Tuesday, 14th April, 2026

                                                                                         The House met  at 1430 hours                                                          

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER

HON. MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT AND STAFF FROM THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENTARY FORUM FOR SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Speaker’s Gallery, of the following hon. Members of Parliament and staff from the European Parliamentary Forum (EPF) for Sexual and Reproductive Rights:

1. Hon. Henrike Brandstotter, MP, from Austria and Head of Delegation;

1. Hon. Gudrun Brunegard, MP, from Sweden;

1. Hon. Alison Comyn, MP, from Ireland;

1. Hon. Eva Marise Cruzeiro Alexandre, MP, from Portugal;

1. Hon. Eva Luna Bras Pinho, MP, from Portugal;

1. Hon. Richard Holden, MP, from United Kingdom (UK);

1. Hon. Helena Marttila, MP from Finland;

1. Mr Leonidas Galeridis, staff of the EPF; and

1. Ms Saskia Pfeyffer, staff of the EPF.

On behalf of the National Assembly of Zambia, I wish to receive the distinguished guests and warmly welcome them into our midst.

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM KONKOLA COPPER MINES SECONDARY TRUST SCHOOL

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of pupils and teachers from Konkola Copper Mines Trust School in Chililabombwe District.

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

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

STUDENTS FROM CAVENDISH UNIVERSITY

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of students from Cavendish University in Lusaka District.

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

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

THE GREEN ECONOMY AND CLIMATE CHANGE (Amendment) BILL, 2026

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, on Wednesday, 8^th April, 2026, during the presentation of Government Bills, the Green Economy and Climate Change (Amendment) Bill, N.A.B No. 39 of 2026, was referred to the Committee on Energy, Water Development and Tourism. However, it has been brought to my attention that the said Committee has other work to attend to. In this regard, the N.A.B. No. 39 of 2026, is now being referred to the Committee on Legislation and International Agreements for consideration.

The Committee is required to submit its report to the House in due course. Hon. Members who wish to make submissions on the Bill, are free to do so within the programme of work of the Committee.

I thank you.

______

URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

MR NUNDWE, HON. MEMBER FOR CHAWAMA, ON THE LEADER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN THE HOUSE, ON THE RECRUITMENT OF POLICE OFFICERS IN THE NATION

Mr Nundwe (Chawama): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

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

Mr Nundwe: Madam Speaker, thank you so much.

Madam Speaker, the Urgent Matter without Notice was supposed to be directed to the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security. In his absence, I direct it to the Leader of Government Business in the House, and it concerns the recruitment of police officers across the nation.

Madam Speaker, the news that is roaming around is that approximately 4,000 officers have been recruited, quietly and secretly. Ordinarily, when such recruitments are made, firstly, there must be solid Treasury authority from the Ministry of Finance and National Planning. Secondly, there must be aptitude tests for such officers. Thirdly, there must be some medical tests and, of course, there must be fingerprints for the same.

Madam Speaker, there are currently over 200 applications in my office in Chawama Constituency, and I need to tell the applicants the truth, and what is obtaining, concerning this recruitment.

 

Madam Speaker, the nation wants to know whether this exercise has taken place in the country because to me, this is a huge anomaly.

Madam Speaker, I seek your indulgence.

Mr Mweene: Database!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

I will request the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security to come to the House on Wednesday, to update the nation how the recruitment was done.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

MR MTAYACHALO, HON. MEMBER FOR CHAMA NORTH, ON HER HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT, DR NALUMANGO, ON THE SHORTAGE OF WATER AT THE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL

Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

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

Mr Mtayachalo: Madam Speaker, thank you for this opportunity.

Madam Speaker, my Urgent Matter without Notice was supposed to be directed at the hon. Minister of Health, but since I cannot see him in the House, I direct it to Her Honour the Vice-President and Leader of Government Business in the House.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You may proceed, hon. Member. 

Mr Mtayachalo: Madam Speaker, the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) is the biggest public hospital in this country. However, when I passed through today, I discovered that the institution is facing a number of challenges such as the shortage of reagents, and it is a problem to get basic laboratory tests like full blood count and Hemoglobin (Hb).

Madam Speaker, the situation is very unfortunate such that the institution only receives water for three or four hours and sometimes, the whole day, there is no water, yet there is an outbreak of cholera in the country.

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister of Health in order to remain quiet and not come to this august House to update the nation on what immediate measures the Government is taking to ensure that the facility provides quality health services to the people?

Madam Speaker, I seek your indulgency.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you.

Hon. Member for Chama North, you are too broad. You are not specific as to what you want the hon. Minister to address. However, this matter is important. So, I advise you to come up with an urgent question because you mentioned medicines, blood supply and water. We really do not know what you are looking for so I advise you to be specific when you come up with an urgent question.

MR MUNSANJE, HON. MEMBER FOR MBABALA, ON THE VICE-PRESIDENT, DR NALUMANGO, ON THE WASHED AWAY BRIDGE ON PEMBA ROAD

Mr Munsanje (Mbabala): On an Urgent Matter without Notice.

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

Mr Munsanje: Madam Speaker, on behalf of the good people of Mbabala, I would like to report to Her Honour the Vice-President that the people of Mwanancheu in Mang’unza Ward have been cut off due to the collapse of a very important bridge on Pemba Road. We need immediate action from the Vice-President’s office to reconnect Mwanancheu area to the rest of the constituency, as the people in that area are vulnerable to hunger and other related problems. The collapsed bridge is crucial as it serves the people of Mwanancheu.

Hon. PF Members: Use the CDF!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: When did the bridge collapse?

Mr B. Mpundu: Kale!

Hon. PF Members: Last year!

Mr Munsanje: It collapsed –

Hon. PF Members: Kale! Last year!

Mr Munsanje: No.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members.

Mr Munsanje: It collapsed over the weekend, Madam Speaker.

Interruptions

Mr Kang’ombe: Use the CDF!

Mr Munsanje: It was completely washed away over the weekend, Madam Speaker.

Mr B. Mpundu: Awe! Kale yaile bridge ilya!

Mr Munsanje: So, today is my first opportunity to report the matter.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Mbabala, I would advise you to file in a question. Also, please, visit the Office of the Vice-President so that, maybe, if it is urgent, some help can be given to the people of Mbabala.

_______

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

CONSTRUCTION OF PAMBALASA ROAD IN CHINSALI DISTRICT

295. Mr Mukosa (Chinsali) asked the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development:

1. at what percentage of completion, the construction of Pambalasa Road from Chinsali District headquarters via Cheswa to Kalonswe Village in Chinsali District was, as of September, 2025; 

1. what the cost of the outstanding works was; and

1. when the project will be completed.

The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock (Mr Kapala) (on behalf of the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development (Eng. Milupi)): Madam Speaker, as of September, 2025, rehabilitation of the Pambalasa to Kalonswe Road via Cheswa was at 18.7 per cent completion.

Madam Speaker, the cost of the outstanding works is approximately K25 million.

Madam Speaker, the expected completion date for the entire project is March, 2027, which is next year.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

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

Madam First Deputy Speaker: There is an indication for a point of order by the hon. Member for Lunte.

Mr Kapala: Mr Kafwaya!

Mr Kafwaya: Yes, hon. Minister.

Madam Speaker, thank you very much for according me this opportunity to raise a very important point of order, which is anchored on the violation of a constitutional provision.

Madam Speaker, I raise this point of order on Her Honour the Vice-President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr Mutale Nalumango, in her capacity as Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly of Zambia. The provision I would like to read is Article 82 in the Republican Constitution. I go straight to Article 82(3), which reads:

“(3)        There shall be two Deputy Speakers of the National Assembly who are not members of the same political party and of the same gender.”

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, is Her Honour the Vice-President in order to allow the defection of Hon. Moyo to the United Party for National Development (UPND) when she knows that Hon. Moyo is the Second Deputy Speaker, …

Mr B. Mpundu: Yes!

Mr Kafwaya: … and the Hon. Speaker presiding now is also a member of the UPND? Two Deputy Speakers belonging to the UPND are now sitting here, in this House. Is she in order to allow this violation of the Constitution?

I seek your ruling, Madam Speaker.

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwene: You defect also!

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

I wonder why you have involved Her Honour the Vice-President.

Hon. PF Members: She is the Leader of Government Business in the House.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Where does she come in on the issue of Deputy Speaker? That is an individual choice, just like any other person.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: So, hon. Member for Lunte, please, do not allow – You were out of order to include Her Honour the Vice-President. You should have gone straight into your matter by stating what has been breached and who has made the breach in the matter, instead of involving Her Honour the Vice-President.

Ms Phiri: Deal with the main issue raised kaili!

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: So, for that, hon. Member for Lunte, you are out of order.  You did not raise the matter in the way it is supposed to be raised. You involved Her Honour the Vice-President in a matter she has no hand in. So, that point of order is not admissible.

Hon. Member for Chinsali, you may proceed.

Mr Mukosa: Madam Speaker, I would like to know the current status of works on that important road in terms of the percentage of completion. The road stretches from Chinsali, passing through Cheswa, to Kalonswe.

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, I stated that the works are at 18.7 per cent completion, and that the project is expected to be completed next year, March, 2027.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr B. Mpundu interjected.

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I listened attentively to the response that was provided by the Acting hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development to the question that was raised by my hon. Colleague from Chinsali. The response indicates that K25 million is needed for the project in Chinsali to be completed, and that the project, according to the hon. Minister, will be completed by the end of March, 2027. On behalf of my hon. Colleague seated next to me, I want to know whether the Government has made provisions, in terms of the availability of resources, to guarantee that by March, 2027, the project would have been attended to, as per the commitment that has been made on the Floor of this House.

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the junior engineer for that question.

Madam Speaker, this is a Government that commits funds to any project that it starts. A budgeted amount of over K92 million has already been allocated for that road infrastructure.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mukosa: Madam Speaker, I am concerned with the rate at which the project has been moving. In his response, the hon. Minister indicated that, so far, only about 18 per cent to 19 per cent of works has been done. The contractor has been on site for more than eighteen months. So, the contractor has only done 18 per cent of the work in eighteen months. We are now in April, and the hon. Minister has indicated that the completion date for this project is March next year. We are, basically, remaining with eleven months. How possible is it that the contractor, who is being supervised by our current Government, will complete this very important project in the remaining eleven months, whereas in the past eighteen months the contractor has only done 18 per cent of the work?

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for that interesting question.

Madam Speaker, the information that I have at hand is that there was a site meeting yesterday or the day after, and it was concluded that the works will soon commence. K71,423,370 has been certified and already paid to the contractor. So far, there is no outstanding amount owed to the contractor, and going by what was discussed, the contractor has promised to complete the work next year.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

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

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

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, one of our solemn duties as Members of Parliament is to protect and defend the Constitution. When I came to Parliament, I saw that happen before that Table.

Madam Speaker, there is seemingly a contravention of our Constitution, which I thought I should bring to your attention. Article 72(2) of our Constitution instructs as follows:

 “(2) The office of Member of Parliament becomes vacant if the member –

 (g) having been elected to the National Assembly, as an independent candidate, joins a political party”

Madam Speaker, over the weekend, the hon. Member of Parliament for Luangeni decided to join the Ruling Party. Will this House be in order to not declare his seat vacant as instructed by the Constitution because failure to do that will result in him continuing to enjoy privileges only supposed to be enjoyed by hon. Members of Parliament who are defined so by the Constitution? Failure to do that will also cause irreparable damage to the repute of this House.

I seek your indulgence, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker:  Thank you.

 

This is a third matter of a similar nature to be presented. I, therefore, reserve my ruling so that I can study the matter.

We make progress.

MEASURES TAKEN TO IMPROVE TEACHER-PUPIL RATIO IN RURAL SCHOOLS

296. Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) asked the Minister of Education:

1. what measures the Government is taking to improve the teacher-pupil ratio in rural schools; and

1. whether the measures above include the curbing of the frequent transfer of teachers from rural to urban schools.

The Minister of Education (Mr Syakalima): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Government recognises that the teacher-pupil ratio remains a key determinant of the quality of education, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas. To address this, the Ministry of Education is implementing the following measures: 

1. continued recruiting and deploying teachers across the country. From 2022 to 2024, a total of 41,917 teachers were recruited, with priority given to rural and underserved schools. In addition, the recruitment of 2,000 teachers is underway to further improve staffing levels. Deployment is guided by approved staffing norms to ensure districts with the highest deficits are prioritised;

1.  strengthened the regulation of teacher movements. Newly recruited teachers are required to serve at their first station for a minimum of four years before transfer, except under exceptional circumstances. Transfers are also encouraged on an exchange basis to ensure that schools do not remain underserved;

1. through the District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) and Provincial Education Offices (PEOs), facilitates the redistribution of teachers within districts and provinces, particularly from overstaffed schools to those with shortages in rural areas;

1. improving teacher distribution through staffing audits and the use of the Education Management Information System (EMIS) to guide deployment decisions;

1. promoting teacher retention in rural areas through incentives, such as staff housing, payment of hardship allowances, and improving working conditions in newly constructed and upgraded schools;

1. expanding education infrastructure, including the construction of 120 new secondary schools, the completion of forty-six stalled secondary schools, and the construction of 260 Early Childhood Education (ECE) centres, to help reduce overcrowding and improve the distribution of teachers; and

1. strengthening teacher training by increasing the output of qualified teachers from colleges and universities, particularly in mathematics, science and technical subjects, which are in short supply in rural areas.

Madam Speaker, through these measures, the Government aims to progressively improve the teacher-pupil ratio and ensure equitable access to qualified teachers.

Madam Speaker, the measures stated above include the curbing of the frequent transfer of teachers from rural to urban areas.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, thank you, once again, for the opportunity to direct a question to the hon. Minister responsible for education.

Madam Speaker, if today, the hon. Minister asked his officers to provide information regarding the number of teachers that the Government had deployed to rural areas who have actually moved away from their stations, he would be very shocked by the number, and that is why the hon. Member for Kalabo Central raised this very important issue.

 Madam Speaker, the Government has put in place measures that it thinks will prevent teachers from moving from rural parts of Zambia to urban areas. Despite the measures listed, transfers are still happening. Considering that the steps taken are still not preventing people from pushing for transfers, what other steps does hon. Minister of Education think should be taken, or what else should be done to ensure that those teachers are placed where they have been assigned by the Government to perform duties in our schools?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, the answer is that if a person moves from where he/she was stationed to another place, he/she has fired himself/herself.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Madam Speaker, I appreciate the responses given by the hon. Minister of Education. However, the concern, really, is on the variation of teachers in urban and rural areas. He has indicated that teachers have been deployed to rural areas. However, transfers of teachers from rural areas continue to affect these places. So, other than the agreement that teachers have signed to stay at their schools for four years before they can be transferred, is the Government thinking of another measure it can take to resolve this issue? The hon. Minister said that if a teacher is not found at the school that he or she is supposed to be at, that teacher should be fired. However, they are not fired. How can the hon. Minister make this issue very practical, so that teachers can refrain from leaving their schools? You will find that a teacher whose name appears at a school in a rural area is actually elsewhere. The hon. Minister should help us. Maybe, the measures he talked about are not very effective. Teachers should be physically at their schools. What measures can help us to achieve this?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, I do not know what I am going to say now because I have presented an array of measures. Now I am speaking to would-be teachers or teachers. Immediately, they do what the hon. Member said and we spot them, we will remove them from the payroll.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mumba (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for all the measures he has outlined. However, quite clearly, this question coming back on the Floor of the House simply means that the measures have not worked adequately, and he knows that. He has not even told us the pupil-teacher ratio in rural schools. The ratio is very worrying.

Madam Speaker, one other issue that has contributed to the movement of teachers from rural areas is the United Party for National Development (UPND) policy of uniting families. I am sure that is one problem which is constantly on the desk in the hon. Minister's office, when a couple says that it should be together because the policy says so, and a husband or wife has to leave an area to go and join the spouse. 

Madam Speaker, the pupil-teacher ratio is somewhat worrying. On the Floor of this House, I have been calling on the Ministry of Education to look at probably engaging teachers in apprenticeship programmes. This is because we now have the free education policy created by the Government to encourage children to be in school. So, on the one hand, we have children and the necessary supporting infrastructure, but on the other hand, we do not have teachers. I think that is a concern everywhere.

Madam Speaker, at community and national level, the Government provides empowerment and skills development funds. So, there is money all over which the Government can easily use to support rural teachers and schools. When are we going to hear something practical in that line, so that we capture the teachers who are in rural areas to support the education system, which is working reasonably well so far and is not discriminating against any child?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, I hope I got the hon. Member’s question properly. Was he talking about apprenticeship?

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister, do you want the hon. Member to repeat the question?

Mr Syakalima: Yes.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Kantanshi, summarise and repeat the question.

Mr Mumba: Madam Speaker, I was referring to the resources available. I said that the empowerment funds, loans and all the monies that the Government disburses are meant to support the social and economic activities of our people. We have teachers out there who are not employed because, obviously, the financial position of the Government does not allow them to be employed. However, we also have spill-over resources. If the ministry tapped into those resources, we could have teachers or people to help teachers in classrooms. This would help to resolve the challenge of the teacher-pupil ratio, which is very worrying in rural and urban areas. When are we going to see this happen? We have addressed the issue of providing free education and food and supporting the girl child, but what about teachers? They need to be available in order for children to get a proper education.

 Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, I think the suggestion is welcome. We will look into it.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Chala (Chipili): Madam Speaker, I think this is not the hon. Ministers issue as per se. Yes, I know that the hon. Minister is responsible for the Ministry of Education, but some officers there generate transfer letters for teachers in rural areas, probably without him knowing. The teachers just receive letters of transfer to Lusaka. In my constituency, there are such cases, and the transferred teachers move with their Payroll Management and Establishment Control (PMEC) numbers. I want to find out from the hon. Minister whether he can allow us to go and see the District Education Officer to ask him to give us the letters that he receives from the ministry, so that we can bring them to the hon. Minister, for him to see which officers are transferring teachers. 

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, it was not really a question. He said, "Can you allow us”? Yes, I have allowed him.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Laughter

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Are you satisfied with the answer, hon. Member for Chipili? Is the answer okay, hon. Member for Chipili?

Mr Chala: Madam Speaker, the answer is very clear. The hon. Minister said that the hon. Member for Kalabo Central should phone the District Education Officer to give him the names of the teachers who have been transferred, so that we know the author of the transfer letters.

Ms Nyirenda (Lundazi): Madam Speaker, I hope the hon. Minister of Education will be able to get my question and answer it appropriately.

Madam Speaker, as a rural parliamentarian, just like my fellow hon. Member of Parliament there, I have a problem in understanding that the Government has employed 30,000 teachers, yet there are no teachers in schools. This is because the people who have been employed have moved with their Payroll Management and Establishment Control (PMEC) numbers to other areas. They leave remote areas to go and join their partners, or to go and find better places where they want to offer their services.

Madam Speaker, I know that the hon. Minister of Education is a teacher. It is very sad that pupils walk long distances, yet do not find teachers at schools. However, the Government is claiming that it has employed 30,000 teachers.

Madam Speaker, –

Mr Mposha: It is not your province.

 Ms Nyirenda: Yes, you can say that, but you are coming to a rural constituency. That is why you have run away from Munali.

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

Ms Nyirenda: Madam Speaker, he has run away from Munali.

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

 

 Ms Nyirenda: You have come to a rural area. You will see the challenges we are facing. You think it is a joke.

Laughter

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

You are out of order. You were given the Floor to ask a question.

Ms Nyirenda: Madam Speaker, can I just finish the question to the hon. Minister of Education.

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

Can you, please, go straight to your question.

Ms Nyirenda: Madam Speaker, the movement starts at recruitment. This idea of recruiting officers secretly and from the database is what results to this. Is the ministry going to replace the teachers who got Payroll Management and Establishment Control (PMEC) numbers from the districts? The local people were trained as teachers but they are seated in their homes. However, they are ready to offer a service. 

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, first of all, we are not claiming. Teachers were recruited, and we are paying them. However, we will do what the hon. Member has suggested.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, I appreciate the responses from the hon. Minister.

Madam Speaker, I am concerned about the incentives the Government is offering and giving the teachers serving in rural and remote areas. Is the hon. Minister satisfied that the incentives that are given to the teachers in rural areas are adequate and are given at the right time? Are there no complaints by the teachers not receiving the allowances or incentives? If there are concerns like we have experienced in Lukulu, does the hon. Minister not think the matter can affect the teachers and make them move from rural areas to urban areas?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, yes, the incentives are there and may not be enough. However, teachers are professional. I do not think teachers can easily move from wherever they are simply because the incentives come late. As the hon. Member might know, teachers are hard-working. For the first time, we reached a 70 per cent pass rate. This means that the teachers are putting in their effort, and we are also looking into their problems.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The last question will be from the hon. Member for Bangweulu.

Mr Kasandwe (Bangweulu): Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker, let me simply say that the teacher/pupil ratio in rural areas has continued to increase. This is due to the continuous migration of teachers from rural areas to urban areas. We have been proposing to successive Governments that the solution to this challenge is perhaps attaching Payroll Management and Establishment Control (PMEC) numbers to schools. For instance, when Hon. Syakalima who is a teacher at Kasandwe Secondary School decides to leave that school, he continues using the PMEC number. So, it would be prudent for the Government to attach PMEC numbers to schools so that if a teacher decides to leave a certain school, he will automatically lose his job. Is the hon. Minister considering attaching PMEC numbers to schools so that we can stabilise the migration of teachers from rural areas to urban areas?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, that is a very good suggestion, and I think we will look into it.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

PLANS TO CONSTRUCT A SKILLS TRAINING CENTRE

296. Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa) asked the Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts:

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to construct a skills training centre in ZAMTAN Township in Kamfinsa Parliamentary Constituency;

 

1. if so, when the plans will be implemented;

 

1. what the estimated cost of constructing the centre, is; and

 

1. if there are no such plans, why.

 

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts (Mr Nkandu): Madam Speaker, thank you.

 

Mr Kapyanga: Question!

 

Mr Nkandu: I am always protected by the Speaker. So, I do not ask for protection because I am always protected.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, I have just arrived from Kaputa Constituency, and the people of Kaputa are very excited that the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, who is also the party President went unopposed. That is the confidence and trust that the members of our party have deposited in Mr Hakainde Hichilema.

 

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

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member is disturbing the Minister.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister, you may proceed.

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Madam Speaker, the area Member of Parliament may wish to note that it is always the Government’s desire to construct youth resource centres in all the 116 districts in order to facilitate enhanced youth access to skills training. However, the Government has no immediate plans –

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members on my left!

 

We want to hear the response from the hon. Minister.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I do not want to ask some people to leave the House.

 

 

Mr Kapyanga rose.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Can we have order in the House.

 

Please, hon. Member for Mpika, resume your seat.

 

Hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, please, proceed with your response.

 

Mr Kapyanga resumed his seat.

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, thank you very much.

 

Madam Speaker, before I was rudely interrupted, I was saying …

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Ah!

 

Mr Nkandu: … that we do not have immediate plans to construct a youth resource centre in Zamtan Township in Kamfinsa Constituency.

 

Madam Speaker, as I stated when answering part (a) of the question, the ministry has no immediate plans to construct a youth resource centre in Zamtan Township. However, the ministry always encourages hon. Members to consider using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and to plan for these things, considering that this is not the first time this question is being asked. When they start, we will definitely join them along the way so that we can construct the resource centres.

 

Madam Speaker, on the estimated cost of constructing a youth resource centre, generally, there are two categories. A basic skills training centre costs between K5 million and K10 million. A well-equipped skills training centre with matching infrastructure costs between K30 million and K60 million.

 

Madam Speaker, with regards to part (d) of the question, I have already stated above.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: There was an indication for a point of order earlier. 

 

Hon. Member for Mpika, you may proceed.

 

Mr Kapyanga: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, for this opportunity to raise a very serious point of order.

 

Madam Speaker, when you give guidance, we are all under obligation to follow and adhere to your counsel. Not too long ago, you gave guidance in this House to the effect that no one should take advantage of this platform to campaign for anyone. However, the hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts has taken advantage of his position and has campaigned for his candidate, whereas you have told us to not campaign for our viable candidate, Hon. Brian Mundubile, the incoming President of the Republic of Zambia.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order to defy your ruling, which we should all adhere to, even us who have a viable candidate by the name of Hon. Brian Mundubile? We are not campaigning. Is the hon. Minister in order to take such a stance?

 

Madam Speaker, I seek your ruling.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Mpika, what has been breached?

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, your guidance. He has defied your ruling.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Mpika, when you are raising a point of order, it has to come as a result of a breach, and that breach should affect the proceedings of the House. I have asked you about the breach that has been committed, but you cannot answer. So, because of that, your point of order is not admissible.

 

Hon Opposition Members: Question!

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: We make progress.

 

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, the reason youth skills centres were created was to counter the risky behaviour of youths. The ministry deals with a population of youths mainly aged between fifteen and thirty-five. In  Zamtan, young people are quite vulnerable, and can easily slip into risky behaviour. The hon. Minister has tabulated two categories of what it would cost to construct a youth skills centre. I think, Zamtan falls in the second category. The hon. Minister pointed to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), but looking at the second category, that means taking away from the CDF domain. Having more wards, the hon. Member’s constituency cannot spend K30 million or K40 million, and he is not spared because the fund just caters for one project.

 

Madam Speaker, I know that the answer was a bit casual. However, what measures are being put in place to counter risky social habits in Zamtan? The skills centre is supposed to keep the youths busy.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, please, try to be focused. This is a constituency-specific question. We are talking about Kamfinsa Parliamentary Constituency. So, let us not generalise this question.

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, firstly, I want to apologise if you had given guidance that I did not adhere to. I was not in the House then. I have just arrived. Also, I want to state that I was not campaigning. There is a distinction between congratulating someone and campaigning for someone. In case my hon. Colleagues do not understand, when you congratulate someone, that does not mean you are campaigning for him or her. I thought I should clarify that.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you for that.

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, coming to the question asked by my colleague, the hon. Member for Chilubi, let me first correct the narrative. Resource or skill centres are not put in place just to combat risky behaviour. No. That can just be one of the impacts. I say this so that we do not have a situation whereby people take –

 

Madam Speaker, I know young people, students and other people are listening to the proceedings. Saying that skills centres are only established to combat risky behaviour is a wrong narrative. They are established to provide skills to the young people. That is the main objective. Obviously, as skills are taught, there is also a component that enables you to teach someone to behave in a manner that is acceptable. 

 

Madam Speaker, when we are talking about skills development, Kamfinsa Constituency is in Kitwe, where there is also the Kitwe Vocational Training Centre (KVTC). So, while Kamfinsa does not have a resource centre, residents can take advantage of the KVCT to acquire skills. What I am saying is that the ministry has not completely abandoned the establishment of a resource centre in the constituency. However, there is, at least, one alternative resource centre that they can use. I did not say that we are not establishing one for them. All I said was that plans are there, but the Government does not have the resources at the moment. We do not want to give promises here, in this House. Whenever we have resources, we can do that. Some hon. Members have already started constructing resource centres. One of them is Hon. Mutinta, the Member of Parliament for Itezhi-Tezhi. His constituency used the CDF. I pleaded with hon. Members of Parliament in this House to the effect that, as my ministry has not really tapped much into the CDF, it is high time hon. Members tapped into the fund. These are capital projects. So, the ministry can also have a share of the CDF so that youth resource centres can be constructed in our respective constituencies.

 

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, I am sure the hon. Minister of Health is familiar with the location of Zamtan,

 

Hon. Member: Health?

 

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts is aware of the location of Zamtan. The township is located as you enter Kitwe in Kamfinsa Constituency. Clearly, the distance between Zamtan and where the resource centre is located, which on the other side of our city, is quite long. So, the proposal to establish a skills training centre in Zamtan is supposed to accommodate the residents of Kakolo Farming Block, the young people from Misaka B5 and others who are on that side of the city. Clearly, Zamtan is well-positioned to accommodate young people who need the services. We are aware that the ministry is building resource centres in other districts with its funding, not the CDF. I directed the question to him against that background. I want to know whether there is a provision in the ministry’s planning for 2026 and 2027, and for the many years to come, to allocate resources directly from the ministry towards this very important resource centre, which would cover the entire farming block in Kamfinsa Constituency?

 

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

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for that very important and elaborate question.

 

Madam Speaker, indeed, the hon. Member is very right. I know Kitwe. In fact, I was the Kitwe District Chairman of the United Party for National Development (UPND). So, I know all the areas in Kitwe. When we consider distance, I am happy that the hon. Member is aware that Chimwemwe and Kamfinsa are not very far apart. Yes, they could be 10 km apart, but I think the people of Kamfinsa Constituency can also access the Kitwe Vocational Training Centre (KVTC).

 

Madam Speaker, however, I did not say that a resource centre will not be constructed in Kamfinsa Constituency. In fact, the current Government is the only one that has prioritised skills development. We want to have many skills training centres and in almost every district. However, the resource envelope may not allow the construction of resource centres in all the 116 constituencies at a go. I do not think that is possible. As I said, the Government is very desirous of constructing the much-needed resource centre for the young people of Kamfinsa Constituency. I am happy that the hon. Member of Parliament is passionately looking for that resource centre, and this is how it should be. Indeed, it means that he cares for the young people. However, for now, it may not be possible for the Government to construct a resource centre in that area. Yes, we said the Government does not have immediate plans, meaning that the plans may be there, but they are not immediate.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, the hon.  Minister has not responded to the question. The question was about the financial aspect and whether there is a two or five-year strategic plan in place at the ministry that provides for the construction of resource centres, and whether resources have been provided. There must be a plan somewhere at the ministry. I thought that since the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts has been building resource centres in other constituencies within Zambia, it is following a strategic plan. The message from Kamfinsa is very simple. The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is being used for other projects. We are building water schemes in the constituency because we have water challenges. We are also building schools and maternity annexes using the same component. So, there is no funding to construct a resource centre in ZAMTAN township to accommodate Kakolo and other farming blocks, which I listed, to benefit from the proposed very important resource centre.

 

Madam Speaker, I still would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether the Government has any plans to construct a resource centre in ZAMTAN, unless there are no such plans even for the future, then I will convey that message to the people. However, I assume that there must be a plan within the Ministry. That is why I am asking the hon. Minister, unless the officers who have accompanied him or who are briefing him have not provided him with the necessary information. Clearly, the Government must plan for such activities. So, I still want to know the financial year in which the Government will provide resources for the construction of a resource centre for our people in ZAMTAN township.

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, this Minister understands his ministry very well. If the hon. Member had asked about the strategic plan, I would have provided an answer. He should just tell me that he has now introduced another question about whether the ministry has a strategic plan. The answer is yes. We do have a strategic plan. There is a strategic plan for sports development in place. The Government plans to construct two multi-sports facilities every year. That is a strategic plan. When it comes to youth resource centres, the Government has a strategic plan that stipulates the construction of at least two youth resource centres per year.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member wants me to commit myself and the Government by saying that that resource centre will be built tomorrow or next year. The Government is currently prioritising the neediest areas. Her Honour the Vice-President can bear me witness. There is no resource centre in Kaputa, where I come from, yet I am the Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts. So, at the moment, resource centres are being built in areas with greater need.

 

Madam Speaker, as I stated, Kitwe …

 

Eng. Nzovu: District chairman!

 

Mr Nkandu: … has a vocational training centre that the people of Kamfinsa Constituency can use. Some people from districts without resource centres, such as Kaputa, go to Luanshya, Lukashya and Mwense. So, when the Government sees the need, it will definitely construct the resource centre that the hon. Member is requesting.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member asked about the message he should take to his constituency. The message is: The Government desires to construct a youth resource centre in Kamfinsa Constituency when the resources are available.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

PUBLIC SERVICE WORKERS PLACED IN HOLDING POSITIONS

 

298. Mr Kafwaya (Lunte) asked the Vice-President:

 

1. how many public service workers were placed in holding positions, as of January, 2026; and

 

1. if any, what the longest period served in a holding position, was, as of the date above.

 

The Vice-President (Dr Nalumango): Madam Speaker, …

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Mayo muli bakaele imwe!

 

The Vice-President: … the Public Service Management Division (PSMD) had seventy-nine officers in holding positions as of January, 2026.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Question!

 

The Vice-President: The above number includes those recalled from the foreign service.

 

Madam Speaker, from the division’s record of officers placed in holding positions, the longest period served in a holding position is eight years at the director level. You may further wish to note that the division has been identifying and placing officers in various ministries and institutions according to their qualifications and competencies. The process has been slow and heavily dependent on approved structures and needy areas.

 

Madam Speaker, in the interim, the division has been placing officers on attachment to various institutions where their services are required and ensuring that officers continue to provide a service within the wider Civil Service as they await redeployment, as and when available.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

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

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Is the point of order on Her Honour the Vice President?

 

Mr Fube: No.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Okay, we can proceed to supplementary questions.

 

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, I appreciate Her Honour the Vice-President’s response. However, the public workers in holding positions are listening to what she is saying.

 

When we go out there, they will be able to speak to his response and, of course, to my interaction with him.

 

Madam Speaker, where does the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government think it has really lost, as a result of having these people hold positions? Is it on the finance side of the Government, where it regrets the salaries it has been paying these people who do not work, or is it the lost service?

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I do not think we should be talking of losses here. Anybody who has been in Government, including the hon. Member himself, knows that this is not a new situation. There are situations that make people be in holding positions. This Government has done very well in terms of keeping people in their positions.  When we came into Government, we found fifty-one people in holding positions. So, we should not make the situation look like this issue started today; it has been going on. Remember that there was an outcry about it. The hon. Member said that people are listening; that is true. What we are doing here is speaking to Zambians. Many people were fired in national interest in the past, and the President said that should not happen. If anybody is fired, let it be in public interest, not in national interest. In issues of national interest, we do not retrench, fire or retire people. They remain in holding positions until the positions they are qualified for or have the required competencies in are found. We only fire people if we have to. That is after they have passed through all the processes of the disciplinary code. That is why he sees it that way. Nobody has been fired in national interest like it was previously. This is why we still have people in holding positions. Some have been recalled maybe, because there is some form of restructuring. There is a reduction of workers in one way or the other, so people are put in holding positions. I think that it is a more friendly way of doing things than firing people or retiring people on national interest. Let us not paint a picture that shows that this is happening only in the UPND Government; this is part of running the Government, and it has been happening. This Government is doing very well.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

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

 

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

 

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, the point of order is on the Minister of Communication.

 

Madam Speaker, ever since he came to Parliament –

 

Mr Mweene: There is no Minister of Communication!

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The Minister of?

 

Mr Fube: Hon. Tayali, to be specific. The Minister of Transport and Logistics, sorry.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Fube: But those are trivialities, come on.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, ever since he came into the House, he has actually not been dosing but sleeping. So, I want you to maybe, give him a break to go and rest.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Fube: We all come here alert.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Chilubi, I am looking at the hon. Minister of Transport and Logistics. He is wide awake.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Elo abuka!

 

Hon. PF Members: Mwashibukeni!

 

Laughter

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: So, hon. Member for Chilubi, your point of order is not admissible. You did not even cite the Standing Order that was breached.

 

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me a second bite at my question to Her Honour the Vice-President.

 

Madam Speaker, I would like to reflect on her words that the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government has done very well in keeping people in their positions.  This is partly why it has maintained people in holding positions. It is because the Government does not want to fire them. I will remind her that fifty-eight senior police officers were fired by her Government. Also, Army Generals were fired for no reason by her Government. I can give her a series of names of people who were fired. They are in thousands. So, the claim that the Government has done well may not be very accurate.

 

Madam Speaker, the people in holding positions are not working; they are at home. Some of them have not been working for eight years, as she put it. The money that they are earning is taxpayers’ money. It is not anyone’s money. It is taxpayers’ money. Business women and men are contributing taxes for paying people who are at home doing nothing. Is the Government sympathetic to the taxpayer who is financing these Government decisions?

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I appreciate the questioning style of the hon. Member. If anybody has been fired, I think, they have a right –

 

Interruptions

 

The Vice-President: I am saying if anybody has been fired – There are some whose contracts entail termination – 

 

Mr Kafwaya interjected.

 

The Vice-President: You asked your question and I am responding. So, just listen, Sir.

 

Madam Speaker, some were on contracts which may have been terminated. If others were fired, like I said, there is no Government which does not fire people. I was talking of firing people in national interest, which is different from retiring people. In fact, I did not say “fire.” I said that people were retired in national interest, which was literally firing people because you do not retire a person without an explanation. However, you can fire a person and call it retirement in public interest. If a case involves something regarded as incompetence or issues of that nature, then, people are retired or fired. That is one way the previous Government used. We have seventy-nine people affected as at January. As at now, some people have already been placed in other ministries. They have been attached or seconded to other ministries. So, they are being productive.

 

Madam Speaker, I am sympathetic to the issue of resources, but the resources of the nation are shared with the people as they participate in governance. If you are restructuring or recalling somebody, must you get rid of them? Is that the suggestion of the hon. Member? My point is that the issue of holding positions is provided for in cases such as these. When a person is recalled from foreign service, but there are no positions or all positions are filled, we do not send away that person. That is why this was created. It is part of the structure of taking care of workers. So, indeed, some people may have been fired. He should find out why they were fired. The reason is not national interest. That is what I am saying. Holding positions will forever be there because there will always be a need to move a person who is innocent or who committed a minor offence and does not deserve to be fired. Such a person will remain in a holding position for some time.

 

If you ask how many people have been in such positions, you will discover that it is not a long list. Probably, there could be one or two. So, it is not that there are so many people in holding positions. That is what it is. It is the Government way of restructuring and taking care of people who find themselves out of the system for another reason other than committing an offence.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Her Honour the Vice-President for the response.

 

Madam Speaker, I am not asking this question on the Floor of this House for the first time. I remember asking Her Honour the Vice-President a similar question, about two years ago, during the Vice-President’s Question Time. I indicated that the information which was available was that more than 400 public sector workers have been placed in holding positions and that has been my complaint. I am also aware that recently, a number of workers from the Ministry of Health were sent home and although they are at home, they are still receiving a salary.

 

Madam Speaker, I know that Her Honour the Vice-President has a trade union background. So, does she not think that it is an injustice, surely, to keep people at home for eight or four years, but meanwhile, they were written to and informed that they will be reassigned. Four to five years has passed since they were sent home. I talked to one of the workers who worked at the Department of Registration for four years, from 2022, but is in a holding position. Why can the Government not retire the affected workers? The workers are saying that if the Government does not want them, it can simply retire them because they are earning a salary for doing nothing. Why can the Government not retire the workers so that they are able to start afresh rather than torturing them in that manner?

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Chama North is stating numbers that I am not aware of. To start with, according to the information I have, there are not 400 people.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member for Chama North, please, be factual.

 

Mr Mtayachalo rose.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Do not just state numbers; show evidence.

 

Mr Mtayachalo resumed his seat.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Your Honour the Vice-President, you may proceed.

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I am disputing the alleged 400 people in holding positions. I am not aware of the 400 apart from the seventy-nine that I stated.

 

Interruptions

 

The Vice-President: Now, the hon. Member is suggesting that we retire them. Do we retire them in national interest as it was done before? There is no provision in the law for retiring someone in national interest, Mr labour man. There is no law to retire a person who has not committed any offence, but found oneself competing for a position that was probably given to another officer. So, if they are two, should we really retire them? What is retirement? Normal retirement is guided by the number of years. We cannot retire a young man of thirty years. That will not be retirement and that can only happen if one commits an offence. One can only be retired in national interest for a specific reason. So, we cannot retire those people.

 

Madam Speaker, I have truly disputed the fact that 400 workers from the Ministry of Health are in holding positions because I am not aware of that figure. No one from the Ministry of Health has been sent home. Yes, there are different categories of people in holding positions like directors because it is not easy to place directors anywhere. Remember that ambassadors are at assistant director level. So, when they are recalled, they are put in holding positions.

 

Madam Speaker, let us not create a picture that something abnormal has happened. In fact, the abnormality was when people were retired at thirty years because our colleagues could not find positions for such people. That is against the law. We are law abiding citizens. We will not retire people in national interest before their retirement age, if they have not done anything wrong.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, my question has been overtaken by the explanation.

 

TEACHER/PUPIL RATIO IN RURAL SCHOOLS

 

296. Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) asked the Minister of Education:

1. what measures the Government is taking to improve the teacher-pupil ratio in rural schools; and

 

1. whether the measures above include the curbing of the frequent transfer of teachers from rural to urban schools.

 

The Minister of Education (Mr Syakalima): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that under the 2023 Curriculum, learners from Form 1 to Form IV are assessed and examined as follows:

School-Based Assessment

Madam Speaker, learners undergo continuous school-based assessment from Form I to Form IV in accordance with the approved School-Based Assessment (SBA) Guidelines. Schools submit annual FBA marks to the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ).

School Certificate Examination

Madam Speaker, at the end of Form IV, learners sit for the National School Certificate Examination. The final examination marks are combined with the SBA marks to determine the learners’ final grades for certification. In addition, the National Assessment (NASE) of Learning Achievement is conducted periodically as a sample-based system monitoring exercise. The NASE does not provide individual learners’ results and is, therefore, not a mandatory examination for learners.

 

Madam Speaker, learners who complete both the SBA and the final school certificate examination receive grade results and are awarded either a school certificate or a statement of results, depending on the performance. However, learners who fail Form I to IV examinations or do not meet the minimum requirements for progression to advanced level thus, Form V, are not selected to attend Form V, but may pursue alternative pathways including technical education or skills training. Learners who fail to attain satisfactory results may re-sit examinations through the General Examinations of Education (GCE) and learners who do not have complete SBA or final examination marks are not graded as the ECZ does not grade partial results.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

The consultations are becoming louder.

 

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, is there a standardised form for continuous assessments or are the assessments done according to what a school decides?

 

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, continuous assessments are standardised, and there is a standardised booklet.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Any other question, hon. Member?

 

Mr Miyutu indicated dissent.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member is satisfied.

 

PLANS TO PROVIDE THE ZNBC MUCHINGA PROVINCIAL STUDIO, IN CHINSALI DISTRICT, WITH STUDIO EQUIPMENT

 

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

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to provide the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Muchinga Provincial Studio, in Chinsali District, with studio equipment;

 

1. if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

 

1. if there are no such plans, why.

 

The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation (Eng. Nzovu) (on behalf of the Minister of Information and Media (Mr Mweetwa)): Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to provide studio equipment to all the provincial studios under the digital migration programme. As you may be aware, implementation of the programme stalled in 2020 due to the country’s debt challenges. However, the ministry is in constant engagement with the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to secure the necessary funding to complete the remaining 10 per cent of the project. The outstanding works mainly relate to the completion of the provincial studios and installation of studio equipment, including that of the Muchinga provincial studio in Chinsali District.

 

Madam Speaker, the ministry has plans, indeed, to complete the remaining 10 per cent of the works. Therefore, part (c) of the question falls off.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mukosa: Madam Speaker, I have not clearly understood what the hon. Minister has said. He has said that the Government has plans to provide equipment for the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) studios in Chinsali. When is the Government planning to do that?

 

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, plans are already in place. The hon. Member is well aware that the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government will come back into office on 13^th August, 2026, and, therefore, the plans will be successfully completed.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mukosa: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has said that I am aware that the United Party for National Development (UPND) is coming back into office. For the sake of clarity, I would like to state that I am not aware of that.

 

Madam Speaker, I still want to understand the answer to the follow-up question that I asked, because the Minister did not address it. My question is: When will the Government provide equipment for the ZNBC studios in Chinsali, Muchinga Province? The hon. Minister has said that the Government has plans, and I have heard. My question now is: When will that happen? That is what I would like to understand.

 

Madam Speaker, I would like you to help me in case he does not provide that answer again because I will not have another opportunity to ask the question again.

 

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, we are very positive that the provincial studio and equipment will be provided in Chinsali in 2027. We are very positive. This is already in our budget plans. The funds will be made available.

 

Madam Speaker, I have very good news for the hon. Member. My support staff has reminded me that some of the equipment is already available, and will be paid for soon. So, that is good news for the people of Chinsali, who have assured us that come 13^th August, 2026, the UPND will be successfully voted into power so that it can complete that project successfully.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South):  Thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, for the first time, the New Dawn Government is constructing an airport in Nakonde. I know that Chinsali Airport is also being upgraded. Many infrastructure development projects are taking place using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in Muchinga Province.

 

Rev. Katuta interjected.

 

Mr Mung’andu: Madam Speaker, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) studios play a critical role in informing the people of the entire Muchinga Province, not only Chinsali, because the studios showcase what the New Dawn Government is doing in the province to the nation. Is there a short-term measure that the ministry can put in place before 2027 to ensure that the development that President Hakainde Hichilema is rolling out in Muchinga Province, in Chinsali in particular, can be showcased before 13^th August, 2026, for the appreciation of the people of Muchinga as well as the people of this nation?

 

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, we are confident that the sole candidate of the UPND, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, will continue providing infrastructure to all corners of the country. The hon. Member is right to say that President Hakainde Hichilema has upgraded many airports throughout this Republic.

 

Mr Simumba interjected.

 

Eng. Nzovu: We are going to Nakonde. We break ground–

 

Interruptions

 

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

 

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, Government is a continuous process and even tomorrow we will still bring development. We will still bring development even after 13^th August, 2026. Our aim is to bring development throughout this Republic.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, I am sure you heard me say correctly that my team gave me guidance to the effect that the equipment is available. The short answer to the question on the urgent measures we can take is that we will urgently make the payment so that Chinsali can receive the equipment.

 

Hon. Simumba rose.

 

Eng. Nzovu:  This is a constituency-specific question. It is not your constituency, Sir. Sit down.

 

Madam Speaker, let me assure the hon. Member for Chama South that Chinsali will receive the equipment in the shortest possible time.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Rev. Katuta: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: There is an indication for a point of order.

 

Rev. Katuta: Madam Speaker, I am a bit worried because the hon. Member for Chama South has said that much development has taken place using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). As you may be aware, I am a presidential candidate. If you go to Kanyama or Kalingalinga, you will shed tears. The hon. Member is not supposed to be bluffing with the Zambian people when they are going through pain. Was he in order? This point of order is based on Standing Order No. 71. Is he in order to appease his bosses here, in this House, the United Party for National Development (UPND) leadership, when the Zambian people are suffering?

 

I seek your serious indulgence, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Chienge, my ruling is that the hon. Member for Chama South was in order because he was talking about development in Muchinga, not in Kanyama or any other part of Zambia. He specifically mentioned Muchinga. So, the hon. Member for Chama South was in order to mention any developments.

 

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

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You may resume your seats, hon. Member for Kanyama. Otherwise, we will continue dealing with points of order. Every time I make a ruling, another point of order is raised. Can we make progress. I will get back to you at the right time.

 

The last question will be from the hon. Member for Bangweulu.

 

Mr Kasandwe (Bangweulu): Madam Speaker, not every question must be politicised in this House. I am aware that the construction of provincial studios is a marriage between the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) and StarTimes Zambia. They entered into a partnership and contracted a loan. That is the loan that StarTimes and ZNBC are using to renovate the studio at ZNBC in Lusaka, the studio in Kitwe, and other studios, including the construction of new studios. This project started way back in 2018, and the funds being used are from the loan they contracted. I was just surprised when–

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Bangweulu, are you trying to debate or respond to the question?

 

Mr Kasandwe: Madam Speaker, sometimes–

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: We are at a point where you are supposed to ask a supplementary question.

 

Mr Kasandwe: Madam Speaker, sometimes, it is important to put a question in context and in its historical perspective so that those following the proceedings get the correct information.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister initially said that the Government will buy the equipment when funds are available. I want to know whether the money that was sourced through the loan has been exhausted.

 

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for that important question. Let me repeat my answer. I clearly said that the implementation of the programme stalled in 2020, due to the country's debt challenges. At that time, the Patriotic Front (PF) Government could not make any small payments. The country was in debt distress. The economy was shrinking under the PF. We are now talking about this time when we have restructured the debt, and the economy is growing. We are talking about a time when we are able to pay.  We will be paying for that equipment very soon. So, that debt or nkongole did not do anything. Therefore, the Government will find money for the people of Chinsali, and the equipment will be sent to Chinsali in due course. Hon. Mukosa must rest assured that it will be done very soon. He should tell our good people of Chinsali that His Excellency, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, the sole candidate of the United Party for National Development (UPND), will take the equipment to Chinsali.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Simumba indicated.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Nakonde, is it a point of order or a question?

 

Mr Simumba (Nakonde): Madam Speaker, it is a supplementary question. My question rides on the question asked by the hon. Member for Bangweulu.

 

Madam Speaker, the ministry had contracted a loan, which means the money was available. So, we want to find out whether the money, which was in form of a loan, has been exhausted for the hon. Minister to say that they are going to look for more money, yet the money was there. So, where is the money that was contracted through a loan if the Government wants to find more money? That is what we want to know.

 

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, I think I have been clear in my answers. If we look at infrastructure projects that were started then, we see that most of them were not completed. Some debts were cancelled. I want to repeat. The Government has found the money to pay for this equipment, which will be delivered to Chinsali very soon. I want to again assure the people of Chinsali, through Hon. Mukosa, that he will receive the equipment in his constituency in due course. President Hakainde Hichilema is serious about ensuring that the resources of the country are equitably distributed. So, Chinsali will receive its fair share.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The last question will be from the hon. Member for Chawama.

 

Mr Nundwe: Madam Speaker, it is on a point of order.

 

The hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts is too noisy. He is supposed to be seated in his designated seat, but he has moved and to where he is making too much noise, hence disturbing us. Is he in order to be shouting and making seriously deep noise?

 

 Madam First Deputy Speaker: I thought it was a supplementary question. What Standing Order No. has been breached, hon. Member for Chawama?

 

Laughter

Mr Nundwe: The decorum.

Laughter

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I am sure the hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts is just having a small meeting. He will eventually go back to his seat.

PROMOTION OF TOURISM IN KALABO DISTRICT

301. Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) asked the Minister of Tourism:

1. what measures the Government is taking to promote tourism in Kalabo District.

The Minister of Tourism (Sikumba): Madam Speaker, the Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, recognises Kalabo as one of Zambia's uniquely endowed tourism destinations anchored by the Liuwa Plain National Park, one of Africa's oldest national parks, and home of the world's second largest wildebeest migration. In this regard, a number of key initiatives have been undertaken to promote tourism in Kalabo. These include:

Infrastructure Development to Improve Accessibility and Connectivity

Madam Speaker, the Government does have plans to develop infrastructure in the district. The infrastructure is aimed at improving accessibility and connectivity in the area, which will make it easy to include Kalabo and the surrounding areas in a tourism circuit and packaging. Measures include the following:

1. rehabilitating and refurbishing of the Kalabo airstrip to bituminous standard;

1. improving 150 km access roads within Kalabo district; and

1. expanding the involvement of communities in the park through the provision of     K3.5 million of nature-based marching grants.

Strengthening Conservation and Wildlife Management in Liuwa Plain

 Madam Speaker, we are partnering with African Parks and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife to enhance conservation initiatives at Liuwa Plain National Park, including anti-poaching operations, wildlife restocking, and community-based natural resource management.

Promoting Investment in Tourism Infrastructure

Madam Speaker, the ministry has included Kalabo in the natural tourism investment profile to attract investment in ecolodges, cultural tourism facilities, and adventure tourism activities.

Enhancing Tourism Marketing and Promotion of Kalabo District

Madam Speaker, by scaling up marketing efforts to raise the profile of Kalabo district and Liuwa Plains National Park. As part of these efforts, we have introduced through my ministry a promotion called Yamu Loko television production, which recently filmed Liuwa Plain National Park and the surrounding areas in an episode to be aired in May 2026.

What is notable is that the episodes are dedicated to showcasing tourism products in the Western Province, including those in Kalabo.

Madam Speaker, last but not the least, is support to community-based tourism initiatives. The Government continues to support community participation in tourism through training, product development and promotion of events such as the Kuomboka Ceremony, which we recently celebrated. The ceremony benefits Kalabo and the surrounding areas with increased visitor inflows and spending.

Madam Speaker, these measures reflect the Government’s commitment to unlocking Kalabo’s tourism potential, improving livelihoods and ensuring that the district becomes an integral part of Zambia’s diversified tourism economy.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for that comprehensive response.

However, from the enquiries I have made, it seems one cannot visit the national park now. Maybe, the hon. Minister can clarify why one cannot visit the park at this time of the year, in April, February and March.

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I am sure that I noticed the General nodding and wondering why we would access Liuwa Plain National Park at this time of the year. We all know the status of the plains at this time of the year. That is why we ombokad much earlier. It is because the floodplains are completely submerged. This is the nature of the industry and the place we are talking about. You will not be able to access Liuwa Plain National Park at the moment because there is so much water. We are very delighted that the same water we are seeing in the plains, which is not allowing us to access the park at the moment, is going to help us generate the much-needed power we want from Kariba Power Station. 

Madam Speaker, and as per tradition and the tourism calendar, between the months of November, April and May, most of the areas in the national parks are inaccessible. I just want to indicate to my hon. Member of Parliament for Kalabo Central that we are looking at ways and means of making them accessible even in wet conditions. We still pride ourselves on leaving the plains as wet as they are, as flooded as they are, for their natural beauty and for us to move from Lealui all the way to Limulunga. The plains were a marvel just last month. 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

CONSTRUCTION OF CAMP HOUSES FOR FISHERIES AND LIVESTOCK EXTENSION OFFICERS

302. Mr Mukosa (Chinsali) asked the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock:

1. whether the Government has any plans to build camp houses for the Fisheries and Livestock Extension Officers in Chinsali District;

1. if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

1. if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock (Mr Kapala): Madam Speaker, the Government has such plans. The House may wish to note that the construction of camp houses has already been incorporated in the Integrated Development Plan for Chinsali District. This plan clearly outlines infrastructure development priorities aimed at enhancing service delivery across sectors. With regard to the camp houses for the Fisheries and Livestock Extension Officers, the plan has a provision to rehabilitate three camp houses and construct two more to make them five.

Madam Speaker, as outlined in the answer to part (a) of the question above, the plans remain active and have been duly incorporated into the Integrated Development Plan for Chinsali District. However, owing to funding constraints experienced in previous years, implementation was not prioritised in the 2026 National Budget.

Madam Speaker, in response to why there would be no plans to construct camp houses for Fisheries and Livestock Extension Officers in Chinsali District, the House may wish to note that this question does not arise, as the Government has plans to construct the camp houses.

Madam Speaker, allow me to present some supplementary information on the subject. Chinsali District currently has a provision for five camp houses for Fisheries and Livestock Extension Officers. However, only three camp houses have been constructed over the years.  Regrettably, all the three houses are in a dilapidated and uninhabitable condition. As a result, none of the Extension Officers are currently accommodated in the existing camp houses.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mukosa: Madam Speaker, the hon.  Minister and everybody else are aware that our Extension Officers under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock play a very important role in supporting Chinsali as well as the rest of the country. He has indicated that the Government has plans to rehabilitate the three camp houses that are dilapidated and plans to build two more new houses. Considering that this plan will not materialise in this fiscal year, 2026, when should the people of Chinsali expect the very important rehabilitation works of the three camp houses as well as the construction of the two camp houses for the Fisheries and Livestock Extension Officers to be done?

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, I anticipate that the rehabilitation of the existing three camp houses will be included in the 2026/2027 Budget.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mukosa: Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what is currently being done about the issue, considering that the Fisheries and Livestock Extension Officers are not accommodated in Government houses. Where are they living? Is the Government giving them some kind of fund or allowance to rent houses as they carry out very important work for this country?

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, I need to check the Conditions of Service regarding accommodation in our camp houses. I can come back to the House to inform the hon. Member on the exact position.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

______

MOTION

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS FOR THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE THIRTEENTH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Brig-Gen. Sitwala (Kaoma Central): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the House adopts the Report of the Committee on National Security and Foreign Affairs for the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, laid on the Table of the House on 10^th April, 2026.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

Mr J. Chibuye (Roan): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

Brig-Gen. Sitwala: Madam Speaker, in line with its terms of reference, the Committee considered the topical issue, operations and management of police permanent security checkpoints and mounted patrols.  In carrying out this important task, the Committee sought both written and oral submissions from various stakeholders.

Madam Speaker, I am confident that hon. Members of this august House have read the Committee’s report. I will, therefore, only highlight a few issues that caught the Committee’s attention during its interaction with the stakeholders.

Madam Speaker, the Committee observes with concern that while the Constitution and the Zambia Police Act provide general policing powers, there is no comprehensive framework that specifically regulates the establishment, number, duration, oversight, and operational standards of permanent security checkpoints. The absence of clear legislative parameters has resulted in excessive administrative discretion, limited transparency and weakened public accountability. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Zambia Police Act be amended to establish a clear and structured framework governing permanent security checkpoints and mounted patrols, including the publication and the designation of authorised locations and the accessibility of such publications.

Madam Speaker, the Committee notes with concern the lack of suitable infrastructure at most permanent checkpoints. Many checkpoints do not have paved pullouts, inspection bays, track holding yards, adequate lighting, sanitation facilities or reliable Information Communication Technology (ICT) connectivity. This has resulted in congestion, accelerated road deterioration, safety risks to officers and motorists and the compromise of enforcement standards. The Committee, therefore, recommends that suitable checkpoint infrastructure be integrated into national road development and concession agreements as a mandatory design feature particularly along major trade corridors.

Madam Speaker, the other issue worth noting is the limited deployment of modern enforcement technology tools such as Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV), surveillance, automated cargo verification systems, digital vehicle document verification and integrated data management platforms. These remain largely unavailable due to funding constraints. In comparative jurisdictions such as South Africa and Botswana, enforcement relies heavily on data-driven systems such as automatic number plate recognition rather than routine physical roadblocks. These countries have further placed emphasis on intelligence-led and mobile operations. The Committee therefore, recommends that Zambia must progressively transition toward technology-enabled intelligence-driven enforcement models in order to reduce congestion, minimise discretionary stops and enhance transparency.

 Madam Speaker, the Committee notes serious human resource constraints in the Zambia Police Service. Currently, there are 21,944 officers in the Zambia Police Service, serving a population of about 19.6 million people, translating into a policing ratio of one police officer to 894 citizens. This is contrary to the United Nations (UN) benchmark ratio of one police officer to 450 citizens. The shortage of police officers has resulted in long shifts, fatigue and inconsistent deployment at checkpoints. The Committee, therefore, recommends accelerated recruitment to progressively attain the benchmark ratio alongside continuous professional training in human rights, compliant searches, traffic management, customer service and risk-based enforcement.

Madam Speaker, lastly, the Committee wishes to emphasise that well-designed security systems can enhance economic efficiency rather than hinder it. Further, appropriate legislative reforms, infrastructure investment, technology integration, institutional coordination, integrity safeguards, permanent security checkpoints, and mounted patrols can serve their intended purpose without imposing social or economic costs.

As I conclude, allow me, Madam, to render my sincere gratitude to you and the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly for the services rendered to the Committee throughout its deliberations. I also express my gratitude to all stakeholders who provided the Committee with valuable information, which formed the basis of the report before the House today.

Madam Speaker, I beg to move.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?

Mr C. Mpundu (Chembe): Now, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I wish to thank you for according me the opportunity to second this progressive Motion before this august House. Allow me to also thank the mover of the Motion and the Chairperson of the Committee, Brig-Gen. Morgan Sitwala, Member of Parliament, for the able manner in which he presided over the Committee’s deliberations.

Madam Speaker, I will restrict my comments to three issues.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

                                

No quorum.

Mr C. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, when business was suspended, I was seconding the Motion moved by the chairperson of the Committee on National Security and Foreign Affairs to adopt the Report on the Operations and Management of Police Permanent Security Check-Points and Mounted Patrols.

Madam Speaker, I will restrict my comments to three issues regarding the subject matter. Firstly, the Committee observed that police officers manning check-points are increasingly exposed to threats from armed criminals, aggressive motorists and organised smuggling networks, especially in border-adjacent areas, such as Chirundu, Nakonde, Kasumbalesa and Kazungula. The Committee, therefore, recommends that police officers manning check-points be provided with equipment such as pistols, protective gear and X-ray scanners to detect contrabands, weapons and human trafficking. In addition, police officers should be provided with drones for real-time surveillance to help co-ordinate rapid response to accidents or criminal activities.

Madam Speaker, secondly, the Committee noted that police check-points slow down traffic and increase travel time, thereby increasing the overall cost of transport. For example, for nearby local residents, check-points increase commuting time, especially during peak hours. The Committee, therefore, recommends that Zambia limits the number of check-points to strategic locations to reduce the cost of transport, which is already high due to a lack of direct access to the sea.

Madam Speaker, thirdly, the Committee observed that implementation of police check-points and mounted patrols across the country entail increased costs in form of assigned police officers, roadblock infrastructure and roadside shelters, among others. However, despite the cost associated with operating check-points and mounted patrols, the Committee noted that they enhance road safety by monitoring the roadworthiness of vehicles, thereby ensuring adherence to general traffic laws and regulations. Particularly, check-points ensure that vehicles are fit to be on the road and motorists do not drink and drive. Altogether, these efforts reduce the occurrence of road traffic accidents, which claim the lives of many Zambians.

Madam Speaker, allow me, as I conclude, to urge my fellow hon. Members to support this non-controversial Motion.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i): Madam Speaker, thank you very much.

Madam Speaker, this is what it means to work for the people of Zambia. We have to listen to their concerns. Indeed, security check-points are very important to the Zambian people, but, at the same time, has a cost-benefit analysis been done? Who does the mounting of check-points benefit? Is it a common person, a policeman or the Zambian Government? There is a barrier at the airport before boarding the plane and another one before the airport. Already, that is an inconvenience. That is a cost. The Zambian people are inconvenienced. When a road block or barrier is mounted, who does that benefit? We are now a civilised society. What happens in Britain, America, Italy or Rome? We still want to be primitive in Zambia. Whenever a person is broke, he or she stages a road block. We, as Government officials, are also inconvenienced when we are travelling, especially when one is following trucks on the road, and he or she is in a hurry, but cannot overtake. When you find trucks, there is no chance to divert. In the end, one is asked, “Muliko naka cut?” That means mulinazingati, especially when they see a Canter –

Hon. Member: What does that mean?

Laughter

Mr Muchima: That means, “How much do you have?”

Madam Speaker, when someone is driving a Canter or truck, he or she is in trouble. I like this Government because it has introduced twenty-four-hour business services. However, how can we succeed with roadblocks? One cannot find roadblocks in developed countries. Cameras and scanners should be installed. They will help us. Even if roadblocks are mounted, have human trafficking and smuggling crimes been dealt with? They are still rife. That ancient behaviour should be done away with. This Government has looked into certain attitudes that need to be modernised. At times, some people walk on the street and start stopping vehicles because of the roadblock mentality. Who benefits from that? Is the Government getting more revenue out of that? No. The revenue goes into individuals’ pockets. More police and the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) officers should be in their offices dealing with other issues. They should leave the roads free. The Government should install adequate cameras and new systems that will inform us. It is difficult to run in Zambia. One cannot run fast when one is hindered. These issues should be dealt with. Of course, certain issues have connivers. A person cannot be driven in an ambulance all the way from Nakonde to Lusaka. What has been happening? That means the border has a challenge or there is collusion. The country should wake up. How do developed countries manage? We should also develop our country, and it all comes down to attitude. Cost-benefit is critical to this nation. Are Zambians happy with the roadblocks that are mounted on our roads? No. Are the roadblocks benefiting us? No.

Hon. Government Member: Roads are getting damaged.

Mr Muchima: Yes, roads are getting damaged by braking, and this also damages tyres, thereby, increasing costs. Let us work for the people of Zambia.

Madam Speaker, I am very happy with this report, and I commend the chairperson of the Committee and the seconder of the Motion. These are exposures; this is what we want this country to be in the future. Roadblocks breed corruption. Let us just remove them from the roads, because they do not benefit Zambians but certain individuals. Let us have effective signals and tools. Let us invest more. The more you invest, the more you develop. If you are afraid to invest, you get nothing at all. How are they doing it in Britain, Italy or America? Have we remained stagnant? If we have remained stagnant, mosquitoes will breed, and that is the corruption we are talking about.

Madam Speaker, we are increasing costs by taking so much time on the roads. It is better people go kwap, they are in Nakonde, kwap, they are in Kasumbalesa. However, every now and then, they have to be stopped. Others even rush to stop people with their speeding turbocharged cars, but then, we have to look at the cost. Whose is it?

Madam Speaker, smuggling is caused deliberately by ourselves. We have to be cautious. Let us all agree that roadblocks are not benefiting us. Let us have a commission of inquiry to analyse the issue properly. Are roadblocks a cost to the Government, or are they benefiting the Government? If they are not benefiting the Government, and they are a hassle to the people, let us remove them. We do not need them. Roadblocks are also a hassle to me as I drive to Mwinilunga or Ikeleng’i. When police officers see a truck, they delay you unnecessarily, and that is not what we want in a developing country. We cannot afford to be losing time, as time is money.

Mr Mabeta: Correct!

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, let us deal with security issues at the borders. Before the airport, there is a checkpoint, which is enough, rather than having a roadblock at the Zambia Air Services Training Institute (ZAST) and another at the Zambia Air Force (ZAF). Why should there be two or three roadblocks? Who do they benefit? 

Hon. Government Member: And there is also one in Kafue. 

Mr Muchima: Yes, making them three. What are they for? There is even one for the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) …

Laughter

Mr Muchima: … and another one for veterinary. What are they for? It is not necessary to have such roadblocks in this country. Zambia has developed under leadership that is highly educated, wise, and focused on what we should do as a country.

Madam Speaker, I support this very wise report presented by my hon. Colleague, a general without soldiers now, …

Laughter

Mr Muchima: … Brig-Gen. Sitwala. We are headed in the right direction. I support the Motion wholeheartedly. My friend, the young man, should go and repair the road to Kaputa because it has deteriorated.

Laughter

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, we need to be able to move freely and easily to reach wherever we are going.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Chinkuli (Kanyama): Madam Speaker, thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to comment on the well-researched report.

Madam Speaker, from the outset, I commend the Committee. When I was reading the report, I thought the Committee was talking about removing security checkpoints completely because by so doing, it would be, as we say in Tonga, “kusowa kasamu ajongolo” meaning throwing away the baby together with the bath water.

Madam Speaker, allow me to comment on the operations of the permanent security checkpoints. In the environment we are in, laws take precedence, meaning anything that needs to be done, be it an operation in any organ, organisation or institution, should be backed by the law. However, according to the report, checkpoints are being established through internal administrative directives, which I believe cannot stand if challenged in court. This is because the court is aware that whatever is done should be backed by the law, hence the report propagates that Chapter 107 of the Zambia Police Act should be reviewed so that it can provide for the establishment and oversight of police checkpoints.

Madam Speaker, I would like us to look at what is currently happening at checkpoints. Whatever operations taking place in the country should be aligned with constitutional principles. We have heard the President, every now and then, talk about national values and principles. This means that whatever law is being designed should subscribe to those principles.

Madam Speaker, there is currently a public outcry that checkpoints are causing traffic and serving as conduits for corruption. It is like human rights are not even being followed. So, whatever is happening at checkpoints does not align with the constitutional requirements, more especially, good governance and integrity. In whatever we do, there must be transparency, accountability and all the principles that go with it. We realise that where there is accountability, the outcome of an operation is something that helps the economy grow, helps observe human rights, and ensure that officers operating from checkpoints exhibit the integrity required as they attend to the community.

Madam Speaker, in my understanding, the establishment of checkpoints does not align with the Constitution and that is why according to the report, the Committee in considering the benefits of checkpoints, is propagating for a quick review of the Zambia Police Act so that we can know how many roadblocks should be mounted in the country. That is transparency. That way, we will know where the checkpoints will be, the exact timings, and how long they will be mounted because everything will be guided by the law that will be enacted.

Madam Speaker, with those few remarks, I support the report.  That is the way to go if we want to develop this country.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Zulu (Nyimba): Madam Speaker, I thank the chairperson of the Committee for the report. I also thank Hon. Mpundu, the seconder of the Motion.

Madam Speaker, the report has given us an insight of what the Zambian people think about the checkpoints across the country. We need the designated checkpoints across this country. We have seen a good number of illegal things transported on our roads. If we remove the designated checkpoints, we will end up losing many things.

Madam Speaker, let me come to the issue that checkpoints are a nuisance. There are people saying that we do not need checkpoints because they have become an inconvenience to the public. People have been complaining about checkpoints. The other thing we need to look at is where checkpoints are mounted. If you look at the area around the National Heroes Stadium and 6 miles, you will see that there is a concrete patch on the road, but we never utilise it.  We have decided to go and damage the road at 12 miles or 13 miles. So, what people are saying is that we need to check trucks at the concrete area of the road, which the Road Development Agency (RDA) designed to withstand the pressure of loaded trucks.

Madam Speaker, technology has advanced in this country. We see a good number of police officers hiding at traffic lights across Lusaka because they are no longer at checkpoints. Even now, if you go to Manda Hill, you will find traffic officers hiding there. That is a danger to drivers. In the next Budget, I expect the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security – I know he will come back. Mukalikuli, so!  

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Yes!

Mr Zulu: You will come back, sir.

Madam Speaker, when he comes back, I expect him to bring a budget here which will include body cameras for police officers. We need cameras at traffic lights across the country. Twenty-six years ago, I was a young man. I was arrested in South Africa because I passed the traffic lights when they turned orange. My car had a South African number plate, and I was charged for that offence. So, twenty-six years ago, South Africa had cameras at traffic lights. Today, in Zambia, we do not have them. It is time that the hon. Minister and his team at the ministry started creating a smart Zambia, where people will be charged and pay electronically so that they are not inconvenienced.  It is very difficult for one to avoid paying the penalty because when one goes to pay for road tax or renew the licence, one will still find that charge.  When we do that, people are going to be disciplined on our highways.

Madam Speaker, the other thing which causes police officers to behave the way they do is the carelessness of some drivers. We should not be protecting people who break the law. People need to be charged, but let us use a smart way of charging them. We can start by putting body cameras on police officers, so that those who try to be corrupt can be caught. That is going to help us.

Madam Speaker, we have seen a good number of police officers being abused by members of the public. It is because of the training they go through. Officers need public relation skills when dealing with people. We deploy officers to the traffic department. We need to improve the curriculum of the Zambia Police Service and impart the sense in police officers that they can negotiate or talk with individuals without offending them because they would not know the mood of the other person.  If I commit a traffic offence, a police officer should tell me the offence I have committed. If it is an impoundable offence, I should be told that. Osati chabe, “Paking’a apa uzakambila ku police”. That is a problem. Police officers just say, “Park here, we are going to talk at the police station.”

Madam Speaker, the SMART Zambia Institute should be encouraged to work with the Zambia Police Service to improve technology across the country concerning traffic issues. I just want to learn something from the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security. Are the cameras that were installed across this country still working or not? If those cameras are working, why do we have unnecessary checkpoints?  If those cameras are working, why do we have unnecessary checkpoints? Cameras are able to capture any number plate and send it to the central command office so that people can be charged. So, my plea to the hon. Minister is that we improve the way we do things.

Madam Speaker, the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has detectors. If a vehicle is not licensed, the detectors will pick the number plate.  So, the police can copy from the RTSA. They can start doing what the RTSA is doing.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Chilubi, I would like to add my voice to the debate on this very important Motion.

Madam Speaker, before we talk about checkpoints and roadblocks, we need to understand the constitutional role of the police. Article 193(2) states as follows:

 “(2) The Zambia Police Service shall –

1. protect life and property;

1. preserve peace and maintain law and order;

1. ensure the security of the people;

1. detect and prevent crime;

1. uphold the Bill of Rights;

1. foster and promote good relationships with the Defence Force, other national security services and members of society; and

1. perform other functions as prescribed.”

Madam Speaker, having said that, I would like to view the checkpoints and roadblocks using the Constitution as a mirror. I want to indicate that based on national security, checkpoints and roadblocks are relevant, according to the Constitution. Why are they relevant? They are relevant because they can help the police to protect life and property. They can also help to preserve peace and maintain law and order. They can also ensure the security of the people. They can detect and prevent crime. They can uphold, in a way, the Bill of Rights, depending on how they are implemented. Of course, they can foster good relations with other forces.

Madam Speaker, we are debating checkpoints and roadblocks in this House today because what is desired is not what happens; there is a big gap. There are designated checkpoints and even roadblocks which everyone wishes to see. I mean, if you are not a criminal, you should not be concerned about such.  However, some officers, I am underlining the word “some,” are involved in corruption. I am speaking as a person who has moved with a vehicle with an In-Transit Permit (IT) from Nakonde. I have used all sorts of transport, especially on the Great North Road. I can safely tell you that there are all sorts of corrupt activities, especially petty ones, at checkpoints or roadblocks. After you pay at one checkpoint, another vehicle, one with green and white labels and a light on top, will follow you and charge you over the same thing.

Madam Speaker, we cannot say that because the law is abused, therefore, let us remove the things that are so helpful. What needs to be done is harmonisation. We need to be taking the people manning checkpoints and roadblocks for refresher courses frequently, so that they understand the emergence of new crimes on roads, how to treat people while accommodating human rights, and how to detect and prevent crime. Detection and prevention of crime requires equipment. Purchase of equipment automatically requires funding.

Madam Speaker, looking at the initial funding, this House is supposed to see how it can approve and beef up the budget. Verily, we also need to look at the discipline of officers who man checkpoints as well as the mounted roadblocks. The officers should uphold ethics, morality and other national values. At times, the Government will desire one thing, but some officers will do the opposite as a roadblock becomes a fundraising venture to supplement their salaries. That is where things go cockeyed, which means that things have gone wrong. This is where an officer takes a cloth of thinking. I do not know whether I am permitted to refer to other countries, where I have observed that behaviour. In some countries, some officers use their uniforms to pay themselves, and some people here know those countries very well. For instance, when an officer is given a uniform or gun, that officer will use the uniform or gun to fundraise. I have been to countries where officers are doing that. We do not want our police officers to go that route.

Madam Speaker, in order to detect and prevent crime, checkpoints and roadblocks have to be mounted. For instance, if the Government is concerned about the movement of maize, roadblocks have to be mounted. Criminals will be cornered using roadblocks and checkpoints. Sometimes, the police communicate with one another about stolen vehicles or items, and they tell their colleagues when a suspect passes through a certain check point. So, we cannot do away with roadblocks. A human being’s behaviour is what dilutes what the law says, and that is what we are supposed to address as a people. So, this can only be addressed by taking care of the police officers and ensuring that the officers mandated by the Government to prevent crime internally do just that. Sometimes, officers engage in petty corruption or institutional corruption, and they communicate with a number of people who will benefit within a particular scenario. Sometimes, crimes are committed when people are manning roadblocks. Sometimes, the officers will impound a truck full of illegal products, but the person driving that truck will produce money, so officers should book offenders. We need to raise the bar with regard to the people manning roadblocks and checkpoints.

Madam Speaker, with these few words, I support the report, in which many things have been highlighted. However, check points and roadblocks are relevant in fulfilling the constitutional mandate of the police.

I thank you Madam Speaker.

Mr Jamba (Mwembezhi): Madam Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity.

Madam Speaker, the report of the Committee is a very serious one. In fact, when I read through it, it does not talk about removing checkpoints or roadblocks. It explains how checkpoints can be enhanced in terms of policy, and how we can revise the officers’ work culture. One of the things that has been highlighted in the report is infrastructure, and the report talks about people working under undesirable infrastructure.

Madam Speaker, the Committee also raised the issue of inter-agency. You will find police officers, wildlife officers and officers from other agencies manning the same roadblock. So, the Committee has brought out things that happen during roadblocks. Therefore, people should work as a unit at checkpoints, as there is need for integration. The Committee proposes that there should be integration with the officers at the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) and other officers. When roadblocks are mounted, officers from different units should be able to work properly.

Madam Speaker, I have highlighted some of the things that need to be done. However, saying that we do not need checkpoints or roadblocks in Zambia will alarm thieves or people who break the law and they will run to Livingstone, Chingola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) without being stopped.

Madam Speaker, one day, when we were going to the Copperbelt in a convoy, we noticed a car trailing behind us and it followed us up to Kapiri Mposhi. When we reached the checkpoint, one hon. Member of Parliament told the police officers that a vehicle was trailing us and, therefore, they needed to check it out. So, when the vehicle reached the checkpoint, the police officers stopped it and they discovered that those people were actually robbers. So, tell me, if there was no checkpoint, how were those people going to be monitored? It would have been impossible. Let us not be excited about removing roadblocks for the sake of saving time.

Madam Speaker, if there are no checkpoints, an hon. Member of Parliament cannot escape when he/she is being trailed. He/she can be robbed, shot at and will not reach where he/she was going. The idea that people are actually corrupt is a subject which we can tackle at another forum. If we want people to be transparent, that should start from our homes and schools so that the officers employed in the Zambia Police Service are not corrupt. The idea of removing checkpoints will not stop us from being corrupt.

Madam Speaker, I am a farmer. I do not want to succumb to saying –

Hon. Opposition Member: Since when?

Mr Jamba: Since inception.

Laughter

Mr Jamba: I do not want to succumb to saying remove roadblocks. I am a cattle farmer, but not at the level of our famous and very good President, who has many cattle. As a cattle farmer, I can testify that our animals are being stolen every day. The thieves from Mwembezhi fear to pass through police checkpoints. So, instead, we are not able to apprehend them. Now, if we remove checkpoints, someone from the wetlands of Namwala will steal my animals and will not be stopped because there are no checkpoints. What are we trying to achieve? Just because some hon. Members are inconvenienced during checkpoints, they want to compromise security.

Madam Speaker, some people who have debated did not read the report. The report does not state that we should get rid of checkpoints. It talks about enhancing and revising the policy on how police officers should operate at checkpoints. The report also talks about infrastructure because the structures police officers are currently working under leave much to be desired. The small buildings do not have toilets and their roofs are blown off. Therefore, police officers should have better infrastructure. Furthermore, they must be provided with better vehicles so that they are able to monitor roadblocks using good vehicles.

Madam Speaker, according to the report, the number of police officers who are currently employed in the police service is too low. This is the more reason we should discuss the need to increase the number of recruits in the police service.

Madam Speaker, the armed forces in this country are the Zambia Army, the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) and the Zambia National Services (ZNS), but I am not discussing the armed forces. The officers of the Zambia Police Service are the least paid and are not taken care of in comparison to the armed forces. Look at the houses they live in. Then one says that they are corrupt. A person goes to work, but he or she has not even paid school fees for the people at home. We must talk about real issues. Our police, as a service or a force, is not properly taken care of. Sometimes, an officer can chase a thief who has K1 million in his or her car, but after arresting that thief, the officer has nothing to eat at home, not even yo gulila delele. Then akatengapo K20, you say ati he or she is corrupt. No, no.

Interruptions

Mr Jamba: I am telling you the realities of life because those are the things that are happening.

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

Please, translate.

Mr Jamba: Madam Speaker, I am saying that police officers are suffering. As people who make the National Budget in this House, we must support the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security by ensuring that those people’s salaries are increased. We must take care of their welfare so that when they do something wrong, they can be asked about why they did that thing, yet their salaries were increased, they were given vehicles and their living standard were uplifted, and if we are to punish them, then, we can punish them. I cannot even think about the idea of removing roadblocks. The people who are advocating for that are the ones who run gangs. They want to be running from Livingstone into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and from the DRC into Zimbabwe, and from Malawi into Angola. Such things should not be tolerated.

Madam Speaker, I wish I could say more. However, I can say that we should enhance what the Committee has requested; revise the policy, build infrastructure and look at inter-agency relations, such as the integration of the Zambia Police Service and the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA).

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Nyambose (Chasefu): Madam Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to add my voice to the debate on this important Motion. 

Madam Speaker, from the outset, I pick Hon. Jamba’s words as my own. I just want to add one or two things.

Madam Speaker, the huge investment and economic gains that the country has made can be reduced to zero if security is tampered with. Security is critical. I would like to appeal to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security to regulate police officers from time to time, as it has been doing. We can do better. The snap check-points that are made by some police officers are not good, as my hon. Colleagues have indicated. For example, in Lusaka, sometimes, speed traps are mounted as officers hide at corners. Why hide? If they are to control and regulate traffic, they should not hide. That would send a reminder to people to keep in mind that they can find police officers at any point. Other times, it is the way police officers conduct themselves in certain areas. People can be told that what they are doing is not good, and they will learn from that. I support the fact that security is needed, as check-points are also needed for security reasons, as my brother has indicated.

Madam Speaker, I will bring this debate to where I come from; Chasefu, Lundazi and Chama. What is happening, I think, in all the rural constituencies –

Madam Speaker, I need the attention of the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security. I want him to listen to me. He is my mulamu.

Laughter

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Chasefu, the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security is our Minister.

Mr Nyambose: Madam Speaker, he is our Minister. Thank you very much. I take note.

Laughter

Mr Nyambose: Madam Speaker, I wanted his attention.

 Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security should find time to check what is happening in rural constituencies through the system in his ministry. People are being abused by police officers. It is so serious that he cannot understand. When one is in the constituency, and even here, in Lusaka, one has to plead with police officers every day. They are found in undesignated places, inconveniencing villagers who take their maize to millers. They mount check-points everywhere for people who use motorcycles. I will give an example of my own constituency. There are less than five police officers and, most of the time, they are not found at the office, because they mount check-points all over.

Madam Speaker, people overspeed. I would like to appeal to the office of the hon. Minister to increase sensitisation. When people are sensitised, they abide by the rules. What is happening out there in the rural constituencies is sad. Instead of mounting roadblocks at the borderline, police officers are busy in the villages. That has become a problem to the extent that police officers have hired neighbourhood officers. In the absence of police officers, some of the neighbourhood officers mount roadblocks on behalf of the police station. When we talk to them, they reduce on that sometimes, but they continue. So, I would like to appeal to the hon. Minister – that is why I wanted his attention – to find time to look into the situation. Maybe, in the future, police officers should be transferred regularly. I have mentioned before that some police officers are deployed to rural areas until their retirement. That becomes a problem. There are many such cases. I know that is a budgetary issue, but the ministry should find a system, as it was done for teachers, in which some people are moved after some time so that familiarity is reduced.

Madam Speaker, there is another thing concerning check-points that is under the office of the hon. Minister. Headmen and traditional leaders have complained about the officers who are under the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC). The DEC officers are even worse than police officers. They have become a problem such that they even plant drugs. That is happening in our area. I do not know how I can explain it. I have gone up to the provincial office to represent my people because of what is happening. When people are chased on the road, they abandon their motorcycles, and then something is planted on those motorcycles. Then, they are told that two balls of weed, for example, were found. So, that is a problem because that person did not have those things. These institutions have intelligence systems, and they are able to tell whoever is involved in the illicit growing of those things, but the way check-points are mounted becomes a problem. I do not know, but, I think, they have realised that people in the rural setup fear authority because of the way people are cultured. However, that is not a reason to abuse them. They are Zambians. We need to manage them. We need to use the office of the Member of Parliament and other offices to sensitise people, which we, as Members of Parliament, already do.

 

Madam Speaker, what is happening in our rural constituencies is a problem. I have asked the hon. Minister to check the system in his ministry, and talk to people about roadblocks. Someone buys a motorcycle, and has everything required, but is arrested the following day. The same motorcycle is impounded every day, every week and every month. As long as police officers  find a motorcycle, they impound and release it later. Even motor vehicles are not spared. What is the reason for impounding? The ministry should find a way of dealing with that matter.

 

Madam Speaker, I live in Chongwe. Police officers at the check-point in Chongwe do not have the courtesy to know when people retire to their homes. Even in the morning, when driving to Parliament, I am inconvenienced. Immediately it is off-peak hour, they relax. It is like they mount roadblocks to inconvenience people who go to work. We need to be sensitive. Whilst we need check-points, which I support because people in our economy need security and protection for their investments, they need to be regulated, as the ministry does from time to time. When the ministry sees that there is a need, it should regulate so that there is security for this country.

Madam Speaker, what is happening is worse in rural constituencies than in Lusaka. The hon. Minister should find time to look into the situation. Police officers should show courtesy to villagers. There is a huge number of villagers, and their investments are destroyed because those investments are impounded. More needs to be done about DEC officers in the rural areas up to the provincial level. The DEC is supposed to have an intelligence system to inform its officers about who is doing what. In Lundazi, people exchange money through traditional bureaus, and they are not arrested. However, if someone in Chasefu, in the village, does the exchange of money, that person is arrested. The officers leave the people they live with. I have reported this before. What DEC is doing in Chasefu is not good. I want the hon. Minister to take time to look into the situation. I can give him more information so that we can help the people. We are not supporting people in doing wrong things. However, we need to regulate. So, I wanted to use this platform to appeal, on behalf of the people in the rural constituencies of the Eastern Province, that we are inconvenienced.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you.

My apologies to the hon. Member from Mbabala for not giving him the Floor. We are behind time.

Hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, please, respond.

The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security (Mr Mwiimbu, SC.): Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity given to me to address this august House on the measures the Government is taking to enhance the effectiveness of permanent security check-points and mounted patrols as key strategies for strengthening public safety and deterring criminal activities across the country.

Madam Speaker, from the outset, allow me to extend my appreciation to the Committee on National Security and Foreign Affairs for its thorough consideration of this important matter. I also wish to commend the hon. Members who have contributed to this debate.

Madam Speaker, the issue of public safety transcends political affiliation. It is a matter that affects every citizen and every community. Without adequate security, our nation risks increased movement of illicit goods, illegal wildlife products, narcotics and other forms of contraband that undermine national development and stability.

Madam Speaker, in recognition of the evolving nature of crime and security threats, the Government has embarked on a comprehensive review of the Zambia Police Act, Chapter 107 of the Laws of Zambia. This reform process is aimed at ensuring that the legal framework guiding policing in our country is responsive to emerging challenges. Once concluded, the revised legislation will enhance transparency, accountability and operational efficiency in the management of permanent security check-points and mounted patrols. In addition, the Government has taken deliberate steps to improve the visibility and accessibility of authorised permanent security check-points. The publication of designated permanent security check-point locations in February this year has not only increased public awareness, but also strengthened trust and co-operation between law enforcement agencies and the community they serve.

Madam Speaker, the Government fully recognises the critical role that permanent security check-points play in safeguarding our borders and internal security corridors. In this regard, infrastructure development for such check-points has been integrated into national road development programmes. Modern road designs now incorporate provisions for secure and durable check-point infrastructure, ensuring sustainability and minimising maintenance costs associated with poor road conditions. Furthermore, to enhance traffic management and law enforcement capabilities, the Government has embraced modern technology through the Safe City Project. This initiative includes the deployment of closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance systems, automated vehicle verification systems and digital traffic platforms. These technologies are already operational on selected roads and have significantly improved the detection and prevention of traffic-related offences and other criminal activities. Plans are underway to progressively expand this initiative to other parts of the country.

Madam Speaker, the Government has also continued to promote a co-ordinated and integrated approach to law enforcement through strengthened collaboration among key agencies. Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) have been signed with the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) and the Road Development Agency (RDA) to enhance synergy and efficiency. Through these partnerships, we are leveraging shared resources and expertise. For instance, collaboration with the RTSA has improved the utilisation of surveillance technologies under the Safe City Project, while co-operation with the RDA ensures that check-point infrastructure is constructed to high standards, with durable surfaces that withstand heavy usage and prevent rapid deterioration.

Madam Speaker, human capital is at the core of effective policing. To this end, the Government is making sustained efforts to improve the police-citizen ratio in line with the United Nations (UN) benchmark of one police officer to every 450 citizens. That is why we are recruiting. Beyond recruitment, emphasis is being placed on capacity building and professionalism within the police service. Officers are guided by specialised training in areas such as human rights, traffic management, ethics, public relations and community policing. These efforts are aimed at fostering a professional, responsive and citizen-centred police service that upholds the rule of law, while respecting the rights and dignity of all citizens.

Madam Speaker, mounted patrols continue to play a pivotal role, particularly in rural areas that are difficult to access with conventional vehicles, including border regions. The Government is, therefore, strengthening mounted patrols using mobile units by improving logistical support, training and deployment strategies to ensure they effectively complement check-point operations.

Madam Speaker, as we move forward, the Government remains committed to ensuring that all necessary interventions are implemented in a manner that balances effective law enforcement with respect for civil liberties. Public co-operation remains essential, and we encourage systems to continue working closely with law enforcement agencies by providing information and adhering to lawful directives at check-points.

Madam Speaker, I want to respond to some of the issues that have been raised by my hon. Colleagues.

Madam Speaker, hon. Members of the House raised issues of corruption at various check-points and other places where the police are mounting roadblocks. I want to state that it takes two to tango. There is no way a policeman or woman would be corrupt without the other party contributing to corruption. We, therefore, call upon members of the public not to be involved in corrupt activities. If we are not involved in corrupting the police, they will not be corrupt. If the vice in the police service is high, it is as result of our aiding and abetting corruption in the Zambia Police Service.

 

Madam Speaker, some hon. Members of the House also said that they do not need roadblocks and that we should ensure that they are not put in place. I did announce on the Floor of this House that we had removed several roadblocks in the country. However, there was an outcry on the Floor of this House. Some even accused us of wanting to start conducting criminal activities, hence removing roadblocks. That claim came from this House. Today, I am surprised that the same House is now agitating for the removal of all roadblocks. We should be frank as to what we want to achieve.

Madam Speaker, roadblocks are intended to protect the public. They are set up with good intentions. They are not set up to inconvenience members of the public. I appreciate the debate by Hon. Fube. If we remove roadblocks, we will have a situation that we will fail to control. Hon. Jamba mentioned the issue of cattle rustling, which had become rife following the removal of roadblocks. The farming community and others have urged the Government to ensure that we retain the roadblocks for the sake of the community we serve.

Madam Speaker, I have taken note of the issues that have been pertaining to the unprofessional conduct of some officers. I am the first one to admit that there are some bad eggs within the institution, and we need to address them. When we address them, some hon. Members will raise issues that we are targeting certain individuals. We, as the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government, will ensure that we govern this nation with integrity in the interest of the nation. I can assure you that when we are sworn into Government, after the 2026 elections, we will enhance the operations of the police service for the benefit of the community.

Madam Speaker, I am told that “M7” means seven terms.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: That is what it means.

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Brig-Gen. Sitwala: Madam Speaker, indeed, thank you very much.

Madam Speaker, I just want to take this opportunity to thank all the hon. Members who debated. They are the hon. Members for Ikelenge, the hon. Member for Kanyama, the hon. Member for Nyimba,the hon. Member for Chilubi, the hon. Member for Matero, the hon. Member for Mwembezhi and the hon. Member for Chasefu.

Madam Speaker, as a Committee, we are happy with the support from both sides of the House. Let me just emphasise that all the issues raised in our report hinge on money. I request that when the budgets for the Zambia Police Service and other security agencies come here, let us support them so that we can achieve what is in the report. Remember, we all need security. Even for our economy to grow, we require peace in the country.

With those few words, Madam Speaker, I just want to thank you and the whole House most sincerely.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Question put and agreed to.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION AND INTERNAL AGREEMENT ON THE PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY PROTOCOL ON EMPLOYMENT AND LABOR

Mr Mutale (Chitambo): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the House adopts the Report of the Committee on Legislation and International Agreements, during the presentation of the Motion to Adopt the Report of the Committee on the Proposal to Ratify the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Employment and Labour for the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, laid on the Table of the House on 9^th April, 2026.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

Mr Charles Mulenga (Kwacha): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

Mr Mutale: Madam Speaker, pursuant to Article 63 of the Constitution of Zambia and Section 5 of the Ratification of International Agreements Act No. 34 of 2016, the Committee was mandated to consider and make recommendations to the House on the Executive's proposal to ratify the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Employment and Labour.

Madam Speaker, the SADC Protocol on Employment and Labour was adopted in 2014 to strengthen regional co-operation in promoting decent work, social protection and fair labour practices. The protocol reflects the SADC region's collective commitment to promoting decent work, social protection and fair labour practices. Its preamble reaffirms the principles of the Southern African Development Community Treaty and the Charter of Fundamental Social Rights, while aligning member states with the international labour standards set by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The protocol emphasises employment creation, occupational safety and social dialogue as central pillars of sustainable development. It further underscores the importance of protecting vulnerable groups, including women, youth and migrant workers, and calls for harmonisation of labour policies to advance regional integration and economic growth.

Madam Speaker, let me state from the outset that most of the stakeholders who made submissions before the Committee were in support of the ratification of the protocol. This is in view of the fact that Zambia's legal framework, including the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), is already aligned with the provisions of the protocol.

 Madam Speaker, the Constitution, Chapter 1 of the Laws of Zambia, recognises fundamental human rights, including the right to association, in Article 21, protection against discrimination in Article 23 and protection against slavery or forced labour in Article 14. In addition, the Industrial and Labour Relations Act Chapter 269 of the Laws of Zambia governs employee-employer relations, trade unions and employer organisations. On the other hand, the Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019 governs employment relations, while the National Pension Scheme Act Chapter 256 of the Laws of Zambia establishes the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) to provide social security.

Madam Speaker, in the same vein, the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 6 of 2012 protects persons with disabilities, and the Children's Code Act No. 12 of 2022 offers protection for children. The Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 16 of 2025 provides for safety of employees at work, and the Workers' Compensation Act, Chapter 271 of the Laws of Zambia, covers a wide range of compensation for work-related injuries, occupational diseases and death of employees. In this regard ratifying the protocol is progressive, as it is in conformity with Zambia's existing national legislation and policies.

Madam Speaker, while considerable progress has been made in the social security sector, such as the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which was designed to ensure access to health, structural inefficiencies and underfunding threaten its sustainability. In the same vein, the Workers Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB), which is established to address workplace injuries, has limited reach and responsiveness in the face of growing occupational hazards. In this regard, the Committee recommends the recapitalisation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and expansion of the WCFCB to enhance its presence across the country.

Madam Speaker, the Committee is generally satisfied that the conditions for determining whether or not the ratification of the agreement is in the best interest of the nation are set out in the Ratification of International Agreements Act No. 34 of 2016, have been met. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the National Assembly approves the proposal to ratify the protocol taking into account the concerns raised in its report.

Madam Speaker, as I end, let me thank you, and the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly for the guidance and support rendered to the Committee throughout its deliberations.

Madam Speaker, I beg to move.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?

Mr Charles Mulenga: Now, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, thank you for allowing me to second the Motion on behalf of the Committee on Legislation and International Agreements on the ratification of the Southern African Development Community Protocol on Employment and Labour.

Madam Speaker, in supporting the Motion, I wish to state that there are numerous potential benefits as highlighted in the report that will accrue to Zambia if the protocol is ratified.

Madam Speaker, the first benefit is the strengthening of social security coverage that will be extended to the informal sector. As the House may be aware, there are so many unemployed people in the country. If you went to the markets or other trading areas, you will see that the informal sector is in large numbers. In this case, this will help stimulate and encourage policy reforms that broaden pension coverage beyond the informal sector and this help increase the contribution base for pension funds, thereby, strengthening long-term sustainability and reducing on old-age poverty and dependence on public welfare that we see around.

Madam Speaker, in 2019, the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) extended its coverage to the informal economy through the Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 72 of 2019, which in essence is the National Pension Scheme Informal Sector Membership and Benefits Regulation of 2019.

Madam Speaker, the protocol also provides for co-operation in social security matters among Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries by facilitating the preservation and portability of accrued social security entitlements. This, undoubtedly, will enable cross-border portability of pension benefits for migrant workers within SADC, and protect Zambian workers employed in other SADC countries.

Madam Speaker, the protocol also attracts regional labour mobility without loss or risk and enhances confidence in contributory pension systems. This is particularly relevant given the labour migration within the southern African region.

Madam Speaker, ratifying the protocol will ensure comprehensive coverage and protection for the informal and migrant workers. In this regard, the Committee urges the Executive to review relevant registration to provide for the portability of accrued social security entitlements.

Madam Speaker, the other important issue to note as a benefit is the strengthening of regional integration. For Zambia, whose pension sector is undergoing reform and expansion, the protocol provides a regional legal framework that supports sustainable growth, compliance, enforcement and broader social protection coverage. Therefore, the ratification of the protocol does not only align with Zambia’s national labour policies and development objectives under the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), but also offers a strategic platform to strengthen the country’s presence in the regional economic landscape, foster international labour mobility and support the aspirations of Zambian professionals seeking opportunities within the SADC Bloc.

Madam Speaker, the other benefit, which I will quickly indicate, is the reduced restrictions on labour movement that will result after the ratification of the protocol. Member States will benefit from the reduction of restrictions on the movement of labour, which will enable easier access to jobs and skills across borders. This will encourage skills exchange and fill skills shortages in specific regions.

Madam Speaker, the last benefit that I can itemise is the strengthening of institutional capacity and social dialogue. The protocol will strengthen the capacity of the Tripartite Consultative Labour Council (TCLC) by providing access to regional tools, labour markets, information systems and best practices in social dialogue. The collaboration between the Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) and the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) ensures that policymaking is both data-driven and inclusive.

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, first and foremost, I thank you, for allowing this Committee to have deliberated and considered the matter in depth. I also thank our able Chairperson, Hon. Remember Mutale, and all the members of the Committee who made it possible to come up with this report.

Madam Speaker, with these few remarks, I beg to second the Motion.

The Minister of Labour and Social Security (Ms Tambatamba): Madam Speaker, firstly, I wish to thank the mover and the seconder of the Motion.

Madam Speaker, the Government of the Republic of Zambia remains committed to advancing regional integration and inclusive economic growth anchored on productive employment. This commitment underscores the fact that labour and employment are central to Zambia’s sustainable development agenda and active participation in regional frameworks ensures that Zambia’s national labour policies evolve in pace with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) priorities.

Madam Speaker, the SADC Protocol on Employment and Labour provides a structured mechanism for co-operation amongst Member States on key labour matters, including harmonisation of labour standards, the facilitation of safe and orderly labour migration, and the promotion of sustainable employment creation. The protocol aligns with Zambia’s development goals, including the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and Vision 2030, which call for job creation, human capital development and reduction of working poverty.

Madam Speaker, the key provisions of the protocol include:

1. fundamental labour guarantees, freedom of association and collective bargaining, which are protected under Zambian law;

1. employment promotion, prioritising vulnerable groups such as youths, women and persons with disabilities;

1. occupational safety and health standards, ensuring safe workplaces for all workers;

 

1. social security and basic conditions of employment, promoting fairness and dignity in the workplace; and

 

1. protection of migrant workers and promotion of decent work in the informal economy.

Madam Speaker, Zambia’s labour laws are largely consistent with the protocol’s provisions. Ratification will reinforce national efforts to promote decent work, social justice and economic growth. The costs of implementation are modest, and the ministry is equipped to integrate the protocol’s provisions within its budget. Diplomatically, ratification will demonstrate Zambia’s commitment to regional integration and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) objectives.

Madam Speaker, I recommend that Parliament approves Zambia’s ratification of the SADC Protocol on Employment and Labour. The protocol is aligned with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 190 (C190), which was ratified by this House and whose key provisions include ensuring workplaces are free from discrimination, harassment and violence, creating a safe environment for all. It also guarantees freedom of association and collective bargaining, promotes employment creation, equal treatment of workers and basic conditions of employment like maternity protection and other entitlements. Essentially, the protocol complements Zambia’s legal framework and ILO conventions on labour and employment, posing no conflicts. The protocol is a step towards strengthening Zambia’s labour market, promoting fair labour practices and enhancing regional co-operation. I urge hon. Members to support its ratification.

Madam Speaker, the ministry has taken note of the Committee’s recommendations. The House may wish to note that the ministry is already addressing some of the highlighted challenges, and will continue taking necessary steps to address them using established procedures.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.          `          

Mr Mutale: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the seconder for the humble manner in which he seconded the Motion and for the points he brought out. I would also like to thank the hon. Minister for the good responses she has given to the report.

Madam Speaker, just to mention that the protocol is very important in that we need it as a country. We must safeguard our workers because some countries might use Zambia as a production destination, taking advantage of the cheap labour and exploiting our people. So, we need to put our rules into action and also ensure that the Zambian people get awareness on the protocol.

Madam Speaker, work permits that are issued to some of the skilled labour that comes to this country must also be evaluated to the letter so that we understand why a person would be brought in to work in Zambia. A survey should have been undertaken by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Ministry of Technology and Science to come up with the number of skills that the country might need to import. In some report I read, it was indicated that a survey would be done in the first quarter of 2026. So, we are looking forward to the information that will come out of that survey so that it can be compared with how we shall fare when we domesticate that protocol.

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank all hon. Members for listening and supporting the Motion to adopt the report.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Question put and agreed to.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to.

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The House adjourned at 1826 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 15^th April, 2026.

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