Debates- Tuesday, 21st June, 2011

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DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE TENTH ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 21st June, 2011

The House met at 1430 hours

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER
____

ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MR SPEAKER

DEATH OF DR FREDERICK TITUS JACOB CHILUBA, SECOND PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to acquaint the House with the fact, which is already sadly known, that the nation has lost the Second Republican President, namely Dr Frederick Titus Jacob Chiluba. The late Dr Chiluba died at his home in Kabulonga, Lusaka, in the early morning hours of Saturday, 18th June, 2011. 
Necessary arrangements for burial are being made by the Executive. I wish to inform the House further, that His Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Justice will, at an appropriate time, but before the House adjourns sine die, move a Motion to enable the House place on record its deepest regret and condolences at the death of Dr Chiluba. 
The condolences of the House will be conveyed to the bereaved family accordingly. I now request all hon. Members to stand in their places and observe a minute of silence in honour of the memory of the late Second Republican President, Dr Fredrick Titus Jacob Chiluba.
Members of Parliament stood in silence for one minute. 
Mr Speaker: Thank you.

TELEVISION OF LIVE PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS ON THE ZNBC DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL TRANSMISSION NETWORK
Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to inform the House that the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) and the Digital Migration Task Force (DMTF) are carrying out Digital Television (TV) Test Transmission (DTTT) in Lusaka. Under this trial arrangement, three channels are available, namely ZNBC-TV, ZNBC-TV2 and Parliament TV, initially covering a radius of between 20 and 30 km. 
In addition, it is expected that the ZNBC and the Digital Migration Task Force will carry out another test transmission in Ndola. 
Hon. Members may wish to know that the digital television signal in question requires that a decoder be connected to a television set in order to pick it. Owing to the limited number of decoders available, the signal can be picked only in a few selected places within the test area. However, it is hoped that there will be more decoders available in due course. 
Hon. Members, this digital television transmission is an important project which will enable the National Assembly to televise live the parliamentary proceedings in line with the aspirations of the Parliamentary Reforms.
In this regard, the ZNBC has set up its transmission equipment in the right lobby. Therefore, hon. Members are advised to be careful when using the right lobby to enter the Chamber.
I thank you.

__________

REPRIMAND BEFORE THE BAR OF THE HOUSE OF MRS JOSEPHINE C. MUMBI-PHIRI, MP
Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, the Sergeant-At-Arms will direct Mrs Josephine C. Mumbi-Phiri, Member of Parliament for Munali Parliamentary Constituency, to the Bar of the House.

Mrs Phiri, MP, was escorted to the Bar by the Sergeant-At-Arms.

Mr Speaker: I wish to inform the House that on Friday, 25th March, 2011, I received a letter of complaint from the Government Chief Whip, Hon Vernon J. Mwaanga, MP, against the hon. Member of Parliament for Munali Parliamentary Constituency, Mrs Josephine C. Mumbi-Phiri, MP.

The letter of complaint read, in part, as follows:

“On Thursday, 23rd March, 2011, I received a batch of envelopes addressed by name to a number of hon. Members of Parliament, which fell into the hands of the Chief Parliamentary Security Officer after Parliament staff prevented Mrs Josephine C. Mumbi-Phiri, MP for Munali Constituency, from putting them in Members’ pigeonholes in the Old Committee Building. Upon opening one of them, I found identical circulars which are purported to have been offered by the Director-General in the Office of the President, Special Division, marked ‘Top Secret’, and copied to senior provincial intelligence officers in Lusaka and the Copperbelt and all provincial intelligence officers, dated 21 March, 2011.

“It transpired to me that the contents of the circulars were the same as those complained of, last week, by Hon. Simama, MP and Hon. Faustina Sinyangwe, MP, and other hon. Members of Parliament after they found them placed in their pigeonholes. At that time, I enquired from the Clerk’s Office, but it was unable to establish who had placed the envelopes in the Members’ pigeonholes, in disregard of authorised procedures which require the placing of letters, publications and other materials to be done only with the permission of the Hon. Mr Speaker, through the Clerk of the National Assembly.

“I am concerned about Hon. Josephine Mumbi-Phiri’s action of bringing, into the Parliament Buildings, these circulars containing such sensitive, false and malicious information, and placing them in Members’ pigeonholes without following the established procedure. It is my view that this conduct is unbecoming of an hon. Member of Parliament and requires to be investigated and discouraged so that it does not happen again.

“There also appears to be a matter of criminality in the purported authorship of the document as being from the Office of the President, Special Division when, in fact, not. I, therefore, submit that this is a proper case for the Committee on Privileges, Absences and Support Services to seriously consider in the interest of preserving the dignity and integrity of the House.”

Hon. Members, in line with Parliamentary Practice and Procedure and in accordance with the principles of natural justice, the Office of the Clerk of National Assembly wrote to Mrs Josephine C. Mumbi-Phiri, MP, requesting her to state her side of the story to the complaint made against her. The hon. Member’s letter of response, in part, was as follows:

“Madam, on the said material day, I was not feeling well and I went to the Parliament Clinic. When I left the clinic, I went to the car park around 1500 hours. Upon arrival at the car park, I met Hon G. B. Mwamba, MP, who requested me to assist him distribute the letters by putting them in the Members’ pigeonholes. I resisted since I was not feeling well but, upon his insistence, I got the letters.  At first, I refused because I was not sure if the letters were approved by Madam Clerk because I knew that putting any materials in Members’ pigeonholes is only done with Madam Clerk’s permission.

“I just got the letters from Hon G. B. Mwamba because I did not want to be disrespectful to him because he is older than I am and, traditionally, I am to respect all people older than me.  Upon receipt of the letters, I went through them to check if I was one of the recipients but in vain. As I was going through the pile of letters, Hon P. Chanda, Member of Parliament for Kankoyo came and asked if his letter was there and I gave it to him.

“When he opened his letter, whose contents I did not know, and started to read it, his facial expression changed as if he had read something strange. This attracted the attention of others, namely Hon J. K. Zulu, MP, and Hon Dr P. D. Machungwa, MP, to read their letters as well.

“At this point, I left Hon G. B. Mwamba, MP, Hon P. D. Machungwa, MP, and Hon J. K. Zulu, MP, talking amongst themselves.  I went to the pigeonholes, but did not distribute the letters because I was not sure if permission was given to distribute them.  Hence, I gave the letters to a Mr Lungwangwa, House Messenger, who stated that the letters needed to be taken to Madam Clerk for authorisation. I left the letters with him to take to the Clerk’s Office and went home to rest, as my blood pressure (BP) was very high. 

“However, I am surprised that I am now being cited for distributing letters when, in fact, I am just a sacrificial lamb and a messenger who did not even know the contents of the said letters.

“The letters came from Hon G. B. Mwamba, MP, and not me. Therefore, he is in a better position to explain the source of these letters.

“I refuse to be implicated in an issue I know nothing about. Madam, I would be thankful if you could verify with the hon. Members I have mentioned in my letter as well.”

The House may further wish to know that the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly also wrote to the hon. Members and Parliamentary staff mentioned by Hon. Vernon J. Mwaanga, MP and Mrs Josephine C. Mumbi-Phiri, MP in their letters to the Clerk of the National Assembly as witnesses in the matter, requesting them to state what they knew about the allegations against Mrs Josephine C. Mumbi-Phiri, MP. The substance of the responses received from the witnesses was as follows:

1. RESPONSE FROM MR GEOFFREY B. MWAMBA, MP

“1. On 23rd March, 2011 at about 15:00 hours, I was stopped by a group of demonstrators just before the main gate who were picketing for a 50 plus one Bill when I was driving into Parliament Building.

2.They had a batch of envelopes which they were distributing to Members of Parliament and they politely asked me to take them to the pigeon-hole attendant for distribution.

3.I arrived in the car park, locked my car and picked up the letters so that I could take them to the pigeon-hole attendant. I left my letter in the car without reading the contents because I thought there was nothing urgent to read about.

4.In the car park, I met Hon. Mumbi-Phiri who was coming out of Parliament claiming that she was unwell and at this point in time, I asked her to take the letters to the pigeon-hole attendant since I was rushing into Parliament and told her to take the letters since she’s younger than me (jokingly). Indeed, she accepted.

5.Before she could leave, she saw Hon. J. K. Zulu, Hon. P. Chanda and Hon. Dr P. D. Machungwa and she decided to give them the letters whilst in the car park.

6.After reading the contents of the letter Hon. P. Chanda’s facial expressions changed since he was the first to be given the letter and that is when I also got interested in knowing what was in the letter. I went back to my car to pick up the letter which I left there and started reading the contents.

7.I was also taken aback by what I read and immediately rushed into Parliament, leaving Hon. Dr Machungwa and Hon. J. K. Zulu discussing the contents of the letter.

In view of the above, Madam, I wish to state that I was given the letters by a group of people who recognised me when I was passing through the main gate and, ignorantly, I accepted to do so and being new in Parliament, I did not know the procedure of first taking mail to the Clerk of the National Assembly before it is circulated to the hon. Members of Parliament.

The hon. Member of Parliament whom I gave the envelopes to should have done exactly what I told her to do by taking them to the pigeon-hole attendant instead of giving them out to the hon. Members in the car park, since she understood the procedure better than I did.”

2. RESPONSE FROM MR PERCY CHANDA, MP

“I wish to state that on the material date and time, I was going towards my car when I met Hon. G. B. Mwamba and Hon. Mumbi-Phiri. As I approached the two hon. Members of Parliament, Hon. G. B. Mwamba indicated that he had letters which were in his vehicle. Since he was not sure of my name, he consulted Hon. Mumbi-Phiri if I was one of the recipients. That is when I was handed over the letter.

I cannot remember exactly who handed the letter to me as I was preoccupied with what I wanted to go and do in town.”

3. RESPONSE FROM MR J. K. ZULU, MP

“I remember very well on Wednesday, 23rd March, 2011, at about 15:00 hours in the first Car Park, I found Hon. Mrs J. C. Mumbi-Phiri distributing the letters in question. Immediately I arrived in the car park, she gave me a letter in a brown envelope.

Madam, this was in the presence of Hon. G. B. Mwamba, MP, Hon. P. Chanda, MP and Hon. Dr P. Machungwa, MP.”

4. RESPONSE FROM DR P. D. MACHUNGWA, MP

“On the material day, I was walking from the Chamber to the car park located to the east of the Main Building. On arrival there, I saw Hon. Mumbi-Phiri, MP standing next to Hon. G. B. Mwamba, MP. She was holding a batch of letters in brown envelopes, was leafing through them and was at the time handing out a letter to Hon. P. Chanda, MP who had arrived there several moments before me. Another Member, Hon. J. K. Zulu, MP soon arrived and he and I were handed our letters.

I immediately opened the envelope and began to read. I immediately concluded that the document, purporting to be from the Office of the President, Special Division, was a very cheap and poor propagandist forgery, bordering on sedition designed to serve political interests of its authors.”

5. RESPONSE FROM THE CHIEF PARLIAMENTARY SECURITY OFFICER AND SERGEANT-AT-ARMS, MR LITIFI MWALE

“You may recall that prior to this incident; there were letters which were put in the pigeonholes without clearance from your office. When this matter was brought to our attention, we instituted investigations into the matter and became extra alert.

We increased our surveillance of the pigeon-hole area to ensure that we monitor all the people accessing the pigeonholes.

I, therefore, briefed all the officers in that section to ensure that all mail brought to the pigeonholes are cleared properly.

This is how on Wednesday, 23rd March, 2011, at about 16:00 hours, the officer on duty at the time, Mr Likezo Lungwangwa, intercepted the letters which Hon. Josephine Mumbi-Phiri wanted to put in the pigeonholes. The officer clearly told the hon. Member that the letters should follow the normal procedure. However, Hon. J. M. Phiri, MP, stated that she was in a hurry and that the letters were not hers but that she was delivering the letters on behalf of Hon. Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba (GBM) of Kasama Central Constituency. Upon seeing that the officer did not accept the letters, she instructed officer Lungwangwa to take the letters to Hon. G. B. Mwamba in the Chamber.

This is how officer Lungwangwa brought the letters to the Chamber to give Officer Roy Mulenga who later handed over the letters to Sergeant Mulwanda who also handed the letters to me.

This is how the letters were intercepted, Madam.”

6. RESPONSE FROM THE HOUSE MESSENGER, MR LIKEZO LUNGWANGWA 

“I wish to state that on Wednesday, 23 March 2011, whilst on duty at the old Committee Building, I was approached by Hon J. C. Mumbi-Phiri who was holding a batch of letters.  She asked me to slot the letters in various pigeonholes and before I could do that, I asked if she had got clearance from the Clerk’s Office since it is unprocedural to slot letters in pigeonholes without clearance from the Clerk’s Office.  She told me that she did not get clearance for the letters to be slotted in the pigeonholes. So, I refused to accept them.  She later instructed me to hand over the letters to Hon G. B. Mwamba, MP, for Kasama Central Constituency who she said was the owner of the letters as she was in a hurry.

I then proceeded to the Chamber and upon reaching there, I called House Messenger Roy Mulenga to come out of the Chamber.  When he came out, I explained to him what had transpired and that he should take the letters to Hon G. B. Mwamba, MP, so that he could get clearance from the Clerk’s Office before the letters could be slotted in the pigeonholes.”

Hon. Members, the House may wish to note that the complaint raised against Mrs Josephine C. Mumbi-Phiri, MP, raises the following issues:

(i)a Member bringing circular letters onto the precincts of Parliament;

(ii)a Member placing circular letters into other Members’ pigeonholes without authority; and

(iii)a Member distributing documents to other Members on the precincts of Parliament without following the laid-down procedures.

Hon Member’s may also wish to note that each of these actions culminates in the following breaches:

(i)breach of the rules of procedure and parliamentary etiquette; and

(ii)breach of privileges and contempt of the House.

Hon Members, the following are the authorities on the above breaches and you have all heard this before:

Chapter 5, rule 15 of the National Assembly Members’ Handbook, 2006, provides that:
 
“15. Members should not distribute within the precincts of Parliament any literature, questionnaire, pamphlets, press notes, leaflets, etc, without the Hon. Mr Speaker’s permission.” 
   
Further, eminent Parliamentary authors, M. N. Kaul and S. L. Shakdher, in their book entitled “Practice and Procedure of Parliament”, sixth edition, on page 325, state:

“ … in keeping with parliamentary conventions and etiquettes, members are forbidden ... to distribute within the precincts of the Parliament House, any literature, questionnaire or pamphlets, etc. not connected with the business of the House, unless permission has been obtained from the Speaker in writing in advance.”

Hon. Members, the Committee on Privileges, Absences and Support Services met to consider the matter. Mrs Josephine C. Mumbi-Phiri, MP, was accorded an opportunity to appear before it and make an oral submission on the matter.
 
After examining the written evidence and the verbal submissions of Mrs Josephine C. Mumbi-Phiri, MP, and the witnesses, the Committee established the following:

(i)that Mrs Josephine C. Mumbi-Phiri had not brought any circular letters onto the  precincts of Parliament;

(ii)that Mrs Josephine C. Mumbi-Phiri had not placed any circular letters into the pigeonholes of any Members of Parliament; and

(iii)that Mrs Josephine C. Mumbi-Phiri, MP, had distributed letters to three hon. Members of Parliament on the precincts of Parliament contrary to Clause 15 of the Members’ Handbook 2006 Edition.

In the light of its observations and findings, the Committee found Mrs Josephine C. Mumbi-Phiri, MP, guilty of breach of parliamentary procedure and etiquette and contempt of the House by distributing letters on the precincts of Parliament without clearance from the Hon. Mr Speaker.

Hon Members, in considering the punishment to be meted out to Mrs Josephine C. Mumbi-Phiri, MP, the Committee had regard to the fact that this type of offence was being committed for the first time. The Committee considered further the seriousness of the contents of the letter as well as the possible security risk to Members emanating from the distribution, on the precincts of Parliament, of materials from an unknown source.

In this regard, taking into account the seriousness of the offence and to deter would-be offenders while at the same time acknowledging the need to exercise leniency, the Committee resolved that Mrs Josephine C. Mumbi-Phiri, MP be reprimanded behind the Bar of the House in accordance with section 28 of the National Assembly Powers and Privileges Act, Cap. 12 of the Laws of Zambia which states:

“28. (1) When any member commits any contempt of the Assembly, whether specified in section nineteen or otherwise, the Assembly may, by resolution, either direct the Speaker to reprimand such member …”

At this point, I wish to guide the House on the seriousness of this matter.  Hon Members, the world has evolved and security risks have increased as technology also increases. There are great risks in accepting letters and, indeed, any other materials from unknown persons and bringing them onto the precincts of Parliament. Letter bombs or dangerous substances have been known to be enclosed in letters and caused serious harm.

Hon. Members, this House and, indeed, the precincts of Parliament are extremely sensitive places and, therefore, security measures must be strictly adhered to. All of you, hon. Members, are eminent and your security and that of the staff of the National Assembly is paramount. In this regard, you must ensure that maximum care is taken to protect yourselves against any possible danger. Therefore, hon. Members are urged to refrain from bringing materials to this House for circulation without obtaining the necessary clearance from my office. The clearance of these materials by my office, through the Office of the Clerk, not only enables an assessment of the suitability of the materials to be distributed, but also helps to reduce the possible security risks that you, hon. Members, would otherwise be exposed to.

I now turn to address you, Mrs Josephine C. Mumbi-Phiri, MP.

I have to inform you that the House is extremely displeased with your conduct of distributing letters within the parliamentary precincts without authority from my office. You distributed letters in the parliamentary car park to some hon. Members and attempted to distribute a batch of letters through the hon. Members’ pigeonholes. Your conduct was not only unbefitting of an hon. Member of Parliament, but also compromised the security of your fellow hon. Members and the staff of the National Assembly.  In this regard, you have lowered the decorum and standards of this House.

The rules and procedures of the Assembly that the House has put in place are intended to ensure that hon. Members conduct themselves in a dignified and respectable manner. This is intended to maintain the dignity and traditions of the House. You, hon. Member, are bound to observe these rules at all times and to conduct yourself in a manner that is not derogatory to the dignity and integrity of the House.  
 
I, therefore, now strongly reprimand you and direct you to desist from exhibiting such misconduct in future.  Hon. Member, you are not a first offender as you have been admonished and disciplined by this House several times. 

Laughter

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: I do hope that this is the last time, given the duration of the time left, that the House will have to mete out disciplinary action against you.

I now order you to read your apology and thereafter resume your seat.

I thank you.

Mrs Phiri (Munali): Mr Speaker, as hon. Member of Parliament for Munali Constituency, I do unreservedly apologise to this august House for distributing letters to hon. Members of Parliament on the premises of Parliament without the authority of Mr Speaker.

Sir, I have reflected on my actions and accept that my conduct went against the rules and procedures of the House and amounted to a breach of parliamentary privileges and contempt of the House. I sincerely regret and apologise for my actions.

Sir, I have carefully listened to the guidance you have given me and wish to assure you and this House that, henceforth, I shall endeavour to comply with the rules and procedures of this House. To this end, I shall conduct myself in a manner expected of an hon. Member of Parliament.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sichilima: Umukashi wamunenu ushumfwa muletila ati hear, hear.

Laughter

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order, order!

__________ {mospagebreak}

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

GOVERNMENT’S PREPAREDNESS FOR ELECTIONS

The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Lungu): Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to present a statement to this august House on the Government’s preparedness to conduct fair and peaceful elections this year.

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, Zambia’s political system provides for free and fair democratic elections. The rights to vote and to be voted for form part of the body of political rights enjoyed by Zambian citizens. Zambia has, for a long time, enjoyed peaceful elections that earned her the title of being an oasis of peace and a shining beacon of hope for many countries in the region and Africa as a whole.

Mr Speaker, credit is given to all Zambians for contributing to this achievement. This image, however, risks being dented if citizens engage in any form of violence during the forthcoming tripartite elections. Hon. Members of the House will agree with me that political parties have recently demonstrated lack of brotherhood by engaging in violence as experienced prior to and during by-elections held in the recent past. The Government is deeply concerned with the foregoing and shall do everything possible to ensure that violence does not manifest itself in this year’s elections.

Mr Speaker, for this reason, the Government has lined up programmes ranging from retraining of security officers and sensitisation of the public as well as the procurement of operational equipment. Allow me to state that the Zambia Police motto for this year’s elections is “Violence Free 2011 Elections”.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lungu: In line with this motto, the Zambia Police has come up with a programme to retrain police officers countrywide regarding the management of public safety and security. In addition, the police will carry out countrywide publicity on the dangers of violence and excessive beer drinking during the election period. It is a well known fact that uncontrolled intake of alcohol, which is a depressant, compromises one’s sense of judgment and this state of mind, compounded with wrong judgment, may lead one to resorting to violent behaviour. People are, therefore, being encouraged to refrain from alcohol abuse during political gatherings, including on the actual day of voting, so as to ensure that citizens vote with a sound mind for genuinely free and fair elections.

Mr Speaker, in addition to retraining of police officers and stakeholders’ dialogue, the security institutions are, this year, engaging members of the community directly in a campaign to spread the message of a violence-free electoral process. This is being done through the media and other grassroots sensitisation mechanisms.

Mr Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House and, through it, all the Zambian people that for the first time, Zambia will establish a communication centre under the Policing Elections Project. The centre will act as a central point for receiving all electoral related reports or complaints from the public regarding security issues relating to the conduct of elections countrywide.

The centre shall be equipped with toll free numbers for citizens to report complaints so that appropriate institutions or stakeholders are informed to enable them deal with concerns expeditiously.

Mr Speaker, allow me to mention that the Government has received support in the sum of US$1.8 million from the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), for the Policing Elections Project. This project seeks to ensure that the 2011 elections are held in a peaceful and secure environment.

Mr Speaker, other measures that the Government has put in place include the following:

Intensified Roadblocks

Mr Speaker, our security institutions have intensified roadblocks and highway patrols in all the provinces in order to curb criminal endeavours, including migrant smuggling. Furthermore, institutions have widened information gathering bases and have also intensified operations countrywide.

Intensified Screening at Borders

Mr Speaker, all the officers manning entry points at our borders are also on alert and have intensified screening of the travelling public.

Revocation of Permits of Perpetrators of Violence

Mr Speaker, in line with the immigration and deportation laws, the Government shall ensure that permit holders who are found to be perpetuating violence or fanning violence before, during and after the elections, will have their permits revoked speedily. It is a well-known fact that foreigners are not allowed to take part in partisan politics.

Hon. Opposition Members: William Banda.

Mr Lungu: Conflict Management

Mr Speaker, members of the House are aware that the Electoral Code of Conduct provides for a mechanism of resolving electoral disputes through conflict resolution committees.

The Policing Elections Project has provided funding to retrain all national and district members of the committees to effectively handle the disputes that may arise. This mechanism is expected to resolve disputes among the electoral stakeholders should the need arise.

Procurement of Motor Vehicles and other Operational Equipment

Mr Speaker, the Government has gone further to procure motor vehicles and other operational requisites which are now being distributed to police stations countrywide to enable the police successfully execute their mandate during the 2011 election process.

Prevention and Prohibition of Money Laundering

Mr Speaker, money laundering has become one of the most sophisticated and prevalent white collar crimes in the country, affecting both private and public institutions. If not properly handled, the vice has the capacity to paralyse institutions of good governance and cripple the economy among other effects. The Government has positioned itself to effectively and efficiently tackle this problem and ensure that only drug-free money circulates in the economy.

The Government will keep a close eye on all those intending to use dirty money for campaigning in this year’s election or, indeed, other activities.

Mr Speaker, as I conclude, I wish to reiterate that the Government will do everything possible to ensure that the 2011 elections are free and fair and devoid of violence. People must be free to participate in these elections without fear. Our number one strategy is to promote dialogue among all stakeholders. I urge all stakeholders and members of the public to report all election- related complaints to the police and other relevant authorities rather than taking the law into their own hands. The co-operation of every Zambian is needed to ensure free, fair and successful elections.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the ministerial statement given by the hon. Minister.

Mr Mukanga (Kantanshi): Mr Speaker, one of the issues that would be a source of conflict is the Electoral Code of Conduct. Therefore, I want to find out what the Government has done to ensure that the views that have been given by all the stakeholders regarding its usage have been taken into consideration.

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, all the suggestions from the stakeholders have been taken into account when preparing for the elections, especially contributions from the members of the public that are aimed at ensuring that we all adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct. We want people to really conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during the elections.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr D. Mwila (Chipili): Mr Speaker, for a long time now, the Ruling Party’s Provincial Chairman for Lusaka Province, Mr William Banda, has been in the forefront of agitating for violence. What is the Government doing about that? I am sure everyone remembers the violence which occurred at the Garden House Motel recently.  Today, as we are talking, he is at the funeral house of Dr Chiluba chasing people from the funeral house. What is the Government doing to control him because he is a danger to this country?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Order!

He has no seat here as you can see. However, if there is anyone who is allegedly misbehaving in the manner in which the hon. Member has stated, the law enforcement agencies are there to take care of that person outside this House.

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Mr D. Mwila: Takwaba!

Mrs Phiri (Munali): Mr Speaker, the violence, which has been occurring in this country, is perpetuated by the leaders in the Ruling Party. A very good example is the hon. Deputy Minister for Lusaka Province who has been chasing people from the funeral house of Dr Chiluba. What is this Government going to do to stop such violence so that cadres like Mr Chris Chalwe, the self proclaimed gang rapist, are deterred from harassing people?

Mr Speaker: Order!

 Look, no matter how much you feel offended, be calm when discussing certain matters. If you are not calm, you will end up saying the wrong things and I will rule you out of order.

The hon. Minister will answer the first part of that question.

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, the role of law enforcement agencies is to ensure that everybody, irrespective of his/ her political affiliation or gang, abides by the law. Anyone who violates the law will be taken care of by the law itself. I have been at the funeral house several times and I sat with Hon. Shawa and the person she mentioned very peacefully. He was not violent at all …

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Mr Lungu: … and I am surprised that he is being singled out.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: I want to guide the House. Can all of you take your seats.

The hon. Members indicating sat down.

Mr Speaker: I did not hear any reference to a funeral house in the hon. Minister’s statement before the House. Do not be carried away by matters of the moment. Go back to that important issue related to the forthcoming general elections. 
Mr Beene (Itezhi-tezhi): Mr Speaker, during elections, we expect people holding positions in this country, like the provincial chairpersons, to be peaceful. Unfortunately, they are now being reported for causing violence. I would like to hear from the hon. Minister the guarantee he is giving us that the Ruling Party, itself, will start by giving a good example.

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, as I stated earlier, there is nobody who will be treated with kids’ gloves. All those who disobey the law will account for that and we will get at anybody who is not going to abide by the law.

I thank you, Sir.

Captain Moono (Chilanga): Mr Speaker, while I appreciate the statement by the hon. Minister that he will condemn violence before, during and after elections, last week, I gave him a letter from Chilanga Constituency regarding cadres who are grabbing land and beating up people who do not belong to the Movement for Multi-Party (MMD) and he has done nothing about it. What is new that will make me believe you now because you have failed to act in Chilanga? As I am talking, people are beaten up by cadres.

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, it is a pity that the hon. Member decided to raise the issue on the Floor of the House. The procedure of the Government is that once a complaint has been given to me, as hon. Minister, I do not take the decision to respond to it there and then. In this particular case, I referred the matter to the appropriate arms of the Government. As soon as I hear from them, I will let him know. It is not fair for him to state that I have failed. Otherwise, next time he comes to my office, he will not get a hearing.

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter

Mrs Musokotwane (Katombola): Mr Speaker, one of the reasons there is conflict between the law enforcement officers and us, the public, is that they demand that we get permission from them to conduct our meetings and rallies instead of them accepting the fact that they are only supposed to be informed. What have you done to sensitise police officers that we only go to inform them and not to get permission from them?

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member is right. We are sensitising police officers. At the moment, the Inspector-General of Police is having meetings with the Regional Commanders precisely to educate them on, among others, the issue you have raised. It is true that the impression given is as if people write to us, the police, to get permission. However, as we have said, they write to inform us.

However, indirectly, by way of informing us, you are also seeking approval from us in the sense that there may be three or four parties that apply to have a meeting at one particular venue at the same time. Therefore, if that happens, the police will not allow all of you to have meetings at that place at the same time. You will, therefore, be advised to decide otherwise. This is because, if the police allow all the parties to have meetings at one place and at a particular point in time, what will follow is chaos as people will be fighting. Therefore, when the police do not grant permission to hold meetings, it is a way of regulating the smooth conduct of meetings.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kapeya (Mpika Central): Mr Speaker, I would like to learn from the hon. Minister which country has been awarded the contract of printing the ballot papers and what the difficulties experienced in printing them locally have been.

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, I wish I could have an answer to that question. However, the issue of printing ballot papers does not fall under the domain of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Maybe, an appropriate arm of the Government could be in a position to answer that question. Otherwise, I will tell him lies. Sorry, …

Laughter

Mr Lungu: … I will mislead him

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lubinda (Kabwata): Mr Speaker, I would like to commend the hon. Minister for that important assurance of maintaining peace in our country before, during and after elections. However, I would like to seek the hon. Minister’s comment on threats that have been issued such as the one by the President of Zambia when he said that if he loses elections, it will be tragic. Tragic is defined as causing or being characterised with total distress and sorrow. What is he going to do about the threatening statements coming from the Head of State?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, I am not privy to the statement which, according to him, was made by the President. However, let me state that my understanding of that statement is like what all of us do during campaigns. We urge people to vote for us so that we win and that if they do not do that, they will not get the development that they so much need. Therefore, it is in that context that I understand the President to have made that statement, if at all, he made it.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Colonel Chanda (Kanyama): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister knows that the political climate is not conducive for a violent-free election at the moment. Why is he not employing the inter-party dialogue which has helped us, in the past, to defuse the violence which is currently prevailing?

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, I would be very happy if you, the people, decided to engage in inter-party dialogue. I do not think it is my responsibility, as the hon. Minister of Home Affairs, to urge people to engage in inter-party dialogue. It is your responsibility, hon. Member, and all of us, to sit down and have the inter-party dialogue. I encourage you to start the process and I will co-operate with you.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Milupi (Luena): Mr Speaker, in his answer to one of the supplementary questions, the hon. Minister said that in the event of a political party notifying the police on its intention to hold a public meeting or a rally and that there is another political party having a meeting in that place, they cannot be allowed to proceed with their meeting. Therefore, can the hon. Minister confirm that, in the event that a party notifies the police and there is no other party intending to have a meeting at the same place and time and the police do not allow the party in question to hold a meeting, they have every right to proceed and have a meeting and nothing shall be done against them. Is that the correct position, hon. Minister?

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, I gave the issue of four parties applying to meet in one place at a particular time as an example. However, that is not the only reason the police will not allow you to hold a meeting. There are many reasons and one of them is, for example, if you tell them about wanting to have a meeting at a given place and time, it is the responsibility of the police to ensure that you hold your meeting peacefully and nobody interferes with you. Therefore, if at that particular time, the police do not have enough personnel to protect you, they may advise you not to have it. I am sure you will appreciate that.

Mr Milupi indicated assent.

Mr Lungu: I can see from his nodding that he appreciates.

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter

Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister made reference to the fact that all foreigners who will be found involved in politics will have their permits withdrawn. May I know from his records at the ministry whether there are any permits that have been withdrawn from foreigners who were found participating in politics in the past?

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, I cannot say offhand whether there were any such instances in the past. I will have to consult the appropriate wings of the ministry. However, if such issues arise, the perpetrators will definitely be taken to court because they are not supposed to participate in politics.

Thank you, Sir.

Mrs Mwamba (Lukashya): Mr Speaker, in view of the many anomalies that are inherent in the provisional voters’ registers and the short time allocated to the inspection of the provisional voters’ rolls, what measures is the Government going to put in place to ensure that many registered voters are not disenfranchised?

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, I think that it is the role of the Government to engage the appropriate arms that deal with the voters’ register, such as the Elections Commission of Zambia (ECZ), to find the way forward.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chisala (Chilubi): Sir, disenfranchising Zambians is one thing that can lead to a fracas during and after the voting process. In view of this, what does the Government intend to do about the number, 999999/99/9, which recently emerged during the recent verification of voters’ register? In order to avoid disenfranchising the Zambians who have been affected, what does the Government intend to do?

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, the 999999/99/9, whatever it means, will be brought to the attention of the ECZ. Like I said, that is the arm of the Government responsible for matters of that kind. Therefore, the Government will bring this to its attention to see how issues of this nature can be resolved.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chanda (Kankoyo): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister in his address mentioned the fact that alcohol contributes to violence. When will the Government regulate the opening and closing times of bars during elections?

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, I tend to have the feeling that rules to govern the opening and closing times of bars are in place. It is just that some of our people do not observe them. However, I will engage my counterpart in the Ministry of Local Government and Housing to see if that can be looked into.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Simuusa (Nchanga): Sir, fidgeting or tampering with ballot boxes or results, especially by the Ruling Party, could be one of the causes of violence during the coming Presidential and General Elections. In case this happens, how will the police handle the organisations and institutions which will have polling agents during the tabulation of votes as they are announced at each polling station?

Mr Lungu: Sir, whether the tampering of ballot boxes will be done by somebody from the Ruling Party or Opposition, it is wrong and the police will deal with people who will be found wanting. It is only right and fair that we all appeal to our people to ensure that the right thing is done by not tampering with the ballot boxes. Let me also seize this opportunity to appeal to everybody to observe the rule of law.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Nsanda (Chimwemwe): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister, in his ministerial statement, said that this country will have violent-free Presidential and General Elections this year. Therefore, why is the Government not deporting those political mercenaries who have been deported before and are back in Zambia to cause confusion and are people whom we know will cause violence during elections? When are you going to re-deport them?

Laughter

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, I do not deal with phantoms. We have to be realistic because the hon. Member cannot say all those who were deported should, again, be deported because I do not know whom he has in mind. I am not aware of any such persons.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Opposition Member: You know.

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC. (Chasefu): Mr Speaker, we are all aware that a chief cannot vie for elective office unless he resigns. By the same token, we are also aware that district commissioners are not supposed to involve themselves in partisan politics. I would, therefore, like to find out from the hon. Minister how the police are going to handle situations where chiefs and district commissioners, who behave like cadres, campaign for certain political parties?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Order!

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, the difficult part is where a chief, according to him, behaves like a cadre. I do not know how the police would approach that issue, but it is my hope that chiefs desist from behaving like cadres. However, I do know that they also have the right to express their views on who they feel should be voted for or not. As for the other issue, we will make sure that they abide by the laws of the country.

I thank you, Sir.

Mrs Banda (Chililabombwe): Mr Speaker, what assurance is the hon. Minister going to give the people of Chililabombwe that the Congolese from Kasumbalesa and Nchinsenda, who were brought in by the MMD cadres to register as voters, will not be allowed to vote since, as they come to vote, they will come through the bushes and not the recognised border posts?

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, the Congolese who will come from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will be arrested. I appeal to you to assist the police by reporting them and we will arrest them whether they are from the DRC, Malawi, Botswana or whatever.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

Mr Muntanga (Kalomo Central): Mr Speaker, the police also have the right to vote. What is the ministry doing to de-politicise the police recruited from among the party cadres of the MMD to ensure that they will be fair in dealing with electoral matters?

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, when we carry out recruitment exercises, we do not consider what political party the recruits belong to.

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Mr Lungu: Therefore, if the people we recruit happen to be MMD, UNIP or UPND, they can express their views quietly by going to vote for the candidate of their choice. However, we do not allow them to actively engage in partisan politics.

I thank you, Sir.

Mrs Masebo (Chongwe): I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Order!

Mrs Masebo: I thank the hon. Minister for the timely statement. My question is a follow up to the one that was asked concerning alcohol as a cause of violence. Is the Government considering banning the tujilijili drinks which are sold in small sachets, at least, during elections because I know for a fact that they are causing havoc in our country?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, indeed, alcohol abuse during elections and any other time has a devastating effect on the minds of people. I wish I had the authority to ban the use of tujilijili.

Hon. Opposition Members: Yes, you have!

Mr Lungu: I am not sure I do. I will have to consult the authorities to see if I have the powers to do that. My fear is that if I were told that I had the powers and applied them, the hon. Members of Parliament and other political stakeholders would turn round and ask how the hon. Minister can ban people from drinking tujilijili and so on and so forth.

Laughter

Mr Lungu: I need the co-operation of all those concerned to appeal to people not to drink tujilijili because, that way, we will help to have a violence-free election. I wish, once again, to thank the hon. Member for Chongwe for that question. She is a very good friend of mine or, maybe, a girlfriend. Sorry, a friend of mine.

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order!

Mr Kambwili (Roan): Mr Speaker, we have seen that every time MMD cadres commit an offence during elections, they are not arrested as the case was in Mufumbwe. May I know what assurance the Government will give the Zambians for them to believe that what the hon. Minister said will also apply to the MMD and not just Opposition cadres.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, we need to be fair to ourselves, …

Mr Speaker: Order!

Mr Lungu: It is the responsibility of the law enforcement agencies to ensure that people do not break the law regardless of the party they belong to. If they break the law, we will arrest them.

Mr Speaker, sometimes, allegations are made against somebody belonging to a particular party but, when we carry out our investigations, we find that it is not always true. However, where there is evidence that people exhibited unlawful behaviour, the police have the responsibility to arrest them. Therefore, let me, once again, appeal to people across the political divide to ensure that they conduct themselves peacefully for us to have free elections.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Msichili (Kabushi): Mr Speaker, the Government has, in past elections, delayed paying allowances to police officers who monitor elections. I would like to find out what new measures the Government intends to put in place to ensure that police officers are paid on time as they finish the monitoring of elections.

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, all of us are concerned about that issue. At times, it is just because of the various competing demands on our national basket that we have those delays. However, it is our wish to ensure that people are paid their allowances as and when they are due.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chota (Lubansenshi): Mr Speaker, in answering Hon. Chifumu Banda’s question, the hon. Minister said that he was not aware what kind of reaction there would be where chiefs supported a certain party. Is the hon. Minister aware that in this year’s elections, we are going to use a new Electoral code of Conduct where the police have been given power to arrest and perform their duties accordingly?

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, of course I know that the police have the power to arrest people who do not abide by the law not just as a result of what he says is in the new Electoral Code of Conduct, but that is a normal operation they conduct. If they come across somebody who does not abide by the law, they will arrest him/her.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kakoma (Zambezi West): Mr Speaker, first of all, I must declare interest in asking this question. The hon. Minister said that the police can arrest party cadres who are involved in violence. I would like to find out why the police have not arrested the MMD party cadres who beat …

Hon. Government Members: You!

Mr Kakoma: … me up in Mufumbwe …

Laughter

Mr Kakoma: … despite the matter having been reported to the police. Evidence was submitted which included pictures and CDs. Why has the police failed to arrest the MMD cadres who beat me up in Mufumbwe?

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, I sympathise with the hon. Member if the cadres beat him up. I hope it is true that he reported the matter to the police. Since I was not informed about that, maybe, he can come to my office and give me more details so that we can see how to prevent such occurrences in future.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwango (Kanchibiya): Mr Speaker, most police officers are voters and when they are deployed in places where they have to maintain peace, they do not vote. May I know what measures the Government has put in place to make sure that police officers who are deployed in areas where they are not registered as voters can still vote?

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, that is an important issue. I will liaise with the Inspector-General of Police (IG) to ensure that those who are manning polling stations are given the opportunity to vote.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, there are probably only three hon. Members of this House who have been voting since 1964 and know what it means to vote every five years or so. Judging by the massive interest which the later voters have shown with regard to the ministerial statement, I think that, for the record, it will be a good idea that when you have all gone through the mill, that is the next elections, the subject of the history of an election; the mechanics of an election or even why we elect should be part of the orientation course so that all of you, who I am hoping will all come back …

Laughter

Hon. Member: Professor!

Mr Speaker: … will enjoy debating and understand.

Hon. Opposition Members: VJ is not coming back.

Mr Speaker: Well, I have heard this since 1991. The person who is told, “You are not coming back” is the one who comes back.

Laughter

_____

 

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

EXTRADITION TREATIES

533. Mr Lubinda (Kabwata) asked the Vice-President and Minister of Justice:

(a)with which countries Zambia had extradition treaties;

(b)whether there had been any Zambian that had been extradited to another jurisdiction for trial; and

(c)if so, for what offences and to which jurisdictions.

The Deputy Minister in the Vice-President’s Office (Mr Chilembo): Mr Speaker, according to our records, Zambia has signed extradition agreements with the following countries:

Country    Year Signed

Republic of Malawi    2006

Russian Federation    2008

Republic of Angola    2009

Federative Republic of Brazil   2010

Sir, Zambia is currently negotiating extradition agreements with Rwanda and the DRC.

Mr Speaker, at present, the Zambian Government has not extradited any Zambian national to another jurisdiction for prosecution.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, extradition treaties have been known worldwide for a long time. Why is it that for Zambia, extradition treaties were only signed as late as 2006, and yet even the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) provides for extradition treaties to be signed? What has been the draw back for this Government?

Mr Chilembo: Mr Speaker, clearly, agreements take more than one person to sign. Therefore, even if Zambia was willing to sign these agreements, it could not have done so on its own. It had to have other parties to sign the agreement. Therefore, this is the reason these agreements are signed much later because this is when other parties are also coming on board.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

FUNDED LUAPULA PROJECTS

534. Mr D. Mwila (Chipili) asked the Minister of Finance and National Planning:

(a)how much money was released for the following sectors in Luapula Province from 2008 to 2010, year by year;

(i)road;

(ii)education;

(iii)water; and

(iv)energy.

(b)whether full amounts were released as budgeted for; and

(c)whether the money released was spent on the intended purpose.

The Deputy Minister of Finance and National Planning (Mr Phiri): Mr Speaker, the money released to the road sector in Luapula Province from 2008 to 2010 is as follows:

 

Year  2008  2009  2010  Grand Total
 (K billion)  (K billion) (K billion)  (K billion)   

Local Resources 39,726     46,095  50,415  136,236
Donor Funds 7,494  1,495  4,155     13,144
Total 47,220  47,590    54,570  149,380

Mr Speaker, 49.5 per cent, 41.2 per cent and 52.2 per cent was released to the road sector in 2008, 2009 and 2010 respectively for Luapula Province. The lower than budgeted for releases were due to lower than expected revenue collections.

Based on the documentation received from the implementing agencies and the site inspections by the National Road Fund Agency (NRFA), it can be confirmed that the funds were spent on the intended purposes.

Education Sector

Year   2008  2009  2010  Grand Total
   (K billion) (K billion) (K billion)  (K billion)
   
Budget Amount 4,026  3,269  5,429  12,725

Mr Speaker, 56 per cent, 43 per cent and 72 per cent was released to the sector in 2008, 2009 and 2010 respectively. The lower than budgeted for releases were due to lower than expected revenue collections for the respective years. I, therefore, wish to confirm that all the money released to the sector was spent on the intended purpose.

Water Sector

Year   2008  2009  2010  Grand Total
   (K million) (K million) (K million) (K million)

Budget Amount 120  197  228  545

Sir, the full amounts were released to the water sector by the end of each financial year for all the years under consideration. I wish to confirm that all the money released to the sector was spent as budgeted for.

Energy Sector

Year   2008  2009  2010  Grand Total
   (K billion) (K billion) (K billion) (K billion)

Budget Amount 7,975  4,117  nil  12,092

Mr Speaker, all the funds were released as budgeted for by the end of each financial year for 2008 and 2009. No funds were released to the energy sector in 2010 due to the effects of the global economic crisis that led to the lower than expected revenue collections.  I wish to confirm that all the money released in the sector was spent on the intended purposes.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr D. Mwila: Mr Speaker, it is on record that this year, the Permanent Secretary for Luapula Province was sent away by the Public Accounts Committee because of alleged misappropriation of funds in Luapula Province. Can the hon. Minister tell this House his position on that incident?

Mr D. Phiri: Mr Speaker, with regard to the issue the hon. Member has brought to our attention, I wish to state that the issues that were brought to the Public Accounts Committee are being dealt with administratively.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kambwili (Roan): Mr Speaker, K149 billion for road rehabilitation in Luapula Province may sound like a colossal sum of money, but it is not. I would like to know how many roads were successfully rehabilitated from this amount.

Mr D. Phiri: Mr Speaker, indeed, the amount is colossal. I wish to confirm to the hon. Member that a number of roads were rehabilitated except that I am not in a position to cite the specific roads that were repaired. I would have preferred the hon. Member to be specific with regard to how much was spent on each road.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mukanga (Kantanshi): Mr Speaker, can the hon. Deputy Minister apologise to the House and the nation for misleading them since he did not have adequate information, especially that it is on record that the permanent secretary was sent away for failure to exculpate himself on the infrastructure development funds that were given for projects in Luapula?

Mr D. Phiri: Mr Speaker, I said that the issue is being dealt with administratively.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chisala (Chilubi): Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister be kind enough to state the roads which were worked on using the funds that were allocated last year.

Mr D. Phiri: Mr Speaker, this is a new question. As Member of Parliament from Luapula Province, I would have expected the hon. Member to get this information from the provincial administration.

I thank you, Sir.

SUSPENDED PERMANENT SECRETARIES

535. Mr Mwango (Kanchibiya) asked the Vice-President and Minister of Justice:

(a)how many Permanent Secretaries were on suspension between January, 2008 and March, 2011;

(b)what necessitated the suspensions; and

(c)whether the suspended Permanent Secretaries were entitled to:

(i)a full salary; and

(ii)a personal-to-holder motor vehicle.

The Deputy Minister in the Vice-President’s Office (Mr Munkombwe): Mr Speaker, only one Permanent Secretary went on forced leave between January, 2008 and March, 2011. The forced leave was to facilitate investigations. The Permanent Secretary was entitled to a salary and other benefits, as he was not charged with any criminal offence.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mwango: Mr Speaker, when will this Government conclude the matter so that the Permanent Secretary can be cleared and resume work?

Mr Munkombwe: Mr Speaker, certain cases take a long time to investigate and this is one such case.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, the case of the Permanent Secretary in question attracted a lot of attention both locally and internationally because it involved the case of the …

Mr Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1615 hours until 1630 hours.

[THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the Chair]

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, when business was suspended I was saying that the issue of the suspended Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health attracted a lot of local and international attention. Since the Government has paid back the embezzled funds, should this matter not be concluded, if he is innocent, so that the man can live a normal life? Has he not been tortured enough?

Mr Munkombwe: Mr Speaker, some questions are tied to issues that are in the courts of law. If a person is suspended on the basis of an issue which is also connected to a case in a court of law, obviously, the case will receive such attention until the court so decides.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. MMD Members: Hear, hear!

Mr D. Mwila: Mr Speaker, the former Permanent Secretary for Luapula Province, Mr Kalumba, is also on suspension. Can His Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Justice confirm that he misled this House by stating that it is only one Permanent Secretary on suspension? Can he confirm that, in fact, they are more than one?

Mr Munkombwe: Mr Speaker, our records show that only one Permanent Secretary is on suspension. If the hon. Member has evidence to that effect, he is free to come to us.

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter

MPELEMBE DRILLING COMPANY

536. Mr Mwango asked the Minister of Finance and National Planning:

(a)how much money Mpelembe Drilling Company owed the following organisations as of December, 2010;

(i)the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) in both employees and employers’ contributions; and

(ii)Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA); and

(b)when the debts at (a) would be cleared; and

(c)     what the future of the company was.

Mr Phiri: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that Mpelembe Drilling Company is a privately-owned company, without any Government ownership, directly or indirectly, through a parastatal.

Mpelembe Drilling Company was privatised as a management buy-out (MBO) in 1997. In light of this, the Government is not able to provide responses to the question.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr D. Mwila: Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister state, categorically, why they cannot respond. Is it because the hon. Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Mutati, is a shareholder, and the company is being protected from paying its dues?

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

I am not sure whether this question should go to the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, if the company is privately owned. Shareholding in private companies is exactly that; private shareholding.

Therefore, we move on.

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, the Office of the Administrator-General owes employees of Mpelembe Drilling Company, through NAPSA, K2.8 billion. When will this Government pay NAPSA so that the employees can also be paid?

Mr Phiri: Mr Speaker, this is a privately-owned company which was sold through an MBO.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.{mospagebreak}

BLACK LECHWE IN NASHINGA NATIONAL PARK

537. Mr C. Mulenga (Chinsali) asked the Minister of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources:

(a)what the population of the black lechwe in the Nashinga National Park in Chinsali had been as of December, 2010; and

(b)whether the Government had any plans to increase the population of the black lechwe and other species in the park and, if so, what the plans were.

The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources (Mr Mwangala): Mr Speaker, the hon. Member may wish to note that we do not have a national park by the name of “Nashinga National Park” in Chinsali District or any part of Zambia. However, there is Nashinga Wetlands in Chinsali District which is an open area. Being an open area, the Government is not able to determine the number of black lechwe therein.

Sir, my ministry has no immediate plans to increase the population of the black lechwe or any other species in the Nashinga Wetlands because it is an open area.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

Mr C. Mulenga: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that in 1972, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, the then President, brought in the black lechwe to open a park in Chinsali in the Chambeshi Plains? If he is aware, what is the Government doing to ensure that animal tourism is promoted in this area?

The Minister of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources (Ms Namugala): Mr Speaker, indeed, in the early 1970s, about twenty black lechwe were trans-located to the Chinsali Wetlands. This was at the request of the local authority at that time. However, since the creation of the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA), we have not seen the need to increase the population of black lechwe in an open area such as the one we are discussing.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Beene (Itezhi-tezhi): Mr Speaker, by law and practice, on 1st June of the year, ZAWA should have commenced the selling of lechwe in some open areas, including the Blue Lagoon. However, to date, nothing has been done. May the hon. Minister shed more light on why this has not yet been done? Is it because ZAWA intends to increase the hunting fees of these animals?

Ms Namugala: Mr Speaker, the question has to do with increasing the population of the black lechwe in Chinsali and I see that the hon. Member is confusing this with the time when ZAWA normally auctions wildlife.

In answering the last part of the question, I would like to say that ZAWA is adhering to the provisions of the law. I would also like to say that it is up to the Government, whenever it sees it fit, to ensure that it passes a statutory instrument to review and, sometimes, increase the fees that are charged for the different species of wildlife.

I thank you, Sir.

CLIMATE CHANGE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS

538. Mr Simama (Kalulushi) asked the Minister of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources:

(a)how many international conventions on climate change Zambia had ratified; and

(b)how many had since been domesticated.

Mr Mwangala: Mr Speaker, Zambia has ratified one convention on climate change, namely the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This was ratified on 28th May, 1993 and the Kyoto Protocol was ratified on 7th July, 2006.

Sir, the UNFCCC has been domesticated through the recently passed Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

ZCCM-IH ANNUAL REPORTS

539. Mr Simuusa (Nchanga) asked the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development:

(a)when the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines-Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH) last produced its annual report;

(b)when the outstanding reports, if any, would be produced; and

(c)what had caused the delay, if any, in producing the annual reports timely.

The Deputy Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr Nkhata): Mr Speaker, the ZCCM-IH last produced its report in 2007.

Mr Speaker, progress on the outstanding reports for 2008, 2009 and 2010 is as follows:

(i)2008 Annual Report – The audit work on the 2008 Annual Report is complete and it will be presented to the Annual General Meeting this month;
(i) 2009 Annual Report – KPMG have completed their audit work on the 2009 Annual Report and it is expected to be presented to the AGM this month; and
 
(ii)2010 Annual Report – The audit files for the 2010 Financial Year are complete and await commencement of the audit.

Mr Speaker, the delay in the production of the annual reports is as a result of the following factors:

(i)the need to fulfil the requirement of presenting investments in the balance sheet in a more accurate manner and also to comply with the changes to International Accounting Standard No. 39 (IAS39), in 2006 and the ZCCM-IH retained Deloitte and Touche to value ZCCM-IH investments in all companies in which it held shares.

The external auditors, Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC), though initially agreeable to the valuation methodology and approach adopted by Deloitte and Touche, changed their position. This situation led to the delay in producing the 2006 and 2007 Annual Reports which were only completed in October, 2010.

(ii)the delay in producing the 2008 Annual Report is attributable, largely, to the PWC’s inability to complete their part of the process in time.

The ZCCM-IH has brought its concerns to PWC’s attention on many occasions. The continued delays on the part of the PWC necessitated ZCCM-IH’s involvement of the regulator of the Accounting Profession in Zambia, the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA), in the matter to compel the external auditors to complete this exercise. This matter is still before the ZICA Disciplinary Committee.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

The Deputy Chairperson: The hon. Member for Roan.

Mr Kambwili: Thank you, Mr Speaker …

The Deputy Chairperson: Sorry, I was calling upon the hon. Member for Nchanga.

Mr Kambwili: Ninjamba kale!

Laughter

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Mr Simuusa: Mr Speaker, in the absence of audited reports for ZCCM-IH, on what basis will the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning or, indeed, the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development determine the debts of ZCCM-IH from the proceeds of the sale of shares in Lumwana Mine after the deal with Barrick Gold? On what will the debts be determined?

The Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr M. B. Mwale): Mr Speaker, what we know is that companies continue to operate with or without audit reports because management is in place and it takes stock of the debts that they may have. However, it is desirable that audit reports are updated so that the public is availed actual information.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, it is mandatory for all parastatal bodies to produce annual reports. May I know what action has been taken against the ZCCM-IH for failing to meet this obligation?

Mr M. B. Mwale: Mr Speaker, I hope the hon. Member did listen to the response we gave because we have been very categorical that the ZCCM-IH has even complained to the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants about the delay in producing the audit reports.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lumba (Solwezi Central): Mr Speaker, in his reply, the hon. Deputy Minister mentioned all the big three auditing and accounting firms, KPMG, Deloitte and Touche, and Price Waterhouse Coopers. May I know the auditors of the ZCCM-IH and who appointed them without even holding an AGM?

Hon. Opposition Member: Hear, hear!

Mr M. B. Mwale: Mr Speaker, we have clearly indicated that the ZCCM-IH has even gone to an extent of reporting the PWC to ZICA for the delay in producing the audit report, meaning that the PWC are the auditors of the ZCCM-IH.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, what action is taken against parastatal bodies which fail to comply with the law in as far as production of annual reports and audit reports is concerned?

Mr M. B. Mwale: Mr Speaker, if the hon. Member has issues with the management of the ZCCM-IH, he may take them there.

I thank you, Sir.

LUSAKA SOUTH MFEZ ECONOMIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT

540. Mr Mukanga asked the Minister of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources:

(a)When the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ) would be conducted; and

(b)why the area at (a) was initially designated a protected forest.

Mr Mwangala:  Mr Speaker, the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Lusaka South MFEZ was carried out in 2008. The purpose of the SEA was to carry out a systematic assessment of the environmental effects of the strategic land use related plan for the entire MFEZ area.

However, the House might also wish to note that the responsibility of conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) lies with the developer. In this case, all those intending to put up developments in the MFEZ will be required to carry out the EIAs.

In addition, the developer of the entire MFEZ area is required to undertake an EIA for the installation of service facilities within the MFEZ. The role of the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) is to review and subsequently approve the EIA proposed project if it is satisfied that it would have no adverse effects on the environment.

Mr Speaker, to date, there is no EIA report for the MFEZ that has been submitted to ZEMA for consideration on planned projects. ZEMA is waiting for would-be developers in the MFEZ to submit their EIA reports for consideration.

Lastly, Mr Speaker, Lusaka South Forest Reserve No. 26 was first gazetted in 1942 to provide protection for the Chalimbana River Catchment Area which is a key ground water recharge area in Lusaka Province. The forest reserve is situated on a bed of limestone rock which is highly porous, and hence permits water to sink to underground streams and aquifiers. The reserve was established to play a significant role in recharging the ground water system for Lusaka urban as well as to protect the Chalimbana River Catchment Area.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear! Quality!

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has stated that the area is supposed to be a recharge point for the underground water for Lusaka City. I wish to find out what measures the Government has put in place to ensure that, when this MFEZ is developed in that area, the underground aquifier will still be protected.

Ms Namugala: Mr Speaker, this forest reserve will be shared by the MFEZ and Lusaka Park No. 20. Under Lusaka Park No. 20, we have more than 4,000 hectares of land and we are encouraging vegetation growth so that this forest reserve can continue to serve the purpose for which it was created.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, in case the water situation is disturbed as a result of creating this MFEZ, what will be the alternative source of water for Lusaka Province?

Ms Namugala: Mr Speaker, in the response by the hon. Deputy Minister, it was explained that a strategic EIA was carried out to take into account the impact that the hon. Member is talking about. Therefore, we do not foresee any such situation happening.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mrs Mwamba (Lukashya): Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister, in his answer, said that it is the responsibility of the would-be developers to carry out an EIA. I wish to find out if the Government has made any effort to ensure that the EIAs are carried out.

Ms Namugala: Mr Speaker, there are two assessments that are undertaken before a major project like this. The first one is the strategic EIA which has been undertaken to assess the impact on the environment of the entire project. The other EIA is project specific, meaning that the developers of the specific projects within the MFEZ have to undertake this assessment. Since we have not had any of the would-be developers undertaking and providing an EIA report to what we are now calling ZEMA, we cannot force anybody to do so. Developers know that they have to carry out EIAs before they undertake projects. It is required by the laws passed by this House.

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

MINING COMPANIES PROFITS

541. Mr Simuusa asked the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development:

(a)  How profit was recorded by the following companies from 2005 to March, 2011:

(i)Kansanshi Mine Plc;
(ii)Konkola Copper Mines Plc;
(iii)Mopani Copper Mines Plc;
(iv)Chibuluma South Mine; and
(v)Ndola Lime Compamy; and

(b) how much, in dividends, was paid to the shareholders of each company in the same period.

The Deputy Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr Chikwakwa): Mr Speaker, the mining companies listed in the question made the following profits from 2005 to 2011:

Profits/Losses (US$’M)

Name of Company 2005 2006  2007   2008       2009      2010        2011

Kansanshi Mine   95.11 308.16   525.2   397.4       281.17   394.06     233.64

Konkola Copper 
Mine   50.0 114.0   301.0   134.0       165.0       20.0       170.0

Mopani Copper
Mine  28.08 116.09 109.25 171.31 139.504 - -

Chibuluma Mines   3.4   16.0       36.4 43.3     5.3         44.3      10.1

Mr Speaker, the 2010 figures for Mopani Copper Mines are still in the process of being finalised for signing off by the company’s auditors and directors, following an external audit, while the 2011 figures will be available after the financial year comes to an end.

Profits/Losses (K’000)

Company 2005    2006 2007 2008  2009 2010  2011

Ndola Lime
Company 8,138,797 10,043,583  5,254,996 13,603,963   16,937,990   28,258,240    32,276,111

Dividends Paid to Shareholders (US$’M)

Name of  2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 
Company
 
Kansanshi
Mine 
Plc            0 0 0 0 15.0 115.0 38.0

Konkola
Copper 
Mine Plc 0 0 6.0 9.0 9.0 0 25.0

Mopani 
Copper 
Mine Plc 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Chibuluma
Mines  0 0 3.2 14.4 0 7.0 0

Mr Speaker, Ndola Lime Company declared a dividend of K8.25 billion in 2006. Since then the company has not declared any dividends.

I thank you, Sir.
  
 Mr Simuusa: Mr Speaker, going by the answer from the hon. Minister, it is very clear that the mining companies have been making profits from 2005, and yet when you look, there are no dividends paid. I wish to find out from the hon. Minister what dividends policy this Government has allowed these mines to operate under. Why is the Government allowing these mines to make profits, but not pay dividends to the ZCCM-IH which is a major shareholder in all these mining operations and through which we, as Zambians, benefit from the mining companies? What is our dividends policy as a nation?

Mr M. B. Mwale: Mr Speaker, I am sure that the hon. Member is fully aware that the payment of dividends is a management decision that is dependent on what projects will be undertaken in a particular year. For example, between 2005 and 2007, Mopani Copper Mines invested well over US$680 million in capital projects, thereby making it impossible for it to pay dividends or else it would have accumulated more debts.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, may I know the social benefits for the people of Ndola got from Ndola Lime Company during the period under review.

Mr M. B. Mwale: Mr Speaker, first of all, the hon. Member for Chilubi should appreciate the fact that Ndola Lime Company is a fully owned Zambian company. The people of Ndola are assured of employment as he knows fully well that Ndola is depressed economically.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, the purpose of the ZCCM-IH having shares in these major mining companies is to get dividends on behalf of the people of Zambia. May I know what benefits the people of Zambia are deriving from this arrangement when mining companies are reinvesting the profits in capital projects instead of paying out dividends? Is this not the reason we are failing to meet the socio-economic needs of our people?

Hon. Opposition Members: hear, hear!

Mr M. B. Mwale: Mr Speaker, it is quite clear that the hon. Member does not know the history of our mining industry fully.

Interruptions

Mr M. B. Mwale: Mr Speaker, if he did, he would be aware that the mining sector suffered a lot in terms of lack of recapitalisation and that it only became vibrant after privatisation.

Mr Speaker, the people of the Copperbelt Province have been assured of continued job security which is a good thing because, without jobs, their esteem will diminish. We will continue to ensure that there is life on the Copperbelt by creating more jobs. Furthermore, what should be understood is that the recapitalisation of any operation is critical to ensuring that there are continued operations.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

MANSA/LUWINGU ROAD REHABILITATION

542. Mr Chisala asked the Minister of Works and Supply:

(a)when the Mansa/Luwingu Road was last rehabilitated;

(b)how much money was spent on the exercise;

(c)which contractor carried out the works; and

(d)whether the contractor was paid.

The Minister of Works and Supply (Mr Namulambe): Mr Speaker, the periodic maintenance of the Mansa/Luwingu Road was previously carried out in 2006. The total amount spent on the periodic maintenance of the project was K2 billion.

The contract to carry out the periodic maintenance of the Mansa/Luwingu Road was awarded to Messrs Sable Transport Limited in 2006 and the contractor was paid in full.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, I would like to know why the Government opted to tar the Nakonde/Mbala and Isoka/Muyombe roads leaving out such an important road which the people of Luapula use to transport goods.

Ms Namugala: On a point of order, Sir.

The Deputy Chairperson: A point of order is raised.

Ms Namugala: Mr Speaker, I rarely rise on points of order. I rise today on a very serious point of order. Is the  hon. Member debating in order to insinuate that the people who use the Nakonde/Mbala and Isoka/Muyombe roads do not deserve a share in the national cake of this country by having infrastructure developed in their areas? I need your serious ruling.

The Deputy Chairperson: The point of order raised is cautioning the hon. Member on the Floor to take into account the national character of the work that we do as hon. Members of Parliament. Therefore, I wish to advise him to rephrase his question.

Mr Chisala: The Mansa/Luwingu Road is a very important road because it links two provinces, the Northern and Luapula provinces. Why has the Government lamentably failed to tar this road and, instead, ended up tarring roads in districts?

Mr Namulambe: Mr Speaker, this Government has not failed to work on the road in question. All the roads in this country are very important to us. The Mansa/Luwingu is one of the roads we plan to repair. We have a process in place for carrying out road works.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Munaile (Malole): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister of Works and Supply has told us before on the Floor of this House that more than K80 million is required to work on one kilometre of a gravel road.  Taking into account those figures, would he be kind enough to inform this august House that the ministry was satisfied with the K2 billion given to Sable Transport Limited for the works that were done on the Mansa/Luwingu Road?

Mr Namulambe: Mr Speaker, there are several factors that determine the cost per kilometre for each road being worked on. The Government paid K2 billion because it was satisfied with the works and certificates were issued in relation to the same.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kapeya (Mpika Central): Mr Speaker, indeed, all roads in Zambia are important. I would like to learn from the hon. Minister when the Mansa/Luwingu Road will be tarred?

Mr Namulambe: Mr Speaker, as the hon. Member of Parliament for Mpika Central is aware, tarring of roads is a continuous process. The Mansa/Luwingu is one of the roads we hope to work on. We will ensure that we tar that road.

I thank you, Sir.

CHILUBI CLINICAL OFFICERS RETENTION ALLOWANCE

543. Mr Chisala asked the Minister of Health when retention allowance would be paid to the five clinical officers serving in Chilubi District.

The Deputy Minister of Health (Dr Kalila): Mr Speaker, there are eight health workers under Chilubi District who are members of the Zambia Health Workers Retention Scheme. Of the eight health workers, one is a medical doctor, two are clinical officers, one is a medical licentiate, three are Zambia enrolled nurses and one is a registered nurse.

Mr Speaker, all the above-mentioned health workers who are members of the Zambia Health Workers Retention Scheme have been paid their retention allowances.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

INDO-ZAMBIA BANK

544. Mr D. Mwila asked the Minister of Finance and National Planning:

(a)how much money Indo-Zambia Bank paid to the Government in form of dividends from 2006 to 2010;

(b)how many branches countrywide the bank operated as of 31st December, 2010; and

(c)how many people were employed by the bank in the same period.

The Deputy Minister of Finance and National Planning (Ms C. M. Kapwepwe): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that Indo-Zambia Bank paid a total of K12 billion in the form of dividends from 2006 to 2010. The bank had thirteen branches across the country as at 31st December, 2010 and it employed 263 people during the same period.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr D. Mwila: Mr Speaker, if Indo-Zambia Bank can pay K12 billion in the form of dividends, is it possible for the hon. Minister to tell this House the shareholding structure?

Ms C. M. Kapwepwe: Mr Speaker, I am failing to connect the issue of the shareholding structure to that of dividend payments because dividend payments to be made are suggested by management to the board of directors each year. This, of course, is dependent on how much is projected for investment and statutory reserves. The dividend payments are only made after being approved by the board and in line with the dividend policy of that particular company.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, I would like to know what stake the Government of the Republic of Zambia holds in this bank.

Ms C. M. Kapwepwe: Mr Speaker, the Government of the Republic of Zambia owns 40 per cent of the shareholding in Indo-Zambia Bank.

Thank you, Sir.

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC. (Chasefu): Mr Speaker, is it provided  for in the agreement that the Managing Director of Indo-Zambia Bank must always be an Indian as opposed to a Zambian?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Ms C. M. Kapwepwe: Mr Speaker, these arrangements between countries, when they form companies, are peculiar to the arrangements agreed at the time. For example, the Managing Director of the Tanzania-Zambia Railways Authority (TAZARA) is always a Zambian, but the headquarters are in Tanzania. This is the arrangement that was agreed upon. It is the same situation with the Zambezi River Authority, whose headquarters are in Zambia, but the Managing Director is always a Zimbabwean. So, there is nothing strange about this arrangement.

I thank you, Sir.

VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE

545. Mr D. Mwila asked the Vice-President and Minister of Justice:

(a)whether co-operating partners contributed any money towards the Voter Registration Exercise and, if so, how much had been contributed from 2010 to date; and

(b)whether all the money at (a) above had been used on the intended purpose and, if not, why.

Mr Munkombwe: Mr Speaker, the co-operating partners did not contribute money specifically for the Voter Registration Exercise in 2010, but provided funding in the sum of US$4.7 million to purchase 1,000 voter registration kits that were used in the Voter Registration Exercise. Furthermore, the co-operating partners also provided US$20,000 for the distribution of the kits to all the relevant registration centres across the country.

Mr Speaker, the funds were entirely spent on the purchase and distribution of registration kits for the Voter Registration Exercise throughout the country.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr D. Mwila: Mr Speaker, how much money did the Government contribute to this exercise?

Mr Munkombwe: Mr Speaker, the question was very specific and it was about whether co-operating partners contributed any money towards the Voter Registration Exercise and not about what the Government contributed.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, why did the Government lamentably fail to pay the transporters whose vehicles were used during the twenty-one days of the Voters’ Registration Exercise that was carried out in March?

The Deputy Chairperson: I think you must agree with me that your question is outside the ambit of the current question.

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister, in his answer to the question posed by the hon. Member for Chipili, said that there was no specific money given for voter registration, and yet the co-operating partners bought voter registration kits. May I know whether there is any other purpose for the voter registration kits other than voter registration?

Mr Munkombwe: Mr Speaker, the question is whether co-operating partners contributed any money. Yes they contributed US$4.7 million. Further, the donor agencies also provided US$20,000 for the distribution of registration kits. There was no gambling.

Thank you, Sir.

Interruptions

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

URBANISATION

546. Colonel Chanda (Kanyama) asked the Vice-President and Minister of Justice:

(a)whether the Government had any plans to encourage people to settle in the rural areas of Zambia in light of the escalating urbanisation;

(b)if so, when this programme would commence and what the cost of undertaking it was; and

(c)whether any areas had been identified for pilot purposes and, if so, in which localities.

Mr Munkombwe: Mr Speaker, the Government, through the SDNP, will continue to promote and facilitate development of rural-based industrial enterprises for the purposes of encouraging urban-to-rural migration. As the House may be aware, the strategic focus in the manufacturing sector is to strengthen and widen the country’s manufacturing base with emphasis on backward and forward linkages.

In order to achieve rural industrialisation, some of the strategies to be undertaken are to:

(i)promote and facilitate development of appropriate infrastructure;

(ii)encourage on site agro-processing in the agricultural farm blocks; and

(iii)establish linkages between agricultural farming blocks, industrial estates and out-grower schemes.

Mr Speaker, the Government, therefore, believes that the maximisation of value addition on agriculture, particularly peasant agriculture, through the revival of agro-based industries, will attract many people to settle in the rural areas. Consequently, priority is given to infrastructure development in rural areas so as to attract investment to rural parts through initiatives such as construction of dams and boreholes for productive use in the farming blocks and resettlement schemes to promote irrigation.

The rural-to-urban drift will be better managed on the basis of regional development aimed at promoting balanced development that is co-ordinated through a decentralised and coherent process. Some achievements have been registered in infrastructure development in this particular case. This was made possible by the Government’s deliberate policy to tackle the infrastructure deficit which has accumulated over time through decentralised  implementation of development programmes as evidence of rural investments in health, education, roads and agriculture.

During the SNDP period, regional development will be guided by various policies and reforms implemented in the various sectors. Notably, implementation of the Decentralisation Implementation Plan (DIP), by devolution, will play a key role in accelerating regional development, thereby encouraging more people to settle in the rural areas.

Furthermore, the Government has commenced the sharing of grants to all local authorities through a formula-based system so as to improve the fiscal imbalance between the rural and urban districts. The recurrent grant takes into account variables such as poverty and population as a distribution mode so that the disparities between the regions are addressed.

Mr Speaker, according to the SNDP, rural industrialisation will be undertaken between the period 2011 to 2015. The cost of this undertaking is as follows:

 2011 2011 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
 GRZ Donor Total GRZ GRZ GRZ GRZ
 (K billion) (K billion) (K billion) (K billion) (K billion) (K billion) (K billion)
      
 0.1 0.6 0.7 6.3 5.3 4.9 4.9

Mr Speaker, one noteworthy result of the intervention meant to encourage people to settle in the rural areas in the light of urbanisation is through the growth of agro-processing enterprises in farming blocks. In this regard, local authorities are quite instrumental in the provision of land to the would-be developers. So far, the development of the Nansanga and Luena farming blocks are underway. Works on the Nansanga Farming Block are mainly towards electrification and demarcation surveys. Rehabilitation and construction of the Milima/Nansanga Road and Bridge have been undertaken.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Colonel Chanda: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for that good answer. In agreeing with the hon. Minister that infrastructure development in the rural areas is one way of accelerating and encouraging people to settle on the land, does he not agree with me also that this will only capture a fraction of the citizenry because most  people in the peri-urban areas have no meaningful income to go back to the land? Has the Government any deliberate policy of a monetary nature to assist some people who are willing to go and voluntarily settle on the land?

The Vice-President and Minister of Justice (Mr Kunda, SC.): Mr Speaker, if the hon. Member listened carefully to our answer, he would appreciate that there are various interventions which have been mentioned with particular regard to the creation of agro-based industries and promotion of agriculture. People can go back to the rural areas if they will benefit from agriculture, as that is one of the interventions.

Sir, if you look at provinces such as Eastern and Southern, you will note that most of the areas that were ruralbased are now almost urban because agriculture is booming so much that people are rearing animals and can grow cotton and other agricultural products. Therefore, based on those agricultural activities, we can also set up industries. For the sake of those who have not been to the Eastern Province, there are agro-based industries revolving around cotton growing there.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Mwamba: Mr Speaker, coming from a rural area, I have not seen any attempt by this Government to start to industrialise the rural areas. When will those grand pronouncements begin to be implemented so that employment can be created for the people in the rural areas?

The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Mr Speaker, if you live in Zambia and have been following the various strides we, as a Government, have made in promoting rural areas, you will note that we are opening up a coffee industry in the Northern Province.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: That is what we mean.  Mazabuka, for example, is now a big urban area because we have sugar plantations and out-grower schemes there. Therefore, we are doing the same in the Northern Province. There is a lot of farming going on and people can sell their produce.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Mr Speaker, there will be tourism activities also in the Northern Province.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: We are also opening an airport at the Kasaba Bay. There is a lot that we are doing. Those of us who are genuine, are seeing this kind of development. As for those who deliberately do not want to see it, it is up to them.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, I would like to know the number of resettlement schemes that have been planned for in the Northern Province.

The Deputy Chairperson: Hon. Member, the question has to do with what plans the Government has to encourage people to settle in rural areas.

Interruptions

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, His Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Justice has informed this House that there are a lot of interventions in terms of creating agriculture-based industries. I would like to know what the Government is doing about the Mununshi Banana Scheme and the Mwinilunga Pineapple Factory.

The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Mr Speaker, apart from Government intervention, we have also created an enabling environment for investors to take up opportunities like the ones mentioned by the hon. Member from which they can benefit. That is how this prudent Government operates.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kambwili: Question!

VICTORIA FALLS TOURISTS

547. Colonel Chanda asked the Minister of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources:

(a)whether there had been a decline in the number of tourists visiting the Victoria Falls and Livingstone City in general since 2010 compared to the Zimbabwean side;

(b)if so, how much decline in revenue had been recorded compared to the projections for 2010;

(c)what the country’s tourism marketing strategy was; and

(d)how much had been spent on marketing tourism in 2010.

Mr Mwangala: Mr Speaker, statistics suggest that the number of tourists visiting the Victoria Falls has declined from 28, 395 in the first quarter of 2010 to 25, 600 in the first quarter of 2011. This is an indication that the number of tourists visiting Livingstone City has also declined. However, my ministry is not able to make a comparative analysis with the Zimbabwean side because official statistics available to us from the Zimbabwean side only go up to 2009.

Mr Speaker, my ministry is not yet in a position to determine the revenue loss resulting from the decline in tourist arrivals because operators of tourist establishments have not yet produced financial reports for 2011 and we do not have a complete picture of all the drivers that affect revenue. Revenue is determined by a number of factors such as length of stay of visitors besides the actual number of visitors. In other words, a reduction in tourist arrivals of a magnitude such as observed in Livingstone is not likely to affect revenue if the length of stay of tourists has increased.

Mr Speaker, the country’s Tourism Marketing Strategic Plan, through the Zambia Tourism Board, has been designed to make tourism play a significant role in the economic development of the country by increasing the contribution of tourism to gross domestic product (GDP) to about 5.5 per cent by 2012 and tourist arrivals to about 1.3 million in the next three years from the 815,140 recorded in 2010.

Mr Kambwili interjected.

Mr Mwangala: Iwe, mwaiche, iwe!

Laughter

Mr Mwangala: Mr Speaker, the marketing strategy identifies seven areas of focus up to 2012 as follows:

(i)launch a new brand image for Zambia which will capture and depict the main pillars of Zambia’s tourism, namely the Victoria Falls, friendly people, rich diverse cultural heritage, pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife, fantastic climate and a safe secure destination;

(ii)consistently promote Zambia’s tourism brand as a means to market the destination as a unique and compelling one;

(iii)increase awareness and convert awareness into high yielding visitation and disperse visitation across the country and across the seasons for higher economic benefits;

(iv)establish stronger local, regional and international partnerships to integrate tourism marketing efforts to maximise impact for all stakeholders;

(v)develop a strong domestic and regional market;

(vi)strengthen market research so as to support effective marketing decision making; and

(vii)enhance the use of internet and other e-tools to enhance and extend our market reach.

Sir, the amount spent on marketing tourism in 2010 was K4.7 billion.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}

Colonel Chanda: Mr Speaker, the comparative cost of holidaying on the Zimbabwean side and Zambian side is that tourists who come to view the Victoria Falls end up spending their money on the Zimbabwean side because facilities are cheaper there. If that is so, what is the Government doing to reduce the cost of holidaying on the Zambian side?

Ms Namugala: Mr Speaker, I want to agree that, at the moment, the major cost of tourist travel is accommodation. At the moment, the Zimbabwean side has a lot more accommodation facilities than the Zambian side. As a result, their rates are lower than those on the Zambian side. That notwithstanding, tourist arrivals do not only depend on cost, but also on the different products that you have as a country. Our tourism product as a country is unique. Apart from seeing the Victoria Falls, which are a shared resource with Zimbabwe, there are many other attractions that we have as a country.

Mr Speaker, that is why, in his response, the hon. Deputy Minister talked about the length of stay which is very important. It does not matter how many arrivals you get. For instance, the number of arrivals in Tanzania and Zambia are almost the same, but because tourists in Tanzania stay longer since Tanzania has developed infrastructure in many of its areas, tourists stay longer. It is our intention, as a Government, to ensure infrastructure development so that the length of stay of tourists in Zambia is extended from the existing six days on average to somewhere around twelve days.

Sir, therefore, it is true that the cost of accommodation in Zimbabwe is, indeed, lower than that on the Zambian side. We are still developing accommodation facilities and, as you know, we have a liberalised economy. Our role, as a Government, is to create an enabling environment for the private sector to invest in the tourism sector.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mrs Musokotwane (Katombola): Mr Speaker, what plans does the Government have to expand Livingstone Museum so that we have more items there?

Ms Namugala: Mr Speaker, Livingstone Museum is one of the well stocked museums in the country. The intention of the Government is not just to localise the development of museums in Livingstone. There are many other parts of the country that require infrastructure to be able to store our political and natural heritage. I think what is required is for us to have a lot more of our children visiting the museums so that they can learn and appreciate our political history, especially that which is depicted in the Livingstone Museum to a very great extent.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

SOLWEZI GENERAL HOSPITAL REHABILITATION

548. Mr Lumba asked the Minister of Health;

(a)how much of the K11 billion given to the ministry by Kansanshi Mine had been spent on the rehabilitation of Solwezi General Hospital as of May, 2011;

(b)what major works had so far been carried out; and

(c)when the rehabilitation works at the Hospital would be completed.

Dr Kalila: Mr Speaker, the funds amounting to K11 billion that Kansanshi Mine gave to the Ministry of Health have not yet been released. The funds will be handled by Kansanshi Mine.

Mr Speaker, the House may wish to note that these funds will be used not only to rehabilitate Solwezi General Hospital but also to construct an office block, emergency wing, intensive care unit, male surgical ward, specialised clinics and high cost and psychiatric wards.

Mr Speaker, so far, no major works have been done, but the hospital, working together with Kansanshi Mine, has commenced the establishment of the above-mentioned facilities through the design, mobilisation and ground clearing.

Mr Speaker, the rehabilitation works for Solwezi General Hospital will take five years to complete, as the works will be undertaken in phases and the funds will be released accordingly.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lumba: Mr Speaker, it was announced on radio that Kansanshi Mine had given this money to the Ministry of Health. If this money has not yet been released, as the hon. Minister said, when can we expect the first tranche of this money and when can we expect the works to commence?

Dr Kalila: Mr Speaker, Kansanshi Mine has taken this project as part of its corporate social responsibility. The donation to the tune of K11billion will be spread over five years and this will be managed by the mine.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, K11billion can go a long way if utilised properly. Can the hon. Minister tell us when the Government will follow up on the release of this money with a view to commencing works at the health institution?  

Hon. Members: Aah!

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Hon. Member, I think that it was clearly stated that this money will be controlled by the mine itself. Where, therefore, is the Government failing?

Interruptions

KANSANSHI MINE GOLD PRODUCTION

549. Mr Lumba asked the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development:

(a)how many kilogrammes of gold were produced at Kansanshi Mine in  2009 and 2010;

(b)how much money was released from the sale of the gold above; and

(c)how much money in the form of taxes the Government realised from the gold at (b) above.

Mr Chikwakwa: Mr Speaker, in 2009 and 2010, Kansanshi Mine produced the following kilogrammes of gold:

 

 Year      Gold Production (kg)

2009.3,108
2010.3,410
Total      6,518

Mr Speaker, a total of US$189.4million was realised from the sale of gold in 2009 and 2010, broken down as follows:

 Year      US$ million

2009.  74.3
2010.115.1
Total      189.4

Mr Speaker, the Government realised the following taxes from the sale of gold during the period under review:

Year Mineral Royalty  Corporate tax  Variable tax  Total
  (US$ million)  (US$ million)  (US$ million)   

2009 3.8   21.1     8.3   33.2
2010 6.1   32.7   13.7   52.5

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Lumba: Mr Speaker, following the response by the hon. Deputy Minister and the earlier response on profits being made by the mines, it is clear that Kansanshi Mine is contributing a lot to Government revenue and becoming a cash cow for this Government.  When will this Government deliberately develop Solwezi with regard to infrastructure commensurate with the money it is getting?

Mr M. B. Mwale: Mr Speaker, clearly, the hon. Member needs a second pair of glasses to see the development that is taking place in Solwezi.

Hon. MMD Members: Hear, hear!

Mr M. B. Mwale: Mr Speaker, I would like to inform the hon. Member that Solwezi Airport is being expanded and the roads are being worked on.

Hon. Opposition Members: Which roads?

Mr M. B. Mwale: The Chingola/Solwezi Road, which is the main road, is being worked on.  A lot of development is taking place, including the housing scheme. There is construction of health and education facilities such as the technical school in the district.

Mr Speaker, we have to realise that Zambia is a unitary State. There are places which do not have mineral resources. If we only developed places that have mineral resources and forgot Sinazongwe or Siavonga, which do not have any,  …

Mr Muyanda: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr M. B. Mwale: … there would be serious underdevelopment in these areas.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Muyanda: On a point of order, Sir.

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Who are you raising a point of order on?

Mr Muyanda: On that same man (pointing at the hon. Minister).

Laughter

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

The hon. Minister has already concluded his speech.

Mr Muyanda: That is why he rushed through his speech.

Laughter

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Notice of Motion.

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

The Deputy Chairperson: I beg your pardon; the hon. Member for Roan may proceed.

Mr Kambwili: I would like to find out from the hon. Minister if this Government has any plans to attract investment for the establishment of a precious metal processing plant so that we create more jobs for our people to process gold rather than creating jobs outside the country.

Mr. M. B. Mwale: Mr Speaker, certainly, it is advantageous for us, as a country, to sell finished products. Kansanshi Mine exports gold, however, when the hon. Member talks about a precious metal plant like the one we had in Ndola, it has to be realised that now there are different players in the industry. When we did an analysis of what is produced in terms of slime, the kind of investment that may be required may not really accommodate the small levels of  slime that are produced locally.

I thank you, Sir

Mr Chanda (Kankoyo): Mr Speaker, what measures has the Government put in place to ensure that the quantities of gold that are produced are the ones declared to the Government?

Mr M. B. Mwale: Mr Speaker, First Quantum Mine is a recently acquired public company. Therefore, transparency is key and is one of the requirements wherever it is listed. Ethics should also be applicable in terms of declarations. As a Government, we have gone further and ensured that staff in the ministry monitor whatever quantities are produced at Kansanshi Copper Mines.

I thank you, Sir

Mr Kapeya: Mr Speaker, that answer clearly shows that mining of gold in Solwezi is done on a small-scale. May I find out whether we expect to have full scale mining of gold in Solwezi in the near future?

Mr M. B. Mwale: Mr Speaker, as a point of correction on what the hon. Member has said, I wish to state that gold production is a by-product of copper mining in Solwezi. The company can only mine what is in the ground. As far as the geological information is concerned, gold may occur as a permanent product only around the Mumbwa area, hence more excursion work is being undertaken in that area.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

_________

MOTION

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ASSURANCES

Mr Syakalima (Siavonga): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do adopt the Report of the Committee on Government Assurances for the Fifth Session of the Tenth National Assembly which was laid on the Table of the House on Friday 3rd June, 2011.

The Deputy Chairman: Is the Motion seconded?

Mr Chitonge (Mwansabombwe): Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

Mr Syakalima: Mr Speaker, this being the last Session of this Parliament, your Committee decided to consider almost all the assurances that have been outstanding from the past years. This is with a view to assessing whether or not the Government has been fulfilling its promises within a reasonable time, as assured on the Floor of this House.

Your Committee considered about fifty-five outstanding assurances and only about five new assurances. Mr Speaker, out of the fifty-five outstanding assurances, I am sad to report that only ten have been attended to by the Government and have since been closed by your Committee.

Sir, your Committee notes that some of these assurances, which have finally been closed, had been pending redress for a very long time now. For example, an assurance to construct ablution blocks for Solwezi Police Camp was made as far back as 8th December, 1987. This assurance was only disposed of last year, after being on the Committee’s agenda for over twenty years.

Mr Speaker, there are many such examples where the assurances have remained unattended to for unreasonably long periods and the usual answer that your Committee gets from the Government, year after year, is that the Government does not have adequate funds to attend to the assurances.

In this regard, Sir, your Committee wishes to urge the Executive to desist from making assurances on the Floor of this House before undertaking consultations with experts in the various ministries on the availability of funds and the practicability of making such promises in a given timeframe.

Mr Speaker, allow me, at this point, to highlight a few assurances from the report and offer your Committee’s observations and recommendations on the same.

Sir, on 22nd November, 2007, the hon. Deputy Minister of Health assured this House that the Government had started procuring ambulances to be delivered to hospitals and health centres countrywide.

In line with this assurance, your Committee undertook a tour of Siavonga District Hospital and Livingstone General Hospital to ascertain whether these institutions had benefited from the procurement of new ambulances.

Mr Speaker, your Committee found that Siavonga District Hospital did not have a single ambulance. The hospital has been forced to turn a utility Toyota land cruiser into a make-shift ambulance without any life support equipment installed in it. Your Committee was also informed, while on tour, that despite vast areas of Siavonga being covered by the waters of Lake Kariba, the hospital did not have a marine ambulance to evacuate patients who lived on islands and other areas where the land cruiser could not reach.

In some instances, the hospital had been compelled to hire boats to evacuate the sick. In other instances, however, boats for hire were unavailable and, unfortunately, lives were lost as there was absolutely nothing the medical staff could do to evacuate the sick.

Mr Speaker, the situation at Livingstone General Hospital was the same. Notwithstanding that this hospital is a second level hospital, it, too, had converted a land cruiser into a make-shift ambulance, but it was not equipped with any life support equipment.

Sir, Livingstone General Hospital, being a referral hospital, has a large catchment area, extending as far as Kazungula and parts of the Western Province. It is, therefore, difficult to comprehend why such a large hospital lacks even one properly-equipped ambulance to attend to the sick.

Mr Speaker, during our Committee’s conducted tour of the hospital, it was revealed that apart from lacking an ambulance, Livingstone General Hospital did not have functional elevators for easy access to hospital departments and wards located on upper floors. The elevators were obsolete as they were installed in the last century when the hospital was built. As a result, patients were stretchered using steep stairways putting both the helper and the patients at risk of slipping and falling on the stairs.

Sir, the problems at these two hospitals, which your Committee visited, are many. May I, therefore, urge the Government to urgently procure, at least, one ambulance for each hospital, equipped with life support machines, for the good of our people living in those areas. May I also add that Siavonga District Hospital should have a marine ambulance, as parts of the district are surrounded by Lake Kariba.

Mr Speaker, allow me to highlight another assurance which was made by the Minister of Lands on 17th July, 2009. He stated that:

“However, it is important that the time limit for the issuance of these titles is minimised so that we do not have too many people queuing up. We are looking at that and soon you will see a big change.”

Sir, it is common knowledge that the Ministry of Lands is renowned for chronic delays in issuing certificates of title. Your Committee has probed this matter for two years now …

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Business was suspended from 1815 hours until 1830 hours.{mospagebreak}

[THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the Chair]

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

As there is no quorum, I suspend Business for two minutes.

Business was suspended from 1830 hours until 1832 hours.

Mr Syakalima: Mr Speaker, when business was suspended, I was advancing the point that the Ministry of Lands is renowned for chronic delays in issuing certificates of title. Your Committee has probed this matter for two years now and the excuse given by the ministry has been the shortage of staff and lack of permanent staff for the ministry’s Customer Service Centre.

Mr Speaker, your Committee urges the Government to urgently address whatever problem is at the root of these delays. It is well known that as a result of these delays, whether real or fictitious, the ministry has earned itself the negative tag of being the most corrupt ministry. Your Committee’s wish is that the ministry should clean its house and restore sanity in its operations.

Mr Speaker, allow me to refer the House to another assurance which was made by the hon. Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing on 18th March, 2009, to the effect that his ministry had plans to assist not only the Lusaka City Council, but all local authorities to redesign and expand road infrastructure in light of the ever increasing volume of motor vehicles on Zambian roads.

Mr Speaker, two years have gone by since that assurance was made and the only progress that has been reported to your Committee by the Ministry of Local Government and Housing is the formulation of a Master Plan for the City of Lusaka which includes the construction of ring roads to decongest the existing roads. The ministry is hopeful that various donors will buy into the plan and assist the Government with funds to implement it.

Mr Speaker, arising from the ministry’s position, the question that begs an answer is: “What will happen if there are no donors interested enough to buy into the ministry’s plan?” Has the Government got an alternative plan to implement this very important assurance?

Mr Speaker, the need to redesign and expand roads in our big cities, especially Lusaka, is of utmost importance. The traffic congestion experienced on a daily basis in Lusaka is a nightmare which, more often than not, brings the flow of traffic on our main roads to a virtual standstill. Your Committee, therefore, appeals to the Government to double its efforts in sourcing funds for the implementation of this project. The sooner it is done, the better it will be for the development of our capital city as well as the nation at large.

Finally, Mr Speaker, allow me to draw the attention of the House to an assurance that was made in this House on 5th August, 2009, by the Minister of Finance and National Planning to the effect that the Government would speed up the payment of benefits and pension arrears to retirees.

Mr Speaker, during your Committee’s deliberations, it was informed by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning that the Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF), to which most civil servants remit their pension contributions, is faced with a number of financial challenges that are responsible for its inefficiency in paying retirees their benefits on demand.

Sir, your Committee was informed that the PSPF, among other difficulties, no longer admits new members to the fund, hence its capacity to generate more finances through contributions has been reducing. It is the view of your Committee that the most effective way for the Government to address the problem of delays in payment of retirees’ benefits is to dissolve the PSPF which, at the moment, does not generate sufficient funds and transfer its current members to the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) by way of appropriate amendments to the relevant pieces of legislation.

Mr Speaker, we urge the Government, however, that before this is done, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning should endeavour to source funds for all outstanding arrears and benefits. It is common knowledge that a number of retired civil servants are languishing in poverty because they have not yet been paid their entitlements after diligently serving this country. The bottlenecks associated with the bureaucratic procedures required to access one’s benefits are so complex that some retirees have, unfortunately, died before they could enjoy the fruits of their labour.

Mr Speaker, your Committee passionately appeals to the Government to urgently look into the plight of retirees by working out ways of efficiently paying them their benefits. They deserve to be treated with honour and dignity because they have already served this country.

In conclusion, Mr Speaker, may I thank you most sincerely for your guidance to the Committee throughout its session. I also wish, on behalf of your Committee, to thank the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly for the services rendered during its deliberations.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The Deputy Chairperson: Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?

Mr Chitonge: Now, Sir. 

Mr Speaker, allow me to draw the attention of the House to page 26 of your Committee’s report, where there is an assurance under the Ministry of Home Affairs which has been outstanding since 2005. This assurance is to the effect that the Government would purchase non-lethal riot gear for the police, in order to curb the use of live ammunition in the control of riots.

Mr Speaker, your Committee has been probing this matter for several years now and, to date, this Government has failed to deliver on this assurance. In the last Action-Taken Report, your Committee was updated that about 75 per cent of the total contract sum for the purchase of riot equipment had been paid and that part of the consignment would be delivered soon.

Mr Speaker, your Committee is concerned about the lack of commitment by the Government to clarify when the whole consignment will arrive in the country. It is not enough for the Ministry of Home Affairs to state that the consignment will arrive soon without giving a definite date.

Mr Speaker, the need for this equipment cannot be overemphasised. It is common knowledge that in the recent past, several innocent lives were lost at the hands of police officers who used live ammunition during some riots that erupted in some parts of our country. Your Committee calls upon the Government to speedily address this matter before any more lives are lost, especially that the country will hold general elections this year which are characterised by a lot of campaign rallies and public gatherings.

Mr Speaker, allow me to highlight another outstanding assurance, which is in your Committee’s report, with regard to the resumption of the Njanji Commuter Services. It is the opinion of your Committee that the resumption of the Njanji Commuter Services has proved challenging for the Government as it has failed to attract a credible private investor to operate the commuter service as was assured on the Floor of this House. In addition, a number of unplanned residential properties have mushroomed in the recent past within fifty metres radius of the Njanji Railway Line, further compounding the Government’s failed efforts to attract an investor.

Mr Speaker, your Committee is, therefore, concerned at the inaction by the Government to explore alternative means to revive the commuter service or, indeed, stop the real estate developments that are taking place near the railway line. Your Committee is interested to know why these developments were left to go on despite authorities knowing that it is illegal to allocate land close to the railway line. Your Committee would also like to know what will become of the said developments in the event that the Ministry of Communications and Transport succeeds in finding a private investor to resume operations of the Njanji Commuter Services.

Mr Speaker, in conclusion, let me add to what the mover of the Motion said with regard to retiree benefits. Based on Government policy, currently, the Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF) does not admit new entrants to the fund. However, it is obligated to find money and pay those who are retiring from the public service. This has weighed negatively on the financial capacity of the PSPF, hence the delays in paying the retirees their benefits.

Your Committee recommends that the Government’s long-term plan to overhaul the PSPF should be implemented sooner rather than later. This will obviously take effect subject to amendments to the Republican Constitution, particularly Article 124. In Article 124, the Constitution protects individual pension rights for existing workers. This implies that in the absence of constitutional reforms, explosive pension deficits will continue to be a line item in the Budget because the Government has its hands tied in the constitutional promise to its employees.

We urge the Government, therefore, to initiate the amendments to Article 124 of the Constitution so that a framework within which to transfer all public workers to NAPSA can be created. Ultimately, this will hopefully get rid of the bottlenecks that currently characterise the delayed payments of retiree benefits.

Mr Speaker, with these few words, I thank you.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear! 

Mr Mooya (Moomba): Sir, in supporting the Motion on the Floor, let me make two or three comments on the report. The first issue I want to talk about is the usual problem, or shall I call it a disease, that we have as a nation which is the late implementation of projects. Assurances are made on the Floor of the House, but it takes so long to implement the projects. I have heard from the Chairperson of your Committee that some of these assurances were made twenty years ago, but the actual projects have not yet been implemented. As a nation, I think we should improve on this. While on this same subject, let me point out two projects that I personally handled, but are not yet complete. I think these were the first projects I worked on when I joined the Civil Service about thirty-eight years ago. Now …

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

The hon. Member will avoid bringing personal issues in his debate.

The hon. Member may continue, please. 

Mr Mooya: Okay, Sir.

Now, what I am trying to say is that projects like the Chipata/Mfuwe Road, which is mentioned in the Committee’s report, have been on the drawing board since the early 1970s. However, I am happy to note that the project is almost complete. When the Committee on Estimates made a report, it made a plea that the airport road in that area should also be tarred. I agree with this plea because we need to complete the entire road, including the airport road which branches off from the main road to the airport.

Mr Speaker, I would also like to talk about the Kazungula Bridge. More than thirty years ago, this bridge was not economically viable, but I think it is now. Therefore, I am happy that it is going to be completed by the end of this year, as stated in your Committee’s report. In the past, it has just been one report after another and so many feasibility studies without the construction of the bridge ever taking place. Therefore, I repeat that I am happy that the project is now viable and will be completed soon. 

Sir, finally, let me now turn to page 4 under the Ministry of Local Government and Housing subheading concerning the upgrading of Misisi Compound in Lusaka. Let me appeal to the Government to consult widely concerning this matter. The proposal here is that we should demolish the houses in this compound and replace them with high-rise flats for people to live in. I think, at the moment, there is 230 hectares of land in Misisi. Now, it is proposed that we put up multi-storey flats on about 40 hectares so that 50,000 people can live in these flats.

I personally think we should do more consultations because such a housing setup would be alien to people in this place. Imagine how these people would live with the extended families that we have in this country. One family can have as many as ten members. Therefore, such a family cannot be put in one flat. If we built accommodation for 50,000 people, we would find that we end up with, maybe, six times that figure, which is 300,000 people.

So, my suggestion is that we should probably find land somewhere else so that we can build the usual or traditional single storey buildings for people in this compound to live in. These one storey buildings or houses can be on plots of about 20 x 30 metres each. I think we should not try to borrow ideas from other countries which might not work here. For example, in the workshop we had this morning, we were told that the child policy for China is one child per family while in Europe it is 1.6. I think that can work there, but not here when we have an extended family setup.

Mr Speaker, my appeal is that we consult widely before we implement this project. I am sure that there must be an alternative. Otherwise, we will end up having high-rise buildings like the ones in Kabwata. It is very sad when you pass there and look at those flats because there is no care. Otherwise, I am happy with the report.

I would like to thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamududu (Bweengwa): Mr Speaker, allow me, very briefly, to say one or two things in support of this report.

Mr Speaker, the revelations of the report of your Committee give us a very important lesson. When a government assures its citizens and does not deliver, that has implications in the governance of the country as people begin to lose confidence in it. I will give you examples here. When you assure people that you will expedite the processing of issuing title deeds and some poor old people from far-flung areas go to the Ministry of Lands and spend weeks in Lusaka without getting their titles, they begin to lose confidence in the governance of the country.

Therefore, I want to urge the Executive to take these issues very seriously. Once you assure the citizens, please, deliver within a foreseeable time period. Otherwise, it boomerangs and you create despondence in the nation. So, the Executive must take these issues very seriously. I think the Executive needs a whip just like we have a whip in Parliament so that he/she can whip some of these ministries.

Laughter

Mr Hamududu: Mr Speaker, once the Executive assures the people, it must be whipped so that it can deliver within a reasonable timeframe. These are serious issues. At the moment, generally, in Zambia, people question whether the Government can deliver. The Government assures people that it will work on a certain bridge, it will ensure that people get their title for land very quickly and subdivide it in order to get empowered by using it as collateral to easily borrow money, and yet people are failing to get a simple title in their own country. Given such a background, what do you think people will think about this Government? These are very serious issues and I think people in the Executive are getting too complacent. This is not part of our formality. Things must be done otherwise you will create despondence in the nation.

Mr Speaker, secondly, as the Government assures people of doing things that it does not deliver, it brings into question its level of efficiency. This is because the message sent to the people is that it is inefficient and incompetent. I think if I was part of the Executive, I would take strong exception to that. If you are a hon. Minister of Lands or of Works and Supply and there is traffic congestion as there is in Lusaka at the moment and you assure people that you will deal with the issue and you do nothing about it, you make people question your efficiency. At the moment, to reach Chelston from the central business district (CBD) is terrible. If you are rushing to go to the airport you can miss a flight. Why do we need to take an hour just to go to the airport?

Mr Speaker, I think that when we assure people, we must have a real plan. If you do not have a plan and money, do not assure people …

Interruptions

Hon. Opposition Member: Keep quiet.

Mr Hamududu: … just keep quiet because this will bring about other consequences. Therefore, I want to urge the Government to be very serious when it assures the people. If it does not have the resources and plans, please, it should not assure people. Otherwise, you are putting a wrong mark on a sheet since they are marking you wrongly. They are marking you a failure. Please, do not make an assurnace if you cannot provide.

Mr Speaker, let me just end with the issue of traffic congestion. Why does a country with few people and so much land have so much congestion and all that people get are assurances of this and that being attended to? There is too much congestion on the Mumbwa Road. What is that congestion for? People have been saying that they want a dual carriageway and you assured them that you would attend to that, but nothing is happening. How much does it cost to construct a dual carriageway from Lumumba to somewhere at Situmbeko? There are just a few kilometres.

Mr Speaker, I think the Government really has to have a clear plan. Otherwise, we are going to destroy our country. It has to be borne in the minds of those in Government that people the world over lose confidence in a government that does not deliver, as they begin to question whether an African Government can deliver. Generally, in Africa, people are questioning whether black governments can deliver or they are just good at talking without anything happening. So, please, let us just redeem ourselves and begin to deliver.

Mr Speaker, with these words, I thank you.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Justice (Mr Kunda, SC.): Mr Speaker, I have gone through this report and some of the assurances which are referred to in various debates. It is stated that fifty-five assurances were outstanding with five new ones and only ten have been attended to and closed.

However, going through the report very closely and scrutinising the comments and various explanations from the Government and action-taken reports, it is quite clear that, in many of these assurances, the Government has explained what it is doing. In many cases, substantial progress has been explained to the Committee, but, instead of it closing some of the assurances, it has decided to await progress reports. The Committee is awaiting progress reports, meaning that it acknowledges that there is progress on those assurances and that we are doing something about them.

Mr Speaker, in many cases, something is being done about the assurances. For example, in the Ministry of Education, there are times when we go through tender processes, as the project is already budgeted for. Therefore, something is being done.
As regards the provision of sixteen secondary schools, your Committee noted, previously, that despite the assurance having been made as far back as 1996, construction of schools under the assurance was still going on. It was reported in the action-taken report that construction was still going on for most of the schools at various levels as indicated in the table provided. Now, it is a fact that we are constructing so many high schools. For example, your Committee expressed concern that the Kapiri-Mposhi Girls’ Technical School was taking long to be completed. It was reported in the action-taken report that construction was still going on. I have visited this particular school and you will see that there are twenty houses at ring level, four classroom blocks at the gable level, two toilets at the classroom area and hostels are at the gable level. However, having gone there recently, of course, I saw that those buildings are already roofed. So, you must give credit where it is due because progress has been recorded in abiding by this particular assurance.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kunda, SC.: There are many examples such as this one. For example, the construction of Mwembeshi Prison is almost complete. It was reported in the action-taken report that the dormitories had been completed in addition to a block of four cells, a kitchen, a dinning room and a borehole. What remained was a perimeter security block wall and office block.

Mr Speaker, under Committee observations and recommendations, your Committee agrees to tour the prison at an appropriate time after which it will consider closing this assurance. This is one of the assurances which is still open, but there is a lot of progress which must be acknowledged.

Mr Speaker, the mover of the Motion is not listening.

Hon. Opposition Members: Fyafula!

The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: I am replying to your comments.

Laughter

The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Mr Speaker, we have honoured many of the assurances except that we may not have completed doing the work, but we shall continue to explain what we are doing. Some of the explanations are in the public domain.

Mr Speaker, regarding the issue of ambulances, we have done a lot in procuring equipment.

Hon. Member: Mobile.

The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: We have mobile hospitals, for example.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: We have procured and distributed ambulances in almost all the provinces and this is one issue the mover was complaining about. Therefore, by doing all these things, we are trying to improve the lives of our people and these are areas we are focusing on. Otherwise, we have taken note of some of the constructive observations. This is a very good report. However, you acknowledge where we have done well and that is what we expect from you.

You also talked about your constituency, Siavonga, where we are doing a lot. I thought I should say these few words.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Syakalima: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank all those who have spoken and those who carefully read the report.

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter

Question put and agreed to.

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BILL

THIRD READING

The following Bill was read the third time and passed:

The Companies (Amendment) BILL, 2011.

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MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

The Vice-President and Minister of Justice (Mr Kunda, SC.): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

Question put and agreed to.
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The House adjourned at 1904 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 22nd June, 2011.

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