Wednesday, 18th March, 2026

Wednesday, 18^th March, 2026

The House met at 1430 hours

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

_______

ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM SPEAKER

WITNESSES TO THE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of permanent witnesses of the Committee on Local Government Accounts from the Ministry of Finance and National Planning in Lusaka District.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

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

I thank you.

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM HOLY CROSS CONVENT SCHOOL

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of pupils and teachers from Holy Cross Convent School in Lusaka District.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: On behalf of the National Assembly of Zambia, I warmly welcome the visitors into our midst. I also went to a school called ‘Holy Cross’. So, I am closer to them than any of you in the House.

I thank you.

STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA LAW ASSOCIATION

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of students from the University of Zambia Law Association in Lusaka District.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: On behalf of the National Assembly of Zambia, I warmly welcome the visitors into our midst. I also went to the University of Zambia’s law school.

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Ema lawyers aya!

Laughter

SESSIONAL COMMITTEES –

MEMBERSHIP

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to inform the House that in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order No. 176(3), I have made the following changes in the composition of some Sessional Committees:

PORTIFOLIO COMMITTEES

Committee on Youth, Sport and Child Matters

Mr Elijah Muchima, MP, to replace Mr Alex Katakwe, MP

Committee on Health, Community Development and Social Services

Mr Elias Mubanga, MP, to replace Mr Alex Katakwe, MP

Committee on Agriculture, Lands and Natural Resources

Mr Vumango P. Musumali, MP, to replace Mr Malama Mufunelo, MP

I thank you.

_______

URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

MR MIYUTU, HON. MEMBER FOR KALABO CENTRAL, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF HEALTH, MR KATAKWE, ON THE SHORTAGE OF OXYGEN AT LEWANIKA GENERAL HOSPITAL

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to raise an Urgent Matter without Notice. My matter is directed at the hon. Minister of Health, even though I do not see him in the House.

Madam Speaker, Lewanika General Hospital is located in Mongu District, and that is our referral hospital in the Western Province. So, the sixteen districts in the province all refer critical issues to the same hospital. According to our assessment of the current situation, it seems things are not in good order for us. So far, two people have died, and it is suspected that it was as a result of the non-availability of oxygen supply at the hospital.

Madam Speaker, I would like to seek your intervention on this very critical matter, which is related to the people of the Western Province in all the sixteen districts.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much, hon. Member for Kalabo Central. I noticed that the hon. Minister of Health is not in the House. However, in view of the fact that we are adjourning on Friday, 20^th March, even if the hon. Minister was asked to issue a Ministerial Statement on the matter, we may not have sufficient time. Therefore, I would suggest that you file in an urgent question. It will have the same effect and you will be able to advise the people regarding what is happening in terms of the oxygen that is not available at Lewanika General Hospital.

ENG. MABENGA, HON. MEMBER FOR MULOBEZI, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF EDUCATION, MR SYAKALIMA, ON THE TRANSFER OF TEACHERS IN MULOBEZI CONSTITUENCY

Eng. Mabenga (Mulobezi): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Eng. Mabenga: Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to raise an Urgent Matter without Notice directed at the hon. Minister of Education.

Madam Speaker, yesterday in the afternoon, I received a list of thirty-five teachers who have been transferred from Mulobezi, and pupils are not learning at the moment. Earlier, sixty-eight teachers were transferred from Mulobezi, bringing the total number of transferred teachers to 105, and no replacements have been made.

Madam Speaker, I would like to know what is happening in Mulobezi regarding teachers. Are we not part of Zambia?

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much, hon. Member for Mulobezi.

I think, in such cases, it is better to engage the hon. Minister of Education. He is here, in the House. Please, do engage him, because raising it as –

Eng. Mabenga waved papers.

Madam Speaker: You may have those documents, but have you engaged the hon. Minister of Education?

Eng. Mabenga interjected.

Madam Speaker: Did you bring that information to the attention of the hon. Minister?

Eng. Mabenga: Madam Speaker, I have two letters that I wrote to the Ministry of Education, and I have also engaged the hon. Minister in person, but nothing has happened.

Madam Speaker: I would suggest that you engage further with the hon. Minister, who is here.

Mr Syakalima indicated assent.

Madam Speaker: He is nodding for you to get in touch with him. Otherwise, you may file in a question to find out what is happening, if there is no response. However, the matter is not admissible as an Urgent Matter without Notice. Please, do engage, as we always advise.

MR SIMUMBA, HON. MEMBER FOR NAKONDE, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, MR MTOLO, ON THE MAIZE THEFT AT THE FOOD RESERVE AGENCY IN NAKONDE

Mr Simumba (Nakonde): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Mr Simumba: Madam Speaker, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to raise an Urgent Matter without Notice directed at the hon. Minister of Agriculture.

Madam Speaker, we have a situation in Nakonde that needs the help of this House. In the last farming season, some employees of the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) in Nakonde stole about 3,500 bags of maize. The suspects were arrested and released on police bond. To date, nothing has happened.

Madam Speaker, this season, other people, who are connected to the Ruling Party, have also stolen about 10,000 bags of maize.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Nakonde!

When you ask a question, be factual. Do you have information to support your allegation that the people who stole the maize are connected to the Ruling Party?

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: If you do not have, then, just restrict yourself to the Urgent Matter without Notice that you want to raise. Do not make any insinuations.

You may proceed.

Mr Simumba: Madam Speaker, this season, the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) employees, upon seeing that the ones who stole maize last year have not been taken to court and are moving freely, have, again, stolen 10,000 bags of FRA maize. I was doing my simple mathematics here. A bag of maize is K350. When you multiply that by 10,000 bags, you get about K3.5 million.

Mr B. Mpundu: Iye!

Mr Simumba: Again, the very suspects were arrested, but they are moving freely in Nakonde. I want to know something from the hon. Minister of Education –

Hon. Members: Ah!

Mr Simumba: The hon. Minister of Agriculture, I mean.

Mr B. Mpundu: Hungry culture!

Mr Simumba: Madam Speaker, is he in order to keep quiet when bags of white maize are being stolen in Nakonde? I do not know the situation in other depots, but in Nakonde alone, we have lost about K3.5 million worth of maize. Those are the bags we have witnessed stolen. I do not know about those we have not witnessed.

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order to not come to this House and update us on how many bags of maize the Government has lost, especially that the culprits are moving freely after they were arrested?

Madam Speaker, I seek your serious attention to this matter.

Mr B. Mpundu: Minister of hungry culture!

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

I just want to be clear on your question. You want to know why the people who were suspected to have stolen the maize are walking scot-free; they have not been prosecuted? Or you want to find out how many bags of maize have been lost from the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) through these thefts? So, which one is it? You have raised two issues.

Mr Simumba: Madam Speaker, both. To start with, why have the suspects not been taken to court? Secondly, how much revenue have we lost?

Madam Speaker: You can ask only one question. You can raise only one matter.

Mr Simumba: Why are those people moving freely without being taken to court?

Madam Speaker: Thank you.

So, hon. Minister of Agriculture, you have heard that some maize was stolen last year from the FRA. Even this year, maize has been stolen again. These people were reported to the police, but now they are walking scot-free, are you aware of this occurrence hon. Minister of Agriculture?

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr Mtolo): Madam Speaker, first of all, thank you very much for allowing me to respond. I know, you have always tried to not allow that. Secondly, I would like to thank the hon. Member for telling the nation that thieves were caught and that they are in the hands of the police. So, what I can do is to follow up. I greatly appreciate the information. I will followup to find out why those people are not yet in court. I think, what is most appreciated is the fact that the law-maker himself is aware of what is happening in his region. He is also aware that the suspects have been taken to the police.

Madam Speaker, assuming what the hon. Member is saying is true, because I am not aware of the situation yet, our President said, “ Whether you are a party member or not, when you commit a crime, you are on your own.”

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mtolo: I can assure the hon. Member that if those colleagues did what he said they did, if it is true, we will look into it.

Mr Nkandu: I do not trust him.

Mr Mtolo: Yes, there are hon. Colleagues who might not trust the hon. Member, but I trust him very much.

Interruptions

Mr Mtolo: I trust him so much. I want to assume that what he has said is factual. When I come back here, be it in this Meeting or the next one before we finally adjourn forever, I will come up with a position and discuss the issue with him through Hon. Madam Speaker.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

I have allowed the hon. Minister to comment, but there will be no follow-up questions because of the fact that –

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

Madam Speaker: I am guiding now. Can you allow me to complete?

What I am asking the hon. Member for Nakonde to do is to provide the information about the matter. If he has the information, please, let him avail it to the hon. Minister of Agriculture so that he can follow up with the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security to address the matter.

Thank you very much for bringing that issue to the attention of the House and to the attention of the hon. Minister. When we resume, we can find out what happened.

There were three Urgent Matters without Notice and they have been exhausted. There will be no other Urgent Matter without Notice, but before we move on, the hon. Member for Lunte wants to raise a point of order. What is the point of order?

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, thank you so much for granting me an opportunity to raise a very important point of order on the Government Chief Whip.

Madam Speaker, I take it that we are transacting very serious national business. I also take it that the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government is serious about the business we are transacting.

Madam Speaker, when the hon. Member of Parliament for Kalabo raised his Urgent Matter without Notice, the Minister responsible for health was not here to listen. What is sad is that the Leader of Government Business in the House, as provided for in Order No. 42 of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, is also not here. Not even an Acting Leader of Government Business in the House is here.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, is the Government Chief Whip in order to allow the Business of the House to continue when there is no Leader of Government Business in the House? He knows that even his hon. Ministers are usually not here in the House.

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Mr Kafwaya: This was the case with the hon. Minister of Health when my brother raised a question.

Madam Speaker, is the Government Chief Whip in order to allow this type of business in this House? Standing Order No. 42 provides for the presence of the Leader of Government Business in the House is the basis of my point of order.

I seek your serious ruling, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much, hon. Member for Lunte.

First of all, let us go to Standing Order No. 42 and read it for the avoidance of doubt.

“42. Leader of Government Business in the House

In accordance with Article 74(1) of the Constitution, the President shall appoint the Vice-President as the Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly.”

It does not state that when the Leader of Government Business in the House is not in the House, we cannot transact business. In any event, the person who allows business to be transacted in the House is the Presiding Officer.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: So, you cannot blame the Government Chief Whip.

What I know is that the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House is on his way; he is coming. Also, the Cabinet works as one. Even if the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House is not in the House, the hon. Ministers who are present have taken note.

Mr Nkandu: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Some of them have logged in virtually while others are listening to the radio. So, they have taken note. The hon. Minister of Health, if he has not understood the Urgent Matter without Notice that was raised by the hon. Member for Kalabo Central, is at liberty to get in touch with the Clerks-at-the-Table to find out what issue was raised. Even the Clerks-at-the-Table have an obligation or a duty to advise the hon. Minister of Health the issues he needs to address. So, there is no gap. We are in order. Business is proceeding in accordance with our established rules of procedure and the Standing Orders.

So, the point of order is not admitted.

Mr J. Chibuye: State Counsel.

Madam Speaker: Thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

_______

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

PLANS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF KILOMETRES OF ROADS TO BE UPGRADED IN KANYAMA PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY

255. Mr Chinkuli (Kanyama) asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development:

whether the Government has any plans to increase the number of kilometres of roads to be upgraded in Kanyama Parliamentary Constituency, under the Lusaka Urban Road Rehabilitation Project, from the initial 1.9 km to 10 km;

if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

if there are no such plans, why?

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Sialubalo): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that the Government has plans to increase the number of kilometres of roads to be upgraded in Kanyama Parliamentary Constituency. The plans will be implemented once funds are available. Madam Speaker, the ministry is currently working on two roads in Kanyama Constituency namely, Chipolopolo and Lady Diana roads. The works on the Lake Diana Road have since commenced and 1 km was paved as of December 2025.The works are part of Lot III, which is the 17 km of Lusaka Urban Road Projects, whose total contract sum is K407,623,459.12

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Chinkuli: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the response.

Madam Speaker, indeed, I want to agree with the hon. Minister that about 1.9 km of roads was allocated to Kanyama, out of the 40 km that was assigned to Lusaka District. Indeed, works are going on, but at a slow pace, Now, if funds are really available for the allocated 1.9 km, why is it that only about 800 m has been tarred leaving the Chipolopolo Road, which is more problematic? To date, nothing has happened.

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

Madam Speaker, I do agree that works have really slowed and the major reason is because of the season that we are in. It is not easy to work on the roads during the rainy season. So, all works tend to slow down. It is not only in Kanyama, but everywhere. Wherever the paving of roads is being undertaken, works have slowed down due to the rainy season. Otherwise, I would like to assure my dear colleague that once this period is over, works in his constituency will be accelerated.

I thank you so much, Madam Speaker.

Mr Shakafuswa (Mandevu): Madam Speaker, I thank you for this opportunity to ask the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development a supplementary question.

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the road works in Kanyama. Just like in Kanyama, the people of Mandevu, Lusaka District, are wondering what criterion was used to pick the selected roads, where 1.9 km of roads works are being done in Kanyama, more than 4 km in Lusaka Central and less than 0.6 km in Mandevu. What criterion was used to allocate less than a kilometre to Mandevu when almost all the roads in all the seven constituencies in Lusaka District are bad?

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I thank my dear colleague, the hon. Member of Parliament for Mandevu for a supplementary question.

Madam Speaker, normally, requests of roads come from the communities. The hon. Minister will only act on what was submitted by the Council, which in this case, is the Lusaka City Council. So, basically the ministry looks at the requirements and the resource envelope, then, act accordingly. The hon. Member mentioned that 0.6 km was allocated to Mandevu Constituency and 1.9 km was given to Kanyama Constituency. The House may wish to know that this information is generated by the local authorities. So, as leaders, my dear hon. Colleagues, it is very important to at least, make a follow-up with the local authority, the Lusaka City Council, to look at what method was used to submit the quoted kilometres to the ministry. Otherwise, our job as a ministry is just to facilitate once a resource envelope is available.

Eng. Daka (Chadiza): Madam Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity.

Madam Speaker, urban road programmes or matters to do with urban roads are everywhere. It is a countrywide problem. Since this is a countrywide problem, on behalf of the people of Chadiza, I would like to find out whether the ministry has come up with an accelerated urban roads programmes that will address challenges to do with urban roads in Kanyama, just like in Chadiza.

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my dear colleague, the hon. Member of Parliament for Chadiza for a supplementary question.

Madam Speaker, I totally agree with my dear hon. Colleague that the expected works for township roads is quite immense. All hon. Members of Parliament from urban constituencies would need their township roads worked on urgently. We are coming from a situation where there was no fiscal space. I just pray that the United States of America (USA) and Iran issue is quickly resolved so that we can continue seeing the economic gains that have been made so far in the country, and the roads in the hon. Members of Parliament’s constituencies can be worked on. That is our wish. So, regarding the disturbance, I pray that the war in the Middle East comes to an end so that, as we forge ahead, the benefits can be seen by hon. Members who are eager about the construction of township roads in all districts. Indeed, the need is quite immense, but I pray that the economic gains can be protected continuously so that resources are ploughed into needy areas like township roads.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Chinkuli: Madam Speaker, talking about the availability of funds, knowing that funds are somewhat difficult to put together to render a service that is dearly required in the constituencies, we were given an opportunity to come up with a list of roads to be worked on in Lusaka, that is 40 km of road works. If constituencies are considered equally, in the way it is done with the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation, why did the ministry, at some point, not consider distributing the 40 km of road works equally to all the constituencies? Why do certain constituencies have 15 km of road works, while others 10 km, and a place like Kanyama, which requires roads, was given 1.9 km?

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my dear hon. Colleague for that good question.

Madam Speaker, allow me to thank the hon. Member for Kanyama for voting in favour of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025 because, through its provisions, hon. Members of Parliament will be part of the local councils, where decisions are made. So, arising from his concern, it shows that there is a gap between those who make decisions for Lusaka and the hon. Member, as he was not part of the local council.

Mr Shakafuswa: Question!

Mr Sialubalo: So, I thank him for voting for the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025.

Madam Speaker, going forward, I think, the concern about equitable distribution of resources within the constituencies in a particular province will be addressed.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: There are still indications from two hon. Members. We will start with the hon. Member for Kamfinsa, then the hon. Member for Bwana Mkubwa will be the last one.

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to direct a supplementary question to the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Kanyama is asking for extra kilometres of road works. That means some kilometres have been allocated to the constituency, but the people obviously want more. Kamfinsa has not been allocated any kilometres yet. I have consistently requested the ministry to consider our constituency as well. The requests will keep coming from all 156 constituencies. Some do not have anything, while others have, and they want more. As we adjourn, I want to know whether the ministry has any information for hon. Members, especially those of us whose constituencies do not have any allocated kilometres of road works, so that we have information to relay. We have heard about 40 km of road works in Lusaka. I am sure there are districts where literally nothing is happening. It would be useful to provide us with information as we go back. Clearly, those who are following this conversation will be wondering why Kanyama, which has 2 km of road works, wants more, while other constituencies do not have anything.

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

Madam Speaker, I know what necessitated him to come up with the question. I know the question on the Floor is constituency-specific, but I have some information on Kitwe District. Initially, Kitwe District was allocated 16.5 km of works on township roads. Apparently, when the slots were allocated, Kamfinsa, Chimwemwe and Wusakile did not benefit. However, there was a window of variation under which 7.1 km was secured. That 7.1 km will be shared by the three constituencies that I have mentioned. So, Kamfinsa will definitely benefit like Kanyama.

Madam Speaker, the ministry cannot come up with, more or less, a blueprint through which the number of kilometres each district will benefit can be stipulated because resources have to match. When the ministry knows that it has money, that is when the number of districts to target and the kilometres to be given can be determined. As for Kitwe, I assure my hon. Colleague that the three constituencies will share the 7.1 km of road works. The question of how that work will be done will be their mathematics to solve.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: I said that the hon. Member for Bwana Mkubwa will be the last one to ask a supplementary question. Hon. Members, if you have any questions, you can ask the hon. Minister directly. Let us remember that this is a constituency-specific question. So, stick to Kanyama Constituency.

Mr Mwambazi (Bwana Mkubwa): Madam Speaker, thank you for allowing the people of Bwana Mkubwa to ask a question.

Madam Speaker, I have followed the hon. Minister’s submissions. I think, it is important that we take note of what my hon. Colleagues have said, and ensure that the ministry devises a system for how road works should be equitably distributed.

Madam Speaker, I think, Bwana Mkubwa was allocated 1.4 km of road works by the local government, which is very bad. However, those were afterthoughts, mitigation measures, which, moving forward, should not happen like that. We should agree on a formidable way to distribute road works because we all represent constituencies. Suffice to say, looking at what is emanating from Kanyama, and not Kanyama alone, the K3.2 million Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation for works on gravel roads is a total waste because when roads are gravelled, erosion occurs, and all the gravel is taken away. Is the ministry looking at means and ways to, maybe, combine that money? Let us say Ndola, which has four constituencies, combines that money over five years, making it K64 million. Then, we can look at how those funds can be channelled to mitigate the issue concerning the much-needed urban roads, as it were.

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my dear hon. Colleague for that supplementary question. I would also like to thank him, in the same way I thanked the hon. Member for Kanyama, for indicating that he should be part and parcel of the decision-makers at the local level. The hon. Member has to get back to the local council so that, at least, when resource distribution is planned, he is present. If from the word-go that was the case, such questions would not have been raised.

Madam Speaker, the other question that the hon. Member has raised, which is in a different form, is whether constituencies can mop up money to use for paving roads. That is a welcome decision, provided hon. Members agree at that level. The ministry’s role is to implement what is decided. The ministry will not decide for constituencies how they should utilise the CDF. When a decision is made and the ministry is informed, it is a welcome move.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker gave the Floor to Mr Kang’ombe.

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, I wish to direct Question No. 256 to the hon. Minister of Agriculture.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Kamfinsa, you are now usurping my powers. You just have to state the question number.

So, the next question by the hon. Member for Kamfinsa.

Mr Kang’ombe: Sorry, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

ENHANCEMENT OF MAIZE PRODUCTION

256. Mr Kang’ombe asked the Minister of Agriculture:

what the Government policy on enhancing maize production for domestic consumption and export, is;

what quantity of maize, in metric tonnes, the Government is targeting to produce from 2026 to 2030, year by year for:

domestic consumption; and
export; and

what the role of the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) in meeting the above targets is.

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr Mtolo): Madam Speaker, the Government policy on enhancing maize production for domestic consumption and export is to increase the number of metric tonnes produced per hectare. In other words, to increase productivity through the following measures, among others:

timely delivery of inputs under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) and other Government programmes;

promoting adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies;

undertaking soil analysis and mapping to guide region-specific fertiliser recommendations;

improving extension service delivery to farmers;

developing and multiplying high-yielding, disease-resistant and drought-tolerant seed varieties;

developing irrigation to promote whole year-round production, as opposed to seasonal production;

promoting mechanisation to reduce drudgery; and

increasing farmer access to finance and other inputs.

Madam Speaker, these measures reflect the Government’s integrated approach to enhancing maize production, focusing on meeting domestic consumption needs and export opportunities.

Madam Speaker, in 2026, we aim to produce 4.5 million metric tonnes of maize. In 2027, we expect to produce 5.6 million metric tonnes. In 2028, 7 million metric tonnes and in 2029, we project to produce 8.6 million metric tonnes. Finally, in 2030, we aim to reach the set target as guided by the President and ourselves, which is to produce 10 million metric tonnes of maize in Zambia.

Madam Speaker, in 2025, estimated domestic consumption stood at 3,539,024 metric tonnes, with the remaining maize available for export. The practise of first catering for domestic needs, with excess supply being available for export, will continue. So, first of all, we will ensure that we have enough, and whatever is in excess, we will give out.

Madam Speaker, given the annual target for 2030, export volumes are expected to increase exponentially. Looking at the difference, the quantities are quite huge.

Madam Speaker, finally, the role of the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) as mandated by the Act is to:

maintain national strategic food reserves;

manage and maintain the storage facilities, which belong to the Government;

promote standards of grain; and

provide agricultural market information.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Thank you.

Hon. Members, let us reduce the talking and listen to the questions and answers.

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, I was just taking note of the numbers. The hon. Minister mentioned that 4.5 million metric tonnes of maize production is the target for this year, 5.6 million metric tonnes for next year and eventually 10 million metric tonnes after five years.

Madam Speaker, we had a challenging farming season in terms of payments to our farmers, not in terms of production. I think, the numbers increased. I am sure the hon. Minister is aware of that, as it is in the public domain that the payments were very erratic. I am also aware that we have now cleared all the farmers. Given the challenges that we are faced with concern to payments, does the hon. Minister think that farmers will have the motivation to work hard and be able to produce the projected quantity of maize? I asked because 80 per cent of the maize is produced by farmers under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) and the remaining 20 per cent by commercial farmers. So, given the payment challenges, does he think our farmers will have the drive, energy and motivation to work towards those targets?

Madam Speaker, that is my first follow-up question.

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, the answer is an obvious yes. I think, all of us do travel across the country and we all know that, definitely, we are expecting a very good harvest. Whilst there was a delay in paying the farmers, what is most pleasant is that money was found and the farmers were paid. So, yes, the production is definitely expected to increase from what it was last year.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chisopa (Mkushi South): Madam Speaker, the distribution of fertiliser by the hon. Minister of Agriculture to small-scale farmers, especially in Luano, has been very poor. I say this because farmers used to receive eight bags during the Patriotic Front (PF) regime.

Mr Nkandu: Where?

Mr Chisopa: Madam Speaker, today, they are receiving –

Mr Kabuswe: Where?

Mr Chisopa: You are only remaining with one month (pointed at Mr Kabuswe). You are going. Are you aware?

Laughter

Mr Chisopa: He should be aware that the Zambian people have already made a decision. You are going. You, the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development.

Interruptions

Mr Chisopa: Madam Speaker, he is pointing at me.

Laughter

Mr Chisopa: Madam Speaker, I need your protection. I am aware that –

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Mkushi South, you are protected.

You may proceed.

Mr Chisopa: Madam Speaker, that is very much appreciated. That is why we love you. We will put you in that Chair again, but those are going (pointed at the hon. Ministers). Especially the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development and the rests of the United Party for National Development (UPND).

Laughter

Mr Chisopa: Madam Speaker, the fertiliser distribution has been very poor in Luano. What mechanism has the hon. Minister put in place to ensure that this year alone, before our hon. Colleagues are voted out, they will be able to provide eight bags as they promised the Zambian people?

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, I will not take the route that my hon. Colleague took of dramatising issues that are straightforward, and he, probably, does not give a very good presentation of himself.

Madam Speaker, the Government, under the United Party for National Development (UPND), made a very clear policy that the distribution of fertiliser was going to be through the private sector using the e-Voucher System. The e-Voucher System started in a few areas, but finally, it was rolled out 100 per cent across the country.

Madam Speaker, I used to come here and you used to give me time to debate and present Ministerial Statements. Hon. Members were also allowed to debate. The hon. Member for Mkushi South was not isolated in any way. He was also here. We never received a report that fertiliser was received late in a particular area. However, today, the hon. Member is saying that we distributed fertiliser late. Where? I was here, and I kept on asking the question: Where is there any delay in fertiliser distribution? We put a system that is so easy, so advanced, so efficient and so transparent that fertiliser was very well distributed in the country.

Mr Chisopa: Minister wansala.

Mr Mtolo: I hear him call me that name. That embarrassed he himself because he started calling me other names when production became so high. For the first time, we have produced 4 million metric tonnes of maize, which is well above what the Patriotic Front (PF) Government produced in all its ten years in the Government.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, it is not in my nature to bandy words with hon. Colleagues who normally go off, like my brother did. I wish to not be drawn into that type of debate. I think, we should debate at a higher level in this esteemed House.

Hon. UPND Members: Yes.

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, the PF hon. Members say that we are giving eight bags of fertiliser to farmers, and so on and so forth. I do not know where he got that information. The e-Voucher allows a farmer to get even ten bags, if they find cheap fertiliser. If they find that fertiliser is expensive, they get fewer bags. So, what is the hon. Member talking about?

Madam Speaker, when some of these hon. Colleagues ask questions, I think, you should allow us to educate them. If the hon. Member wants to be educated on the e-Voucher System, I am ready to sit with him at break time and take him through the matter. We are giving money to farmers and it is up to them to buy what they want.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

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

Ms Sefulo: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: The hon. Member for Mwandi, what is the point of order?

Ms Sefulo: Madam Speaker, thank you so much for allowing me to raise a serious point of order. Nowadays, I rarely raise points of order. My point of order is on the hon. Member of Parliament for Mkushi South. This is about the breach of Standing Order No. 71.

Madam Speaker, when one brings information to this House, the information should be complete. This is because incomplete information can be very misleading. The hon. Member of Parliament for Mkushi South has repeatedly said that in five months, we are going. He has failed to complete the statement by informing the nation that we are going into the second term of governance. He has repeatedly stood and said that we are going, without explaining to the country at large that we are going into the second term of governance.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Sefulo: Madam Speaker, is that hon. Member in order to continue giving statements that are not complete?

Madam Speaker, is he in order?

I seek your serious ruling, Madam Speaker.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

The hon. Member for Mkushi was out of order for failing to complete his sentences.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: So, please, hon. Member for Mkushi South, next time, endeavour to complete your sentences.

Thank you very much.

Mr Munsanje (Mbabala): Thank you so much, Madam Speaker, for giving me an opportunity to ask a supplementary question, on behalf of the good people of Mbabala, on this very important national issue of maize and related crops.

Madam Speaker, I think, let me make one small comment before I ask the actual question. The hon. Member talked about eight bags of fertiliser. In my constituency, Mbabala, farmers were given two bags of fertiliser each. So, we need to ask which places farmers were given eight bags of fertiliser.

Now, coming to the actual matter, Madam Speaker, I want to thank our hardworking hon. Minister. I congratulate him for the bumper harvest or the 4 million metric tonnes of maize produced in 2025. Job well done to Hon. Mtolo Phiri and his team.

Madam Speaker, I have just returned from Chazangwe area, where I was invited to launch a new secondary school. We are actually interested in the services of Hon. Syakalima because of the new secondary school in that area. The people there actually passed the message that they can easily produce the 10 million metric tonnes of maize. I was telling them the vision which the President shared with this House during the opening of Parliament. They said that they can easily produce the 10 million metric tonnes of maize there. What they want –

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member, if you can, ask your supplementary question. Do not debate.

Mr Munsanje: Madam Speaker, the supplementary question is: What marketing measures is the ministry giving to communities like Mbabala Constituency, which are interested in getting a Mbabala Marketing Board that could collect all the produce and easily sell it at a good price through exports or other avenues like millers or through establishment of a milling company in the area.

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for his kind words and very educational question.

Madam Speaker, if we produced 10 million tonnes of maize but the country used only about 3.5 million tonnes, or 4 million tonnes because of population increase, we would remain with 6 million tonnes of maize. It is wrong for us to assume that the Government on its own would buy the entire 6 million tonnes. This is why we are saying that hon. Members in this House, for example, can start making arrangements to export maize. The co-operative societies in the country can also start looking at the export market. We are attracting both local and foreign companies that trade in maize to participate in the market. They should get themselves ready to buy and export the extra maize quantities that will be produced. We are operating in a free market. We encouraged people to participate in transport and agro-dealership business, and we are now encouraging hon. Members, including the hon. Member for Mkushi South, to participate in exporting maize, soybeans and other crops, so that they can make a bit of clean money. It would be good if the hon. Member for Mkushi South participated.

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

Mr Mtolo: You can see that he does not even know that I am saying something positive. He is standing up to raise a point of order. Point of order for what?

Laughter

Mr Mtolo: I mean, where is this man from?

Madam Speaker, we need to be serious in this House. Let us participate and help the Government. The Government will not have the money to buy the entire 10 million metric tonnes of maize that could be produced. We need the private sector to get involved.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

Hon. Member for Mkushi South, what is the point of order? The hon. Minister was actually speaking in good faith.

Mr Chisopa: Madam Speaker, it is now five years since we came to Parliament, and we are only remaining with two months to be with you, before the United Party for National Development (UPND) moves to the left side. We will be on your right-hand side, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: On which party?

Mr Chisopa: Hon. Brian Mundubile is the next President, come 13^th August, 2026.

Interruptions

Mr Chisopa: Yes.

Mr Tayali: Question!

Mr Chisopa: Madam Speaker, they are going. The people of Zambia will vote them out. They have already made a decision. Whatever the UPND will do, the people of Zambia have already decided to vote them out on 13^th August, 2026.

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

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Mkushi South, you will go and debate when we go on break. We have a lot of business on the Order Paper, which we need to go through. Today is the last day to debate the Motion of Thanks. So, we need to move quickly so that we complete that item. So, hon. Member for Mkushi South, please, do not campaign. Do not use this Floor to campaign for any particular candidate. You can campaign outside.

So, let us make progress.

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker, when I submitted these questions, my interest was basically to know how we should ensure that the maize we produce is enough.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister struggled to pay the farmers because farmers could not find the market for the 3.5 million metric tonnes he is referring to. The farmers struggled to sell the maize. There were queues of farmers who wanted the Government to buy their maize. This is why I brought up the role of the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) in the last part of my question because we had a problem. The country produced 3.5 million metric tonnes of maize, but the FRA only budgeted for 548,000 metric tonnes. That is where the problem started.

Madam Speaker, I brought up my second follow-up question because we would not want the same problem to repeat itself whereby, the country produces so much maize, but the Government does not budget to buy all of it. In the meantime, the Government is saying that some of the maize should be taken somewhere. So, I am trying to understand what strategy the Government will make to ensure that farmers are motivated. Why should one produce a lot of maize when there is no market? Basically, that is my second follow-up question.

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for bringing up that issue, abd I will take time to respond.

Madam Speaker, let me give a historical perspective.

Madam Speaker, in this country, we had the National Agriculture and Marketing Board (NAMBORD). At that time, most of the crops were controlled. This means that the private sector was not allowed to participate in the procurement of any crop. So, that led to a huge drain on the National Budget. In fact, if I look back, history tells us that there were two budgets in Zambia. There was a Budget like the one which we look at in this House and there was another one specifically for crop marketing. The end result was that the Government was failing to procure all the grain and NAMBORD faltered and closed down. That is simple and straightforward.

Madam Speaker, let us look at a country like Brazil, which produces 200 million metric tonnes of maize. Do we think the Government has the resources to buy the maize? The answer is no. The ministry has benchmarked and checked. No country buys all the grain from the farmers. It is not feasible; it is not possible. The Government struggled to buy maize last year because the agency budgeted through our contribution from this House. This House only appropriated money for 500,000 metric tonnes of maize. Since we are in transition, the Government wants people to cultivate maize so that we are food secure. When we are food secure, then, we can look at commerce. That is the simple equation. At the moment, Government wants to make sure that the country is food secure. Right now, the agency has 1.7 million metric tonnes of maize in stock, ready and being kept. For instance, if we have about 2 million metric tonnes of maize, over and above of what we need in reserve, we will have a problem of where to get the money to buy the maize.

First of all, let us look at buying because storage is not a problem. Temporal storage can be created using tarpaulins. However, it is not the Government’s policy to buy all the maize. I want to correct the hon. Member, Madam Speaker, because he has continued saying the Government can have money to buy all the maize. It is not feasible for the Government to buy all the maize. That is why I am encouraging people like the hon. Member for Kamfinsa to work out a system. Since, he is from the Copperbelt, he can work out a system and find a market in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They can buy the maize. If anyone has a problem to get an export permit, your colleagues is here. They can visit my office and I will make sure that they get an export permit ...

Mr Kampyongo: Question!

Mr Mtolo: … including Hon. Kampyongo, who does not even cultivate one metric tonne of maize, but he comes here and starts saying; Question, question, question!

Laughter

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

Mr Mtolo: Iwe, nkazikika.

Laughter

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, it means may Hon. Kampyongo, my in-law kindly, sit down.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mtolo: So, Madam, I hope I have answered. People should buy the maize and export it. We will give them export permits. Even today, if anyone wants an export permit, he or she can visit my office. I will issue them an export permit tomorrow so that they can export the maize. That is what the Government wants.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

The last question will be from the hon. Member for Chipili. We need to move.

Mr Chala (Chipili): Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker, I was following the hon. Minister’s answers when he was giving out figures of maize production year by year. However, there is something he has not stated. He did not consider if the 2026/27 rainfall pattern will not be favourable. He was speaking as is he is God. Why did he not indicate the number of bags we are going to produce bags depending on the weather pattern? Is he God?

Laughter

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, first and foremost, I am not God. I am just like the hon. Member. I am a mortal being. One who comes, works and then, goes away. Only God knows where each one will go. Hopefully, I will meet the hon. Member when we are out there.

Mr Tayali: On the other side.

Laughter

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, on a serious note, the hon. Member is from an area which is near the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Mr Nkandu: He is a Congolese!

Mr Mtolo: The Government would like people like him to find a market for our maize because it will start solving a problem.

Now, coming to his question, I would like state that God gave us intelligence and part of the intelligence is in forecasting. For example, the Government knew that the country would have good rainfall this season. So, part of the intelligence is in forecasting. For example, the Government knew that we would receive good rainfall this season. We can almost advise when the rains. We are not God, but we have the equipment that can measure. Imagine, even the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development can now tell where gold, copper and other minerals are, but he is not God. It is technology. So, the Government has sufficient technology for forecasting, but in an event where unexpected things happen, a forecast can go wrong.

Madam Speaker, what was the hon. Member’s real question? Did he say that the projections I gave are not accurate because I am not God? No, we used technology for that.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Let us make progress.

Next question.

Mr Chinkuli: Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me a chance to ask another question on behalf of the good people of Kanyama. My question is No. 257.

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I would like to put the record straight. According to the document I have, the question is No. 258, not No. 257.

Madam Speaker: The Order Paper states No. 257. It was revised. Sorry.

Mr Sialubalo: Madam Speaker, I hope I have the right answer.

Madam Speaker: Go through the question. I hope it is the correct one.

URBAN UPGRADING PROGRAMME IN KANYAMA CONSTITUENCY

257. Mr Chinkuli asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development:

whether Phase I of the upgrading of Kanyama Parliamentary Constituency under the Urban Upgrading Programme in Lusaka District has been completed;

if so, when Phase II of the project will commence; and

if Phase I has not been completed, why.

Madam Speaker: That is the correct question.

Mr Sialubalo: Thank you.

Madam Speaker, in response to the question raised by the hon. Member for Kanyama, I wish to inform this august House that Phase I of the upgrading of Kanyama Constituency in Lusaka District has not yet been completed.

Madam Speaker, Phase II of the programme will commence once Phase I is completed. Phase I of the upgrading programme is currently ongoing. The construction of 14 km of selected stormwater drainage systems and 3 km road network of Chipolopolo and Lady Diana roads was ongoing as of December 2025.

Madam Speaker, let me give supplementary information. Under Phase I, the ministry has been working on the 14 km storm-water drainage systems as follows:

Name of Drainage Planned Construction Completed Construction

Lady Diana 4.5 km 2 km

Kalusha Bwalya 7.2 km 5 km

Road 55 2.1 km 0.5 km

Madam Speaker, the total work completed is 7.5 km. Further, the contractor working on the Lady Diana storm-drainage system is Siloko, while the contractor working on the 7.2 km Kalusha Bwalya Road and the 2.1 km road 55 storm-water drainage systems is the Zambia National Service (ZNS).

Madam Speaker, in 2024, K21 million was allocated towards works on the Kalusha Bwalya Road storm-water drainage system, while K6 million was allocated towards works on the Lady Diana storm-water drainage system.

Madam Speaker, in 2025, K17.5 million was allocated towards works on Road 55, K15 million was allocated towards works on Kalusha Bwalya Road and another K15 million was allocated towards works on Lady Diana Road. That brings the total allocations towards the construction of storm-water drainage systems in Kanyama Parliamentary Constituency to K74.5 million, and the works are ongoing.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chinkuli: Madam Speaker, I agree with the hon. Minister on what he has presented. The challenge is that I am a layperson and, maybe, engineers would understand that information. Looking at the way the plan was designed, we were told that the upgrade works in Kanyama would be phased because the funds were not sufficient to undertake the whole upgrade programme at the same time. So, Phase I would be works on mitigating the flooding that occurs in Kanyama, and we were all happy to hear that because there would not be any more flooding. However, what is happening is different. If we went to Kanyama right now, we would find floods even though it is not raining, because the Lady Diana drainage system, which collects water from the body of Kanyama to the main drainage system is working at a snail’s pace. To help the people of Kanyama, and ensure that water is collected, as the programme intends, is Phase I of the upgrading of Kanyama likely to be completed? This is the seventh month since the programme started and, in fact, it has been over a year. So, when is Phase I likely to be completed, knowing that other phases are to be implemented?

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

Madam Speaker, I visited the areas where works are ongoing, and as the hon. Member has said, that is exactly what is happening. Unfortunately, many areas in Lusaka need urgent attention in terms of works on storm-water drainage systems, like the way Kanyama is in need. The competing needs for resources is the reason the ministry phased the works. If resources had been made available, the project would not have been done in phases, it would have been a one-way contract. I sympathise with the people of Kanyama over the situation. When one looks at the terrain, one sees that the areas in the constituency are water-logged. It is just that there are competing needs for the resources. I can assure the hon. Member that the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) is slowly releasing the resources. Money comes from the DMMU, while the ministry deals with the technical aspect of the works. I understand the challenges, but resources are limited.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Anakoka (Luena): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, Kanyama Constituency is located in the greater city of Lusaka, which is the capital city of Zambia. I would like to know whether the upgrade works that are being implemented in Kanyama are being undertaken as part of a bigger city-wide urban renewal master plan or if they are targeted individual interventions.

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

Madam Speaker, the projects are implemented at the individual level. There is a bigger plan for Lusaka, which is the Greater Lusaka 2045. That plan will only be actualised once all the stakeholders are engaged, including the traditional leadership within Lusaka Province, and this will not cater for not only Lusaka District but Chongwe, Kafue, Chibombo and Chilanga districts. Meetings are being held so that a bigger picture can be worked out on the approach to the issues in Lusaka Province. At the moment, the ministry is looking at the needy areas, and that is where attention is being paid, as a by-the-way. Otherwise, the Greater Lusaka 2045 is the bigger plan under the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA). The agency is ready to partner with the people of Zambia.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chinkuli: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for his responses.

Madam Speaker, I have a challenge. We are talking about limited funding, which I understand. However, the issue is on the funding versus the needs of the people. Funds would be allocated to the same programme, but we realise that other issues arise each time it rains, which disrupts or disturbs what has been allocated. My appeal to the hon. Minister is for him to be courteous enough to, probably, send a team of technocrats to Kanyama and identify problematic areas, which need to be looked into so that each time it rains, people do not start panicking and moving from one place to another, which situation brings in the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) to start looking for funds to relocate people. So, my question is: Would the hon. Minister be courteous enough to mobilise the technocrats so that they can come on board? I offer myself to be present as they identify problematic areas, because I think I understand the terrain very well and can identify the areas that need attention before the onset of the rainy season. We cannot keep doing the same things each year. So, would the hon. Minister do us that honour?

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

Madam Speaker, the suggestion is very good. I will engage my dear hon. Colleague. Since we are adjourning this week, next week we have to come up with a day when the area hon. Member of Parliament, some officers from the local authority and the ministry can go to Kanyama. The hon. Member is very versatile with the place being the area hon. Member of Parliament. Maybe, his input will help the team to sort out some critical areas. It is a welcome move, hon. Member. We can agree on a date next week and go on-site.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

_______

BILL

SECOND READING

THE DISASTER MANAGEMENT (Amendment) BILL, 2026

The Minister of Defence and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House (Mr Lufuma): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the Bill be now read a second time.

Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to present the rationale of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, which has now reached its Second Reading Stage. I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all the hon. Members for their valuable contributions during the Committee’s scrutiny of this Bill. As we move forward, I urge all hon. Members to continue engaging constructively, and I look forward to addressing any concerns as we work towards a stronger, more resilient Zambia.

Madam Speaker, the Government undertook a comprehensive review of the Disaster Management Act No. 13 of 2010, in response to the increasing frequency and complexity of hazards driven by climate change, environmental degradation and emerging risks. The proposed amendments re-orient the legal framework from a predominantly reactive posture to one that is proactive and that which emphasises prevention, preparedness and resilience, consistent with contemporary international best practice. The review of the amendment process for the 2010 Act was conducted through broad and consultative engagements. These included traditional and civic leaders, co-operating partners, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community-based organisations, the United Nations (UN) system and relevant Government ministries and authorities at the national, provincial and district levels. Based on the Committee’s report, I wish to record my gratitude to all the stakeholders whose inputs enriched this process. We have carefully considered their recommendations and we will continue to work closely with them to realise the shared objectives.

Madam Speaker, the 2010 Act had a stronger focus on response and exhibited weaknesses that constrained effective disaster governance, such as overlapping and unclear institutional roles, fragmented coordination, limited collaboration across the Government tiers, the private sector, civil society and communities, inadequate data and information sharing, centralised decision-making with insufficient community participation and inadequate consideration for vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. There was also limited provision for public awareness, preparedness and alignment with global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Madam Speaker, these gaps necessitated alignment of our national legislation with new realities and with recent legal and policy developments, including constitutional and sectoral legislative amendments, that bear on disaster and risk management. Further, investments in disaster risk reduction (DRR) are cost-effective. Preventing and mitigating disaster risk saves lives, livelihoods and public resources that would otherwise be expended on emergency response and recovery. The amended Bill will mainstream risk management across policy, planning and budgeting processes and create an enabling legal basis for sustainable resource allocation for prevention, preparedness and resilience-building.

Madam Speaker, key reforms in the Bill include:

a shift from disaster management to disaster risk management (DRM), placing greater emphasis on risk reduction, preparedness and resilience;

institutional reforms to clarify and strengthen mandates, including renaming and redefining existing institutions. For example, the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) will become the Disaster Risk Management Division and extending the ‘risk’ nomenclature to national, provincial, district and satellite disaster committees to reflect the expanded mandate;

strengthened co-ordination mechanisms among government agencies, development partners, the private sector, civil society and communities to improve response, recovery and long-term resilience;

enhanced provisions to prioritise and protect vulnerable groups and to promote inclusive community participation in planning and decision-making;

measures to improve public education, early warning systems, information sharing and preparedness at national, district, community and household levels; and

alignment and harmonisation of Zambia’s disaster framework with international instruments, including the Sendai Framework, the Paris Agreement and the SDGs.

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, I urge all hon. Members to support the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill No. 1 of 2026. Its enactment will strengthen the legal and institutional foundations for proactive disaster risk management, reduce vulnerability, safeguard development gains and save lives and livelihoods across Zambia. Disasters can affect any constituency at any time. Therefore, we must set aside political differences and work together, united in the common purpose of protecting our people and our nation.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Sefulo (Mwandi): Madam Speaker, in accordance with its mandate set under Order No. 205(m) and 207(j) of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, the Committee on Cabinet Affairs considered the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill No.1 of 2026.

Madam Speaker, you may wish to note that the Bill seeks to move Zambia from having a reactive approach to disasters to a more comprehensive system that integrates prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. The Bill, once enacted, will provide for the preparation and implementation of disaster risk management plans across all sectors of the Government and strengthen early warning systems and promote the integration of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

Madam Speaker, after interacting with various stakeholders, the Committee noted some areas that need refinement. For instance, on the establishment of an early warning system, the Bill does not clearly identify the Zambia Meteorological Department as the leading authority on metrological hazards. Considering that these hazards account for most disasters declared in our country, this gap could lead to duplication, conflicting advice and warnings issued without proper technical verification. In this vein, the Committee recommends that the Bill explicitly designates the Zambia Meteorological Department as the authoritative institution for official meteorological warnings.

Madam Speaker, the second issue relates to the development of early warning protocols. The Committee observed that the Zambia Meteorological Department is not guaranteed a seat on the technical committee responsible for the unified national protocol. Given the technical and scientific nature of early warning systems, their expertise must be included in the process. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the head of the Zambia Meteorological Department or a designated representative be included as a member of the committee.

Madam Speaker, thirdly, the Committee also observed that the Bill, in its current form, does not provide for the establishment of a formal link between the disaster risk management division and the Zambia Meteorological Department for sharing data and providing technical advice. Without this provision, disaster planning may lack the scientific foundation needed to integrate climate considerations effectively. The Committee, therefore, recommends that a formal technical co-operation agreement be put in place, allowing access to weather data, climate forecasts and early warning information for disaster management planning.

Finally, Madam Speaker, the Committee noted that the Bill does not provide for the technical validation of the national early warning dissemination strategy by the Zambia Meteorological Department, nor does it set legally defined lead times for issuing official meteorological warnings. Without these safeguards, warnings may be released prematurely or without verification, potentially causing public confusion and reducing confidence in the early warning system. In this regard, the Committee recommends that Clause 11(g) be amended to require that the National Early Warning Dissemination Strategy refine the technical standards for warning accuracy and source authority, and that official warnings of meteorological events be issued exclusively by or in co-ordination with the institution responsible for meteorological services.

Madam Speaker, while we support the overall objectives of the Bill, these amendments are necessary to ensure that the system works effectively, is technically robust and can be implemented sustainably across Zambia.

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, I wish to pay tribute to all the stakeholders who interacted with the Committee during this process. I also want to extend sincere gratitude to you and to the office of the Clerk of the National Assembly, for the guidance and support rendered to the Committee throughout its deliberations.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, before I venture into my debate, allow me to appreciate the response by Her Honour the Vice-President, specifically to the disaster that we, as Chilubi Constituency, have been facing. I would also like to thank the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) National Co-ordinator.

Madam Speaker, I realise that many of the objectives in the Bill have to do with re-naming things. Running away from semantics, I would like to say that when one reads further, one finds that re-naming things is about trying to deal with events before a disaster, during a disaster and post a disaster.

Madam Speaker, having said this, I want to make a few observations. The amendment in Section 5, which has components (a) to (t), demands that disaster management be structured with serious national resources. I heard the chairperson of the Committee talking about running away from using a reactive approach to a more proactive approach. I think that the components of (a) to (t) have spoken to that effect. However, there is no linkage in the proposed amendments from (a) to (t) and other Acts of Parliament.

Madam Speaker, I appreciate that Article 200 of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016 created a Consolidated Fund. Article 201 talks about how money should be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund. If one looks at the nature of disasters that happen in Zambia, one will see that some disasters require us to withdraw funds from the Consolidated Fund. Disasters are not triggered only by climate or nature; some are triggered by human beings. I have in mind, military mutiny. This can be a disaster. These are some of the reasons we are supposed to co-operate and co-ordinate the Laws of Zambia. My suggestion is that Section 11 of the of the amendments should also take into consideration what is in Chapter 108 of the Laws of Zambia, which is the Emergency Powers Act. It should also take into consideration Articles 30 and 31 of the Constitution. To complete the cycle of disaster management, which is also interchangeably used for emergencies, the President, this particular House and the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) which now has to be renamed as the Disaster and Risk Management (DRM), as has been proposed, have to come in.

Madam Speaker, it will create a big gap if what is specified in Articles 30 and 31 of the Constitution or the Emergency Powers Act is not taken into consideration. At the end of the day, things should be to the tune. I am saying so because if that component is renamed, which I also appreciate, it will just bridge the gap instead of addressing challenges caused by disasters. It will also link the disaster management to a consolidation fund, for instance, so that it becomes more proactive. The consolidation fund is a creation of the Constitution. We could use that fund to deal with disaster management. This will enable us see how funds can be drawn when there is a disaster as stated in Article 201 of the Constitution. If we only concentrate on its functions, we would be shooting in the dark.

Madam Speaker, further, there is need to revise Section 11, which also houses a Technical Committee. There is need to revise a lot of things because as I indicated, some disasters are not only cause by nature but also, by human beings.

The disasters we are preparing for in this particular amendment Bill are to do with diseases, rainfall and drought. If there was some civil strife, which is mentioned in Articles 30 and 31, and the Emergency Powers Act, what measures would we put in place? What kind of a Technical Committee would we have that would lead us not to just witness disasters happening due to limitations?

Madam Speaker, I want to see an Act that builds resilience. I also want to see an Act that is responsiveness to different issues, starting with early warning during disaster and post-disaster recovery. Yes, this particular amendment Bill is good but I would like to appeal to this House that we do more amendment level so that we complete the work and have desirable results.

Madam Speaker, with those few words, I would like to support the amendment on behalf of the people of Chilubi.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Madam Speaker, I thank you so much.

Madam, in view of the request by the hon. Minister to support the Bill, I have to declare that the people of Lunte are thoroughly supporting it.

Madam Speaker, the Chairperson of the Committee, which had the opportunity to scrutinise this Bill, indicated that the main thrust of this amendment is for the legal instrument not to only focus on managing disasters but also, risk management. Personally, I am happy with the idea of wanting to focus on risks because clearly, for every organisation to have objectives, there is normally a timeframe. Since the event will take place in future, there is need to think about risks that may cause an organisation not to achieve its objectives. We know that this particular department wishes for the people who suffer disasters to develop resilience, to be able to recover quickly, and go back to normal life.

However, the most ideal situation is to prevent the risks. Now, to be able to do that, we have to identify the common risks that exist in certain areas of our country. After identifying them, the evaluation can then take place. It is only through risk evaluation that we can determine the possible impact and the urgency of the matter. Out of the two variables, we can then, be able to prioritise activities that will ensure that the objectives meant to minimise the impact of risks are achieved.

Madam Speaker, if this is the thrust or the thinking, we will see no reason for anyone to say we amend the Bill for the Government to do what it wants to do. Maybe, let me just say that it should not always make us amend the law for proper activities to be undertaken. Let us go back to what would remain in the past assuming this Bill goes through. What is going to remain in the past is the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit. Management alone is a broad concept because it includes planning. So, if they are planning, why not consider the risks? If they are organising, why not consider organising for the resources, skills and activities s which can respond to the identified risks?

Madam Speaker, to look into the future, we have to look at all possible issues that may occur before arriving at the destination. This is why they cannot be simplistic. They cannot tell us that for the Government to move, they have to amend the law. No! I do not think so. I think the Government should be able to direct resources properly so that the same resources can go to impact areas which they identify as high-impact areas or high-priority areas. If we develop such capabilities, not only in the context of risk management, we will realise that we will be able to do good for our people.

Madam Speaker, the House may think of management in terms of resourcing; it may be permissible. It may think of management in terms of doing everything, which is required for our outcomes to be in line with the objectives that we set for ourselves.

Madam Speaker, as I support the hon. Minister, I thought of saying that it is important not to depend on always amending the law to do the right thing. We should also look at the existing laws and find opportunities because this amendment has already cost the Government and the ministry money which could be deployed elsewhere. The Bill as it exists, enables us to easily achieve the objectives without bringing this particular activity to the National Assembly for amendment.

Madam Speaker, let me end by saying that I support the amendment, but the Government should be aware that it can achieve a lot without necessarily thinking about the amendment of the law.

Madam Speaker, I wish to appreciate and I thank you.

Mr Nkandu: Question!

Laughter

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to make a few comments on the debate on this progressive Bill.

Madam Speaker, I would like the hon. Minister of Agriculture to pay attention, because we, as Members of Parliament, should have been stakeholders and contributed to this Bill’s formulation.

Madam Speaker, the proposal to amend the Disaster Management Act is a progressive move. I would like to thank the Committee on Cabinet Affairs, which scrutinised this Bill, for the thorough work it did and the recommendations it came up with.

Madam Speaker, I see efforts through this Bill to domesticate what is called the Sendai Disaster Framework, which was coined, I think, more than twelve years ago in the city of Sendai, Japan, when the world was making a paradigm shift from disaster response and disaster management to focus its attention on risk management, in short, putting in place prevention mechanisms to avoid the occurrence of disasters. Most of the disasters we experience in this country are mainly induced by climate change. Therefore, the Committee’s recommendations to put certain measures in place for this Act to be effective must be heeded.

Madam Speaker, the first measure is the establishment of an early warning system. The Government cannot deal with risks it does not understand. So, it must identify the risks to manage them. I agree with the Committee on what it stated under the raised concerns section. The Committee stated that, according to stakeholders, this Bill must include the establishment of a division to deal with an early warning system across all sectors against hazards while maintaining links with early warning institutions.

Madam Speaker, the Government cannot come up with a progressive Bill like this, but ignore the institutions that would be helpful in disaster management. The Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) is key in this case. Therefore, the Government needs to provide for the role the ZMD will play in order to have effective early warning systems, coupled with guaranteed funding. In this House, we have lamented about how the budgets that have been presented in the previous financial years do not provide sustainable funding for disaster management. The Government relies on the contingent funding that is provided for under the Ministry of Finance and National Planning. The Government cannot plan in that fashion and it needs a guaranteed source of funding to collaborate with institutions such as the ZMD. You may wish to note that, currently, the only funding that seems to be guaranteed is the small component under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which is 5 per cent of the CDF allocation. We are talking about less than K1.5 million. The disasters that happen in constituencies have been difficult to address because, sometimes, ten bridges are washed away. Using that component has been difficult, even in addressing the disasters that have happened. So, when the Committee, which I appreciate, recommends the establishment of decentralised funding, the Leader of Government Business in the House should not ignore that point. The report states the following:

“The Committee observes that the Bill does not provide for decentralised financing of disaster risk management activities. This limits the ability of local authorities and technical institutions, including the ZMD, to access dedicated and timely resources for preparedness, early warning and climate-informed planning.”

Madam Speaker, the Government cannot ignore that. It can change the terminology of all the institutions; the structures of disaster risk management at the province to the district levels, but if the preparedness activities are not funded, then, the Government is just waiting to sign the Bill. However, if it means well in aligning its disaster risk management activities to the Sendai Framework I am referring to, that requires resources. Over time, the Government has relied on the contingents that the Ministry of Finance and National Planning provides. It cannot plan like that. So, the recommendations that the Committee has thoroughly put forward must be heeded.

Madam Speaker, the Bill has equally ignored the aspect of integrating climate change adaptation. Again, we have been lamenting about climate change. Now it has caught up with us. Most of the disasters, like the hon. Member of Parliament for Chilubi stated, are floods. People’s settlements are being washed away. How do we prepare? If there were an effective meteorological department, which could give us early warnings, people could be easily evacuated to safe settlements before disasters occur. That can only happen if the Government channels enough resources to the early warning institutions.

Madam Speaker, as much as we appreciate this progressive Bill, we need to be practical in terms of resource mobilisation. The names of the structures can be changed, but if money is not put where it matters most, we will continue reacting to disasters in the same way, which is not effective. The ministry has to change budget lines along the way because the contingent funding that it provides is usually not enough. We need to be pragmatic in planning. I am happy that the hon. Minister has said that disasters must be avoided, other than dealing with them.

Madam Speaker, with those few remarks, I support this progressive Bill. However, the Government should not ignore any of the recommendations that the Committee has stated in the report.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chinkuli (Kanyama): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving the people of Kanyama an opportunity to add a voice to the debate on this progressive Amendment Bill.

Madam Speaker, before I proceed, allow me to congratulate my hon. Colleague, Mr Alex Katakwe, on being appointed Minister of Health.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, Hear!

Mr B. Mpundu: Question!

Mr Chinkuli: Madam Speaker, I already miss him, though. He is my Abuja hon. Colleague.

Laughter

Mr Chinkuli: Madam Speaker, the Bill is non-controversial. It is very progressive. Looking at the constituencies that get affected by disasters and make requests to the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), Kanyama Constituency is number one. I was happy to hear the chairperson of the Committee mention the fact that we are trying to be proactive rather than reactive. That is the challenge I have had with a number of laws we have passed in this House. You may find that there is a good piece of law to counter a particular situation but, along the way, it becomes academic. I think, what should be done, as we pass these good laws, looking at the DMMU – by the way, I would like to thank the DMMU for attending to a number of disasters that have hit the country.

Madam Speaker, in every district, there is someone who is in charge of taking note of disasters that occur and preparing reports. I do not know what they are called, but I think they are called district officers. Now, the question that I would like to pose is: Do we fund or give the necessary tools to those officers who are mandated to look into disasters? If we do not give tools to a person who is supposed to carry out a particular task, then we are not achieving anything. We will still go back to being reactive rather than being proactive. My appeal is that the DMMU equips those officers with the necessary tools so that they can immediately communicate all the happenings in a particular place. For example, in my constituency, we have DMMU officers, and I see them pass by once in a while. However, when asked if they have the equipment, their response is that they do not have it. This has made me realise that the aspect of being proactive will not be actualised.

Madam Speaker, I do not want to waste much of your time. My appeal is that, as we are advancing this beautiful amendment to a progressive Act, let us ensure that the tools to help the DMMU achieve its goal are provided to the relevant officials, who are supposed to use them more prudently.

Madam Speaker, with these few remarks, I support the amendment.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Madam Speaker, first of all, let me congratulate the newly-appointed Minister of Health, Hon. Alex Katakwe. Today, Hon. Katakwe is a medical doctor. Forgive me, it is very difficult for me not to pre-empt. I met him this morning. As you see him seated there, he has two factors that I wish he would implement to the end. He does not fear problems. I thank him for possessing that factor. Aside from that, I thank the appointing authority for identifying Hon. Katakwe. If I thank only the appointee without thanking the appointing authority, I would only be giving 50 per cent acknowledgement. Therefore, to make it 100 per cent, I should also acknowledge the appointing authority.

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

Mr Miyutu: Okay, hon. Member for Lunte, just give me one minute.

Laughter

Mr Miyutu: You see –

Madam Speaker: Let us just listen. I am not yet following. Let us listen to the hon. Member for Kalabo Central.

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

Madam Speaker: I cannot hear what you are saying, hon. Member for Lunte.

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, I am already concerned and this is why I am raising a point of order.

Madam Speaker: We are now pre-empting what the hon. Member for Kalabo Central would like to say. What is your point of order?

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, thank you so much. That is how it should be.

Madam Speaker, we have business to transact on the Floor of the House. We have very clear business that deals with amendments to an Act of Parliament that is managed in the Office of the Vice-President. Is my honourable brother, Member of Parliament for Kalabo Central, in order to introduce the hon. Minister of Health in his debate regarding risk management? He knows that Hon. Katakwe can dance, which is why the President identified him. Is he in order to link dancing to risk management …

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Madam Speaker: Order!

Mr Kafwaya: … and confuse us in that fashion?

Madam Speaker, I seek your serious ruling on the matter.

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Lunte, what is all this dancing you are talking about? You are now speaking in parables. Let us go back to the business on the Floor of the House. My idea was to finish this segment before we go for a break. Now, we have eaten into our time. The point of order is not admitted.

The hon. Member for Kalabo Central has seven minutes to debate. He was introducing his debate, like any other –

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

He was introducing his debate, like any other hon. Member would, when they stand up to debate. If you want to congratulate anybody, you can use your time to congratulate that person. I do not even know how the issue of dancing comes in.

May the hon. Member for Kalabo Central continue.

Mr Miyutu: Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, in the beginning, there was the creation of humanity. If we depart from the basics of humanity, we will keep changing laws, one after another. There is the City of Venice, and I am sure the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House knows about it. Hon. Members who have travelled and have been to Italy may have had time to visit the City of Venice. I read about it when I was in Grade 7. Unfortunately, I have never been there. However, I view it on documentaries. So, there is the city of Venice! With that said, the next point is: What is a disaster?

Madam Speaker, the things we write here will not solve the problem. What is a disaster? When do we classify an activity or an occurrence as a disaster? If one omits that point, he/she will not know what they are doing. They will call or name an ordinary incident as a disaster.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr B. Mpundu: Lila boi.

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, some people have gone to school and have learned different things –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, before business was suspended, I was about to describe what a disaster is. I will give an example of Kalabo District. The district itself is located in a low-lying area. Our settlements are at the same level as the plains. When a house is built in such a location, it easily gets flooded. Can that be called a disaster? Did the one who built the house know that he or she was building in a low-lying area? Why were precautions not taken to minimise the occurrence of disasters?

Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has a Director of Works and staff in the Planning Department. Those are the ones who are supposed to advise the people building houses and guide them on what type of structures to put up in such locations, to avoid disasters. That is why I gave the city of Venice, as an example. If you go to Venice, you will see how the city has accommodated water. People live around and on the water. Boats are docked at their doorsteps. No disasters occur because people have accepted to live on water, just like we in the Western Province have also agreed to live on water. So, we just need to agree on how to build our houses to accommodate the flow of water.

Madam Speaker, the chairperson of the Committee talked about decentralisation of finances. However, look at the way the emergency fund under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is being underplayed. Quite all right, 5 per cent of the CDF is available for emergencies, but how quickly can it be accessed? It takes six months to access it. Can a case still be a disaster in six months? So, while we are talking about decentralisation, we need to harmonise our laws to mitigate as many risks and disasters as possible. If funding does not move at a fast pace, then, for me, there is nothing we are doing. The inclusion of technical people on the District Disaster Management Committees (DDMCs) is important. If we do not include those experts from the Zambia Meteorological Department, who study the weather and are able to foretell how the weather will be, if those are not seriously included in these committees, then, we are not going to achieve anything. Above all, we need to release funds at the right time. Also, it is very important for us to come up with an early warning system. However, an early warning system will not work as we expect without financial resources.

Madam Speaker, with these few words, I would like to support the Bill.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you.

The last one to debate is the hon. Member for Mbabala.

Mr Munsanje (Mbabala): Thank you so much, Madam Speaker, for giving me an opportunity to support the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, on behalf of the good people of Mbabala.

Madam Speaker, as I begin my speech, I wish to first of all congratulate my friend, Hon. Alex Katakwe, and Hon. Malama, on their new appointments as Minister of Health and Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development respectively. I look forward to continued good leadership from my hon. Colleague. I also look forward to their contributions to public policy and development of Mother Zambia.

Madam Speaker, I will not belabour the points that have been raised by several hon. Colleagues on this Bill. I want to focus on just a few areas. One is the early warning system that has been included in the Bill. This is very important for us the people of Mbabala. As you know, Mbabala is prone to disasters year in and year out. So, we need information to reach our people early enough. All the people in the ecological zones need to know what is ahead in two, three, four, five or ten years, so that we can plan properly on how to respond, as a constituency. So, the Bill is spot on for bringing such provisions and institutions.

Madam Speaker, I also want to speak on the need for inclusivity in the Bill. The inclusion of matters relating to persons with disabilities is important. The Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and various protocols, which Zambia is a signatory to, such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030), all talk about the inclusion of persons with disabilities at all levels of disaster management. The District Disaster Management Committees (DDMCs) should now extend to constituencies because we have the Constituency Development Fund Committees (CDFCs) that have persons with disabilities. Districts need to include the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) in their committees as well as in various committees at the national level.

Madam Speaker, Zambia is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN-CRPD) and the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD), which is a domestication of the international law called the African Disability Protocol, which we are now about to sign. Last year, the hon. Minister promised on the Floor of this House that within the first half of the year, we will sign the international protocol as well.

Madam Speaker, all these speak to the need for inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities at all levels to ensure appropriate planning for disasters that affect persons with disabilities such as blindness, physical immobility, mental, hearing impairment and speech impairment. All these categories of disabilities require different support mechanisms during a disaster. Some the persons with disabilities need accessibility support for them to move.

Madam Speaker, in this building, we only have one lift. You can imagine how persons with disabilities, who are not able to move on their own and need mobility support, would move if there was an emergency. We cannot be lifting people in this era. We can therefore, put certain measures in place to help ease the movement of persons with disabilities properly. Even if we were to install ramps, the ones we have in Zambia do not actually meet the prescribed international standards. Maybe, they do not even inspect them. Some of the wheel chairs are a danger because of the way some ramps are put. The gradient must be slow to allow the wheelchair to move properly.

Madam Speaker, we need appropriate communication methods for persons with disabilities in this Bill, to enable us speak to the dump and deaf appropriately. They are Zambians and are part and parcel of this very important Bill. They are also important to many other activities of the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU).

Madam Speaker, with regard to the early warning system, we need to be working within twenty-four to forty-eight hours when disasters occur. We also need to have a fund, the way we have the 5 per cent of the CDF at local constituency level. We need the fund that will enable us operationalise the activities. For example, we lost three bridges on Pemba Road in Mbabala Constituency during the last regime. This year, the Katoba Bridge, on Pemba Road was washed away, cutting off Mwananchewu area in my constituency. Despite having report However, no action has been taken despite us reporting the issue to the Road Development Agency (RDA) and to the DMMU.

Madam Speaker, the challenges we have in Mwananchewu area of Mbabala Constituency affect us and our people as well. This is why we want to pass this Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill so that it responds to matters of this nature, appropriately and efficiently.

Madam Speaker, there is another type of disaster called the hailstorm. In Tonga cho tuita kuti, “ichihula mabwe.” The hailstorm destroyed maize in Kasamu area of Mbabala settlements. It has now been two weeks since we reported this matter, but we have not seen the DMMU and other supporting agencies go and inspect the site. The maize in that settlement area was shredded. Otherwise, we have written to ask for help.

Madam Speaker, we want to see an Act that will make the DMMU become efficient. This issue is about being efficient in respond to disasters within twenty-four hours. If possible, let us allow an emergency budget to be included in the operational manual so that it can help us respond to disasters. Under the CDF, there is an allocation for emergencies but again, it takes so long for the local disaster management Committees to act. This is happening even when there is the 5 per cent allocation from the CDF. We would like to thank the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development for that option, but it takes long to access. So, with the factors highlighted above, we want this Bill to respond appropriately to our issues.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Mbabala, I fully support this Bill.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Minister of Defence and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House (Mr Lufuma): Madam Speaker, I thank you for giving me an opportunity to wind up debate.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity obviously, to commend the Committee that was charged with the responsibility to scrutinise the Bill, which thereafter, presented this very insightful report with recommendations that the Executive basically welcome. I must say that with no exception as such, we will take on board all the insightful recommendations that have been made by this very hardworking Committee.

Madam Speaker, secondly, I would further like to thank the following hon. Members that debated: The hon. Member for Chilubi, the hon. Member for Lunte, the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, the hon. Member for Mbabala and the hon. Member for Kalabo Central.

Madam Speaker, what is a disaster? Disasters are at various levels. If I do not eat tonight, it might be a disaster, but, what is important is that we have to have a common denominator as to what a disaster should basically be.

Madam Speaker, in all the debates, the reports and the Bill, what is cardinal is that we are changing or shifting from disaster mitigation and management of disasters to basically being proactive. Instead of being reactive and wait for a time when a disaster happens, the Bill emphasises the fact that we should be proactive by identifying the risks before anything happens so that we can ameliorate some of the disasters even before they happen. So, I would like to thank all Committee members, hon. Members who debated and the House for supporting this very progressive Bill.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

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

Committed to a committee of the Whole House.

Committed on Friday, 20^th March, 2026.

_______

MOTIONS

MOTION OF THANKS TO THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS ON THE PROGRESS MADE IN THE APPLICATION OF NATIONAL VALUES AND PRINCIPLES

(Debate resumed)

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources (Mrs Masebo): Madam Chairperson, I would like to express my gratitude for being accorded this opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address on the Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles delivered to Parliament.

Madam Chairperson, allow me to also compliment other hon. Ministers and hon. Members of Parliament who have contributed to the debate on the Motion. As highlighted by His Excellency the President in his address to Parliament, we, as a nation, have continued to embrace our national values and principles, which are specified in the Constitution.

Madam Chairperson, allow me to add a word on the application of the national values and principles in relation to land administration and management. The mandate of my ministry is to administer, manage and regulate land alienation, registration, and mapping and surveying of land. Land administration is not just about managing physical space; it is about the people, communities and the values attached to it. Morality and ethics play a significant role in shaping our decisions around land use, ownership and distribution. At its core, land administration should, therefore, prioritise fairness, justice and the well-being of all individuals. That means recognising the rights of indigenous communities, protecting the environment and ensuring equitable access to resources, which are cardinal. Land administration should uphold the rights of all individuals regardless of their background or socio-economic status. As a nation, we have a moral obligation to manage land sustainably, preserving natural resources for future generations.

Madam Chairperson, ethics in land administration involves transparency, accountability and fairness in decision-making processes. In that regard, clear and accessible information about land ownership, use and transactions is essential. Equally, institutions and individuals must be held accountable for their actions and decisions regarding land management.

Madam Chairperson, unethical land administration can lead –

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

Hon. UPND Members: Ah!

Mr Nkandu: You debated without interruptions.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, you may continue.

Hon. Member for Chilubi, just indicate. I will see you.

Mrs Masebo: Madam Chairperson, unethical land administration can lead to consequences such as displacement of communities, environmental degradation, social inequality and conflict. To address such challenges, as a nation –

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Minister!

A point of order is raised.

What is your point of order, hon. Member for Chilubi?

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, I have noted that the hon. Minister is addressing you as the Chairperson. We are not at Committee Stage. Maybe, it was a slip of the tongue. Is she in order to address you as Chairperson at this point?

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, we are not in a Committee of the Whole House. Continue with the right address.

Mrs Masebo: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for that correction.

Mr Nkandu: That was the last one.

Laughter

Mrs Masebo: Madam Speaker, land administration should uphold the rights of all individuals regardless of their background or socio-economic status.

Madam Speaker, ethics in land administration involve transparency, accountability and fairness in decision-making processes. In that regard, clear and accessible information about land ownership, land use and transactions is essential.

Madam Speaker, unethical land administration can lead to consequences such as displacement of communities, environmental degradation, social inequality and conflict. In addressing such challenges, as a nation, we need to prioritise ethics and morality in land administration. This includes undertaking the following measures:

strengthening institutions and laws;

promoting community engagement and participation; and

supporting sustainable land use practices.

Madam Speaker, by doing so, we can create a more just and equitable system that benefits all members of society. The House may wish to note that the ministry is in the process of coming up with a new Land Act to strengthen institutions and laws.

Madam Speaker, I stand here, on this Floor, reflecting on the significance of patriotism and national unity in the context of land administration and management. I wish to remind us that our country is blessed with abundant natural resources, including vast tracts of land that hold immense potential for economic growth and development. Therefore, patriotism is about putting the needs of our nation above individual interests. It is about recognising that our individual well-being is intricately linked to the well-being of our country. In the context of land administration and management, patriotism means ensuring that our land resources are utilised in a way that benefits all Zambians now and generations to come.

Madam Speaker, with regard to national unity, land administration and management is about coming together as a people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to achieve a common goal for the development of our nation. It is about recognising that we are stronger together, and that our collective efforts can lead to greater prosperity and progress. In Zambia, land is a critical resource that holds immense cultural, economic and social significance. Land administration and management systems play a vital role in ensuring that this resource is utilised in a way that promotes national unity and patriotism. However, we face challenges in this area, around land ownership, allocation and management, which have the potential to create divisions and undermine national unity. That is why it is essential that we work together to strengthen land administration systems, ensure transparency and accountability, and promote equitable access to land.

Madam Speaker, good governance and integrity are the backbone of any successful nation. When it comes to land administration and management, these values are crucial. Land is a precious resource, and its management affects everyone from farmers to investors, and from local communities to the Government. Good governance in land administration means transparency, accountability and fairness. That means ensuring that land rights are respected and conflicts are resolved efficiently. Further, integrity is key to building trust among citizens, investors and stakeholders. When land administration is corrupt or inefficient, it undermines economic growth, fuels conflicts and erodes trust in institutions.

Madam Speaker, sustainable development is the way to go, and land administration and management play a huge role in that. That is about managing our land resources in a way that is fair, efficient and environmentally friendly. By getting land administration and management right, we can create a more sustainable future for all Zambians. Suffice to say, we should commit to promoting patriotism and national unity in our daily lives, particularly in the context of land administration and management. As Zambians, we should work together to build a Zambia that is proud, united and prosperous for all.

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, the administration of land in a manner that is equitable is the way to go, as has been alluded to. Anything short of that can cause many conflicts. As it stands, there is a situation in the country, whereby a number of communities are being displaced because of underhand methods that are being used in various institutions involved in land administration. That is why the call for inclusiveness in managing land, transparency and accountability is at the core of ensuring that we live in harmony. As we approach elections, it will be even more pressing because some of our people may want to engage in illegal activities. They may want to get land illegally and allocate plots using political party tags, Government positions, positions outside Government, and sometimes even members of the public, who may not know anything, may get duped and lose millions of Kwacha.

Madam Speaker, I, therefore, want to say this: As we go towards elections, there should be no illegal allocation of land. There should be no illegal exchange of land with monies, and investors must be very, very careful with anybody dealing in land who has no mandate to deal in it.

The hon. Minister’s time expired.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Your time is up, hon. Minister.

Mrs Masebo: With that said, I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I have two lists of hon. Ministers to debate. So, I will be alternating as I select. The next one to debate is the hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development.

The Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development (Eng. Milupi): Madam Speaker, I rise to support the Motion of Thanks to the speech delivered to this august House by His Excellency, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, on the Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles.

Madam Speaker, the President’s Address was not merely a constitutional obligation, but a re-affirmation of our collective resolve as a nation that the New Dawn Government will anchor governance on the firm foundation of morality and ethics, patriotism, national unity, democracy, constitutionalism, human dignity, equity, social justice, equality, non-discrimination, good governance, integrity and sustainable development.

Madam Speaker, 2026 marks a defining moment for our country as we prepare for the general elections. The President reminded us that national values are not seasonal slogans to be invoked for convenience, but enduring principles that must guide conduct, leadership and citizenship at all times. Peace, order and unity are prerequisites for development, and development itself is the strongest guarantor of peace.

Madam Speaker, the economic landscape of our country is steadily stabilising after the successful debt restructuring process to improve investor confidence. The foundations for sustainable economic recovery are in place and inflationary pressures are easing. Mining production is rebounding and confidence in our economy is returning. These gains are not accidental. They are the result of disciplined leadership, difficult, but necessary reforms, and a commitment to transparency and fiscal prudence.

Madam Speaker, in the infrastructure sector, we have deliberately aligned our programmes to the national economic recovery agenda, recognising that infrastructure is a critical driver of growth and economic transformation through the development and rehabilitation of roads, bridges and other related infrastructure.

Madam Speaker, we are opening up markets for farmers, improving connectivity to health and education services for communities, and facilitating trade both within our borders and with neighbouring countries by upgrading strategic roads and corridors. The Government is strengthening access to key regional trade routes, thereby enabling the movement of goods and services and supporting Zambia’s position within the regional economy.

Madam Speaker, development must not be selective or politically biased. Under the New Dawn Administration, infrastructure is reaching every province, district, constituency and ward because development is a right, not a reward for a few, as it was under the previous Government.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Eng. Milupi: Madam Speaker, sustainable development remains central to our work. The recent drought has served as a sobering reminder that climate change is not a distant threat, but a present and escalating reality, whose impacts are both severe and far-reaching, from prolonged dry spells to episodes of intense rainfall and flooding. Our infrastructure is increasingly being tested by extreme weather conditions. We are, therefore, prioritising climate-resilient infrastructure, improved drainage systems, durable road technologies and water infrastructure to protect communities and safeguard economic productivity.

Madam Speaker, the President has consistently emphasised youth empowerment in the infrastructure sector. We are increasing local contractor participation, promoting skills transfer and ensuring that projects create meaningful employment opportunities for our young people and women. Infrastructure development must serve as a training ground for the next generation of Zambian engineers, artisans and entrepreneurs.

Madam Speaker, patriotism is demonstrated not only in words, but in how we safeguard public assets. As a ministry, we are reinforcing a maintenance culture across all sectors. It is more cost-effective to preserve what we have built than to reconstruct what we have neglected. This shift in mindset reflects responsible stewardship towards the application of national resources.

Madam Speaker, democracy and constitutionalism thrive where institutions are strong and accountable. We remain committed to working closely with oversight institutions, such as this House and co-operating partners, to ensure that infrastructure programmes are implemented within the confines of the law and in accordance with national development priorities. The Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development re-affirms its commitment to implementing projects that uplift communities, stimulate economic growth and embody our national values and principles through inclusive, transparent and sustainable infrastructure development. We shall continue to contribute meaningfully to the realisation of a prosperous and united Zambia.

With those remarks, Madam Speaker, I fully support the Motion and recommend the President’s Speech to the House.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Member: Ema senior aya.

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr Mtolo): Madam Speaker, before I get to the Motion of Thanks, let me also join my hon. Colleagues in congratulating the two hon. Colleagues who have joined the Cabinet: young Dr Katakwe and the other Colleague, Hon. Malama. They are welcome. It is a pity that my other two Colleagues have run away from the House; Hon. Kampyongo and Hon. Kafwaya. I wanted to encourage them to read and be like Dr Katakwe. Maybe, they can be considered for Cabinet positions.

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

Laughter

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and, indeed, the entire agricultural sector, I wish to express my profound gratitude for the clear, principled and forward-looking guidance contained in the President’s Address.

Hon. Government Member: Amaka!

Mr Mtolo: Amaka?

Laughter

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and, indeed the entire agricultural sector, I wish to express my profound gratitude for the clear, principled and forward-looking guidance contained in the President’s Address. The Address reaffirmed that our national values and principles are not abstract ideas but practical tools guiding development across all sectors, including agriculture, which remains the backbone of our economy and the livelihood of millions of our citizens.

Madam Speaker, food is for everyone, including Hon. Binwell Mpundu. He has to feed himself in order to have the energy to come here. In a country where agriculture drives food security, employment and rural livelihoods, the commitment of the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government on agricultural issues is commendable. I applaud the President for emphasising the promotion of local content and equitable resource distribution through the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and agricultural reforms, including the launch of the Comprehensive Agricultural Transformation Support Programme (CATSP). These efforts align seamlessly with the values of sustainable development, turning our national values into tangible habits of equity, innovation and resilience against climate change. By rooting governance in these principles, we have equipped our farmers with the moral compass to combat social vices, embrace unity and diversity as well as build a Zambia where agriculture ensures food on every table, and I want to emphasise that not just food to fill us but food to nourish our bodies. The Ministry of Agriculture pledges unwavering support to implement these visions through enhanced value chain development, mechanisation, irrigation and research and development, as outlined in our national strategies.

Madam Speaker, on morality and ethics, we have prioritised transparent support systems. For example, the issuance of 331,515 plant import permits across the country and the issuance of 162 phytosanitary certificates was the target we had set for ourselves. Alongside that, we have issued 322 pest control licences. So, if one wants to be a fumigator, we welcome them. Let them join in and make money properly.

Mr Nkandu: Quality!

Mr Mtolo: Thank you.

Interruptions

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, let me speak about the fight for self-sufficiency in fertiliser and seed. Let me take this chance to educate my dear friend and brother, the hon. Member for Chilubi. Zambia is the number one seed exporter in Africa. We are also almost taking up a very serious position in fertiliser distribution through the United Capital Fertiliser. Now, even the Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ), which our friends on the left abandoned, is operational. We have pumped in US$1.3 million into the company, so that it can become more and more self-sustaining and grow to support the agricultural sector in Zambia.

Mr B. Mpundu: Question!

Mr Mtolo: That is what the UPND is doing.

Madam Speaker, in line with the value of patriotism and national pride, we are supporting local production and consumption of agricultural goods. These are things the country takes for granted. We feed ourselves in this country. That we must be proud of. We do not import food. We import food as a choice, but we feed ourselves. Our farmers are feeding the nation, supplying industry and contributing to export earnings, thereby strengthening national pride and economic independence. Patriotism shines through record production of, say, the 4 million tonnes maize harvest. This has never, ever been achieved before with the same rain, the same soil, the same fertiliser and the same seed. The question is: Why? The answer is good governance and a good President, that is, Hakainde Hichilema and his lieutenants.

Madam Speaker, the value of national unity is shared prosperity. We have established twelve commodity markets, and by 2026, we had signed ten local international agreements. The issue of national unity is not to be taken lightly. Look at the peace that our country is experiencing. Yesterday, I took time to look at some clips on my phone. When I was looking at what Zambia was going through under the Patriotic Front (PF), I was shaking. I could not believe that we were in a country like that. Just look back, hon. Colleagues. Look at some clips of what was happening in our country. Look at the fights during elections, the natural confusion when people moved in town and the painting of vehicles in the colour of the political party which was in power. That is not happening now.

Mr B. Mpundu: You are doing the same.

Mr Mtolo: We are doing it only because we are going towards the elections.

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

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, again, we do not take peace for granted. The country was getting destroyed and distorted. There was no national unity. However, look at what is happening now. We are now exporting maize to Malawi. We are exporting maize to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We are exporting mealie meal to neighbouring countries because of the peace that our country has.

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

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, let me look at good governance and sustainable development.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

I will not take any points of order because we are behind time.

The hon. Minister may continue.

Mr Mtolo: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I will be very quick.

Madam Speaker, look at the issue of good governance and sustainable development. Look at the fight for irrigation. Look at the fight for diversification. Look at the fight for mechanisation. Look at how we are doing things now. The question is: Why was this not happening in the past? If we had done these things, we would have been at a very different level, as a country.

Madam Speaker, regarding equity and social justice, the electronic-Voucher (e-Voucher) System is being implemented across the country. The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is also being implemented across the country. Equitable distribution is a very high principle. We want to make sure that everybody feels that they are a part of our country.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank our hardworking farmers. What we need to do is give them extension services and support so that we enhance their productivity.

Mr Nkandu: Hear, hear!

Mr B. Mpundu: Question!

Mr Mtolo: You do not even know what you are questioning. You know that we are doing the right things.

Laughter

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, the strengthening of public-private partnerships (PPPs) within the agricultural value chain, as in other areas, also reflects our commitment to unity and co-operation. By working together with private sector players, co-operatives and development partners, we are enhancing value addition, agro-processing and market access for our farmers. These achievements are a testament to what can be realised when national values and principles are not only upheld but also actively integrated into policy implementation and service delivery.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

The hon. Member’s time expired.

Mr Mtolo: In this regard, the agricultural sector stands ready to continue building on these gains, ensuring that it remains a key pillar in the realisation of our national development aspirations.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I have a request. Those who can debate under five minutes should do so because we will adjourn at 1820 hours.

The hon. Minister for Lusaka Province may take the Floor.

Mr Mubika: Holy ghost fire.

Laughter

The Minister for Lusaka Province (Mrs Mulyata): Madam Speaker, thank you for granting me this opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Address delivered to this august House by Mr Hakainde Hichilema, the President of the Republic of Zambia, on Friday, 20^th February, 2026, on the Progress Made in the Application of our National Values and Principles, in accordance with Article 9(2) of the Constitution.

Madam Speaker, from the outset, allow me to commend the President for a well-articulated, people-centred and value-driven address, which clearly demonstrates leadership anchored on morality, human dignity, equity, social justice and peace and national unity.

Madam Speaker, on page 3 of the President’s Address, the President reminded this House that national values and principles are not just a constitutional requirement, but a moral compass that shapes our character and defines our identity.

Mr B. Mpundu: Question!

Mrs Mulyata: Madam Speaker, this profound statement is not a mere rhetoric. It is reflected in practical policy choices and measurable outcomes that the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government has implemented in the last five years.

Madam Speaker, on page 8, the President underscores the importance of equitable distribution of national resources through decentralisation, particularly, via the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Further, on page 11, the President reaffirms the historic increase of the CDF from K1.6 million in 2021, to K40 million per constituency in 2026.

Madam Speaker, this alone, is a demonstration of a visionary leadership that desires to bring decision-making closer to the people.

Mr Nkandu: Hear, hear!

Mrs Mulyata: Madam Speaker, on page 16, the President reports the expansion of the School Feeding Programme from 1.5 million learners in 2021 to 4.7 million learners in 2025. This programme has improved attendance, retention and learning outcomes, particularly in vulnerable communities with over 616,000 learners benefiting in Lusaka Province alone.

Mr Nkandu: Hear, hear!

Mrs Mulyata: Madam Speaker, in rural constituencies like Rufunsa, this programme is not a supplement, but a lifeline. Many children now attend school constantly, not only to learn, but also to be assured of at least, one nutritious meal a day. This is social justice in practice. A hungry child cannot learn, but a caring Government does not ignore this reality.

Like it happened yesterday in Kanyama, where the President served food to the learners. That is compassionate leadership in action. Mulekeni ateke, mupando ndiye wake.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Meaning?

Hon. Government Members: Hammer, hammer!

Mrs Mulyata: Madam Speaker, on pages 3 and 4 –

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Minister!

Mrs Mulyata: Mupando niwake!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Minister!

Hon. Minister, you said something in Bemba. Can you translate it.

Mrs Mulyata: Madam Speaker, it means that the chair is for President Hakainde Hichilema. He is the President, and he shall be there even after August.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Laughter

Hon. Government Members: Hammer, hammer!

Mrs Mulyata: Madam Speaker, on pages 3 and 5, the President highlights the Government interventions aimed at addressing social vices affecting children, including child marriage and exploitation through free education and social support programmes. In Rufunsa, we are witnessing a silent revolution. The classroom has become the strongest weapon against child labour. This approach reflects the UPND philosophy, policy with compassion, reform with care.

Madam Speaker, indeed, the historic 70 per cent Grade 12 pass rate recorded in 2025, is a direct outcome of a deliberate, coordinated and compassionate policy reform. On page 13, the President highlights the expansion of the Social Cash Transfer programme with monthly benefits doubled to K400 and K600 for households with persons with disabilities. Now, reaching 1.5 million households nationwide, Lusaka Province has over 72,000 beneficiaries on the Social Cash Transfer.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Mulyata: Madam Speaker, in addition, on page 14, the President reports the expansion of the Cash-for-Work programme to all 116 districts. This programme restores dignity by allowing citizens to earn an income while contributing to community development, especially during periods of drought and economic stress. The President addressed clearly …

Mr N. Musonda: Ten minutes is yours.

Mrs Mulyata: … outlines the Government efforts to confront social vices such as alcohol and substance abuse, teenage pregnancies, child marriage, child development, gender-based violence (GBV) and child labour as detailed on pages 3 to 6.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Mulyata: Madam Speaker, through the free education skills training, empowerment initiatives and nationwide sensitisation programmes, the Government has committed to protecting the moral fabric of our nation.

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, the President’s Address on the Progress Made in the Application of our National Values and Principles demonstrates a compassionate and result-oriented approach to governance. It shows how national values, when sincerely applied, can uplift lives, empower communities and strengthen national unity as it is happening now.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Mulyata: Yes, even in Kamfinsa, it is happening.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Laughter

Hon. Government Members: Chibuluma!

Mrs Mulyata: Even in Chibuluma, it is happening!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you.

Mrs Mulyata: Madam Speaker, it is for these reasons that I strongly support the Address delivered by the President, and urge all hon. Members of this august House to continue supporting the UPND, New Dawn Government, as we work together to build a peaceful, just and prosperous Zambia.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you.

Mrs Mulyata: Madam Speaker, for us in Lusaka Province, it is salt sana, salt sana!

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Laughter

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you.

Hon. Members, I had said earlier on that those who can manage to debate within five minutes could do so. So, we now move to –

Interruptions

Actually, it is not five minutes, but ten minutes. So, those who can manage to debate within eight minutes can do so.

Interruptions

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Katuntulu, salt sana!

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts (Mr Nkandu): Madam Speaker, I thank you for this opportunity and privilege to debate.

Madam Speaker, from the onset, I want to say that I support the Address by the President of the Republic of Zambia, and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Madam Speaker, the speech was indeed, very inspirational and inclusive. It reminds all of us of our responsibilities to our nation in upholding morals and ethics, patriotism and national unity. Due to time, I will apply myself to three issues namely, upholding morals and ethics, patriotism and national unity, human dignity, equal social justice and non-discrimination.

Madam Speaker, in line with the President’s Speech delivered to this august House, indeed, my ministry has made a lot of strides. Now, under moralsand ethics, the President highlighted that drug, alcohol and substance abuse is one area of concern among young people. In an effort to combating these bad vices, my ministry is in liaison with various stakeholders to strengthen sensitisation on the dangers of drug, alcohol and substance abuse.

Madam Speaker, the President also talked about social media usage. We have now strengthened sensitisation on the use of social media especially by our young people. The House may be aware that we have people in foreign countries, who are using the foreign countries as launchpads for spreading falsehoods. So, under ethics, it is just morally right that they come back and face justice. I It is important to use social media for innovation, looking for jobs and other things than spreading falsehoods like I have mentioned.

Madam Speaker, my ministry has sensitised more than 25,000 athletes and over 230 coaches on the dangers of drugs, alcohol, doping and substance abuse. Furthermore, it has leveraged on town hall meetings through the National Youth Development Council (NYDC). Hon. Mushanga can bear witness to the fact that we were in Kabwe for meetings, and awareness was raised on the dangers and effects of alcohol, drugs and substance abuse among the youths.

Madam Speaker, I wish to condemn the bad habit of not repaying Government empowerment loans. It is morally wrong. One obtains a loan from the Government or bank, but does not want to pay back the loan. As citizens, we need to ensure that we repay our loans. I think, it is morally wrong and unacceptable when young people in Zambia do not pay back their loans. The ministry has given loans to more than 9,800 young people, but it is struggling to get that money back.

Madam Speaker, it is important for our hon. Colleagues on your left to be here, in this House, as we respond because they talked about certain issues when they were debating. It is also morally wrong that the previous Government kept civil servants, for instance, council workers, for fifteen months without paying them. We need to talk about these things. The council workers went fifteen to seventeen months without being paid. That was morally wrong. It is only under this Government that council officials are paid. We are doing the right thing.

Madam Speaker, let me also talk about patriotism and national unity. This is the only Government that brought Councillors from different political parties together, and they interacted with the Republican President. It is historic. It has not happened before in the history of Zambia. I want to congratulate President Hakainde Hichilema for walking the talk.

Madam Speaker, our young people wanted platforms on which they can engage policymakers and implementers, and the Government has done that. Last week, entrepreneurship and career fairs were held, as well as the National Youth Indaba, town hall meetings in Solwezi and a sports day. That is what the young people would like to see from their Government and the President.

Madam Speaker, this is the only time chiefs have visited one another, …

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkandu: … the first time in the history of this country. The Government has attended many traditional ceremonies, and that had not been seen before President Hakainde Hichilema came into office. So, that is what the President means when he talks about patriotism.

Madam Speaker, under President Hakainde Hichilema, there is an inclusive Cabinet for the first time. Every region is represented. I know our hon. Colleagues will not say anything good about us, but we need to remind them that what they used to do was wrong.

Madam Speaker, on human dignity, equal social justice, equality and non-discrimination, I heard some hon. Members on your left say that there is a lot of unemployment in the country. Have we forgotten? Why are we in this position? Our hon. Colleagues on your left made three bad decisions, and I always say this. Their Government implemented the employment freeze on us, as citizens. There was no space for graduates from the University of Zambia (UNZA), other universities and colleges to be employed, because there was an employment freeze.

Madam Speaker, further, their Government increased the retirement age from fifty-five to sixty-five years old. For instance, if 5,000 workers were offloaded from the job market for ten years, that would have been 50,000. So, that means 50,000 young people could not find jobs. The hon. Colleagues on your left are the people who did that. Today, they talk about the high unemployment levels. That is not true. As if increasing the retirement age was not enough, a person could be brought back on contract for two years when that person clocked the sixty-five-year retirement age, yet colleges and universities were offloading graduates onto the job market. So, they made the huge mountain of unemployed youths in our country. What have we done? The retirement age has been reduced and the employment freeze has been lifted, and people cannot be brought back on contract unless they are specialised. That is what this Government has done.

Madam Speaker, the Government has put in place good policies, which are especially tilted towards the young people. Talk about the Free Education Policy, which is for the young people. Talk about employment that has been created both in the public and private sectors in Zambia today. An enabling environment has been created for the private sector to thrive. That is why in Kabwe, which was a ghost town, there is the Bayer Itaba Seed Company as well as the second-largest tobacco processing company in Zambia. That is how jobs are being created. Talk about the United Capital Fertiliser Zambia Company. Talk about the mining sector, where more than 30,000 people have been employed, of whom 95 per cent are young people. So, the Government is reducing the unemployment levels in this country. Members of the Patriotic Front (PF) should not talk about unemployment levels. That is why they should not come close to the corridors of power again. What they did to the young people was unheard of. Never again. My appeal to the Zambian people is that they should ensure that those people are completely forgotten. We need to remove them from the history books because what they did to the Zambian people is unheard of, as I have said.

With that, Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the President for his visionary leadership. I also want to thank those who debated positively. This is the President we have been looking for. The President should continue helping the Zambian people because, indeed, he is a messiah.

With those few remarks, Madam Speaker, I thank you.

The Minister of Transport and Logistics (Mr Tayali): Madam Speaker, I would like to join the people who have spoken before me in thanking the President of the Republic of Zambia for the well-balanced address he delivered to this august House on 20^th February, 2026, on the Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles.

Madam Speaker, from the outset, permit me to thank Mr Hakainde Hichilema for providing exemplary leadership in promoting peace in the country, as Zambia remains an undisputed champion and beacon of peace in the region.

Madam Speaker, as mentioned by the President, morality and ethics are important values that shape the character of our families, communities and the nation at large. We rally behind the President in ensuring that we bring up responsible children who do not engage in alcohol, drugs and substance abuse. We want them to grow into responsible citizens and to take our country forward.

Madam Speaker, we are grateful for the Free Education Policy, which has enabled our children to be in school, in millions. As repeatedly said by our President, education is an equaliser, and it remains the best investment and inheritance.

Madam Speaker, the United Party for National Development (UPND) Administration is committed to promoting good governance and integrity. The President made it unequivocally clear when he said that if you are corrupt, you are on your own. There are no shortcuts. We applaud his asset recovery initiative, as many vehicles and helicopters have been recovered.

Madam Speaker, we have seen an end to the days of grossly inflated road contracts and ghost transport projects in the transport sector. Coming from a sector that contributes significantly to climate change through carbon emissions, I am happy that the New Dawn Administration has scaled up efforts in its adoption and mitigation efforts, thereby, strengthening resilience. The transport sector is promoting the use of electric vehicles, revitalising the railway sub-sector and promoting the use of non-mechanical transport, among other initiatives, to reduce the carbon footprint and help save mother earth.

Madam Speaker, I also commend our Government’s drastic reforms in tackling the electricity challenge head-on. Reliable power is essential in the transport sector for our airports, border posts and automated weigh bridges. With the attainment of macro-economic stability, the UPND Government stands on firm ground in saying that the benefits will trickle down to all. The citizens will increasingly feel the benefits through a gradual, but sustained easing of the cost of living. In transportation, stability is crucial. It stabilises the cost of fuel imports, reduces the cost of vehicle spare parts and gives our transporters predictability.

Madam Speaker, indeed, 13^thAugust, 2026, will be yet another defining moment, and we are grateful that the President has appealed for calm and peaceful elections. Under his tutelage and leadership, the country held by-elections peacefully, such that most people were not even aware that elections were taking place. We should remain a united people despite our political affiliations.

Madam Speaker, I echo the President’s call for every Zambian to demonstrate the highest level of restraint, respect and responsibility. We must reject all forms of violence and divisive politics, particularly that which was associated with the previous Government of the Patriotic Front (PF). Never again will that happen. Zambia is growing into a great country.

Madam Speaker, I thank you very much for this opportunity.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I will allow the hon. Minister for North-Western Province to debate for five minutes before I call upon the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House as the last person to debate.

The Minister for North-Western Province (Mr Lihefu): Madam Speaker, I am grateful for according me this opportunity, on behalf of the people of the North-Western Province, to comment on the speech delivered by Mr Hakainde Hichilema, the President of the Republic of Zambia, on the Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles delivered to this House.

Madam Speaker, I wish to congratulate the President and, indeed, the people of Zambia, on the good policies implemented by the New Dawn Administration that have resulted in the positive growth of the economy, manifesting through the low inflation rate, appreciation of the Kwacha against other convertible currencies and the reduction in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), among others.

Madam Speaker, regarding morality and ethics, as people of the North-Western Province, we wish to categorically state that we have greatly benefited from the Government’s initiatives, such as free education, skills training and empowerment for our youths and women. That has pre-occupied several youths and women who otherwise would have been engaged in immoral and unlawful activities.

Mr Nkandu: Saimbwende!

Laughter

Mr Lihefu: Madam Speaker, when it comes to patriotism and national unity, the province has been empowering local suppliers by actively participating in the supply of goods and services to the mines, which are the major players in the provincial economy. Furthermore, the provincial administration, in partnership with Kansanshi Mine, held a tender and bid training workshop for local suppliers and contractors to be provided with practical insights into the tendering processes, evaluation criteria and compliance requirements for Kansanshi Mine in a bid to implement the local content regulations. That never used to happen during the previous Government.

To promote safe and legal mining, Madam Speaker, the province undertook training for artisanal and small-scale miners to empower them with the necessary skills for safe and legal mining. During the same programme, 400 co-operatives were trained and licences were issued. That means the province has trained more than 1,000 youths.

Madam Speaker, on democracy and constitutionalism, as a province, we appreciate the enactment of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025, which will see the North-Western Province being adequately represented in this august House.

Madam Speaker, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has continued to positively impact the lives of our people in the North-Western Province. For sure, the CDF is a game-changer. What is being witnessed in the constituencies has never been seen before. Our children were sitting under the floor ...

Mr B. Mpundu: Question!

Mr Lihefu: ... but they are now sitting on desks.

Mr Fube: Under the floor?

Mr Lihefu: Our children were learning under trees, but now classroom blocks have been built, and maternity annexes have also been built.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

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

Mr Lihefu: Madam Speaker, with these few words, I support the speech by Mr Hakainde Hichilema, whom Her Honour the Vice-President refers to as “Mr Miracle”. For sure, he is Mr Miracle.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Nkandu: Saimbwende!

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister of Defence and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House (Mr Lufuma): Madam Speaker, allow me, in the first instance, to join the rest of the hon. Members of Parliament and hon. Cabinet Ministers in congratulating our newly-appointed Ministers, Hon. Alex Katakwe and the hon. Member for Mfuwe, as Minister of Health and Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, respectively.

Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this honourable House do place on record our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, for the comprehensive and insightful address delivered to this august House on the Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles on 20^th February, 2026.

Madam Speaker, the President’s Address was not merely a report to Parliament; it was a re-affirmation of the moral compass that guides our nation. It reminded us of our national values and principles as the very foundation upon which our country stands. The values are the pillars that shape our policies, guide our governance system and define whom we are as a people.

Madam Speaker, the progress outlined by the President demonstrates the Government’s unwavering commitment to building a just, peaceful and inclusive society. From the expansion of social protection programmes, strengthening of democratic institutions,re-introduction of free education and enhancement of health and social services, the Government continues to demonstrate that national development must remain people-centred and inclusive.

Madam Speaker, allow me to particularly highlight the importance of peace, unity and national security, which remain fundamental pillars for the successful application of national values. Without peace and security, national development cannot flourish, democracy cannot thrive and the well-being of citizens cannot be safeguarded, nor can they be guaranteed. It is, therefore, befitting that as we debate the application of our national values and principles, we recognise the critical role played by the Ministry of Defence, through the Zambia Defence Forces, in safeguarding the peace and security of our Republic. Through professionalism, discipline and unwavering patriotism, our men and women in uniform continue to preserve the peace and stability that Zambia has enjoyed over many decades. The Ministry of Defence, therefore, remains steadfast in upholding its constitutional mandate to safeguard the sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability of the Republic of Zambia.

Madam Speaker, our defence personnel embody the spirit of patriotism and national unity. They come from every province, every district and every community of our great nation, yet when they wear the uniform of service, they represent only one identity, that is, Zambia. They reaffirm a living example of the principle of “One Zambia, One Nation” and “One Nation, One People.” In my constituency they even say, “One People,” That “people” is you and me.

Madam Speaker, beyond safeguarding our sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Zambia Defence Force continues to play an important role in supporting national development and responding to national emergencies, whether providing support during natural disasters, assisting in humanitarian interventions or supporting infrastructure development in times of need, our defence personnel consistently demonstrate their commitment to serving the Zambian people.

Madam Speaker, Zambia has also continued to honour its long-standing reputation as a beacon of peace. Through the participation in the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU) peace-keeping missions, our defence personnel continue to contribute to international peace and security while carrying the Zambian flag with pride, integrity and distinction.

Madam Speaker, as we approach the 2026 General Election, the message delivered by the President could not be timelier. Democracy thrives where peace prevails, and elections must always be conducted in an atmosphere of tolerance, respect and unity. The call for all citizens to reject violence, hate speech and divisive politics is both necessary and commendable.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

The hon. Member’s time expired.

Mr Lufuma: The Ministry of Defence, working closely with other security wings, remains committed to ensuring that Zambia continues to enjoy a peaceful and stable environment in which every citizen can freely exercise their democratic rights.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, as the President rightly reminded us, the journey towards building a united, …

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Wind up, hon. Minister.

Mr Lufuma: … prosperous and peaceful Zambia is – I am just about to finish – a shared project.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lufuma: While we celebrate the progress that has been made, we must remain committed to doing even more to advance the welfare and wellbeing of our people.

Mr B. Mpundu: Thank you.

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, allow me to thank you most sincerely for the opportunity to debate.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Sabao (Chikankata): Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, let me thank all the hon. Members, Provincial hon. Ministers and Cabinet Ministers who supported this very important speech, presented to this House by the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Question put and agreed to.

ADJOURNMENT: RESCIND AND RENEGOTIATE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PHARMACEUTICAL PLANT BETWEEN ZAMBIA MEDICINES AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES AGENCY (ZAMMSA) AND AKUMS DRUGS AND PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED

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

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Notice of an item for debate on the Motion of Adjournment of the House has been received.

Mr B. Mpundu (Nkana): Madam Speaker, I rise to move a Motion in which I am asking the Government through the hon. Minister of Health to rescind and renegotiate the terms and conditions of the joint venture …

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The timing.

Mr B. Mpundu: … agreement –

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Ten minutes for him.

Mr B. Mpundu paused.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You may continue, hon. Member for Nkana.

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker, I was saying I rise to move a Motion in which I am asking the Government to rescind and re-negotiate the terms and conditions of the joint venture agreement for the construction of a pharmaceutical plant between Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) and Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited.

Mr B. Mpundu resumed his seat.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You may continue, hon. Member. You have ten minutes.

Mr B. Mpundu: Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, permit me to start by congratulating my brother, Hon. Katakwe, who has just been appointed as hon. Minister of Health to serve in that office for approximately two months. This Motion seeks to particularly make him stand on the pedestal of morality by making the right decision on behalf of the Zambian people.

Madam Speaker, it will interest you to note that on 19^th October, 2025, His Excellency the President, announced to the nation in a speech read on his behalf by the hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, that the Government had decided to enter into a joint venture agreement between ZAMMSA and Akums Drug and Pharmaceutical Limited, an Indian pharmaceutical company. In that announcement, the President told the nation that this particular plant was going to be manufacturing 750 different drugs and other related medical supplies after completion. It would also interest this august House that this particular undertaking will cost about US$22 million in which ownership will be shared between the Government of Zambia through ZAMMSA with 49 per cent, and 51 per cent shares by Akums.

Madam Speaker, I wish to put it on record that the desire to strengthen industry and supply chain resilience by supporting local drug manufacturing is very commendable. This particular joint venture on face value is very commendable because it signals that …

Mr Mubika: On a point of order Madam Speaker.

Mr B. Mpundu: … Zambia is going to be manufacturing drugs from within.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

We do not have a quorum.

Mr B. Mpundu: No, we have been trading like this, Madam Speaker, for a very long time.

Interruptions

Mr B. Mpundu: So, we continue.

Mr Fube: We did not have a quorum even when Ministers were debating.

Interruptions

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, while this arrangement –

Interruptions

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

You may resume your seat.

Ring the bells.

Mr Mpundu resumed his seat.

Mr Fube: Quorum kale iponene!

Bells were rung

Mr B. Mpundu: Quorum kale iponene. Tatwimishefye ama point of orders.

No quorum

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

There are only two minutes remaining. If we do not form a quorum, we will adjourn.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

So, in line with Standing Order No. 238, the House now adjourns as there is no quorum.

_______

The House adjourned at 1835 hours until 1430 hours on Thursday, 19^th March, 2026.

____________

Search form

You are here

Order Paper

parliament.gov.zm