable foundation for modern, competitive and resilient tourism.

Madam Speaker, notwithstanding these achievements, the sector faced significant challenges, including the lingering effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the 2022/2023 drought, and increased encroachment in protected areas. Despite these challenges, the Ministry of Tourism remained resilient and steadfast in its vision of becoming an efficient, responsive and value centred ministry.

Madam Speaker, looking ahead, the ministry will continue to implement strategic interventions aimed at:

increasing international arrivals;
expanding domestic tourism;
enhancing tourism infrastructure; and
strengthening conversation and sustainable efforts.

A key priority is the implementation of the GREAT-TDP supported by the World Bank, which will unlock infrastructure development and economic opportunities in priority tourism areas.

Madam Speaker, the progress recorded between 2021 and 2025 clearly demonstrates that with sound policies, sustained investment and a strong stakeholder collaboration, tourism can play a central role in Zambia’s economic transformation and diversification agenda. As we look to the future, we are not merely growing a sector, but shaping a legacy. Our vision is to position Zambia as Africa’s premier sustainable tourism destination, a country where conservation drives prosperity, communities are true partners in development, and tourism becomes a powerful engine of inclusive economic transformation. With continued collaboration, innovation and strategic investment, we are very confident that tourism will not only showcase the beauty of our nation to the world, but will also uplift our people and strengthen our economy for generations to come.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

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

Mr Katakwe (Solwezi East): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the wonderful Ministerial Statement.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has stated that tourism is central to economic transformation and in displaying the beauty of Zambia to the world so as to improve revenue collection. We have heard that at the source of Kafue River in Mushindamo, in Luapula, and many other places, there are stones that keep growing every year and that there are many other unexplored natural wonders. Does the Government have plans of unveiling these sites and displaying them to the world so that we can increase tourism sites and grow the economy through the tourism sector?

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

Madam Speaker, yes, we have plans. As I mentioned in the Ministerial Statement, we have an institution called the National Heritage Conservation Commission, a statutory body within the Ministry of Tourism, mandated to look at heritage sites. I must mention that, currently, there are over 400 waterfalls dotted across our beautiful country, Zambia. Tourism in Zambia being nature based, demands that discoveries of waterfalls and the growing stones that I heard the hon. Member talk about, are things that we should showcase. So, slowly but surely, we are documenting these sites as they are discovered by our locals and we will showcase them to the rest of the world, and these include the source of Kafue River in Mushindamo and the source of the Zambezi in Ikeleng’i, where Hon. Muchima comes from.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mumba (Kantanshi): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, as the hon. Minister responds to me, I would also like him to state whether the figures he has announced are in Kwacha or United States (US) Dollars.

Madam Speaker, my substantive question is that for us to have a fair appreciation of the rosy statement that the hon. Minister has made, he should have provided the gross domestic product (GDP) contribution of the tourism sector, year by year, so that we can see the growth. Many a time, the President has announced that the number of tourist arrivals has continued to grow, which is good, and the number of interventions that have been taken, such as the removal of visa requirements and so on. Most importantly, for us to have a fair appreciation, the contribution of tourism to our GDP must equally swell so that we can see that, indeed, tourism is becoming an economic force and that the jobs that are said to be created are really there.

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I take it that two questions have been asked. On whether the amount I mentioned was in United States (US) Dollars or Kwacha, I reported in Kwacha. Now, with regards to the gross domestic product (GDP) contribution, I would like to take this opportunity to indicate that during the period we were faced with the most severe drought, two sectors contributed favourably to the GDP, which are, firstly, information and communication technology (ICT) and, secondly, entertainment, which obviously sits in tourism. Year by year, the projected GDP contribution by tourism by the Government was sitting between 2 and 2.3 per cent. As we ended the past year, it was at 3.2 per cent. So, in response to what the hon. Member has mentioned, we can demonstrate how much the tourism sector has contributed to our economy in the last five years.

Madam Speaker, let me also pre-empt by stating that the ministry is working in liaison with colleagues from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to also assess how much the tourism sector contributes to productivity in our country. In the next couple of weeks or so, my hon. Colleague, the Minister of Labour and Social Security, should be able to indicate productivity sector by sector.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Munsanje (Mbabala): Thank you, Madam Speaker, and Happy New Year. We are speaking for the first time this year.

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for that important statement. I hope reports on the statement can be published widely so that the news on how we are performing and reviving the tourism sector can spread globally.

Madam Speaker, I want to know about the incentives for local investors in tourism. What incentives have been put in place for locals who wish to invest in small-scale zoos, cuisine restaurants, cultural events and many other things that can attract tourists? When tourists visit, they want packages of things to see, not just one item. So, one of the gaps we see is a lack of investment in our communities, for example. You have to travel long distances to see wild animals. So, we can have local zoos, restaurants that specialise in local cuisine and cultural events in the country to attract tourists.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, summarise your preamble.

Mr Munsanje: Madam Speaker, that part is done.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, what is your question?

Mr Munsanje: Madam Speaker, the question is: What are the incentives for local investors? I was helping the hon. Minister fully understand the question. He has understood. He is a tourism man.

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government is pro-private sector. It always looks out for locals to participate and have a share in any form of investment that exists in our country. My hon. Colleague, the Minister of Finance and National Planning, has been categorical over a long period of time in asking why locals do not invest in the tourism sector. So, the ministry came up with incentives that are targeted at positively discriminating locals.

Madam Speaker, I heard Hon. Munsanje talk about food. The Ministry of Tourism is a champion of what is called gastronomy tourism. In a layman’s language, gastronomy is purely food tourism to showcase some of the cuisines that exist in our country.

Madam Speaker, just yesterday, we were fortunate enough to agree with our hon. Colleague who moved a Private Member’s Motion speaking to a cultural and heritage week. Those are days during which we want to showcase our cuisine. So, those who want an opportunity to showcase to the rest of the world that they can cook or mash up nice traditional meals should feel free to engage the ministry. We want as many people as possible to showcase our local cuisines and, indeed, our local dress.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chinkuli (Kanyama): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I am alive to the fact that the Ministry of Tourism oversees the tourism industry in the country and that it achieves this through collaboration with other ministries, such as the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, which is the custodian of arts and culture. We cannot forget the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, which markets and promotes Zambia’s environment in the Diaspora. I want to know about one ministry that I believe can contribute fully to helping the industry grow, and that is the Ministry of Health. Looking at the period in question, what has that ministry done to help the growth of the tourism industry in terms of the medical tourism it is supposed to handle?

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, as the hon. Member has rightly mentioned, the issues of my ministry cuts across a number of ministries within our Government. As such, it is important to understand what our respective ministries do to create what I would like to call a hospitable stay for our visitors, whether it is business, leisure or, indeed, medical treatment. There is what is called medical tourism on our cards. My hon. Colleague, the Minister of Health, sitting on my right, will attest to the fact that the Government is in the process of creating specialised hospitals in Zambia. We will no longer have to travel to specific countries, such as China, India and South Africa, you name them, as specialist doctors will be coming here. Now, why are we doing this? It is very simple. We want individuals, colleagues of ours, brothers and sisters, who may have terminal illnesses, to receive care in an environment that we all know is beautiful, such as Zambia. Zambia has good natural resources. People have flown from far and wide to see the Victoria Falls for the last time before passing on. Many people have seen the Victoria Falls, and before you know it, have recovered. That is what we want to capitalise on. I am very delighted to learn that a specialised hospital will be constructed right on Airport Road, next to the National Heart Hospital, and that many more such facilities will be constructed, which will speak to medical tourism.

Madam Speaker, before I resume my seat, let me also take advantage of this time to talk about sports tourism. We have been working closely with my colleague, the hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts in this sector. Regarding educational tourism, we now have a number of international students attending our universities. That, in itself, is an opportunity that we, as the Ministry of Tourism, are taking advantage of. All the people who come for education, sport, and, indeed, for health, should now be able to call upon their relatives from far and wide to come and visit and see the sights and scenes of what Zambia can offer.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Ms Nyirenda (Lundazi): Madam Speaker, I thank you for giving the people of Lundazi a chance to ask a question.

Madam Speaker, when we talk about the success that the ministry has scored between 2021 and 2025 in addressing human-animal conflict, it has done more damage to the people of Lundazi. Children have been eaten by hyenas. People are suffering because of elephants, which are not properly secured. They are just hovering all over Lundazi and destroying people’s crops. However, I want to remain on the subject matter. From 2021 to 2025, the ministry promised to open the Chipata Airport, but to date, that has not happened and the Government has not told us anything. The country is losing out on clients because customers now prefer to land in Lilongwe or maybe, take flights out of Zambia, especially from Chipata, including some of us Members of Parliament who wish to get to Chipata at the shortest possible time. We are unable to fly there.

Madam Speaker, what information does the hon. Minister have for the people of the Eastern Province, considering that it is looking at the successes that the ministry has scored between 2021 and 2025?

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I am very delighted that the hon. Member of Parliament has seen the nexus between tourism and transport and logistics.

Madam Speaker, my colleague, the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Tayali, has been on the Floor of the House, speaking to the number of airstrips and airports that the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government is working at building. I just want to indicate to you and probably use this platform to mention that within that particular area, Kasama Airport has been redone, Mansa Airport is being worked on, in Nakonde, contractors are on site, and we are earmarking Choma. Chipata is yet another strategic airport that is on our cards. I just want to indicate to my colleague, the hon. Member of Parliament, that Chipata Airport would definitely be done alongside the renovations that we are carrying out at Mfuwe International Airport. So, as the Government, we are very alive to some of these strategic airports that we want to work on and the hon Member should rest assured that before the end of the year, a contractor will be on site in Kasama, as we already have a contractor in Mansa as well as in Mfuwe.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Ms Sabao (Chikankata): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the comprehensive statement, appreciating the tangible economic benefits called by the ministry.

Madam Speaker, my question is: Who are the primary tourists? What is the average expenditure per visitor?

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, if I heard the hon. Member’s question correctly, she is asking who the tourists are. I will probably attempt to answer it in this particular manner. We have three kinds of tourists. The first is what we call the Free Independent Traveller (FIT); those who want to go to a particular destination to enjoy themselves, be it domestic or international. The second are the business tourists who obviously, come to scout for business in a specific destination, such as Zambia, as you may have seen an influx of business tourists coming into the country looking for opportunities. Within the business tourism, we also have those who come for exhibitions, which obviously are the mines.

Madam Speaker, just to attempt to answer the hon. Member’s question, we have our domestic tourists, who include the hon. Member herself or myself, and for me to go and reside in Chikankata for over twenty-four hours, I will be regarded as a domestic tourist because I have been 50 km out of my premises.

Madam Speaker, regarding the average expenditure per visitor, I will use this opportunity to indicate to my colleague, the hon. Member of Parliament, that we look at spending for tourists based on the average length of stay. In Zambia, the average length of stay for tourists is about 3.5 days. That, in itself, will translate into Dollar terms, which will probably be US$500 per person.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mutinta (Itezhi-Tezhi): Madam Speaker, thank you and I also thank the hon. Minster for the comprehensive statement.

Madam Speaker, I want to begin by indicating that the core management of the Kafue National Park is yielding positive results. I think that it is indisputable. Despite that, we, the locals, are no longer eating what we used to eat in the past because poaching has reduced.

Madam Speaker, in 2025, the Kafue National Park attracted over 21,686 visitors, and hon. Minister read out the figures of the income generated by this park. The figures are going up, meaning that the area is contributing to the gross national product (GNP). However, the road leading to Itezhi-Tezhi, which tourists who want to visit Itezhi-tezhi use, is in a deplorable state. The Dundumwezi Road and Itezhi-Tezhi/Mumba Road are not in good condition. The hon. Minister, can do better if a nexus is created between what is coming from the national park and the road infrastructure.

Madam Speaker, I am aware that over 70 per cent of the tourists cancel their bookings because of the poor roads.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, what is the question?

Mr Mutinta: Madam Speaker, from the World Bank Fund that the hon. Minister mentioned, is there anything that can be used to construct these roads? The ministry will do much better if it works on the roads.

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I do sympathise with my colleague, the hon. Member for Itezhi-Tezhi regarding the state of the road. As I had mentioned in my Ministerial Statement, that within the project of the Zambia’s Green, Resilient and Transformational Tourism Development Project (GREAT-TDP), we have earmarked certain sections of the park, which obviously is the Kafue National Park, and are working with the African Parks, to identify some of the sections that will be worked on with regard to access into the Kafue National Park.

Madam Speaker, I just want to use this opportunity to say that the Kalomo/Dundumwezi stretch, which obviously is regarded as the South of the Kafue National Park, is one such area that is earmarked for a 300-key five-star hotel, which should be coming up. This definitely becomes, very important for us to be able to connect Livingstone, Kalomo to the Kafue National Park through Dundumwezi. However, I must also hasten to mention that some of the projects regarding trunk roads within the country, obviously, would be a preserve of our colleagues from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development. Ultimately, in as much as we are generating the funds, it should be very clear that they go into the Treasury Account (Control 99) and are obviously shared across the board with all other sectors, including tourism.

Madam Speaker, I would like to invite my hon. Colleague, the Member of Parliament for Itezhi-Tezhi, to my office so that we can find ways and means of putting a plan to address some of the roads. I agree with him that the road that branches off from Mumbwa Road to Itezhi-Tezhi is not in a desirable state. It would be good for us to rehabilitate it so that we increase the number of tourists going to the site.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Zulu (Nyimba): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister was very proud when reading the Ministerial Statement. I appreciate what he has achieved so far. To protect national parks, how much investment has been put in transport for wildlife police officers? In addition, how many wildlife police officers have been recruited to boost the protection units in our Game Management Areas (GMAs)?

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, as I indicated earlier, the drawcard for tourists coming to Zambia today is wildlife, forests, birds and rivers. Therefore, it becomes increasingly important for us to protect wildlife. As a ministry, we have deliberately engaged a number of management partners to assist us to manage the protected areas, which are obviously national parks as well as Game Management Areas (GMAs).

Madam Speaker, I also want to indicate that 60 per cent of the K1.5 billion of our Budget for 2026, is going towards law enforcement and conservation of wildlife. Why am I saying that? It is very important for us to understand that we should all take pride in ensuring that our wildlife is protected, which invariably begs the questions of how many officers we are going to employ, and how many vehicles or tools of trade we are going to deploy. I was on the Floor of the House not so long ago, where I indicated that the within the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), we deployed in excess of about thirty Land Cruiser vehicles to assist us in law enforcement. If the community does not see them, the issue could be administrative, and it needs to be brought to our attention so that we resolve that matter.

Madam Speaker, with regard to recruitment, just like Hon. Mwiimbu, SC., earlier mentioned, the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government is very transparent. The public will be advised when the Government will employ staff. The only time that the DNPW recruited officers was in 2022, when Treasury authority was given. Do we have Treasury authority now? Not yet. Hon. Members should rest assured that when the time to employ wildlife police officers comes, the rest of the nation will know, and we will be as impartial as we possibly can in order to employ as many Zambians as we possibly can.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mabumba (Mwense): Madam Speaker, of course, the progress made in the Ministry of Tourism has been noted, but what was interesting for me is what the hon. Minister said about domestic tourism, because that should be the sustainable way to promote tourism. He mentioned more than 553,000 visits, which is still low. I think that we can do much better. What specific measures is the Government putting in place to enhance our domestic tourism?

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Mwense for that supplementary question.

Madam Speaker, I do believe that the Ministerial Statement was very clear. More than 580,000 visitors were domestic tourists who visited public institutions, national parks, museums and heritage sites.

Madam Speaker, I will use this opportunity to, again, give comfort to the hon. Member of Parliament and the nation at large that we are in the process of changing our reporting system for domestic tourists. I do believe that the number that we report for public places visited is much bigger than the one for international arrivals. We have engaged our colleagues from the Ministry of Technology and Science to start identifying and tagging tourists who visit what are regarded as tourism development sites or points of interest within the tourism sector.

Madam Speaker, in Zambia, today, we do not have what is called a “vacation.” We always rely on what we call a four-day holiday, a “Four D” or a “long weekend”, as people like to call it. During such periods, those who will leave their homes to enjoy at certain places will be identified. We will see people revelling at Mutenguleni on 28^th February, 2026. Hordes of people will travel to Chipata to celebrate the Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony. That in itself will indicate how many people move locally from Lusaka to Chipata and vice versa. Sometime in March, people will go and enjoy Kuomboka Ceremony.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I will take the last three questions from the hon. Member for Bangweulu, the hon. Member for Bwana Mkubwa, and the hon. Member for Kankoyo, in that order.

Mr Kasandwe (Bangweulu): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister indicated the number of foreign tourists who visited Zambia. He also amplified the increased budget allocation to the tourism sector. However, one would have thought that the hon. Minister, like Hon. Mabumba said, would talk about the number of local tourists. One would have thought that the hon. Minister would speak more on connectivity, improved roads and reduced airfares for domestic tourists. How much money has been channelled from the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) towards local and domestic tourism improvement? How much investment has been made in the past five years to develop Samfya Beach?

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

Madam Speaker, I assume I was very clear when I read out the number of domestic tourists. The number of domestic tourists has increased from 530,110 to 553,516. I was very clear as I was responding to Hon. Mabumba’s question that the numbers pertain to heritage sites, national parks as well as museums. Further, as a ministry, we have realised that these numbers are not a true reflection of the domestic tourists who came through. That is why we have engaged our sister ministry, the Ministry of Technology and Science, to work with our Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to target individuals who leave their homes to go to different places and stay there for over twenty-four hours. Such people will be tagged as domestic tourists. We are not going to be intrusive by any standard; all we are looking at is just the cell phone number. We will use traditional ceremonies, which we obviously and gladly support as a ministry. We support close to ninety-nine traditional ceremonies. At any given time, if people go somewhere today, we should be able to know that they do not live there. For instance, we should be able to know that Hon. Mwiimbu, SC., does not live in a particular place. If he stays in a different area for over twenty-four hours, we will tag him as a domestic tourist.

Madam Speaker, let me go back to what Hon. Kasandwe mentioned. During my early days in the ministry, I was very determined to open up what is called the Northern Circuit. My first order of business was to spend close to K2 million building what would be called a Tourism Information Centre at Samfya Beach. The Tourism Information Centre in Samfya is not very desirable, but we will continue working with our colleagues, including the area hon. Member of Parliament for Bangweulu, to make it more desireable. We will also continue alerting the people of that area that tourism is community-based, and that it requires people to hold hands and put their resources and energies together. However, what we see in some areas is not desirable. So, we are looking at developing tourism across the country. Not only are we going to be talking about Livingstone because it is a tourist capital, but we intend to invest in all areas.

Madam Speaker, concerning the Tourism Development Fund that the hon. Member talked about, I wish to state that we have deployed and trained several officers for the benefit of our tourists. Currently, nobody complains about immigration officers because we trained them. In addition, the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security is employing very good immigration officers who are relating to tourists very well. We are delighted that the funds for training actually came from the Tourism Development Fund. We have allocated 30 per cent of the Tourism Development Fund towards infrastructure development. That in itself is not only for the tourist capital but for other areas that we are opening up, and over and above, what is going to be contained in the Great-TDP. There is a lot that is going on, and there is a lot that we are doing in the ministry. We are seeking support from well-meaning hon. Members of Parliament so that the tourism sector can drive our economy.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mwambazi (Bwana Mkubwa): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister of Tourism for the information and statistics, which he has presented before the Floor of this House.

Madam Speaker, tourism is one of the most important sectors. In some countries like Kenya, Tanzania and Seychelles, it is the major contributor to their gross domestic product (GDP). Looking at the statistics, and if I recall very well, more than 2.2 million tourists visited this country. Are there deliberate policies and other pragmatic measures that the ministry has put in place to achieve its 2026 target of increasing the number of tourists coming to this country and, roughly, how much are we earning from the aforesaid?

Madam First Deputy Speaker: It is one question per person.

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, thank you very much, and I thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Bwana Mkubwa for the supplementary question.

Madam Speaker, I am sure, the nation has heard me, or the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, or, indeed, our Head of State, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, encourage our locals to invest in the tourism sector and to work hard. The tourism business is not a fly-by-night kind of business. It requires one to work hard and spend money at it for a very long time, for one to recoup the investment. We, in the Ministry of Tourism, are talking about positive discrimination. We have been calling upon Zambians to invest in the tourism sector because there are not enough beds, enough entertainment and child-friendly activities in the sector, and that is why we are encouraging people to come and speak to us. We will give them sites, and then, they can build.

Madam Speaker, I just want to clearly state very quickly that we do not give out cash at the ministry. There is no cash that exists at the Ministry of Tourism. We only show people where to invest. People should come with their capital. If people are looking for investors or rather partners, we can help. That is what we encourage. There is a bit of hesitation from our colleagues, whom I have met, and they are scared of getting into partnerships. Partnerships reduce exposure, and there is more market for business and more ideas. So, we encourage Zambians to partner with other well-known individuals who may have equity on the other side. If Hon. Mwambazi has land, he can find somebody who has cash for his operating expenses, and that is what we are telling the people. So, the ministry is directing people in the right direction where it sees that there is an appetite, and it handholds them so that they can do it. The incentives that exist within the Government, through the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry and, indeed, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning are so immense that people can venture into a business in tourism and be able to fly almost immediately

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The last Member to ask a question will be the hon. Member for Kankoyo.

Mr Mabeta (Kankoyo): Madam Speaker, allow me to thank the hon. Minister of Tourism for the exponential growth in this sector. Numbers do not lie. However, having more tourists is one thing, but having them spend more in the country is another thing. Most of the tourists we meet in Livingstone are booked by travel agencies from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia or Botswana, and they sleep on the other side of Zimbabwe. They only come to Zambia for a few hours, and they go and spend more of their money in the countries across. What measures has the ministry put in place to ensure that the increase in the number of tourists also reflects the income being generated in the country through tourists spending more money here?

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member of Parliament for the supplementary question.

Madam Speaker, I am not quite sure about what my hon. Colleague said that tourists only come for a day and then, they go back because numbers indicate otherwise. Numbers indicate that they come and they stay, and that is the reason I mentioned the 3.5 days length of stay.

Madam Speaker, in terms of how much tourists spend, again, this is something that I explained in the Ministerial Statement. The revenue is growing, therefore, we want to increase the length of stay. We want more activities and things for our tourists to do, and this is incumbent, as Hon. Mwiimbu would say, upon us Zambians to invest in the sector, and we will make the tourists spend more.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

_______

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

CONSTRUCTION OF MULUMBI BRIDGE

173. Mr Chonde (Milenge) asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development:

when construction of Mulumbi Bridge, across Luela River in Milenge District, will commence; and
what the cause of the delay in commencing the works, is.

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Sialubalo): Madam Speaker, the construction of Mulumbi Bridge across Luela River in Milenge District will commence in the second quarter of 2026.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, the project will be funded using the 2026 Constituency Emergency Fund.

Madam Speaker, in 2025, the bridges to be constructed in Milenge, which were submitted by the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Committee, were Chipundu, Kafubashi and Mapula, and they were constructed. So, in 2026, the Committee decided to submit the bridge in question.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chonde: Madam Speaker, we have a crisis. I think, there is a mix-up in the information the hon. Minister was given. He has talked about totally different bridges. Those bridges were worked on under emergency consideration. The bridge in question is the one that was earmarked for construction works. An assurance was given by the Government earlier to the effect that metal bridges would be erected under emergency funding. It is difficult for me to put the information together, but for the sake of clarity, I know that the answer that the hon. Minister has given is on different bridges, and not the one in the question. Can the hon. Minister come back and state the position of the Government because there is consistent disruption of social services in the area. The bridge I asked about sits between Mulumbi and Mulungushi areas, and the referral hospital for the people in those areas is in Mansa. In the absence of that bridge, which already has a restriction on the weight it can carry, there is challenge. Is the hon. Minister able to –

Mr Sialubalo interjected.

Mr Chonde: I will clarify, do not worry. Hon. Minister, clearly, there is a mix-up in the answers you have been given.

Madam Speaker, I do not know how we will progress with this particular question because the hon. Minister has talked about different bridges. Obviously, it is not what the people of Milenge are expecting.

I seek your guidance, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I do not know what you have to say, hon. Minister. Should I give you more time?

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my dear hon. Colleague for bringing up his concerns.

Madam Speaker, Acrow bridges fall under the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development. Maybe, the request was made under that ministry. However, nothing stops my dear hon. Colleague from engaging the technical staff and me at the ministry so that we can get a clear position. There is an open-door policy that we have adopted under the New Dawn Administration. He is welcome so that we can look into his concerns and what is on the ground.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Milenge, please, find time to visit the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development so that you can get a good response that you can share with your people in the constituency.

NUMBER OF ZAMBIA NEWS AND INFORMATION SERVICES OFFICERS IN MUCHINGA PROVINCE

174. Mr Mukosa (Chinsali) asked the Minister of Information and Media:

how many Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) officers there are in:

Chinsali District; and
Muchinga Province;

whether the number of officers above is adequate;
if not, when the Government will recruit additional staff to meet the shortfall;
when the Government last provided equipment to the ZANIS office in Chinsali District; and
when new equipment will be provided.

The Minister of Information and Media (Mr Mweetwa): Madam Speaker, the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) office in Chinsali District has two members of staff; the district information officer and campaign van operation (CVO) technician. Muchinga Province has thirty-four ZANIS staff, of which fourteen are newly-recruited officers.

Madam Speaker, the number of officers is not adequate, both for Chinsali District and the province. Chinsali District requires an addition of an assistant information officer, a driver and an office orderly. Muchinga Province requires the addition of the following staff:

six assistant information officers for Nakonde, Isoka, Chinsali, Shiwang’andu, Mpika and Mafinga Districts;
one camera person and one photographer at the provincial office;
four CVO technicians for Mafinga, Mpika, Lavushimanda and Kanchibiya;
seven drivers at the provincial office and six for Nakonde, Mafinga, Shiwang’andu, Lavushimanda, Kanchibiya and Chinsali Districts;
five office orderlies – one at the provincial office and four for Chinsali, Shiwang’andu, Kanchibiya and Lavushimanda;
two station handymen for the provincial studio surroundings; and
one watchman for the provincial studio.

Madam Speaker, the recruitment of new staff is subject to the availability of funds at the Treasury. I can also add that, as the House and the nation may know, yesterday, the ministry, through ZANIS, signed an agreement in Dubai with MultiChoice so that ZANIS can operate on MultiChoice’s DStv platform. The broadcast will commence on that platform just this month on 24^th February, 2026.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, as a ministry and the Government, we consider this an important milestone in the dissemination of information to our people because ZANIS will now be viewed right across the globe. With that comes an opportunity for more staff, which in part answers the question on the adequacy of staff in the establishment of ZANIS at the national and provincial levels, including for Muchinga Province. The Ministry of Information and Media will expand the establishment for ZANIS through the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, which entails recruitment of more staff as a matter of urgency to capacitate the institution to operate diligently and professionally on that DStv platform.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mukosa: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has only answered parts (a), (b) and (c) of the question. He has not answered parts (d) and (e). So, maybe, he should attend to the other parts of the question before I ask a follow up question.

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for the reminder.

Madam Speaker, on the question of when the Government last provided equipment to the office in Chinsali, the ministry procured the following equipment for the Chinsali office in 2023 and 2024.

Interruptions

Mr Mweetwa: That is the answer, Sir.

Madam Speaker, on the question of when the new equipment will be provided, ZANIS is currently in the process of procuring new equipment for Muchinga Province for operations. That equipment will be distributed to the province by the end of the first quarter of 2026.

Madam Speaker, I would also like to add, by way of a reminder to the hon. Member for Chinsali, that, recently, the ministry, through ZANIS, procured motor vehicles for all the provinces. With the 13^th August, 2026 General Elections around the corner, and the need and requirement for our citizens to be well-informed about those elections and the many good programmes of the Government, this Government, through the ministry, is putting in place measures to capacitate ZANIS in Muchinga Province and across the country at various levels in terms of equipment requirements.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Chinsali, do you have a question?

Mr Mukosa: Yes, Madam Speaker. In his response, the hon. Minister has indicated that the staff at Chinsali District office and the province are inadequate. Does this mean that the operations of the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) have not been at the expected level, given that it has not been adequately staffed? How has it been managing to work?

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, indeed, ZANIS in Chinsali and ZANIS in Muchinga, just like the rest of the country, is under-equipped and has been underfunded for many years. When the New Dawn Administration took office, and when I took office as Minister of Information and Media, I undertook a countrywide tour to acquaint myself with the status of the infrastructure and equipment for ZANIS, and what I saw was shocking. It spoke to many years of neglect and degradation. That is what the ministry and the Government, under the able leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, is working round the clock to fix.

Madam Speaker, as we move ahead, given that the economy has rebounded, and is now on its two feet with proper recovery in sight, stability and resilience, there will be more money to be disbursed or allocated to Government agencies such as ZANIS, just like other Government agencies. However, this far, there is acknowledgement from ZANIS Department. Just this morning, I had an interaction at the office with all the public media heads. ZANIS did acknowledge that it is now receiving better funding and better support for equipment than it used to before, but there is a lot more work to be done to bring ZANIS up to speed.

Madam Speaker, as to whether ZANIS has been working up to the expected levels, I would like to say yes. With that lean establishment, it has still been able to deliver because its mandate has mainly been gathering information for onwards transmission to other media houses for publication, but now, it has this core mandate of collecting information and being the one to publicise it through ZANIS Television (TV), which is a new outfit on our media landscape in Zambia.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Katakwe (Solwezi East): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the wonderful work that he has highlighted and for what the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government is doing. He has talked about staff recruitment, provision of equipment to capacitate the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS). All this is because of the goodwill of the President of the Republic of Zambia.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister also talked about the provision of motor vehicles for ZANIS in all the provinces. Therefore, I want to find out if there is an intention to go down to the districts, like we have the police vehicles, at the district level, so that we are able, indeed, to have more information disseminated for the good works that they have done. For example, through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), there are so many projects that are being undertaken, especially in the rural districts. Is the hon. Minister able to tell us, especially the people of Solwezi East, if at all there is an intention to provide motor vehicles at the district level so that we are able to do more work to disseminate information to the public?

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for ‘Mushindamo’ for that particular question.

Madam Speaker, I would like to indicate that it is, indeed, the intention of the Government to procure motor vehicles and other equipment at the district level and, in fact, beyond that, at constituency level. This is to make it possible, accessible and affordable for hon. Members of Parliament to access ZANIS so that they can showcase the good work that they have done in the last four and a half years using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Madam Speaker, presently, we are aware that it is very expensive for your hon. Members to hire the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) staff or ZANIS staff to go and showcase the CDF projects being undertaken in all the 156 constituencies of the Republic of Zambia. Therefore, to that particular effect, the Ministry of Information and Media has already written to the Cabinet requesting that in line with the example given of the CDF motor vehicles, we, the hon. Members of this House do consider purchasing some equipment, if not motor vehicles, for every district using the CDF so that those vehicles will be the ones to carry media staff to accompany the hon. Members as they go around showcasing their CDF projects.

Madam Speaker, hon. Members have done so well, and I know that in 2026, we will have the highest retention rate of these hon. Members of Parliament coming back for the first time.

Rev. Katuta: Question!

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, this is because the CDF is working and there is a need, therefore, for ZANIS to cascade to district level to ensure that the whole nation can appreciate the good works that these hon. Members of Parliament have done. The nation should not be shocked that after 13^th August, 2026 the majority of them, except just a few like that one (pointed at an hon. PF Member), who are not working, are coming back.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Laughter

GOVERNMENT DEBT BETWEEN JANUARY 2022 AND AUGUST 2025

175. Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa) asked the Minister of Finance and National Planning:

how much, of the following debt, the Government contracted from January, 2022 to August, 2025, year by year:

domestic; and
foreign;

what the outstanding debt above was, as of September 2025; and

what measures are being taken to settle the debt.

The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane): Madam Speaker, the Government contracted the following debt from January 2022 to August 2025, year by year:

Year Domestic Debt External Debt

2022 K69.6 billion US$ 2.8 billion

2023 K73.1 billion US$362.6 million

2024 K56.1 billion US$209.6 million

2025 K62.0 billion

Madam Speaker, the outstanding debt, as at the end of September 2025, is K635.2 billion, translating into US$26.6 billion at the time, broken down as follows:

domestic debt stock was K252.8 billion, approximately US$10.6 billion; and
external debt was K382.4 billion or US$16 billion.

Madam Speaker, the Government has implemented several measures to ensure sustainable debt management and timely settlement of obligations. These include:

strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation;
prioritising concessional financing;
implementing fiscal consolidation;
engaging creditors in debt restructuring; and
enhancing debt transparency and monitoring through improved reporting.

Madam Speaker, the Government remains committed to prudent borrowing and maintaining debt sustainability in line with the medium-term debt management strategy.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning has highlighted some figures. Of course, I did not get the figure for the foreign debt as of 2025. However, clearly, from the figures, the amount increased from K9.6 billion to K33 billion. This is a demonstration that after 2022, the Government has continued to borrow. We now have a law in place to help us manage our debt. I want to find out if the Government has put in place a Sinking Fund that will allow us to save some money, in the event that the Government struggles to offset its debt.

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member issued the comment that borrowing has continued taking place. Yes, that is correct, but it has continued taking place at a prudent level.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane: It is important that we do not confuse ourselves with numbers. This is not a game where we just look at numbers and say, this year, our debt is five, last year, it was five, the year before last year, it was seven, and the other year, it was nine, and we still have a problem. It is not like that. The important thing here is to analyse the debt-carrying capacity of the country. That is what is important, not the absolute amounts of money. To simplify it, I can give an example of two individuals, A and B. A has nothing; no dogs, no cows, no chickens. When A ends up borrowing K50, that amount can be a problem to pay back, because as I said, this person does not have chickens, dogs or cats; he has nothing. B has thousands of cows and he borrows a million. Would you then conclude that A who borrowed K50 has more sustainable debt than B, who borrowed a million and has a big kraal of cattle? Clearly, the one with cattle has bigger borrowing capacity. So, what has happened in this country since 2021 is that, the capacity of the country to carry debt has been improving.

Madam Speaker, in 2021, the foreign exchange reserves we found were US$1.6 billion. Today, as we speak, the reserves are more than US$5.6 billion. So, can they compare the foreign exchange reserves this year with that of 2021? I do not want to go deeper and deeper. All I am saying is that people should not confuse themselves with numbers because within those numbers, there are other intricate factors that must be taken into account.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member’s question was on a Sinking Fund. We do not have a Sinking Fund. A Sinking Fund is money that is put aside to build reserves to service debt in future. It is not the case that we must always have a Sinking Fund. It is only one of the options available to have sustainable debt. It is only one of the options. The other option, of course, is to make sure that every year, as we budget, we provide enough funds to service debt.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, the figures are clear. I was just trying to remind the hon. Minister that borrowing is still taking place.

Madam Speaker, the trend shows that the Government has been borrowing. Normally, the ministry brings what is called an Annual Borrowing Plan. Based on the illustration that the hon. Minister has given around debt sustainability, is he confirming that even in the next couple of years, the Government will keep presenting Annual Borrowing Plans, so that it can borrow more money? Is that what he is stating, that the policy of the Government is continuous borrowing? I basically wanted to establish that fact. Will borrowing continue, based on the trend that we have seen for the last four years? The Government has been borrowing for the last four years.

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, yes, I can confirm that is right, as far as the law is concerned now. The law that was passed by this Parliament under this Government requires that before the State borrows, an Annual Borrowing Plan must be presented before this House, so that we, the representatives of the people, can approve it. In approving that, other factors come in. As we approve, we must look at the broad issues that are going to be presented to us, such as: “Does this extra borrowing, as enshrined in this plan, mean that the country is going to have unsustainable debt or not?” So, in short, yes, the borrowing plans are always going to be considered.

Madam Speaker, my last comment on this, truly speaking, is that numbers can be confusing, if one is not schooled, but it does not mean that the hon. Member is a bad person. No, it just means that, just like me, if I am confronted with numbers with regard to the bridge across a stream, which is meant to carry a heavy load, of course, I may be tempted to use my eyes and say that the timber used on the bridge looks big, therefore it is okay. It does not necessarily mean that I am a bad person. So, what I am saying is that the hon. Member should listen to experts, especially those who are independent. The World Bank issues a report on debt sustainability in Zambia. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) also issues a report on that. On top of that, there are private credit rating agencies watching us every month, every minute, to see if the country is getting into problems or not. They also issue public reports. When the country was under threat of being bankrupt in 2019 and 2020, they issued a statement that:

“Zambia, be careful, you are getting into problems.”

Of course, the Government that was there then, ignored it. Currently, they still issue reports, which indicate that the debt-carrying capacity of the country has improved. If one does not wish to get confused by the numbers, the easiest thing to do is to get the reports from the experts, which objectively indicate where the country is headed to.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kapyanga (Mpika): Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity given to me to ask the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning a supplementary question.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has demonstrated sufficiently that borrowing has been taking place against their own campaign promise of putting a moratorium on debt contraction. Why has the Government continued borrowing, the same borrowing that it condemned and what has it been using the money for? The hon. Minister has told the House that before borrowing, the Government would seek Parliament’s approval. However, recently, the Government borrowed money to pay farmers, and that borrowing was not approved by this House. Why has the Government been borrowing against its campaign promise, and what has it used the money for because when we look around, we cannot see any tangible infrastructure development that it has borrowed colossal sums of money for?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for the supplementary question.

Madam Speaker, first of all, the hon. Member should not put words in our mouths. We did not say that there would be no borrowing. What we said was that borrowing was going to be controlled, and it has been controlled.

Madam Speaker, secondly, the hon. Member said that they do not see where the borrowed money has gone to. However, it would be helpful for the hon. Member to look at what has happened in the last four years and to consolidate all the financial resources in the country, the borrowed money and our own funds. Do not create artificial wages between the two. The two must be combined to define the total financial resource base of the country. Is the hon. Member denying the fact that today, there are more teachers in the country? Is he denying the fact that today –

Madam Speaker, I went to campaign in Kasama, where I was assigned. There are ten wards there, and there are also ten wards in Liuwa. We no longer count wards and mention what we have done using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in my constituency. We count what we have done in polling stations. However, when I went where I went, it was a struggle to see the works done using the CDF. In short, when we are asked where the money is going, I can say that we are building classrooms, clinics, and putting up boreholes in most constituencies, which were never there. It is up to our colleagues who decide to hide the CDF to portray a picture that the Government is not working. However, we have been asking them why there are no classrooms in certain places, and we have even showed them pictures of the projects we have been doing. This is how we won because we were able to convince the people.

Mr Sampa: Question!

Mr Nkandu: Hear, hear!

Hon. Government Members: Especially Lukashya!

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, no one can deny the fact that this Government has done so much in terms of development in the past four years. On the contrary, huge amounts of money were borrowed under our colleagues’ party. They said they were going to fix the railway line and US$110 million was given out, but today, the train moves like a millipede. I can go on and on, but under this Government, development can be seen from the money that has been borrowed. We are still asking ourselves what happened to the money that was borrowed under the Government that our colleagues served. In the meantime, we see recoveries of huge amounts of assets. Then, we add one and one together and know the answer.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

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

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I will take the last three questions from the hon. Member for Lundazi, the hon. Member for Lukashya and the hon. Member for Mitete. Before the hon. Member for Lundazi comes in, there is an indication for a point of order.

Mr Amutike: Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving the people of Mongu Central an opportunity to raise a very serious point of order on the hon. Member of Parliament for Mpika.

Madam Speaker, it is very important that what we say here is always factual because this is a House of order. Is the hon. Member of Parliament for Mpika in order to insinuate that the Government borrowed money without Parliament approval when we know that recently, the hon. Minister presented the Annual Borrowing Plan (ABP), which we, as Members of Parliament, approved? If he is in doubt, the hon. Member for Lundazi is in the same Committee with me, where we scrutinise such matters before they are presented here in the House. Is the hon. Member of Parliament for Mpika, therefore, in order to mislead the public and himself that the Government borrowed money without Parliament’s approval? My point of order is pursuant to Standing Order No. 71.

I seek your serious ruling, Madam Speaker.

Laughter

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you so much, hon. Member for Mongu Central. You have adequately explained. So, the hon. Member was actually out of order. We make progress.

Ms Nyirenda (Lundazi): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving the people of Lundazi an opportunity to ask a supplementary question.

Madam Speaker, today is when I have heard about prudent borrowing from the hon. Minister. There is no prudent borrowing. Every borrowing has a shame to it.

Interruptions

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

Ms Nyirenda: Madam Speaker, there is no prudent borrowing, but let me ask the question.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Lundazi, the manner in which you have used the word “shame” is unparliamentary. Can you withdraw it and replace it with a better word.

Ms Nyirenda: Madam Speaker, I retrieve the word “shame.” I just want to state that even the zygotes have borrowed. Before children are born in this country, they are already owing. None of us will be present to pay the debt ...

Hon. Government Members: How?

Ms Nyirenda: … because the borrowing is too much.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: What is your question, hon. Member?

Ms Nyirenda: Madam Speaker, the question that I have for the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning –

Interruptions

Ms Nyirenda: Please, can you give me a chance to speak. I am the only one on the Floor.

Mr Munsanje: Sit down!

Ms Nyirenda: I have the Floor.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Lundazi, please, we are running behind time, concentrate on your question.

Ms Nyirenda: Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning’s honeymoon is over. The last date to complete programmes with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was 31^st January. I hope we will not enter into another IMF programme because we need to discipline ourselves and not borrow beyond what we can pay back.

Madam Speaker, now that we have to depend on domestic resources, three things make it difficult to generate adequate domestic finances. Firstly, there is the delayed implementation of the policies that are propounded on the Floor of this House. Secondly, there are tax-free holidays that are given to foreign entities. The last one is the fact that while we hear of gold being taken to Dubai, there is no record in this country, yet people in Dubai say that Zambia has taken so much gold there. Those are the resources that can help us pay back the national debt.

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: What is the question, hon. Member?

Ms Nyirenda: That is the problem with hon. Ministers who do not want to be told the truth.

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

Ms Nyirenda: Madam Speaker, what will the ministry do to seal the leakages so that we can pay off the national debt, and my grandchild, Chatowa, does not suffer because of a debt she did not contract?

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member has said many things. I am struggling to find what it is that she actually said. Focusing on the leakages, indeed, there are leakages, but they did not start today. If you look back at the Patriotic Front (PF) regime, there were even times when people were fired for talking about leakages in the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) Report presentation. However, people are no longer being fired. They are encouraged to write reports, and this Government is acting on those reports. The Minerals Regulation Commission that has been formed is part of the action plan to ensure that, with time, there is a handle on illicit financial flows.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member has talked about tax holidays. I am not aware of any, especially in the mining sector. This is something that we have explained, over and over, in this House. We have said that the biggest taxpayer in this country is the mining sector. It was not the biggest under the PF Government because that Government was busy closing down mines. How did you expect to get money from the mining sector when you were busy closing mines down? Now, we are opening them up and they are expanding. As you may have seen, the biggest source of revenue today is from the mining sector. If only this had started some time ago, Zambia would not have the problems that it has. The biggest mistake was electing the PF.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Mitete, ask your question in summary.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

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

Madam Speaker, as you have indicated, in summary, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning–

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

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

Mr Mukosa: Madam Speaker, when we indicated on –

Interruptions

Mr Nkandu: Chinsali is there!

Mr Mukosa: No, it has just come back now and I was the one –

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

The Presiding Officer has the power to pick whoever he or she wants from the list.

Mr Mukosa: I was removed from the system, Madam Speaker. So, I wanted to know if the House was in order to remove me from the list showing on the system console.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The House was in order. I was in order.

Mr Mukosa: Question!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hello?

Hon. Member for Chinsali, what did you say?

Mr Mukosa: I said, “Question”.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: On who?

Mr Mukosa: Against the House.

Laughter

Madam First Deputy Speaker: No. The House was not talking. I was the one who was talking, hon. Member.

Mr Mukosa: Madam Speaker, I said question against Hon. Kambita. What he has been doing is too much.

Laughter

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Resume your seat, hon. Member for Chinsali.

Hon. Member for Zambezi East, we want to finish considering this question by break time.

Hon. Member for Mitete, you may proceed.

Mr Mutelo: Madam Speaker, you said that I should ask my question in summary.

Madam Speaker, in summary, what is the difference between the borrowing that was done from 2011 to 2021 and the borrowing that was done from 2022 to 2025, as the question has been put? The hon. Minister needs to explain so that Zambians can understand.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, that question is very important. Let me see if I can characterise the differences between then and now. Firstly, the borrowing that took place from 2011 to 2021 was irresponsible in the sense that the debt was allowed to grow too quickly, compared to the amount of money that was made. In spite of the huge amount of money that was borrowed between 2011 and 2021, millions of young Zambians were left out of attending school. Today, those millions of Zambians are now back in school. At that time, most classrooms in this country were in a terrible condition. Today, most of the classrooms in our constituencies are in decent condition. There were no desks in classrooms. Today, there are desks in classrooms. Apart from that, there was a time, around 2016, when we, as hon. Members of Parliament, moved around the constituencies with chalk because schools no longer bought chalk, as they were not being given money. That is why teachers in my constituency resorted to buying cassava, sharpening it and using it as chalk. Today, those children are well catered for. The difference is that during that time, the poor children from poor constituencies like Liuwa had their meal allowance withdrawn. They were told to find money to feed themselves. Today, that meal allowance has been returned to the young people.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, in summary, we can see the borrowing between 2011 and 2021. Quite frankly, we do not know where the money went. Today, the majority of people in this country have been touched. That is because if you do not touch a child, if you allow a child to not go to school, you have destroyed three generations. The parents will never have relief because the child will just be poor with them. The one who is not being taken to school will also be poor. The grandchildren will be poor. This was never recognised during the period of our colleagues there (pointed at hon. PF Members). There is no better investment that you can make than putting money into your own people.

Mr Nkandu: They were borrowing money to burn it.

Dr Musokotwane: Somebody is saying that they were borrowing money to burn it. I also saw those videos of people burning Dollars.

Hon. UPND Members: Yes!

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, I thank you.

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

Mr Chisanga (Lukashya): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to ask the hon. Minister a question. Before I ask a question, I just want to assure the hon. Minister that I will send the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) Report for 2023/2024 on the utilisation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) countrywide to his office so that he can draw conclusions on how Lukashya Constituency performed.

Madam Speaker, I just want the hon. Minister to explain to the nation on the borrowing, in terms of proportions, how much money that was borrowed under the United Party for National Development (UPND) has been earmarked for capital projects, and how much of it has been earmarked for recurrent expenditure.

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, I think, this is one of the mistakes that we make, sometimes.

Mr Nkandu: Ah!

Dr Musokotwane: The mistake of believing that because we have borrowed money, therefore, it must go into physical infrastructure. Yes, it is good to invest it into physical infrastructure, but that is not necessarily the ultimate. If we put a lot of money into infrastructure, but in the meantime, millions of children are not going to school, what have we done?

Hon. UPND Members: Nothing!

Dr Musokotwane: If we built a lot of infrastructure and addressed other major issues, but mothers, especially in rural areas, still have to walk a distance of 30 km to 50 km to go and give birth, what have we done?

Hon. UPND Members: Nothing!

Dr Musokotwane: So, please, let us take development holistically. We can imagine the year of the drought, in 2024, if this Government had insisted, said, “Okay, there is a drought, but we have borrowed money or have received grants so we are going to build this road, a hospital and houses.” In the meantime, people starve to death. Would one be considered to be a wise leader?

Mr Amutike: No!

Dr Musokotwane: So, development is a balanced approach. The first priority that we have is on human capital because without people, there is no country. Japan is what it is because of people. Zambia is what it is because of people.

Hon. UPND Members: Yes!

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, imagine a situation in which we get all the Zambians and take them to Japan. We then get all the Japanese and bring them to Zambia. Then ten years later, we say, let us check what has happened. Let us go to Japan, where we took all these Zambians.

Laughter

Dr Musokotwane: What are you going to find? I am not saying Zambians are bad. All I am saying is that the Japanese invested in the capacity of their people.

Mr Chisanga: The question was on proportions!

Dr Musokotwane: That is why they are where they are today.

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

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, I think that there are too many comments. Let me stop here.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Laughter

ANNUAL REVENUE FROM THE TANZANIA-ZAMBIA RAILWAY AUTHORITY CONCESSION AGREEMENT

176. Ms Halwiindi (Kabwe Central) asked the Minister of Transport and Logistics:

whether the Government will be receiving a portion of the annual revenue generated by the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), following the signing of the TAZARA Revitalisation Concession Agreement in September 2025 with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC);
if so, what the percentage of the revenue is;
when the Government would start receiving the revenue above;
whether the percentage of the revenue received will be re-invested in TAZARA; and
if so, what percentage will be re-invested.

The Minister of Transport and Logistics (Mr Tayali): Madam Speaker –

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

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Mkushi South, please, you just need to indicate once for a point of order. Sometimes, you might think we are ignoring you, but we also have a lot of work to consider. We have plenty of work that has to be covered today.

What is your point of order?

Mr Chisopa: Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker, when one is given a question as a Cabinet Minister, one is supposed to give …

Mr Amutike: Were you one?

Mr Chisopa: … an answer that is in tandem with the question. I know that they are only remaining with two months before they are voted out.

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Mr Chisopa: Yes, you are going. Do you not know that you are going? People have already made a decision.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Mkushi South!

You are now campaigning.

Mr Munsanje: Kick him out!

Mr Chisopa: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister was asked to provide the proportional achievements. He was just politicking there. He has not given a correct answer because he has not given us the percentages in terms of the proportion of …

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

Mr Chisopa: … capital investment and what has gone into consumption.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You may resume your seat.

Mr Chisopa resumed his seat.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, I am afraid your point of order is not admissible. The language that you are using is unparliamentary.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

[MR SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

The Minister of Transport and Logistics (Mr Tayali): Mr Speaker, the Government will not receive any portion of the annual revenue generated by the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), following the signing of the concession agreement. However, this august House may wish to note that under the concession agreement, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the concessionaire, has committed to be paying TAZARA, as a company, a fixed concession fee of US$15 million per annum, irrespective of whether they meet or exceed their performance target. Further, the concessionaire will pay a variable fee of 2 per cent of the gross freight from the first year of operation to the end of the concession.

Mr Speaker, as stated above, the Government will not receive any portion of the revenue generated by TAZARA. However, TAZARA shall declare and pay dividends to the two shareholder Governments. This august House is informed that the payment of such dividends shall only be effected after TAZARA has fully settled its statutory and trade debtors, including but not limited to, pension arrears, taxes, levies and other obligations, and upon the company attaining profitability. The House may wish to note that the two shareholder Governments shall endeavour to develop a dividends policy so that TAZARA dividend payments do not disadvantage the company.

Mr Speaker, as earlier stated, the Government will not receive any share of the revenue under the concession agreement. However, TAZARA, as a corporate entity, will begin to receive concession fees in the first year of commercial operations by the concessionaire.

Mr Speaker, may I take this opportunity to inform this August House that the concessionaire will require a period of three years to rehabilitate the infrastructure and procure new locomotives and wagons. During this rehabilitation period, TAZARA will not receive any concession fees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, should the concessionaire commence commercial operations before the lapse of the three years, TAZARA will commence receiving concession fees from the date such operations begin.

Mr Speaker, as stated above in answer to part (c) of the question, the concession fee received by TAZARA will be reinvested into enhancing the operations of TAZARA.

Mr Speaker, this august House may wish to note that passenger services have not been concessioned and will continue to be provided by TAZARA. Accordingly, the concession fee will be applied towards meeting operational costs associated with the provision of passenger services, including labour-related costs, such as the repair and maintenance of passenger coaches.

Mr Speaker, lastly, the percentage of the concession fee to be reinvested will be determined by the annual work plan and the operational needs of TAZARA, as approved by the board.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Ms Halwiindi: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the elaborate answers he has given. The answers are very clear and understandable.

Mr Zulu (Nyimba): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister was very clear. However, I just want him to tell me or the nation something. There should be a level playing field for every player in this sector. As we give incentives to our colleagues who come to invest in our country, we should also look at how we are taxing our people. The concessionaire is Chinese. I think, the hon. Minister has been in the transport business before. Transporters here know how ruthless the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) is. Before one is paid, the money is deducted. Are the investors going to be paying taxes, just as normal companies do, or have they been exempted from taxes?

Mr Tayali: Mr Speaker, this House may wish to note that we had some rigorous negotiations before coming up with the concession agreement. The negotiations obviously, looked at various aspects, particularly to do with the rehabilitation phase of the project. Obviously, certain incentives have been given in so far as taxes are concerned, in order for us to achieve a win-win situation. This is where we shall uproot the entire 1,860 km of railway line and build a new track and rehabilitate existing bridges and tunnels, and look at certain infrastructure such as stations. That is in the interest of the two shareholder Governments. In so far as other taxes are concerned, once the concession commences, yes, indeed, the concessionaire shall meet their obligations.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

PLANS TO CONSTRUCT SPORTS COMPLEX IN CHINSALI DISTRICT

177. Mr Mukosa (Chinsali) asked the Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts:

whether the Government has any plans to construct a sports complex in Chinsali District;
if so, when the plans will be implemented;
what the estimated cost of the project is; and
if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts (Mr Nkandu): Mr Speaker, the area hon. Member of Parliament knows very well that this Government has plans to construct a sports complex not only in Chinsali, but even in other provincial capitals where there are no sports complexes, like Kabwe.

Mr Amutike: Mongu!

Mr Nkandu: No! There are already sports complexes in Mongu and Solwezi. So, we need to construct some in Chinsali and Choma.

Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister for Muchinga Province is very much aware that Chinsali Municipal Council gave the ministry 3 ha of land to construct a stadium, and the area has been fenced. The Provincial Administration even took advantage of that and hosted the Muchinga Expo at the same area. Therefore, the Government has plans to construct a stadium there.

Mr Speaker, indeed, the plans will be implemented subject to the availability of resources. As the hon. Member may be aware, the Government is focusing on rehabilitating the National Heroes Stadium and the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in order to meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and (FIFA) regulated standards. In addition, the Government is also focusing on rehabilitating the existing provincial stadia. The House may wish to note that if we do not rehabilitate the National Heroes Stadium and the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium then, we risk having our home games outside Zambia. So, our focus has been on rehabilitating the National Heroes Stadium.

Mr Speaker, the hon. Member may wish to note that my ministry has already engaged the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development to determine the cost of constructing a provincial sports complex. So, as I have just stated, we have plans to construct the sports complex.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mukosa: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the answer.

Mr Speaker, in part (b) of the question, the hon. Minister stated that the Government has plans of constructing the stadium subject to the availability of funds and that it is prioritising the rehabilitation of the National Heroes Stadium and other existing stadia. In view of the interactions the ministry has been having with the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, is the hon. Minister in a position to give an indication of when the construction works are likely to start? I know that the works might not start this year because the project was not budgeted for. Will the project be implemented next year or after next year? I know it is a bit difficult for the hon. Minister to answer because we will be having elections and we do not know if he will come back. What is the ministry thinking?

Interruptions

Mr Mukosa: Yes, it is true. It is not clear.

Mr Nkandu: Mr Speaker, the goodness of this Government is that it does not always look at elections, but at things that benefit the people of Zambia.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkandu: I thought I should start with that.

Mr Speaker, we are very different from our hon. Colleagues on your left. Every time they want to do something, they connect it to an election.

Laughter

Mr J. Chibuye: Even me?

Mr Nkandu: Not everyone there, but they know themselves.

Mr Speaker, as the New Dawn Administration, we are going to make sure that we develop sport and sports infrastructure in the country. So, we are very much aware that without sports infrastructure, we may not develop sport in the country. I want to repeat myself that when resources are available, we are not only going to develop the complex in Chinsali, but also the ones in Kabwe and Livingstone. We have been given 10 ha of land in Livingstone, where we want to construct a modern stadium.

Mr Speaker, the hon. Member said that I may not be able to answer because of the elections. We do not shy away from our responsibilities as the New Dawn Administration. I said that our focus is to utilise the K20 million that has been earmarked for sports development to rehabilitate the National Heroes Stadium and the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. This means that every year, the Government apportions resources towards sports infrastructure development. So, after we are done with what we are doing, we will ensure that we put up sports infrastructure in Chinsali.

Mr Speaker, I also want to state that when I issued a Ministerial Statement, I appealed to all hon. Members of Parliament in this House to help us construct multi-sports facilities in their constituencies. So far, four hon. Members of Parliament have informed me that they have allocated some resources towards that. If we have to develop sport in the country, we should not leave this issue to the Government alone. The way we have contributed towards the construction of police posts and classroom blocks is the same way we should contribute towards the construction of sports infrastructure. in Zambia, especially that we all know that it costs between K9 million and K15 million to build sports centres.

Madam Speaker, let me also take advantage of this opportunity to appreciate corporate entities like Kansanshi Mines, who are putting up another pitch and a running track within the Independence Stadium in Solwezi. So, more corporate entities and the private sector should join hands with the Government to improve sports infrastructure in the country. I believe that in every constituency, there are businessmen and women whom hon. Members can approach to help them actualise their dreams of putting up sports infrastructure in their respective constituencies. Even in Muchinga, there might be businessmen and women, the private sector and corporate companies, whom we can approach to help us start the ball rolling so that at the end of the day, we realise this particular objective.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

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

Mr Speaker, the truth of the matter is that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation, even if it is put together for the entire five years, cannot be used to construct a quarter of a proper stadium.

Hon. Government Members: Mm!

Mr Kampyongo: That is a fact.

Mr Speaker, with two months to go before the hon. Minister’s tour of duty ends at the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts –

Mr Sing’ombe: Question!

Laughter

Mr Kampyongo: He has two months to go before his tour of duty ends at the ministry.

Mr Speaker, how would he want the people of Chinsali, whom he assured earlier about the sports infrastructure in question, to remember him after his tour of duty ends in March?

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, you are a senior hon. Member of the House. You know that the hon. Minister’s tour of duty will end upon the dissolution of Parliament. You also know well that no Parliament in Zambia has ever been dissolved in March, unless otherwise. May you apologise.

Laughter

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: May you apologise to the House for saying that. Being a senior hon. Member, you were not supposed to make that grave mistake.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I wish I could apologise in that manner. All I can say is that I know that the hon. Minister’s tour of duty will practically end in two months. The dissolution of Parliament is another issue. In terms of the practical work he can do, he only has two months. That was the context in which I asked about how he wants the people of Chinsali to remember him. He had assured them earlier. What will he do in the remaining short period?

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Resume your seat, hon. Member. You know well that, even if Parliament dissolves, the Government continues functioning until August.

On a light note, maybe, hon. Minister, you can say something.

Mr Nkandu: Mr Speaker, I am happy to know that Hon. Kampyongo would like the people of Chinsali to remember me. I know that the people of Chinsali do not remember him for anything apart from discharging teargas in Chinsali.

Laughter

Mr Nkandu: Maybe, that is the only thing that the people of Chinsali would remember Hon. Kampyongo for.

Mr Speaker, the people of Shiwang’andu also remember Hon. Kampyongo for how the current Vice-President of the Republic was tear-gassed in Shiwang’andu. So, it depends on how you want to be remembered.

Laughter

Mr Kapyanga interjected.

Mr Nkandu: Mr Speaker, to answer his question, I would say that I know that the people of Chinsali will remember me as someone who went there to empower many young people. What a good way of remembering Hon.Nkandu. I was the first Minister to travel to Chinsali to empower young people with grants, motor bicycles–

Mr Mubika: Ka something!

Mr Nkandu: Mr Speaker, I empowered them with many things.

Laughter

Mr Nkandu: In case Hon. Kampyongo has forgotten, I have travelled to Chinsali twice to empower the young people, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker, instead of misleading ourselves, let me say that when I talked about the CDF, I did not say that Chinsali needed a modern stadium like the National Heroes Stadium. I am happy that the hon. Member has helped me. I am not going anywhere. I am coming back to this House, and I will continue where I will leave things off, unlike some hon. Members who will not come back.

Mr Kampyongo: Question!

Mr Nkandu: Some of you are lucky that by-elections were not held in your districts. You would have already gone.

Laughter

Mr Nkandu: Mr Speaker, I would like to help Hon. Kampyongo. When I talked about a multi-sports facility, I did not mean building a stadium like the National Heroes Stadium or the Kaole Stadium. I meant small multi-sports facilities whose cost ranges between K9 million and K15 million. I am happy that Game Ranger International, as I had made an appeal, has already started constructing a sports complex in Itezhi-Tezhi. That is what I was saying about engaging and reaching out to those who can help us. There is nothing wrong with that. Some hon. Members have gold deposits in their respective constituencies, and they can engage gold miners to help set up something like that. If the cost is K9 million to K15 million, hon. Members do not need to get the whole amount from the CDF. I am aware that it can be done because I am one of them.

Mr Speaker, I understand how much is earmarked for capital projects. All I said was that the amount can be staggered by allocating, maybe, K2.5 million this year and another amount next year. In the next three to five years, hon. Members can boast of multi-sports facilities in their constituencies. I did not say that the CDF should be used to put up modern stadia. Some people, like the Chushis of this world in Chisamba, are so ‘big’ that they can put up a modern stadium without problems. I believe –

Mr Mubika: Like in Magoye!

Mr Nkandu: Mr Speaker, there is something in Magoye as well, and the hon. Member for Magoye is happy about that. Hon. Jack Mwiimbu is also setting up something in Monze.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkandu: Mr Speaker, I am also putting up something in Kaputa this year using the CDF. My hon. Colleague is also putting up something in Senga. When we talk about sports infrastructure, I know that serious hon. Members who would like to go that route. I want to appeal to those who would like to promote and develop sports in the country to work with the Government so that resources can be allocated towards such projects. Hon. Members do not know how the young people will cherish them if they put up sports infrastructure in their constituencies. If they do not want to do that, obviously, the Government will come in to do it, and by then, they would have gone.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

PIPED-WATER SCHEMES IN MPIKA

178. Mr Kapyanga (Mpika) asked the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation:

whether the Government has any plans to construct small piped-water schemes in the following areas in Mpika Parliamentary Constituency:

Sekela in Lubambala Ward;
Chilonga Market, Mpandafishala, Kasenga and Mulongesha in Nachikutu Ward;
Chibansa, Mwamfushi and White in Chisabesonse Ward;
Chipunsu in Kapamba Ward;
Kabuwa in Mutamba Ward;
Kuku in Makamba Ward; and
Chaya, Nabwalya, Chilima and Kalimba in Nabwalya Chiefdom;

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

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Sialubalo) (on behalf of the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation (Eng. Nzovu)): Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to construct small piped water schemes in Mpika Parliamentary Constituency in the mentioned areas. The plans will be implemented as follows:

works for the scheme at Sekela in Lubambala Ward, will commence in the second quarter of 2026. The procurement process has already commenced;
the contractor has mobilised to commence implementation of the two schemes at Chilonga Market and Mpandafishala.,. As for Kasenga and Mulongesha wards, implementation of the schemes will commence once funds are made available. The estimated cost is K650,000;
for the scheme in Mwamfunshi, implementation is scheduled to commence by the third quarter of 2026. Implementation of the schemes in Chibansa and White wards will commence once funds are made available;
the implementation of the scheme at Chipunsu in Kapamba Wardis scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2026, and the procurement process has commenced;
for the scheme at Kabuwa in Mutamba Ward, implementation is scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2026, and the procurement process has commenced;
for the scheme at Kuku in Makamba Ward, implementation is scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2026, and the procurement process has since commenced; and
for schemes at Chaya, Nabwalya, Chilima, and Kalimba in Nabwalya Chiefdom, implementation is scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2026.

Mr Speaker, as already indicated in the response above, the Government does have plans to construct small piped water schemes in the areas listed.

Mr Speaker, in addition to the above information, in Lubambala Ward, one small piped water scheme at Sekela Community is budgeted for in the 2026 Budget. The procurement process is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2026, with the contractor scheduled to be on site in the second quarter of 2026.

Mr Speaker, for Chilonga Market, Mpandafishala, Kasenga and Mulongesha in Nachikutu Ward, the contractor, Anti-Hill Properties and Construction Limited, has mobilised toon the site. The contract sum stands at K1.3 million.

Mr Speaker, in Chibansa, Mwamfunshi and White in the Chisabesonse Ward, the Nexus Energy and Water Programme for Zambia (NEWZA) project sum is €6.3 million for Chambishi Water, covering three components, namely solar panels, pump installation, and network extension for the water treatment plant, as well as the piped water schemes. Tender for the whole project, will come to a close on 15^th February, 2026. The project implementation of the works are scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2026. A consultant to design the network extension will be engaged in September 2026, and works are expected to commence in November 2026.

Mr Speaker, in Chipunsu, Kampamba Ward, the procurement process is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2026, and the contractor is earmarked to be on site in the second quarter of 2026.

In Kabuwa, Matamba Ward, the procurement process is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2026, with the contractor scheduled to be on site in the second quarter of 2026. In Kuku, Makamba Ward, the procurement process is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2026, and the contractor is earmarked to be on site in the second quarter of 2026.

For Chaya, Nabwalya, Chilima and Kalimba in Nabwalya Chiefdom, the contractor, China Gansu Engineering Corporation Zambia, is expected to move to the site by the end of the first quarter of 2026.

As for Chilima community, Mr Speaker, procurement processes are expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2026, with the contractor scheduled to be on site in the second quarter of 2026. Other projects include:

Integrated Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Projects

Mr Speaker, the ministry, with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB) has just completed the implementation of the first Integrated Small-Town Water Supply and Sanitation projects in Mpika District, covering the Boma and the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) central business area. The project cost of Mpika alone was about US$11 million, and the scope of work consisted of the water source development in the Lwitikila transmission line for transporting raw water from the Lwitikila area to the treatment plant by gravity.

Mr Speaker, as regards the construction of water treatment plants, booster pumps, stations, ground tanks and elevated tanks, as well as a water distribution network, the Government of Zambia plans to drill and install hand pumps at Ichengelo Primary School and the Kolyo-Kolyo Community using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Waterborne Sanitation Facilities

Mr Speaker, the ministry, through Muchinga Provincial Administration, is currently constructing one waterborne sanitation facility. The contractor contracted for this work is L Kembe Trading Limited and is set to move on-site by the end of the first quarter of 2026. The sum for this project is K433,000.

Mr Speaker, that is the submission from the Government’s side.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kapyanga: Mr Speaker, I agree that the contractor is mobilising to go to the three sites. However, the information on Chibansa, Kasenga, Mulolesha – In fact, it is Mulolesha, not Mulongesha.

Mr Sialubalo interjected.

Mr Kapyanga: Mr Speaker, I need your protection. He is laughing at Kolyokolyo. I mean, that is the name of our village.

Laughter

Mr Kapyanga: That is where Malama also comes from. He comes from Kolyokolyo Village.

Laughter

Mr Kapyanga: Mr Speaker, I just want the hon. Minister to state the information clearly on Chibansa, Kasenga, Mulolesha and Chipundu. Like he stated in his submission, Kabuka in Mutamba Ward is covered by the contractor who is mobilising on site.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Maybe, the Acting hon. Minister of Water Development and Sanitation can shed a bit of light on that.

Mr Sialubalo: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank my dear hon. Colleague for that follow-up question.

Mr Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament would like to get clarity on Chibansa, Mwamfushi and Chisabesonse Ward. The additional information is that the Nexus Energy and Water Programme for Zambia (NEWZA) project will cost €6.3 million. It is under Chambeshi Water Supply and Sanitation Company Limited (ChWSSC), and it covers three components, namely, solar panel installation, pump installation, network extension for water treatment plants, as well as piped water schemes.

Mr Speaker, the tender for the whole project, which includes Mwamfushi, will end on 15^th February, 2026. The implementation of the works is scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2026. A consultant to design the network extension will be engaged in September 2026, and works are expected to commence in November 2026.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, thank you for allowing me to ask a supplementary question. As I do, I would like to just set the record straight, that when one has the privilege to serve this long in this august House, one must learn to appreciate people. One cannot be in this House this long without a track record of success. I know that my record in Chinsali and Shiwang’andu is certainly not comparable to that of my dear hon. Colleague, the hon. Minister of Youth Sport and Arts.

Mr Nkandu: Question!

Mr Kampyongo: By far.

I can demonstrate the deliverables to you.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Shiwang’andu –

Mr Kampyongo: Not mere talk.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: May you ask your question.

Mr Nkandu interjected.

Mr Kampyongo: You will know when you get to the next election what it takes to be here for more than three terms. You will understand soon.

Mr Nkandu: I can even be uwamuyayaya.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, with regard to Chilonga Market, the hon. Minister said that the contractor has mobilised and is on site. I would like to know the cost of that contract and when the works will be executed.

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

Mr Speaker, the total sum is K650,000.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: I hope that the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu has got the answer.

Mr Kampyongo: Yes, Mr Speaker, except the hon. Minister did not mention the completion period.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister, he is asking about the completion period.

Mr Sialubalo: Mr Speaker, that is not included in the additional information, but I can share with my dear hon. Colleague tomorrow. I will give him the information of the completion date.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF RABIES IN CHINSALI DISTRICT

179. Mr Mukosa asked the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock:

what measures the Government is taking to prevent and control rabies in Chinsali District;
whether there are any rabies vaccination programmes for animals in the district;
how effective veterinarians are in responding to cases of rabies in the district; and
what public awareness programmes the Government has put in place to educate residents about the risks associated with rabies.

The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock (Mr Kapala): Mr Speaker, before I proceed to respond to the questions raised by the hon. Member for Chinsali, allow me to remind this august House and indeed the people of Chinsali District, that the vaccination of animals against rabies is primarily the responsibility of the dog, cattle or cat owners. Rabies is legally classified as a disease of public concern. Under the provisions of the Animal Health Act, all dogs are required to be vaccinated, annually. I, therefore, wish to take this opportunity to urge hon. Members of Parliament to continue sensitising their constituents on the importance of adhering to vaccination requirements. Ensuring that their animals are vaccinated is not only a legal obligation but also a critical measure in safeguarding public health and preventing avoidable loss of life.

Mr Speaker, the Government, through the Department of Veterinary Services, is implementing the 2022/2026 National Dog Mediating Rabies Control and Elimination Strategy, and has put in place several measures to prevent and control rabies in Chinsali District. These measures include:

Passive/Active Surveillance

My ministry conducts both passive and active surveillance for rabies in domestic animals and wildlife. Passive surveillance relies on monthly reports from private veterinary clinics and district veterinary offices. When an increase in suspected cases is detected, my ministry escalates to active surveillance, deploying officers to investigate, collect samples, and monitor affected areas. Or rabies incidents linked to human/wildlife interactions, district offices also submit monthly reports, enabling timely assessment and response.

Immediate Quarantine and Investigation

My ministry promptly quarantines and investigates all suspected rabies bite cases, including those involving dogs, cats, jackals, hyenas or potential human exposures. This immediate action helps prevent further transmission and enables timely confirmation and response.

Post Exposure Management

This includes laboratory sample collection, testing and co-ordinated response with health facilities.

Dog Population Management

This includes promotion of responsible dog ownership and impounding of stray dogs in collaboration with local authorities.

Provision of Vaccines

Provision of vaccines to veterinary offices to support vaccination of pets and livestock at community level.

Mr Speaker, with regard to Chinsali District, I wish to inform the House that in July 2025, our veterinary office in the district received reports of suspected cases of rabies in dogs in Musakanya Ward, Chinsali District. Upon confirmation through rapid and central laboratory testing in July 2025, my ministry, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, immediately placed exposed individuals on Post-Exposure Prophylaxis at Chinsali District Hospital.

Sir, following the confirmation of the rabies outbreak, my ministry immediately commenced free dog vaccinations and dispatched 2,000 doses of rabies vaccines to Musakanya Ward in Chinsali District. A risk-based vaccination campaign was launched, prioritising areas identified as high-risk, based on reported cases and surveillance findings. In addition, dogs without registration or valid vaccination certificates were humanely put down, in accordance with provisions of the Animal Health Act, to prevent further transmission and safeguard public health.

Mr Speaker, let me take this opportunity to clarify and re-emphasise that the vaccination of dogs, cattle, cats and other domestic animals is primarily the responsibility of the animal owner under the Animal Health Act. The vaccination of dogs is mandatory and must be undertaken annually. Typically, through private veterinary clinics, a Government intervention only occurs in the event of an outbreak when additional support becomes necessary to safeguard public health.

Mr Speaker, working in collaboration with the private sector, the Government undertakes annual and periodic rabies vaccination campaigns in Chinsali District. These are implemented as part of the national dog-mediated rabies control and elimination strategy. The campaigns target dogs, cats and other susceptible domestic animals. These vaccinations are delivered through outreach programmes led by District Veterinary Officers who work closely with traditional leaders, local authorities and community animal health workers to maximise coverage and community participation. Further, my ministry collaborates with private partners such as the Veterinary Association of Zambia and Lions Club International, and conducts free vaccination during World Rabies Day, which is commemorated on 28^th September each year. This annual event significantly boosts vaccination coverage and enhances national awareness of rabies prevention.

Mr Speaker, veterinarians in Chinsali District are adequately trained and equipped to respond to rabies cases. Their effectiveness is demonstrated through:

rapid response to reported dog bites and suspected rabies cases, usually within two hours;
collection and submission of samples to regional laboratories for prompt diagnosis;
close co-ordination with medical staff to ensure human victims receive post-exposure when necessary.

Mr Speaker, despite the fact that veterinary officers face logistical challenges, they continue to deliver timely and effective services in Chinsali District. My ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has a clear protocol for human dog bites. It should also be noted that the Department of Veterinary Services has a district laboratory, regional laboratory and provincial laboratory, and these are situated in Isoka District. To mitigate this challenge, my ministry has well-trained community livestock facilitators, who are volunteers, and assist veterinary officers in livestock disease surveillance.

Mr Speaker, sensitisation activities on rabies prevention and responsible dog ownership are ongoing in Chinsali District. Currently, the ministry is conducting weekly radio programmes on Radio Delight to educate the public on key issues such as:

responsible dog ownership;
recommended maximum number of dogs per household;
the importance of chaining or securing dogs; and
mandatory dog vaccination and registration.

Mr Speaker, in addition, the ministry has been using public address systems to disseminate information within communities particularly, to announce and mobilise residents for free mass dog vaccinations in affected areas. These outreach efforts have significantly increased public awareness and encouraged greater compliance with rabies control measures.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mukosa: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the elaborate answer, although I noticed that in his response, he referred to Musakanya Ward. In Chinsali, there is no such a ward. Maybe, there was a mix-up by the Parliamentary Liaison Officer or his office. They will need to clarify that.

Mr Speaker, how does the ministry ensure that dog owners vaccinate their dogs, as well as the people who have different pets that have rabies, considering that the hon. Minister has enlightened us that the responsibility to vaccinate dogs and pets lies with the owner?

Mr Kapala: Mr Speaker, I already addressed that question when I was responding to part (d) of the question. My ministry is carrying out sensitisation activities using radio programmes. I do not know whether the hon. Member of Parliament listens to Radio Delight because every week, we carry out sensitisation activities. We are also encouraging residents to chain their dogs and to ensure that they are registered and vaccinated.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mukosa: Mr Speaker, I got the hon. Minister very well when he said that the ministry is carrying out sensitisation programmes on Radio Delight. Now, my question was: How does the ministry ensure that the people who have dogs vaccinate their dogs? Sensitising the people and ensuring that the dogs are vaccinated are two different things. The ministry can sensitise, then people do not vaccinate the dogs. Is there a system at the ministry or veterinary offices where officers check that a, b, c, d have dogs and the dogs have been vaccinated? Is there some kind of monitoring mechanism to check if dogs have been vaccinated?

Mr B. Mpundu: Mukosa, ama question ya mbwa.

Laughter

Mr Kapala: Mr Speaker, according to the information that I have, there are about 2,000 dogs in the affected ward. To ensure that the dogs are vaccinated, when the owners go to register the dogs, they have to show their vaccination certificates. That is how we ensure that the dogs are vaccinated, and that is the only process that we are carrying out for now.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

_______

BILLS

SECOND READING

THE NATIONAL PAYMENT SYSTEM BILL, 2025

The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane): Mr Speaker, I have the pleasure of presenting a policy statement in support of the National Payment System Bill No. 32 of 2025.

Mr Speaker, the national payment system refers to a set of institutions, technology and processes that facilitate –

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Minister!

You first have to move that the Bill be read a second time.

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, I am sorry.

Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the Bill be now read a second time.

Mr Nkandu: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, I have the pleasure of presenting a policy statement in support of the National Payment System Bill No. 32 of 2025.

Mr Speaker, the national payment system refers to a set of institutions, technology and processes that facilitate the transfer of money or financial services between individuals, businesses and the Government. A national payment system is crucial to a country’s economic development –

Interruptions

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, you are disturbing the Hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning. You are debating while seated. Let us avoid that.

Laughter

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, a national payment system is crucial to a country’s economic development since most economic transactions involve some form of payment. It draws all the participants together and is one of the principal components of a country’s monetary and financial system. A well-functioning national payment system protects the exchange of payments and reduces the risk of uncompleted payments, which in turn reduces the potential loss to the economy. Payment and settlement systems play a crucial role in a market economy and central banks, in our case, the Bank of Zambia (BoZ), have always had a close interest in them, as part of their responsibilities for monetary and financial stability.

Mr Speaker, in 2007, Zambia enacted the National Payment Systems Act to provide a legal framework for the regulation of payment systems whose organisation and operations have a systemic impact on the efficiency, stability and safety of the financial system. The Act also provided a legal basis upon which BoZ could formulate and implement policies that would ensure the stability and safety of the payment systems to contribute to balanced macro-economic growth and development. It has been over eighteen years since we enacted the National Payment Systems Act. In view of this, several deficiencies in the payment systems were recognised and strategies to remedy them were identified. Among the major issues that needed to be corrected was the absence of legislation to provide backing to pertinent principles, practices and processes in payment systems. It is also worth noting that there have been transformations in the payment system space in terms of innovation and product development. Therefore, there is a need to revise the legal framework for payment systems to align it with the current landscape, such as the introduction of provisions related to electronic money and related transactions. The objective of this Bill, therefore, is to provide legislative reform of the national payment system, and that is why it has been brought to this House.

Mr Speaker, the objects as follows:

provide for licensing, designation and authorisation of payment service providers;
provide for the incorporation of standards, principles and concepts of corporate governance in institutional systems and structures of payment service providers;
provide sound business practices, consumer protection mechanisms and market conduct in the provision of payment services;
provide for the regulation and operation of the payment system, clearing systems and settlement systems for purposes of promoting efficiency, stability and safety of the national payment system;
provide for corporate restructuring transactions involving payment service providers for purposes of ensuring the operational continuity of the payment system;
provide for rules, procedures and supervisory action for payment service providers on winding up insolvency or receivership;
repeal and replace the National Payment Systems Act, Cap No. 359; and
provide for matters connected with, or incidental to, the foregoing.

Mr Speaker, as I conclude, I would like to urge hon. Members of this House to support this Bill. I am confident that its enactment will strengthen the country’s national payment system to bring it in line with developments that have taken place in other payment systems.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Ms Sefulo (Mwandi): Mr Speaker, pursuant to its mandate, as set out in Order No. 207(J) of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, the Committee on National Economy, Trade and Labour Matters was tasked to scrutinise the National Payment System Bill No. 32 of 2025.

Mr Speaker, let me start by saying that the Committee is in support of the Bill. Notwithstanding, some stakeholders raised concerns on which the Committee made the following observations and recommendations.

Mr Speaker, the Committee observed that while Clause 8 of the Bill provides for oversight powers of the Bank of Zambia (BoZ), the discretion is too broad, as there is no provision that sets out oversight standards, which, if not attended to, would create regulatory uncertainty, which is not good for the sector. The Committee, therefore, recommends that a Clause be introduced requiring BoZ to publish supervisory guidelines outlining the scope, criteria, intervention triggers and compliance expectations.

Mr Speaker, another issue relates to the absence of an appeals mechanism in the Bill. The Committee observed that while Clause 23 of the Bill provides for the cancellation or suspension of a licence by BoZ, decisions to revoke licences are final with no statutory appeal route. The Committee is, therefore, of the view that this creates a risk of perceived unfairness and has the potential to frighten investors. In this regard, the Committee recommends that a Clause be introduced to put a mechanism in place enabling operators to appeal to the hon. Minister or an independent tribunal within a specified time.

Mr Speaker, the Committee further observed that while Clause 7(2)(a) provides for licensing of payment services operators, it may burden small financial technology (fintech) institutions, as it will equally apply to established banks and the small fintech institutions. In this regard, the Committee recommends that tiered licensing categories be introduced in the Bill.

Mr Speaker, in conclusion, on behalf of the Committee, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to you and the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia for the guidance and support rendered to the Committee throughout its deliberations. The Committee is further indebted to all its witnesses who appeared before it for their co-operation in providing the necessary briefs.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Mr Speaker, let me start by appreciating the chairperson of the Committee on National Economy, Trade and Labour Matters, who has clearly stated the concerns raised by the stakeholders. I would like to raise a few concerns in addition to the ones that the chairperson has shared with the august House.

Mr Speaker, one of the concerns raised was about the Dual Regulatory Framework. Stakeholders expressed concern that this Bill introduces and provides for the payment system operators to be supervised by the Central Bank, which is the Bank of Zambia (BoZ). However, some operators may be registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 388 of the Laws of Zambia. That might create some challenges in terms of how payment system operators are regulated. The role of this august House is to ensure that, as we pass laws or amend them, they are not in conflict with other existing pieces of legislation. Therefore, the hon. Minister must ensure that he harmonises that aspect.

Mr Speaker, the other concern is the conflict in insolvency jurisdictions. The Bill seeks to introduce a specialised insolvency regime that may conflict with the Corporate Insolvency Act No. 9 of 2017, especially on voluntary winding up. The hon. Minister is encouraged to ensure that this is harmonised so that the two laws are not in conflict.

Mr Speaker, allow me to also emphasise the point that was raised by the chairperson regarding uniform licensing. This Bill categorises all payment service operators into one framework with different capital thresholds. Some of them are major banks, and others may be relatively small in terms of the capital they intend to invest in their payment provision systems. So, they can be categorised. The Committee recommends the hon. Minister to systematically categorise them. Therefore, the framework must cater for payment service operators differently so that the regulation of the operators is smooth. It has also been stated that the Bill is intended for financial inclusion. Therefore, big players and small players cannot be placed in the same category in terms of the licensing framework.

Mr Speaker, allow me to also emphasise the aspect of the appeals mechanisms. Indeed, sometimes, a payment service operator may feel unfairly treated if not afforded a statutory route of appeal to channel grievances. It can then be unfair for the market. So, the hon. Minister should ensure that the mechanism of appeal is put in place.

Mr Speaker, I wish to conclude by saying that the report is supported.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the chairperson of the Committee and, indeed, the hon. Members for the thorough scrutiny on the Bill. I also wish to thank the only debater, Hon. Kampyongo. I must say that the points raised by both the Committee and the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu have substance. I am not saying that I agree with them now, but there are issues to be considered at the Committee Stage. So, I thank them for the contributions.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Question put and agreed to, and the Bill read a second time.

Committed to a committee of the Whole House.

Committee on Wednesday, 18^th February,2026.

SECOND READING

STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES BILL,2025

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the Bill be now read a second time.

Mr Speaker, I have the pleasure of presenting the State-Owned Enterprises Bill of 2025 to the National Assembly for ratification.

The objects of this Bill are as follows:

establish the Government Investment Department and provide for its functions;
provide for the incorporation, ownership and governance of state-owned enterprises;
provide for transparency and accountability in the governance of state-owned enterprises;
provide for the undertaking of public interest service obligation by state-owned enterprises;
repeal the Self-Management Act Cap. 408; and
provide for matters connected with, or incidental to, the foregoing.

Mr Speaker, the development of the State-Owned Enterprises Bill arises from the need to address governance accountability as well as ownership matters in the sector of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in line with the revised State-Owned Enterprises Policy of 2024. The main objective of this Bill is to strengthen the legal and regulatory framework governing SOEs. It seeks to ensure that all such enterprises are subject at the very least, to uniform corporate governance principles.

Furthermore, it establishes a co-ordinated system of oversight and management that will enhance efficiency, improve performance and generate greater value for the citizens and society at large.

Mr Speaker, specifically, the provisions of the Bill highlight the following:

Governance

Mr Speaker, the Bill sets out clear and distinct functions of shareholders, the boards and the management of SOEs. This will enforce a level of accountability for each party involved in the governance of SOEs. The Bill provides for matters pertaining to the composition and tenure of boards of directors in SOEs, functions of the board, disqualification from being a director, remuneration of boards, shareholders' rights, qualifications and disqualification of the Chief Executive and their functions, among others.

Public Interest Service Obligations

Mr Speaker, the Bill sets out clear guidance on the undertaking of public service obligations by SOEs, ensuring compensation for non-commercial activities.

Incorporation of State-Owned Enterprises

Mr Speaker, the Bill will require SOEs to be incorporated under the Companies Act. However, the Bill empowers the Minister responsible for finance to exempt an SOE from this requirement.

Recapitalisation Restructuring and Dividends

Mr Speaker, the Bill provides for a framework of Government maximising return on its investment by setting standards on recapitalisation requests, dividend policy and minimising bankruptcy risks in SOEs through restructuring guidelines.

Monitoring and Performance

Mr Speaker, the Bill sets out a framework for monitoring the performance of SOEs, anchored on the concept of performance contracts. The Bill makes it mandatory for the boards of SEOs to execute performance contracts with their shareholders.

Mr Speaker, given the importance of the State-Owned Enterprises Bill and the significant impacts it will have on the performance of SEOs and the economy, I urge this House to approve the enactment of this Bill.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Dr Chilufya (Mansa Central): Mr Speaker, the Committee on Parastatal Bodies was tasked with scrutinising the State-Owned Enterprises Bill, No. 37 of 2025, referred to it by the House on 27^th November, 2025. The Bill seeks to establish the Government Investment Department, provide for the incorporation, ownership and governance of State-Owned Enterprises (SEOs), promote transparency and accountability, assure public interest obligations and repeal the Self-Management Enterprises Act, Chapter 408 of the Laws of Zambia.

Mr Speaker, I wish to state, from the outset, that stakeholders who appeared before your Committee supported the Bill in principle. However, the stakeholders who appeared before your Committee also raised some concerns, which I will be able to elaborate.

Mr Speaker, your Committee appreciates the establishment of the Government Investment Department and the provision for its functions. However, there have been concerns from various stakeholders that the potential overlaps between the functions of the Government Investment Department (GID) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) could affect accountability and operational efficiency.

Mr Speaker, stakeholders were of the view that Clauses 14 and 15(1) should explicitly separate the Minister's role in adopting a nomination policy from the actual appointment of board members, with Clause 15(3) clarifying that the chairperson and vice-chairperson are appointed from among independent directors. Your Committee also shares the concerns of the stakeholders and urges the revision of Clauses 14 and 15(1) by clearly outlining the roles and responsibilities in the nomination and appointment process.

Mr Speaker, your Committee agrees with the stakeholders that Clause 15(7)(k) should be removed from the Bill to ensure that there is clarity and consistency regarding the ineligibility of individuals previously removed for misconduct. The Committee therefore recommends that Clause 15(7)(j) be removed from the Bill.

Mr Speaker, regarding the remuneration of directors, your Committee is of the view that the Bill should limit ministerial involvement in remuneration recommendations to very exceptional circumstances. Transparent merit-based frameworks should guide the Emoluments Commission. Furthermore, your Committee is of the view that Clause 43 of the Bill should be amended to explicitly require SEOs to comply with all sector-specific regulatory frameworks.

Mr Speaker, I wish to conclude by reaffirming your Committee's support for this important Bill in principle, as it will provide a robust, coherent and transparent framework for the governance of SOEs. These measures will strengthen board independence, enhance operational efficiency, promote merit-based appointments and enable SOEs to attract and retain highly skilled leadership.

Mr Speaker, I wish to thank all the stakeholders who appeared before your Committee and attended both oral and written submissions. Let me thank you and the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly for the guidance and support rendered to your Committee throughout its deliberations.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kapyanga (Mpika): Mr Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to add my voice on this very important subject, on behalf of the people of Mpika. Allow me to also thank the chairperson of the Committee for a job well done, as well as the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning for successfully moving the Motion.

Mr Speaker, State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are very important strategic assets. Having viable SOEs is a very progressive undertaking for our country. However, we have had challenges with SOEs which are solely dependent on political influence in running these strategic assets. In most cases, these strategic assets have been turned into platforms for political rewards. People are appointed to these institutions based on how much they suffered during campaigns. This is what leads to the collapse of these –

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Mpika, resume your seat.

Mr Kapyanga resumed his seat.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: You are supposed to debate the report. How do you start bringing in people who cannot defend themselves? You wanted to be appointed to this Committee? What is the rationale behind your argument? There is a Bill before you. You are supposed to interrogate the Bill, but now you want to cast disrespect on the people who are not here. Remember, that is why I like curtailing you. If you continue debating like that, I will still do the same.

You may proceed.

Mr Kapyanga: Mr Speaker, I am privileged to have the report in my hands, and I am referring to recommendation No. 5, on page 7. I wish I could read what the report says.

Mr Speaker, the other issue, which has not been fully addressed, concerns what is being proposed to be created in the Bill and the role of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). It seems the roles are overlapping. If we have failed to run the IDC, how will we then, manage to run what is being proposed to be created? We should have first addressed the problems that have led to the IDC’s failure to perform. After addressing that issue, we can now think of creating another department.

Mr Speaker, we are making laws that are creating more positions that will put pressure on the Treasury. This Bill will create more positions for directors. On the other hand, there are also directors at the IDC. So, this will put pressure on the Treasury. We always hear that there is no money. Why then are we trying to create something whose role will be the same as that of the IDC? The role should have been clearly stated and how different it is from that of the IDC.

Mr Speaker, like the Committee has noted in its report, political influence has contributed a great deal to SOEs’ failure to perform because, usually, the people appointed to run these assets are not appointed on merit. I am not saying this has started today. It has always existed and it must be corrected so that SOEs perform to the expectations of the Zambian people. It has been noted in the report that there will be political influence because the hon. Minister will still have a role to play in the recruitment process.

Mr Speaker, the other factor that is contributing to SOEs’ failure to perform is bureaucracy in the procurement process. The directors and whoever is responsible, could be very innovative, but for them to implement the strategies that they come up with, they need resources, and for them to access those resources, they have to go through a rigorous process. This is one of the reasons that leads to the collapse of some SOEs. All these issues should have been addressed and they must be addressed as we adopt this report.

Mr Speaker, we had the opportunity to travel to Rwanda to benchmark on how SOEs are run. We found out that the assets are seriously run as commercial assets detached from political influence. Corruption is fought tooth and nail to ensure that SOEs succeed. In Rwanda, the development agency that runs SOEs is a very serious institution and it falls under one umbrella, that is, the Rwanda Development Board. That, has made it very efficient for the Government to run SOEs. There is no political influence whatsoever. No one is appointed based on how much they suffered during the campaigns. Everyone is appointed on merit and that is what has made Rwanda succeed in terms of running commercial assets. How I wish even here, that can be the case. People should not be rewarded based on political loyalty because SOEs are not political reward platforms, but commercial assets.

Mr Speaker, you asked me if I wanted to be appointed. I have been appointed by the people of Mpika to come and speak for them, and represent them here. That is enough and I thank God.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Second Deputy Speaker: The people of Mpika.

Mr Kambita (Zambezi East): Mr Speaker, thank you very much for according the people of Zambezi East an opportunity to contribute to the debate on the report of the Committee of Parastatal Bodies. I did not intend to contribute to the debate on this report having been in that Committee for quite a long time, but I think institutional memory will be of benefit to the House. So, that compelled me to contribute to the debate on the report of the Committee, which speaks to the National Assembly Bill No. 37 of 2025, which is the State-Owned Enterprise Bill.

Mr Speaker, from the outset, this Bill has been long overdue. In agreeing with the report of the Committee, I just want to make a few comments tapping from my experience as the past Chairperson of the Committee on Parastatal Bodies. The House may be aware that the core business of that Committee is scrutinising the performance of parastatal bodies following the Auditor-General’s Report, which is referred to it.

Mr Speaker, one of the issues that was raised from the interactions was the performance of State-owned enterprises (SOEs) in terms of operational and financial performance. Operational performance is one challenge that SOEs face in the absence of a piece of legislation such as this one. I remember very well that we made strong recommendations to ensure that there was a piece of legislation that would regulate SOEs, tapping from what we learnt from other jurisdictions outside this country. I am glad that the hon. Minister has finally heeded to our recommendations to come up with a Bill, which will regulate SOEs.

Mr Speaker, of particular importance are the operational challenges that the hon. Member who has just finished debating alluded to in terms of procurement. The SOEs are subjected to public procurement regulations. Not only that, they are also supposed to comply to the Public Finance Management Act No. 1 of 2018. So, in view of these pieces of legislation and being subjected to bureaucratic ways of operating, it becomes difficult for the companies to compete in a competitive environment, and this is one observation that we made.

Mr Speaker, I will give an example of Zamtel. This is a SOE and it is competing in a very competitive environment, with Airtel and MTN competing in the same market. However, Zamtel is expected to be as profitable as Airtel, yet it is subjected to pieces of legislation, which regulate its procurement. If it does not follow those pieces of legislation, it will be found wanting. I expected this piece of legislation to address that bottleneck especially for SOEs in highly competitive environments, like the example I have just given. The procurement part needed to be addressed otherwise, the company’s operations will still be difficult to implement.

Mr Speaker, when it comes to financial performance, it is related to what I have just spoken about. The SOEs have to be competitive for them to perform well. If they are competitive, they will make more sales and profits. However, there are challenges with the current legislation, which make procurement and accounting processes to take too long. That should be addressed after the establishment of a new department through the enactment of this Bill. It is expected that further steps will be taken to refine the laws or make suggestions so that SOEs, especially those that are in a very competitive business environment, have a separate way of doing their business. For instance, they can be exempted from the dictates of the Public Procurement Act or the Public Finance Management Act No. 1 of 2018. Other laws would also help them become more efficient.

Mr Speaker, at the end of the day, we want SOEs to perform well because some of them are not just strategic for purposes of providing a service, but are expected to be profitable, sustainable and provide valuable employment to those they have recruited. So, they need to be competitive. However, they cannot be competitive when some pieces of legislation impinge on that competitiveness. In this case, I would suggest that we keep on adjusting the law. Having a specific piece of legislation looking at SOEs is a step in the right direction, but the issues around procurement need to be looked at in order to enhance their operations, auditing and financial management and reporting. I believe that SOEs will perform well, but let us think outside the box. Let us find out how SOEs in other countries are efficiently managed so that we improve the existing law.

Mr Speaker, I thought of contributing those few words, having interfaced with the SOEs and heard their challenges during my stint on the Committee on Parastatal Bodies.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, let me begin by thanking the chairperson of the Committee and its hon. Members for the report that was produced, and for all the relevant and important points that were raised. I would also like to thank the hon. Member for Mpika and last, but not least, the hon. Member for Zambezi East who, indeed, has used the vast experience that he acquired during the period he was the chairperson of the Committee on Parastatal Bodies to come up with the valid points that he has raised.

Mr Speaker, it is very important that many issues are brought to light because our aim is to improve our SOEs as much as we can. They are a significant part of our economy and when they perform well, the economy performs well; jobs are created, taxes are paid and economic growth takes place. Of course, when they do not perform well, the opposite happens. So, I would like to thank Hon. Kambita for raising the issue on procurement and the Public Finance Management Act requirement. That is something that will be reflected on.

Mr Speaker, finally, let me say that the department we are talking about is intended to be a policy-oriented engine room. At the moment, as we may know, parastatal enterprises are scattered across various ministries; some are under the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, while others report to other ministries. However, where is the space that can be used in totality to reflect on a number of things related to the SOEs, including those that have been put in the Bill, such as accountability? Where is the central engine room that can define accountability across ministries? If you do not have that central place, then, perhaps, the SOEs under the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Transport and Logistics would each have their own standards. So, in a sense, we saying that we should forget about the ministry from which they are operating and look at them as an investment by the Zambian people. What are the common traits? What should be the common standards? That is what we are trying to address.

Mr Speaker, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is a parastatal. So, it will continue to supervise some parastatals, but a place in the central Government is needed to be the engine room for all this; directing the IDC and policy-oriented work. That is the way we see things and, of course, this process has also benefited from the kind of work that even this Parliament has undertaken before through benchmarking tours.

Mr Speaker, hon. Colleagues spoke about political interference. I think, the good thing about this particular Bill is that it extinguishes some of the internal rules and regulations that exist in other parties. As we may know, under the Patriotic Front (PF), sorry to refer to that, but it is the only example I can give, it is stipulated clearly that for anyone to be a senior manager in a parastatal, he or she must be a senior member of the PF.

Laughter

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: PF!

Ms Kasune: Uncompromisingly!

Dr Musokotwane: Yes, uncompromisingly so.

Mr Speaker, with this law, that becomes illegal. I am sorry, I am now a quack lawyer, but I can imagine that when the law stipulates the standards, internal rules and regulations do not stand. So, that is the essence of this Bill. Nevertheless, we have taken note of the important points that have been raised. We will see which ones we can reflect on as we move on to the Committee Stage.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Question put and agreed to and the Bill read a second time.

Committed to a committee of the Whole House.

Committee Stage, later.

_______

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to.

_______

The House adjourned at 1850 hours until 0900 hours on Friday, 13^th February, 2026.

____________

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