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Debates- Friday, 10th June, 2011
DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE TENTH ASSEMBLY
Friday, 10th June, 2011
The House met at 0900 hours
[MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]
NATIONAL ANTHEM
PRAYER
__________
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER
ACTING LEADER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN THE HOUSE
Madam Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, I have received communication to the effect that in the absence of His Honour the Vice-President and Learned Minister of Justice who is attending to other national duties, Hon. Mkhondo D. Lungu, MP, Minister of Homes Affairs, has been appointed Acting Leader of Government Business in the House today, Friday, 10th June, 2011.
I thank you.
Mr Lungu moved to the Vice-President’s seat.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
HEALTH WEEK PROGRAMME BY FAIRVIEW HOSPITAL AND VISION CARE CENTRE
Madam Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members …
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
I wish to inform you that authority has been granted for two health institutions to conduct a health week programme free of charge in the precincts of Parliament from Monday, 13th June to Friday, 17th June, 2011. The two institutions are Fairview Hospital, a premium medical facility that was recently commissioned by the Republican President, and Vision Care Centre.
Fairview Hospital will set up their stand in Committee Room 1 with a table in the main reception area of Parliament Buildings and will offer the following services to hon. Members of Parliament and staff:
(i)doctor consultations;
(ii)ECG check ups; and
(iii)vital signs checkups such as blood pressure, glucose saturation, pulse rate, ultra sound scans.
On the other hand, Vision Care Centre will set up their stand in Committee Room 5 and will offer the following services among others:
(i)corneal scar screening;
(ii)pterygum, ophthalmic counselling;
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
You will know what it is.
Laughter
(iii)cataract screening; and
(iv)reflective error.
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, order!
That is myopia, hyperopia, presbiopya and astigmatism.
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members who are interested are free to visit the stands at their convenience without disrupting the Quorum of the House.
Thank you.
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Hon. Members will observe the rules of the House.
_____________
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
The Minister of Homes Affairs and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House (Mr Lungu): Madam Speaker, I rise to give some idea of the Business the House will consider next week.
On Tuesday, 14th June, 2011, the Business of the House will begin with Questions, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. After that, the House will deal with the Second Reading stage of the following Bills:
(i)The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2011; and
(ii)The Supplementary Appropriation (2009) Bill, 2011.
Thereafter, the House will debate the Motion to adopt the report of the Committee on National Security and Foreign Affairs.
Madam, on Wednesday, 15th June, 2011, the Business of the House will commence with Questions, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. After that, the House will consider Private Members’ Motions, if there will be any. The House will then consider the Motion to adopt the report of the Committee on Local Governance, Housing and Chiefs’ Affairs.
Madam Speaker, on Thursday, 16th June, 2011, the Business of the House will begin with questions, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will consider two Motions to adopt the reports of the following Committees:
(i)The Public Accounts Committee – Accounts of Parastatal Bodies; and
(ii)The Parliamentary Reforms and Modernisation Committee.
Madam, on Friday, 17th June, 2011, the Business of the House will begin with His Honour the Vice-President’s Question Time. This will be followed by Questions, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will consider presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. After that, the House will consider the Motion to adopt the report of the Committee on Economic Affairs and Labour. Then the House will deal with any other business that may be outstanding.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
___________
QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER
KAFUE TEXTILES OF ZAMBIA
478. Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives:
(a)why the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) had been renting buildings from the Kafue Textiles of Zambia (KTZ); and
(b)what the future of the workers, buildings and machinery of KTZ was.
The Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives (Dr Kazonga): Madam Speaker, the FRA has been renting storage facilities from African Textiles, formerly KTZ, since 1st December, 2010. This is because of the FRA having inadequate storage facilities for maize after Zambia recorded a bumper harvest during the 2009/2010 agricultural season.
Madam Speaker, when the KTZ was privatised by the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and sold to MB International Zambia Limited, which operates as African Textiles of Zambia (ATZ), all the workers of the KTZ were paid their terminal benefits in full in accordance with the terms of sale of the KTZ. Moreover, the ATZ closed operations in 2009 and subsequently started renting out their premises to the FRA as storage facilities.
However, the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry is in a better position to provide further clarification on the ATZ.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Lumba (Solwezi Central): Madam Speaker, may I learn from the hon. Minister how much the FRA is paying as rentals on a monthly or yearly basis.
Dr Kazonga: Madam Speaker, I do not have the actual figure that the FRA is paying to this company but, overall, the FRA is paying, in excess, billions …
Mr Kambwili: In excess.
Laughter
Dr Kazonga: … of Kwacha as rentals. That is why the FRA is taking back storage facilities that were leased out so that it stops paying large sums of money in rentals.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Milupi (Luena): Madam Speaker, since the question is on the FRA’s lack of storage capacity, would the hon. Minister care to inform us how much of the bumper harvest from the last season is still there, especially since this year’s crop harvest is in progress. How much of the previous crop of 2.7 million tonnes is still there?
Dr Kazonga: Madam Speaker, the bumper harvest last year was 2.79 million metric tonnes. This year, it has increased to 3 million metric tonnes. The surplus maize from last year, when added to this year’s tonnage, will give us a surplus of 1.6 million metric tonnes.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Kambwili (Roan): Madam Speaker, may I know what arrangements the FRA has made for this year’s bumper harvest. May the hon. Minister also answer the question asked by the hon. Member for Luena on how much maize there still is from last year?
Dr Kazonga: Madam Speaker, the first part of the hon. Member’s question refers to the preparation of storage facilities by the FRA. The FRA has made adequate preparations. I will go through the preparations particularly relating to storage facilities. We need to construct ninety-eight slabs countrywide which will give FRA a storage capacity of 450,000 metric tonnes in addition to what we did last year under Phase I of the same project, which came to 98,000 metric tonnes. In the FRA’s plans, additional facilities were also created through rehabilitation, giving the organisation extra capacity of 187,000 metric tonnes. So, in total, we plan to create additional storage capacity of 735 metric tonnes. This will address the problem of lack of storage facilities that the country is facing.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Kamondo (Mufumbwe): Madam Speaker, may I find out from the hon. Minister whether most of the transporters that transported maize last year have been paid or not.
Dr Kazonga: Madam Speaker, I want to confirm that most of the transporters have been paid and the FRA is making efforts to clear all pending financial liabilities to transporters.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.{mospagebreak}
ZAMBIAN MUSIC ALBUMS
479. Mr Lubinda (Kabwata) asked the Minister of Community Development and Social Services:
(a)how many music albums were produced and published on a commercial basis by Zambian musicians from 2007 to 2010, year by year;
(b)which album and by which artiste(s) published the largest number of copies in the same period above; and
(c)how much revenue the Government raised in the form of taxes from the music albums produced in each year above.
The Deputy Minister of Community Development and Social Services (Mr Malwa): Madam Speaker, the following is the information obtained from the Zambia Music Copyright Protection Society (ZAMCOPS) on published and registered albums:-
Year No. of Albums
2007 868
2008 474
2009 691
2010 678
Madam Speaker, the following are some of the musicians who published the most albums by year and ranking:
Year Title of Album Artiste
2007 Champion Danny Siulapwa
Limo Ndanaka Ephraim Mutalange
Mweo Wandi Stanley Chipuma
2008.Bobojan Petersen Mundia Mukubesa
Panado Runnel
Mweo Wandi Stanley Chipuma
2009.Maloto Yorum
Lesa Talekelesha Ephraim Mutalange
2010.Malinso Malinso Afunika
Government Kings
Mwanjitile Kale Suwilanji
Madam Speaker, the Government was able to raise the following amounts in revenue year by year:
Year Revenue
(K’m)
2007 103
2008 104
2009 61.5
2010 62.8
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Lubinda: Madam Speaker, the figures given by the hon. Minister show that Zambian musicians are extremely prolific for them to produce, on average, 700 albums per year. Given this scenario, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister why this ministry, which is the custodian of the interests of musicians, has not taken any action to ensure that the Ministry of Finance and National Planning provides total write-off of excise duty on all the materials that are required by the musicians in keeping the provisions of the Cultural Policy adopted in 2003.
Mr Malwa: Madam Speaker, for the past three years, the Government has allowed all imported music equipment into the country tax-free. This is in line with the provision of the National Culture Policy. The cultural centres under construction in provincial districts by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services will provide the much needed venues for musical and other artistic performances for them to be able to raise some more resources.
Madam Speaker, you may wish to know that in 2010, the Government submitted to the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisations (UNESCO), a project proposal entitled ‘Strengthening of Local Zambian Music,’ requesting UNESCO to provide funding amounting to US$24,000 to enable the Sakala Brothers and other musical groups acquire musical instruments and related equipment. The aim of this project was to set up a music training centre and recording studios. UNESCO has since approved the proposal. Therefore, we are doing everything possible, as a Government, to ensure that music in Zambia is promoted and we have discussed this issue with the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA); and certain music equipment like the one that I have just mentioned is imported into Zambia tax-free.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Kapeya (Mpika Central): Madam Speaker, Zambian artistes have lost a lot in terms of revenue generation due to piracy. What is the Government doing, especially the ministry, about this issue?
Mr Malwa: Madam Speaker, the Government is currently constructing three villages to provide revenue where artistes can produce and market their products. The National Culture Centre near Mass Media is one example and the ministry is consulting with the Chinese Government on how we can enter into a partnership to develop the centre. The Government has a programme for culture and creative industries where activities such as art and culture and infrastructure are budgeted for to the tune of K3 billion at the request of various artiste industries and supported to provide the necessary infrastructure.
Mr Kapeya: What are you saying?
Mr Malwa: I am telling you what we are doing to promote music.
Interruptions
Mr Malwa: K500 million is provided for the creative and culture industry to assist artistes and men and women who make handicrafts.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Kambwili: Madam Speaker, I hope the hon. Deputy Minister is going to answer my question.
Madam Speaker, if you look at the trend, the number of albums produced was increasing, and yet the revenue that the Government was collecting was reducing. I would like to know why the revenue reduced when the number of albums produced was going up.
Mr Malwa: Madam Speaker, …
Hon. Opposition: What are reading?
Mr Malwa: … yes, we have to provide written answers.
Laughter
Mr Malwa: My ministry has inquired from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) under Domestic Direct Taxes and, regrettably, the tax collected amounts from music production did not tally. As regards Hon. Kambwili’s question, it was difficult for the ZRA to aggregate revenue generated from music albums under the various music houses. In this case, they advised the ministry to get this information from the respective musicians.
Madam Speaker, there are many challenges in capturing revenue generation figures from music sales because some musicians produce their albums from home and sale online. Therefore, it is difficult to track the sales. Piracy is another major problem that robs the Government and musicians of revenue. That is how the revenue came down, Hon. Kambwili.
I thank you, Madam.
Interruptions
Mr Lumba: Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister how much the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) pays to musicians for playing their music on both radio and television.
The Minister of Community Development and Social Services (Mr Kaingu): Madam Speaker, let me give some additional information on piracy. Although, the question of piracy is for our colleagues in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services, I wish to inform the House and the country that the Government has faced many problems. I think that this is a universal problem. We recognise that the problem of piracy is real, but what we do in this country and elsewhere is to confiscate material that has been smuggled into the country and destroy it. I think you have seen the hon. Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services going out there with police officers collecting undesirable material that comes in through smuggling and destroying it.
Madam Speaker, musicians are professionals. So, they enter into contracts. I am aware, as a businessman, that you enter into contracts with those that you want to do business with. I think this question could have been better directed to our colleagues in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services. However, I am sure musicians do not allow their music to be played free of charge.
I thank you, Madam.
FOOD RESERVE AGENCY
480. Mr Ntundu (Gwembe) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives:
(a)how much money the Government released to the FRA for the purchase of maize in the 2010 harvest season;
(b)how much money the FRA borrowed from lending institutions for the same purpose; and
(c)what the expected cost of reducing the price of maize sold to the millers by the FRA following a Government directive in March, 2011 was.
Dr Kazonga: Madam Speaker, the Government released K1.213 trillion to the FRA for the purchase of maize in the 2010 harvest season.
The FRA borrowed K246.7 billion from lending institutions for crop marketing during the 2009/2010 agriculture marketing season.
Madam Speaker, the cost of reducing the price of maize sold to the millers by the FRA from US$200 per metric tonne to US$160 per metric tonne following a Government directive in March, 2010 is K20.66 billion.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Ntundu: Madam Speaker, out of the K1.213 trillion that the Government has released to the FRA, (making gestures with his hand) I would like to know from the hon. Minister, ...
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
The hon. Member will be careful with his hand. Otherwise, he will end up using symbols not accepted in the House. The hon. Member will keep his hand ...
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
... down.
The hon. Member may continue with his hand down.
Laughter
Mr Ntundu: Madam Speaker, will the Government release more money to the FRA this year? Is the FRA able to sustain itself with the money the Government has given it so far? Is the money given to FRA by the Government a grant? Does the FRA pay back to the Government because it is given money every year?
Dr Kazonga: Madam Speaker, the money goes into the pockets of the small-scale farmers. As a result of this, there is a lot of development taking place at the household and individual levels even in places such as Gwembe. Because this is the people’s money, it has to go back to them. The Government has done this in appreciation of their hard work.
The Government has prepared for the financing of this year’s marketing season to continue. The Government is targeting to buy 1.3 million metric tonnes of maize which is more than the 883,000 metric tonnes from last year’s marketing season. Again, this money will go into the pockets of farmers.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has said that the FRA will increase the number of bags to be bought from the farmers. Is the FRA, again, going to use the scales that are mainly used to weigh babies in our health centres like was the case last year?
Laughter
Dr Kazonga: Madam Speaker, appropriate scales are going to be used not the ones used to weigh under-five children. The minimum standards have to be met. In fact, the FRA has already put up a tender for extra scales to be acquired in order to serve the small-scale farmers better.
Thank you, Madam.
Mr Mukanga (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, what is the Government doing to make the FRA self sustaining rather than depending on Central Government for funding annually?
Dr Kazonga: Madam, the Government is studying the long-term business plan for the FRA to see what needs to be done for it to perform to the best of its abilities and in accordance with our vision. In short, the FRA is looking for an appropriate business model.
Thank you, Madam.
Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC. (Chasefu): Madam Speaker, I recall, at one time, His Excellency the President gave a statement to the effect that a grain marketing board was going to be created. When will the ministry work towards bringing a Bill for the creation of a grain marketing board since the FRA is only concerned with strategic reserves?
Dr Kazonga: Madam Speaker, the FRA is marketing strategic crops, especially maize and rice. In terms of the board that was proposed some years ago to look at issues of grain marketing, the ministry is still studying that particular concept and will bring appropriate legislation to the House if the need arises.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Lubinda: Madam, the answer provided by the hon. Minister shows that, obviously, there is money that the FRA is also receiving from the sell of maize to millers and also the export market. In view of the fact that ...
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
May the hon. Member ask the question?
Mr Lubinda: … there was a K20.6 billion subsidy on the price of maize, can the hon. Minister indicate, besides that, what the total subsidy was that the Treasury gave to the FRA in view of the fact that money was also allocated the previous year and it did not sell at the cost price?
Dr Kazonga: Madam Speaker, the FRA, as indicated, incurred a cost amounting to K20.66 billion. As a Government, we have not just looked at the figures, but have gone beyond because we realise that there are other factors that we need to take into account. For instance, if our staple food, which is maize, is not accessible to the majority of our people, we would incur an even higher cost than the K20.66 billion.
As a Government, we know that there are other dimensions that we cannot quantify. However, if people did not have that food, we would have incurred more costs than the K20.66. For instance, there would have been difficulties in terms of nutrition which would have, in turn, created health problems. This would have been another cost. Therefore, as far as we are concerned, that was a better arrangement to ensure that people had access to that particular food.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE IN CHINSALI
481. Mr C. Mulenga (Chinsali) asked the Minister of Education:
(a) how many basic schools were earmarked for construction in Chinsali Parliamentary Constituency in 2010;
(b) in which areas the schools to be located were; and
(c) why the Government had not yet released the money for infrastructure development as outlined in the 2010 Annual Work Plan.
The Deputy Minister of Education (Dr Kawimbe): Madam Speaker, there are two basic schools earmarked for construction in Chinsali Parliamentary Constituency.
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
There is too much loud consultation.
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Can the hon. Members consult quietly so that those who are interested in following the debate can follow and that includes the Chairperson? The Chairperson must listen and understand. This can only be done in a conducive atmosphere and not where people are talking at very high tones. Can the hon. Members, please, pay attention to the Business of the House?
The hon. Minister may continue.
Dr Kawimbe: I thank you, Madam Speaker. The two basic schools earmarked for construction in Chinsali Parliamentary Constituency are Ntamba and Kapululu. Ntamba Basic School is located in Mwiche Ward while Kapululu Basic School is located in Kankula Ward.
Madam Speaker, the community mode of constructing projects was not fully implemented in 2010. This was as a result of the fact that our co-operating partners in the education sector did not release the pledged amounts of money to the ministry. This, in turn, affected the implementation of our infrastructure development plan for 2010.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mr C. Mulenga: Madam Speaker, first of all, I would like to correct the hon. Minister that Ntamba Basic School is not in Chinsali Constituency, but in Shiwang’andu in Nkulungwe Ward.
Madam Speaker, is the Government aware that parents worked very hard to organise the upfront materials in preparation for the construction of the same schools earmarked in the 2010 Annual Work Plan? If the Government is aware, what is it doing to ensure that these materials are used instead of going to waste?
Dr Kawimbe: Madam Speaker, as a ministry, we are very grateful for the contribution that communities across the country are making towards increasing access to education for all our children. We are determined to do our part and I am happy to report that we have had very fruitful discussions with the co-operating partners and sooner rather than later, the funds, which were due to be released in 2010, will be coming through.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Muyanda (Sinazongwe): Madam Speaker, is it not a fact that the school in Shiwang’andu was not constructed because the hon. Minister of Education constructed seven schools in the Eastern Province, four of which are in her constituency, thereby disadvantaging the rest of Zambia with regard to the construction of schools. Is that not true?
Dr Kawimbe: Madam Speaker, I thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to respond to the follow-up question from the hon. Member who has just spoken.
Mr Muyanda: I am from Sinazongwe, Sir.
Dr Kawimbe: We know that.
Madam Speaker, if a school is built anywhere in any part of our country, we should all rejoice because next year, we do not have to build a school in the same place.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Dr Kawimbe: If, for instance, a road is constructed in a particular part of our country, we should all rejoice because a road will not be built there the following year.
Hon. Opposition Members: Awe!
Dr Kawimbe: Let us really live the One Zambia One Nation motto.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr D. Mwila (Chipili): Madam Speaker, the Government did not release money not only in Chinsali, but also the Southern and Luapula provinces, and yet the same 2010 Annual Work Plan …
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
I think that the House has been guided on how to ask follow-up questions in particular. Can we ask follow-up questions? The ground is already set and it is Chinsali we are talking about. The hon. Member may ask his question.
Mr D. Mwila: Madam Speaker, the money was not released to three provinces. May I find out from the hon. Minister why the Government continued to construct schools in Petauke where the hon. Minister and Hon. Daka come from when other provinces are suffering?
Laughter
Dr Kawimbe: Madam Speaker, the correct position is that the withholding of funds to the education sector did not just affect one province, but the entire spectrum of the 2010 Infrastructure Development Plan.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Mushili (Ndola Central): Madam Speaker, is it not the duty of the Government to distribute the wealth of this country equitably? If you are going to concentrate so much on the Eastern Province, …
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Your question has been understood.
Dr Kawimbe: Madam Speaker, the truth of the matter is that those of us who have the privilege of travelling the width and breadth of our country know that at no time since independence have we seen development so evenly spread across our land.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Dr Kawimbe: Madam, those who, due to budgetary constraints, are only able to visit their constituencies may not appreciate this.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.{mospagebreak}
MOBILE E-LEARNING BUSES
482. Mr Mwenya (Nkana) asked the Minister of Education:
(a)how many mobile e-learning buses were procured by the Government from 2010 to April, 2011;
(b)how much money the Government spent on the procurement of each bus; and
(c)how many learning institutions benefited from the buses, name by name.
Dr Kawimbe: Madam Speaker, the Government procured one mobile e-learning bus between 2010 and April, 2011. The Government spent K3,998,066,703.43 on the procurement of the e-learning bus. Pupils from the following institutions benefited from the e-learning bus:
Lusaka Province
Prince Takamado Basic School;
Kabulonga Basic School;
Woodlands A Basic School;
Matipula Basic School;
Chongwe Basic School;
Libala Basic School;
Shikoswe Basic School; and
Bayuni Basic School.
Central Province
Mumbwa High School;
Sanje Basic School;
Chipembi High School;
Chibombo High School;
Kabwe High School;
Chindwin A;
Kapopo Basic School; and
Nkwashi Basic School.
Eastern Province
Petauke Boarding School;
Petauke Day Secondary School;
Mizyu Basic School;
Chassa Secondary School;
Katete Basic School;
Katete High School;
Katete Boarding School ;
Omelo Mumba Basic School;
Hillside View Basic School;
Anoya Zulu;
Gondar Barracks School;
Chipata Day High School;
St. Monica High School; and
Chizongwe Boys Technical High School.
Southern Province
Kaleya West Basic School.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Muyanda: Shame! You should not have read that!
Laughter
Mr Mwenya: Madam Speaker, …
Mr Simuusa: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
I see an hon. Member wanting to raise a point of order. I hope it is on procedure and the hon. Member is very refreshed as to what constitutes a point of order.
Mr Simuusa: Yes, Madam Speaker.
Madam Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Simuusa: Madam Speaker, I thank you for granting me this opportunity to raise a very important point of order.
Madam Speaker, you have guided us that one of our functions is to ensure that the public resources are prudently used. Is the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning in order to inform the nation in The Post newspaper of yesterday, on page 11, headed, “Government to invest Lumwana earnings in other mines” that:
“Dr Musokotwane further said the money from the sale would also be used to settle ZCCM-IH’s debt.”
Madam Speaker, I have the last audited report of 2007 from ZCCM-IH which was published and it states that the liabilities of ZCCM-IH stood at K2.6 trillion and the current assets at K131 billion.
Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order to tell this nation that he is going to spend the money realised from the sell of Lumwana’s shares on ZCCM-IH’s liabilities when we do not have an official record of the current liabilities of ZCCM-IH? In the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning’s response to the question last week, he stated that the liability of ZCCM-IH as at 31st March, 2010 was K2.6 trillion, which is the same figure which is in the report of 2007. This implies that ZCCM-IH’s liabilities have not reduced.
Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister, therefore, in order to commit these funds towards settling a debt without telling the nation what ZCCM-IH’s liabilities are and how they were incurred? I need your serious ruling. I will lay these documents on the Table.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Simuusa laid the papers on the Table.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Regarding this point of order, I will ask the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House to come up with an explanation of what is taking place regarding the sale of the Lumwana shares. At this point, it is difficult to follow what is happening. The Executive will have to explain clearly what is happening.
Interruptions
Mr Muyanda: Long live Chair!
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr Muyanda: Long live Chair!
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr Mwenya: Madam Speaker, at the rate that this bus is travelling from one province to another, how long is it going to take to go through all the provinces? What is the cost involved of driving it and what is its benefit to pupils?
Dr Kawimbe: Madam Speaker, it is very gratifying to see that the hon. Members on your left are beginning to appreciate the place for mobile facilities in our country.
Interruptions
Dr Kawimbe: Madam, in the health sector, we have nine mobile hospitals to ensure that there is a set of mobile facilities running in each province. As a ministry, we acquired this bus as a pilot project to see how it would work. Our vision is that if we had one e-learning bus in each province, our coverage would be so much better and greater.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Mwamba (Kasama Central): Madam Speaker, I want to find out from the hon. Minister of Education who happens to come just 2 km away from where I come from in Kasama, how many secondary schools have been built in Kasama District since independence.
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
That question is totally off the main question.
Laughter
Mr Chota (Lubansenshi): Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister why the e-mail bus, sorry the e-learning bus …
Laughter
Mr Chota: I can see that the people who are laughing look like laughter itself.
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
The hon. Member on the Floor will desist from making such comments. Do not be influenced by hecklers. Be focused and make your point. Ask your question as clearly as you can and do not be influenced by those who may be debating while you are talking.
You may continue.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Chota: Madam Speaker, I thank you for your guidance.
Madam Speaker, I would like to know why fifteen schools in the Eastern Province were given the facility in question, and yet only four to six in the other provinces where availed the e-learning bus.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Dr Kawimbe: Madam Speaker, this bus is, in fact, scheduled to go into the Northern Province at its next circuit. Our vision is to have one e-learning bus in every province. This is because it will take our country a very long time to have computers in schools that are in Kaputa, for instance.
The mobile e-learning facilities give us an opportunity to bridge the gap. It will take us a decade to have fixed facilities. However, with the help of the e-learning facilities, we are able to introduce our children to computers, even in the remotest parts of our country.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Mukanga: Madam Speaker, realising that we have a lot of challenges, I would like to find out why the Government opted to buy a mobile e-learning bus rather than build fixed entities from the K3.9 billion, which they could have used to buy a lot of computers.
Dr Kawimbe: Madam Speaker, the e-learning bus facilities are really for the remotest parts of our country.
Mr Mushili: Like in Lusaka?
Dr Kawimbe: For urban areas, we have a programme within the ministry where we will put in place mechanisms to work with the private sector who are the internet providers and the people producing syllabi. We have a comprehensive programme to introduce information and communication technology (ICT) in our school system. Obviously, the greatest challenge will be to introduce ICTs in schools that are in the remotest parts of our country like Zambezi, Chavuma, Chadiza, Kaputa and Chilubi Island. This is the role that the mobile e-learning facilities will play.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Captain Moono (Chilanga): Madam Speaker, if this money had been used to procure computers in each province for all the remote schools to take turns at having lessons, would this programme not have covered more schools that way than what has been done so far?
Dr Kawimbe: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member has given me an excellent opportunity to shed some light on what this bus is all about. If you go to one of our remotest schools, you will find that there is no electricity.
Hon. Opposition Members: Why?
Dr Kawimbe: There is no cell phone network.
Hon. Opposition Members: Why?
Dr Kawimbe: This bus has electricity and a satellite dish on board which connects to the satellite station. The children in these remote areas are exposed to modern technology through the bus.
Madam Speaker, we are not in any way suggesting that mobile facilities will take the place of fixed facilities. In fact, as our country progresses, we hope that a day will come when we will have fixed facilities in all our education institutions. This, however, will depend on expanding the national grid and cell phone network.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Dr Katema (Chingola): Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister how much it will cost for this e-learning bus to operate on a one-off time in a province. Furthermore, I would like to know if the purchase of this e-learning bus was budgeted for.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Dr Kawimbe: Madam Speaker, it is interesting that hon. Members on your left approved the budget for the purchase of this bus and did not seem to have any objections at the time.
I thank you, Madam.
Hon. MMD Members: Hear, hear!
Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Madam Speaker, granted that one of the criteria used to send this e-learning bus to selected places in the Eastern Province is the remoteness of the place. Can the hon. Minister tell me why it is that Petauke, which is closer to Lusaka, was favoured at the expense of places like Chama, Chadiza and Lundazi?
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Furthermore, why is it that Petauke is getting a lion’s share of projects from the Ministry of Education?
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Hon. Opposition Member: Dora Siliya!
Mr Muyanda: She is a bad woman!
Dr Kawimbe: Madam Speaker, clearly, one bus for nine provinces is not adequate. My prayer is that when this side of the House brings the next budget, …
Mr D. Mwila: Aah! Kuya bebele!
Dr Kawimbe: … for eight additional e-learning buses, it shall enjoy the support from the other side.
It is only when we do that that we will ensure that there will be a bus to cover all the schools in a particular province. Madam, when you are running a pilot programme, the definition of the word ‘pilot’ means you are trying to sample or see how the system would work on a larger scale.
Madam Speaker, I am very grateful for the tremendous support and interest that the hon. Members of this House have shown in this programme. We look forward to the continued support of the hon. Members as we roll out and expand it.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITIES
483. Mr Mukanga asked the Minister of Community Development and Social Services:
(a)how many people had been living with disabilities in the following districts as of 31st March, 2011:
(i)Kitwe; and
(ii)Mufulira; and
(b)what assistance the Government rendered to enhance the livelihoods of such people.
Mr Malwa: Madam Speaker, according to the 2010 Census of Population and Housing preliminary population figures; Kitwe and Mufulira have the following population figures:
District Population
Kitwe 522,092
Mufulira 161,601
Applying the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimation, there are approximately 52,209 persons living with disabilities in Kitwe and 16,601 in Mufulira.
Madam, the House may wish to note that we will only be able to give the actual figures once the 2010 Census results have been officially finalised and announced.
The Government renders a number of interventions such as the Public Welfare Assistance Scheme (PWAS), Women Empowerment, Social Cash Transfer Scheme, Youth Empowerment, Citizens’ Economic Empowerment, National Trust Fund for the Disabled and Food Security Pack programmes. These interventions are meant to facilitate the uplifting of the livelihoods of people with disabilities.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Mukanga: Madam Speaker, having realised that education is very important, what system has the Government put in place to compel both children of people living with disabilities and disabled children to go to school in order to improve their livelihood instead of roaming the streets?
Mr Malwa: Madam Speaker, I wish to thank Hon. Mukanga, who is so passionate about people living with disabilities, for that question. Under the Children Protection Unit, which is administered by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, we pick these children and have meetings with their parents where we sensitise them against abusing their children by making them their guides. We have spoken to some of these children and have taken them back to school. As you may wish to know, the Government has a free education policy from Grades 1 to 7.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Lubinda: Madam Speaker, what kind of support is the Government or ministry providing to Discare Nurture Centre in Libala of Kabwata Constituency, which is producing mobility aids such as canes and wheel chairs, in order to reduce the production cost to help enhance the livelihood of people living with disabilities who depend on those aids?
Mr Kaingu: Madam Speaker, Discare Nurture Centre in Kabwata Constituency is a company that produces items for sale. Therefore, I do not really know what else the hon. Member wants the Government or ministry to do other than provide a conducive environment that will enable this business to thrive. However, as a Government, we have provided a conducive environment for all businessmen and women, including those who are producing items for the disabled, as we have gone even further to give tax rebate on the items that are produced by Discare Nurture Centre.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Mushili: Madam Speaker, what deliberate assistance will the Government provide to people living with disabilities, especially that the current assistance from the Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) has unfriendly conditions that are attached to them?
Mr Kaingu: Madam Speaker, there is no deliberate policy that this Government has put in place. As far as we are concerned, we do not have pity for the disabled persons.
Mr Mushili: You do not!
Mr Kaingu: Yes, because disability is not inability.
Mr Malwa: Correct!
Mr Kaingu: As people, they are able to sustain themselves.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Kaingu: However, in the ministry, we have interventions for vulnerable persons. I have said it before, and probably I should repeat myself, that this is the only Government that gives money to its people. What is supposed to happen is that you, as people, are supposed to …
Mr D. Mwila: Address the Chair!
Mr Kaingu: Thank you very much.
… pay taxes to the Government. Interventions like the Women Empowerment Programme, Social Cash Transfer and Food Security Pack also embrace the people living with disabilities.
Madam Speaker, I am aware that, in Mufulira and Kitwe, we have capable hon. Members of Parliament who receive the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from this House. I believe these hon. Members also take care of people living with disabilities.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}
FAZ EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES
484. Mr Chisala (Chilubi) asked the Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development:
(a)how many Executive Committees of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) had completed their term of office and how many had vacated office prematurely since 1992; and
(b)what the main causes of vacating office prematurely had been.
The Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development (Mr Chipungu): Madam Speaker, the House may wish to know that Mr Michael Mwape’s (deceased) Executive Committee served from 1992. Unfortunately, he died in a plane crash off the coast of Gabon with the national team and other officials in 1993 and, therefore, did not finish the term.
Following the above misfortune, Mr Winston Ngumbo took over. The Executive did not finish the term and was dissolved because of misuse of funds. An interim committee was put in place from 1993 to 1994 with Mr Ernest Mate as the president. In 1994, Mr Jabes Zulu took over and only served for a year because FAZ dissolved his Executive for alleged misappropriation of funds. An interim committee was ushered in with Mr Simataa Simataa heading the association as interim president. Mr Simataa Simataa only served for six months citing failure to hold general elections after six months and due to political pressure.
After the resignation of Mr Simataa Simataa, Mr Michael Chiti took over the presidency up to 1996. Mr Teddy D. Mulonga came in as FAZ President in 1996. After the Burkina Faso Africa Cup of Nations, there were some allegations of funds being misappropriated and this led to the Government withdrawing sponsorship and the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ) banning the FAZ Executive. This standoff between the Government and FAZ led to the Teddy D. Mulonga led Executive resigning in 1999.
Madam Speaker, in 2000, the FAZ Annual General Meeting (AGM) ushered in the Evaristo Kasunga led Executive which was the first to finish its term in 2004 with no interruptions. In 2004, Mr Teddy D. Mulonga was re-elected and the Executive finished the full term in 2008. In 2008, the FAZ AGM ushered in the Kalusha Bwalya-led Executive which is still in office.
Madam Speaker, from the above information, it is clear that from 1992 to 2011, two executive committees completed their terms of office. These are the executives led by Mr Evaristo Kasunga, in 2000, and Mr Teddy D. Mulonga 2004. On the other hand, three executive committees vacated office prematurely and these include the Michael Mwape-led Executive due to the fatal accident; the Winston Ngumbo-led Executive Committee, which was dissolved for allegedly misuse of FAZ funds; the Jabes Zulu led Executive, which was dissolved by the FAZ council and followed by Simataa Simataa who resigned although his Executive went on as an interim committee up to the end of the term without holding elections.
Madam Speaker, I thank you and there should be no further questions.
Laughter
Mr Chisala: Madam Speaker, it is a well-known fact that the NSCZ has terribly contributed to Government interference in the running of sports.
Interruptions
Mr Chisala: That being the case, may I know when FAZ will become an autonomous body?
Mr Chipungu: Madam Speaker, FAZ is an autonomous body since it can run its own affairs without any interference from any Government wing or, indeed, from my ministry. FAZ is not even interfered with by the NSCZ. It has its own constitution which it follows accordingly.
Madam Speaker, I would like to also indicate to the hon. Member that the existence of the NSCZ has tremendously helped the running of sports in the country as can be seen from the way things are being done at the moment.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Ntundu: Madam Speaker, FAZ is an association like any other which is under the umbrella of the NSCZ. I would like to know from you why you are letting it behave as if it is superior to even the NSCZ. Why have you allowed that situation? Are you failing …
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Laughter
Mr Chipungu: Madam Speaker, I do not seem to understand what the hon. Member is looking for. I just want to remind him that our role, as a ministry, is to provide guidance on policy issues. The running of sports in this country is done by the NSCZ. We are all seeing what the NSCZ is doing since the wrangles started in FAZ. Even now, they are still consulting and giving guidance to FAZ. It is not true that the Government and the NSCZ have failed to tackle issues happening in FAZ.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Chongo (Mwense): Madam Speaker, the running of football is under the umbrella of FAZ. May I find out why, as certain people are contemplating to form a national football league which must fall under FAZ? Is it the NSCZ that is liaising with them?
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Ask your question.
Mr Chongo: Madam Speaker, why is it that it is the NSCZ which is liaising with individuals who want to form the national football league without involving FAZ, an association which is empowered to manage football affairs?
Mr Lubinda: Hear, hear!
Mr Chipungu: Madam Speaker, it is not correct to say that the NSCZ is liaising with those who wish to establish the national football league. All of us are aware that we have good laws and that is how we have seen the mushrooming of many non governmental organisations (NGOs). Similarly, under sports, we have so many sports federations. People are free to register sports associations of their choice and so the people who want to register the national football league are equally entitled to do so. When they apply to the NSCZ, their application will be considered just like any other. If the NSCZ finds it fit to register the national football league, it will do so. However, if it finds that it is not necessary, it will reject the application. That is entirely up to the NSCZ.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Mwenya: Madam Speaker, we are all aware that football has always received the biggest chunk in terms of financial support in Zambia and now if another football league …
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order, order!
Ask your question.
Mr Mwenya: I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether he does not think that the creation of another football league in this country will really affect the financial support to this sport and other sporting activities.
Mr Chipungu: Madam Speaker, I attempted to answer this question when I was answering a similar question from another hon. Member of Parliament. I have not even seen the constitution of the national football league. Like I have indicated, anybody is free to register any sports body in this country through the NSCZ. I repeat that if, for instance, the NSCZ finds it fit to register the national football league, it will do so. On the other hand, if it finds that it is not necessary, it will reject the application to form this league. Therefore, the best thing for now is to, maybe, wait and see other than making these speculations.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Interruptions
Mr Simuusa (Nchanga): Madam Speaker, according to the hon. Minister’s answer on the history of FAZ, the leading cause of conflicts is financial irregularities. Likewise, in the current squabbles, that is at the core of the problem.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Ask your question.
Mr Simuusa: I wish to find out from the hon. Minister what the Government is doing to address this problem so that the squabbles in FAZ relating to finances do not continue.
Mr Chipungu: Madam Speaker, I am not too sure whether these squabbles are as a result of finances. However, we give money to FAZ through the ministry. For instance, if the national football team has a game outside this country or within, such as in Chingola, we send an accountant from our ministry there to pay the dues to the players when they win or as agreed. Obviously, this is done through the NSCZ, but we do not give this money directly to FAZ.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
LAKE BANGWEULU VESSEL
485. Mr Chisala asked the Minister of Communications and Transport what happened to the K2 billion that was released for the construction of a vessel for Lake Bangweulu between 2006 and 2007.
The Deputy Minister of Communications and Transport (Mr Mubika): Madam Speaker, there was no K2 billion released for the construction of a vessel for Lake Bangweulu between 2006 and 2007.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Chisala: Madam, I think it is just a lapse in memory of the hon. Deputy Minister.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order, order!
That is a very serious allegation and the hon. Member will withdraw that statement. The hon. Minister answers from institutional memory and not from personal memory. Therefore, there is no lapse.
Withdraw that statement and ask your question in a better way.
Mr Chisala: Madam, I totally withdraw that statement. However, the Government of the Republic of Zambia released money, through the Ministry of Finance and National Planning and we have been talking about this money for many years. Furthermore, the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through State House and the Ministry of Communications and Transport, sent a team to China to procure a boat. I want to find out how far the Government has gone with the task of procuring the vessel for Bangweulu water transport.
The Minister of Communications and Transport (Professor Lungwangwa): Madam Speaker, that question is apriori incorrect because it is not factual. What we have provided …
Mr D. Mwila: What is factual?
Professor Lungwangwa looked in Mr D. Mwila’s direction.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
The hon. Minister will ignore the hon. Member and address the Chair.
Professor Lungwangwa: Madam Speaker, the question is apriori incorrect because it is not factual and the answer we have provided is what the situation is. There was no K2 billion that was released for the construction of a vessel for Lake Bangweulu.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
FOODSTUFFS FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL
486. Mr D. Mwila asked the Minister of Defence:
(a)how much money was spent on procuring foodstuffs for military personnel from 2006 to 2010;
(b)how much money was owed to food suppliers in the same period;
(c)whether the debt at (b) attracted interest; and
(d)what criteria were used in choosing food suppliers.
The Deputy Minister of Defence (Mr Mulyata): Madam Speaker, the following are expenses of foodstuffs for military personnel from 2006 to 2007:
Institution Expense (K)
Ministry of Defence Headquarters 263,003,285,395.42
Zambia Army 41,627,781,118.20
Zambia Air Force (ZAF) 29,900,194,278.00
Zambia National Service (ZNS) 28,837,382,522.32
Total 363,368,643,327.97
Madam Speaker, the following amounts were owed to food suppliers in the same period:
Institution Amount (K)
Ministry of Defence Headquarters 22,087,603,178.57
Zambia Army 1,009,208,333.00
ZAF 1,379,773,259.00
ZNS Nil
Total 24,476,584,770.57
These figures show that the ZNS had cleared its debt and the debt by other institutions attracted no interest. This is because Government debt does not incur interest.
Madam Speaker, the criteria used in choosing food suppliers are that suppliers should have the following valid documents:
(i)certificate of registration, that is, certificate of incorporation or business name registration;
(ii)clearance certificate and taxpayer identification number certificate from ZRA; and
(iii)certificate of registration with the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA).
Mr Speaker, suppliers with valid documents should further satisfy the following conditions:
(a)they should have no criminal record; and
(b)they should have capacity to supply and also have the following:
(i)adequate working capital to provide uninterruptible supply;
(ii)suitable and reliable transport for deliveries; and
(iii)suitable storage facilities for dry and fresh foodstuffs.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr D. Mwila: Madam Speaker, may I find out from the hon. Minister when the Government will clear the K24.4 billion debt because the Government has owed some of the suppliers for the past ten years and others who the Government owes billions are in this House.
Mr Mulyata: Madam Speaker, we will pay everyone when the money is ready.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Opposition Members: When, iwe?
Dr Machungwa (Luapula): Madam Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister stated that debt to the Government does not attract interest. How do you reconcile that with the fact that debt owed by the Government to road contractors does attract interest if it is not paid as per agreement?
Mr Mukanga: Yes.
Mr Mulyata: Madam Speaker, I think every contract has conditions and, in this case, I am talking about the contract of supplying to the Ministry of Defence.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Sikota, SC. (Livingstone): Madam Speaker, taking into consideration the fact that the State Proceedings Act actually provides for 6 per cent interest for Government debt which is well below the annual inflation rate, is the Government going to consider amending that law so that it is more in line with the economic realities of the country?
Mr Mulyata: Madam Speaker, I think those are suggestions that can be looked into by the Government.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwamba: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister tabulated the criteria used in awarding the contracts to suppliers. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister because I happen to have satisfied …
Madam Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, ask your question.
Mr Mwamba: The question is why was I not permitted to become a supplier when I qualified and met all the criteria?
Laughter
Mr Kambwili: Because he is not MMD!
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: That cannot be admitted.
Laughter
Mr Matongo (Pemba): Madam Speaker, I hope the hon. Minister understands that the amount of money that the ministry owes has an adverse effect on suppliers who are investors and contribute to job creation. Instead of telling us …
Madam Deputy Speaker: Ask your question.
Mr Matongo: Madam Speaker, it should not be speculative when the money will be ready. The money must be found for the well-being of the economy of Zambia. Can you comment on that?
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: There is no such a style in this House.
Captain Moono: Madam Speaker, ….
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Business was suspended from 1045 hours until 1100 hours.{mospagebreak}
[THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the
Chair]
Captain Moono: Mr Speaker, may the hon. Minister of Defence clarify why the ministry headquarters incurred a debt of K263 billion, whereas the ministry is made of three security wings which are the Zambia Air Force (ZAF), Zambia Army and ZNS that bought their own foodstuffs as follows:
Name of Security Wing Amount (Kbn)
ZAF 29
Zambia Army 41
ZNS 28
May he clarify why the ministry headquarters, therefore, incurred a debt on foodstuffs?
Mr Mulyata: Mr Speaker, questions such as why or clarify mean I have to go into the details of how the food was bought and what foodstuffs were purchased by the ministry headquarters item by item which might not be possible at the moment. However, if he had asked specifically why and what items were bought by the ministry headquarters, we would have provided this information.
In addition, the procurement of foodstuffs from June, 2006 to 2009 was centralised. This was done by the ministry headquarters before it was decentralised. Therefore, the ministry headquarters accrued this debt because the purchase of foodstuffs was undertaken by the ministry headquarters.
Mr Speaker, I think this should satisfy someone who has the knowledge of how the military purchases foodstuffs.
I thank you, Sir.
H1 N1 DISEASE
487. Colonel Chanda (Kanyama) asked the Minister of Health:
(a) what the source of the outbreak of the H1 N1 disease at Ibenga Girls High School in the Copperbelt Province in March, 2011, was; and
(b)what measures were taken to ensure that the disease did not spread to other parts of the country.
The Deputy Minister of Health (Dr Kalila): Mr Speaker, the outbreak of the H1 N1 disease occurred within the school premises at Fatima Girls and not at Ibenga Girls High School on the Copperbelt Province in March, 2011. There is no documentation of someone who went to the school from outside with symptoms of influenza. The vaccine strain identified was influenza A H1 N1 2009 which was responsible for the pandemic in 2009. Therefore, the most likely explanation is that the outbreak occurred as a result of the circulating virus from the previous outbreak.
Mr Speaker, the House may wish to note that when an outbreak occurs, as it did in 2009, the virus then joins the pool of what are already known as seasonal viruses. These viruses are capable of causing outbreaks, but they are no longer pandemic. The new pandemic can only occur when a new strain of virus from the pandemic influenza H1 N1 2009 is isolated.
Mr Speaker, the following measures were taken by the Government through the Ministry of Health to ensure that the outbreak was confined and that it did not spread beyond the school boundaries:
(i)separating patients with respiratory symptoms from the general school populace;
(ii)collecting nasopharyngeal swabs and confirming cases at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) virology laboratory;
(iii)confining confirmed cases in respiratory wards and providing strict nursing care;
(iv)managing cases (treatment with appropriate drugs and nutritional supplementation);
(v)providing information on signs and symptoms and preventive measures of H1 N1 to the general public through posters, leaflets and the Ministry of Health holding meetings and giving health talks;
(vi)providing health education on good hygiene, cough etiquette and social distancing to pupils and teachers;
(vii)promoting good ventilation in separation and confinement wards as well as the surrounding buildings at the school; and
(viii) cleaning and disinfecting patient areas with sodium hypochlorite on a daily basis including toilets and other touch surfaces in the dormitories.
Mr Speaker, the House may wish to further note that at the time of closure of schools in April, 2011, there were no new cases reported of H1 N1. The outbreak had been contained by the first week of April, 2011.
Further, the House may also wish to note that the vaccination for pandemic influenza is strain specific and the vaccine changes from year to year. The Ministry of Health conducted an H1 N1 vaccination campaign in November, 2010 which targeted health workers, pregnant women and the chronically ill. That exercise was donor funded as the vaccine is quite costly. We do not currently have funds to conduct further vaccination exercises.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Colonel Chanda: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for that very informative answer. However, the H1 N1 …
The Deputy Chairperson: Ask the question!
Colonel Chanda: … influenza virus is very highly infectious and there is no known cure. Would the hon. Minister state if there have been any similar occurrences on the Copperbelt other than Fatima which you have mentioned?
Dr Kalila: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for the question which was originally directed at the wrong school. According to the information available, the outbreak at the school on the Copperbelt was at Fatima. The outbreak was ably contained by this Government and there has been no other report of such an outbreak brought to our attention on the Copperbelt.
I thank you, Sir.
Dr Machungwa: Mr Speaker, from the hon. Deputy Minister’s answer, can we rest satisfied that H1 N1 will not recur at Fatima or any other place in Zambia in the near future?
Dr Kalila: Mr Speaker, first of all, as the ministry mandated with the responsibility of taking care of all health issues, all we have done at the moment is to provide the necessary information to do with preventive measures. I have given an elaborate number of measures that we have taken at this school to ensure that we do not have a similar outbreak. However, it is not possible to guarantee that an illness will not recur.
I thank you, Sir.
_________
MOTIONS
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON DELEGATED LEGISLATION
Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC. (Chasefu): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that this House do adopt the report of the Committee on Delegated Legislation for the Fifth Session of the Tenth National Assembly which was laid on the Table of the House, on Monday, 30th May, 2011.
The Deputy Chairperson: Is the Motion seconded?
Mr Mwamba (Kasama Central): Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.
Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Mr Speaker, as the House is aware, your Committee is mandated, inter-alia, to scrutinise whether the powers to make delegated legislation by persons or institutions to whom such power is delegated by Parliament are being exercised properly and within enabling legislation. In line with this mandate, your Committee scrutinised six statutory instruments during the session.
Mr Speaker, allow me now to briefly highlight some of the statutory instruments which were scrutinised by your Committee, including your Committee’s findings on the same. Pursuant to Section 18 of the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Act, No. 11 of 2006, the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry issued some statutory instruments which made provision for certain infrastructural requirements and facilities suitable for the operation of industrial parks and multi-facility economic zones (MFEZ). The statutory instruments issued are No. 48, 49 and 50 all of 2010 which relate to the Roma Industrial Park, the Sub-Sahara Gemstone Exchange Industrial Park and the Lusaka East MFEZ respectively.
Interruptions
The Deputy Chairperson: Order!
Hon. Members, the consultations have become very loud. Would you consult quietly so that we can listen to the hon. Member on the Floor?
You may continue.
Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Your Committee noted these statutory instruments as having been duly and correctly issued. However, for your Committee to satisfy itself that the implementation of the statutory instruments did not give rise to any infringement in the enjoyment of rights and freedoms by people situated in the areas where implementation will take place, your Committee undertook a tour of the Roma Industrial Park and Sub-Sahara Gemstone Exchange Industrial Park.
Mr Speaker, your Committee is glad to report that in both these industrial parks, implementation of the requirements of the statutory instruments has commenced without any infringements on the rights and freedoms of the people living in the surrounding areas. In fact, your Committee learnt that once the industrial parks are fully operational, they will provide employment opportunities to many Zambians.
Sir, your Committee was particularly impressed with the indigenous Zambian company which is promoting the Sub-Sahara Gemstone Exchange Industrial Park in Ndola. Your Committee can only urge the Government to continue assisting this company so that it can succeed in its endeavours to establish this multi-billion kwacha industrial park.
Mr Speaker, your Committee also noted, with delight, the investments that have gone into the Roma Industrial Park in terms of tarred roads and electrical installations. Your Committee hopes that the Government, through the ZDA, will make available the necessary incentives for the full development of the industrial park.
Mr Speaker, your Committee also undertook a tour of the Victoria Falls national heritage site. The tour was necessitated by Statutory Instrument No. 6 of 2010, the National Monuments (Entry and User Fees) Regulations, 2010. The statutory instrument has introduced a new regime of fees for persons who enter or view heritage sites or national monuments or carry out business on a commercial basis within the heritage sites.
In assessing the impact of the statutory instrument on local tourism, your Committee collected views from several stakeholders who included the National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC), Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) and Livingstone Tourism Association.
Mr Speaker, after interacting with these institutions, your Committee found out that the issuance of the statutory instrument resulted in the local tour operators paying similar user and entry fees to both NHCC and ZAWA. As a result of this duplication in the payment of user and entry fees, a serious rift had, in fact, developed between NHCC and ZAWA with respect to the collection of the fees in and around the Musi-O-Tunya National Park and the Victoria Falls. The local tour operators are of the view that the new fees introduced by the statutory instrument will subject them to paying twice for the same service thereby increasing the cost of doing business and ultimately negatively affecting the number of tourist arrivals in Livingstone.
Mr Speaker, upon further investigation, your Committee was informed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources that the user and entry fees being introduced by the statutory instrument were lower than those charged in Zimbabwe for similar activities. That notwithstanding, Livingstone remains an expensive tourist destination in comparison to Victoria Falls Town in Zimbabwe due to the high cost of hotel accommodation.
Sir, your Committee was also informed that the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources has taken some drastic measures to harmonise relations between NHCC and ZAWA, both of which fall under the same ministry. Furthermore, it was clarified that all heritage sites, including the Victoria Falls, are under the jurisdiction of the NHCC while the Musi-O-Tunya National Park falls under the jurisdiction of ZAWA. In view of this, therefore, the NHCC is mandated to collect fees for entry to, or operation, in all heritage sites including the Victoria Falls World Heritage Property.
Mr Speaker, your Committee notes that Statutory Instrument No. 6 of 2010 was properly issued and intra vires the law under which it was issued. Your Committee, therefore, is of the view that the said statutory instrument is not responsible for the high costs associated with tourist visits to Livingstone, rather it is the astronomical cost of hotel accommodation being charged by operators in Livingstone. In this vein, may I urge the Government through the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources to look into this problem urgently so that the implementation of this statutory instrument can be effected without any impediment.
Mr Speaker, in conclusion, your Committee is thankful to you for the opportunity given to serve on the Committee on Delegated Legislation. Your Committee is also thankful to the various Government ministries and agencies that provided explanatory memoranda on various statutory instruments which were referred to your Committee for scrutiny. Last but not the least, your Committee extends its gratitude to the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly for all the services rendered throughout your Committee’s deliberations during this session.
Mr Speaker, with these few remarks, I beg to move.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
The Deputy Chairperson: Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?
Mr Mwamba: Now, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker, thank you for allowing me to second this Motion to adopt the report of the Committee on Delegated Legislation for the Fifth Session of the Tenth National Assembly. This Motion has been ably moved by the Chairperson of your Committee.
Sir, as the House is aware, a number of Government Bills were presented this session and were duly passed by this House into Acts of Parliament. In order to bring some of these Acts of Parliament into operation, a number of statutory instruments were issued to effect their commencement. Notable amongst these Acts are the following:
(i)The Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No. 19 of 2010, which was operationalised by Statutory Instrument No. 56 of 2010;
(ii)The Public Interest Disclosure (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act No. 4 of 2010, which was brought into operation by Statutory Instrument No. 58 of 2010; and
(iii)The Health Professions Act No. 24 of 2009, which was brought into operation by Statutory Instrument No. 36 of 2010.
Mr Speaker, all these statutory instruments were scrutinised by your Committee and were duly noted as having been issued according to the relevant law.
Sir, with these few remarks, I thank you.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Mr Speaker, may I most sincerely thank the hon. Members who have ably contributed and supported this Motion.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Question put and agreed to.
ADJOURNMENT
The Minister of Home Affairs and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House (Mr Lungu): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.
Question put and agreed.
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The House adjourned at 1124 hours until 1430 hours on Tuesday, 14th June, 2011.