DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE TENTH ASSEMBLY

Wednesday, 6th October, 2010

The House met at 1430 hours

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

________

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

GARDEN COMPOUND SEWERAGE PONDS

70. Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing what the Government plans concerning the sewerage ponds in the midst of Garden Compound in Lusaka were.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Muteteka): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that the Garden Ponds were constructed in 1968 as an integral part of the Manchinchi Sewerage Treatment Plant. This sewerage treatment plant is the largest in Lusaka and treats about 70 per cent of sewerage generated by the residents of Lusaka. Hence, it is vital.

Sir, at the time the site was selected and the facility constructed, the existing houses were located 500 metres away from the ponds, as per standard. This distance is adequate to ensure that residents are not exposed to risks associated with the operations of the facility. The primary objective of putting up the plant was to improve the livelihood of the residents of Lusaka through the provision of a waterborne sewerage system.
However, over the years, people have illegally built their houses within the buffer zones from the ponds. It is unfortunate that instead of focussing on the purpose and role of this vital installation, the illegal settlers are now questioning its existence, forgetting that the facility was set up a long time ago, with adequate consideration and provisions for environmental and human safety.

Mr Speaker, as apart of its daily operation routine, the Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company continues to assure environmental and public health through the following:

(i) regular removal of weeds from the ponds to stop breeding of mosquitoes, thereby controlling the spread of malaria; and

(ii) regular execution of a larviciding programme where mosquito larva is killed using larvicides, thereby breaking the cycle of mosquito breeding to control the spread of malaria.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has mentioned that some people have built houses around the ponds. Are there any plans to remove them from the area around the ponds?

Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, as I indicated earlier in my answer, these are illegal settlers who did not obtain any permission to construct houses near the ponds. Therefore, they have breached the law and the ministry has plans to demolish these structures.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC. (Chasefu): Mr Speaker, are there any health risks for the people you are calling illegal squatters, who have constructed their houses close to these sewerage ponds? If so, what are those risks?

Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, as I have already mentioned, these ponds are a breeding ground of mosquitoes which, in turn, spread malaria and that is a risk. The people living around the ponds are likely to suffer from malaria which is deadly. That, too, is a risk.

I thank you, Sir.

Mrs Banda (Chililabombwe): Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that the residents living around these ponds get water from the ponds and use it as manure for vegetables? If he is aware, what is the ministry doing about it?

Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, we are not aware.

Mr Kambwili: Mmm, ikala fye, iwe!

Mr Muteteka: We shall carry out a sensitisation programme for the people who are risking their lives by consuming the contaminated water in these ponds. It is not advisable. If there are more reports on that, we will continue to sensitise the people and stop them from doing that.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out whether the ministry works in collaboration with service providers such as the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) and Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company to ensure that these illegal structures are not serviced.

Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, yes, we work closely with the Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company. It is not only the Garden Compound Sewerage Ponds that we attend to, but also five sewerage ponds in Lusaka such as Chelstone and Matero. We work in collaboration with the Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company. As for ZESCO, I cannot comment on its operations.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kapeya (Mpika Central): Mr Speaker, despite the efforts of controlling the breeding of mosquitoes in these ponds, they have now multiplied. What action will the ministry take to eradicate the breeding of these insects?

The Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Development (Mr Machila) (on behalf of the Minister of Local Government and Housing (Dr Chituwo): Mr Speaker, the ministry is working in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, which has programmes for the eradication of malaria and this is a matter that is getting due attention.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr L. J. Mulenga (Kwacha): Mr Speaker, how long have these illegal settlers been on that land and how long will it take to take measures that will enable them live in conditions that are suitable for human habitation?

Mr Machila: Mr Speaker, I would not be in a position to give an exact time for how long the illegal structures have been in place. Suffice to say, it is an issue on which the ministry is working in conjunction with the Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company and through the Lusaka City Council.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chisala (Chilubi): Mr Speaker, human waste is important for farming purposes.

Hon. Members: Oh!

Mr Chisala: May I know whether the Government has any serious plans of turning human waste into manure?

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mubika: Nutritious!

Mr Machila: Mr Speaker, I cannot confirm that human waste is not part of the Fertiliser Support Programme (FSP).

Laughter

Mr Machila: In addition to that, if human waste has been treated, then it is suitable for such purposes.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kambwili (Roan): Mr Speaker, in view of the fact that there is illegal fishing in these ponds, is the hon. Minister thinking of wall fencing the ponds so that such ills as getting water for irrigation are curtailed?

Mr Machila: Mr Speaker, I cannot confirm that, but it is certainly one of the interventions that need to be taken to address this situation.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mushili (Ndola Central): Mr Speaker, my question has been overtaken by events.

Mr Lumba (Solwezi Central): Mr Speaker, why does the Government provide those illegal settlers with services such as water and electricity?

Mr Machila: Mr Speaker, this question was asked in an earlier question by the hon. Member for Mazabuka Central (Mr Nkombo) on co-ordination between ZESCO and the Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company. It is a matter that the ministry, through the council, is looking into so that it is addressed because illegal settlements should not ordinarily be provided with such facilities.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chota (Lubanseshi): Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that some of the people you are calling illegal settlers have certificates of ownership from the city council and some have title deeds?

Mr Machila: Mr Speaker, it is possible that some may have land records and other documents of title, but there is a problem of irregular or illegal titles or documents of ownership that are in circulation.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chimbaka (Bahati): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out how often this effluent is treated and what chemical is used to treat it, especially, that it is pollutant.

Mr Machila: Mr Speaker, unfortunately, I am not in a position to give an appropriate response to that. Suffice to say, if the hon. Member is still interested in that information, it can still be obtained from the ministry and the Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Machungwa (Luapula): Mr Speaker, is the ministry not considering setting up a bio gas plant so that we can get energy from this human waste?

Mr Machila: Mr Speaker, there is no such initiative in Lusaka, but the Kafubu Water and Sewerage Company is considering such an initiative.

I thank you, Sir.

POLICE OFFICERS’ CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES

71. Mr D. Mwila (Chipili) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

(a) how many police officers were involved in criminal activities in the police force from 2006 to July, 2010, countrywide;

(b) what action was taken against the erring officers; and

(c) what measures the Government had taken to prevent police officers from involving themselves in criminal activities.

The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Lungu): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that from January, 2006 to July, 2010, a total of 169 police officers were arrested for allegedly committing criminal offences. Of the 169 police officers arrested during this period, seventeen officers were convicted, fifty-five officers were acquitted while ninety-seven officers are waiting for their cases to be disposed of.

Mr Speaker, all the officers who were arrested for alleged involvement in criminal activities during the period 2006 to July 2010 were interdicted and put on half pay, pending disposal of their cases. The police officers who were convicted were dismissed from the service. To prevent officers from engaging in criminal activities, the Government has taken the following measures:

(i) sensitisation of police officers on the dangers involved in their participation in criminal activities, through daily parades and weekly lectures;

(ii) formation of an Integrity Committee to look at the conduct of police officers and ensure that officers’ integrity is upheld;

(iii) improving the conditions of service for the police officers such as giving a housing allowance to those not accommodated, providing a mealie-meal allowance and upgrading salary scales.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr D. Mwila: Mr Speaker, I would like the hon. Minister to indicate whether the bigger number of police officers is from the urban or rural areas.

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, I have not taken count of that particular issue.

I thank you, Sir.

Mrs Phiri (Munali): Mr Speaker, there are instances when the police connive with fellow police officers who commit crime. A good example is what happened in Kalikiliki where the legs of an innocent person were broken and the police officers tried to shield a wrongdoer. I would like to find out what the ministry is doing about those officers so that innocent people do not suffer as was the case in Kalikiliki.

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, although that question is new, I will attempt to give an answer. I hope the matter has been reported to the police and if it has, we will investigate it.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chanda (Kankoyo): Mr Speaker, out of the total number of police officers arrested, I would like to find out how many are from the Traffic Section.

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, I am unable to give an answer to that question because it would require some research.

I thank you, Sir.

KANYAMA POLICE STATION

72. Colonel Chanda (Kanyama) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

(a) whether the Government had any plans to allocate a motor vehicle to Kanyama Police Station in order to curb the high crime rate in the area; and

(b) when the Government would rehabilitate the Kanyama Police Station, especially the police cells that are currently unfit for human habitation.

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that Kanyama Police Station was allocated a motor vehicle in 2008. The vehicle is still running and in good condition. The station is also assisted to fight crime in the area by the Flying Squad of Lusaka Division Headquarters.

Mr Speaker, the rehabilitation of Kanyama Police Station cells has started and the project is expected to be completed by December, 2010. The House may wish to know that during the cell rehabilitation period, suspects are transferred to the Lusaka Central Police Station for detention.

I thank you, Sir.

Colonel Chanda: Mr Speaker, may I find out from the hon. Minister how long the renovations of Kanyama Police Station will take.

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, the rehabilitation works will be completed as soon as everything has been put in place and as soon as the workers are able to complete the works. You may wish to know that there are building materials on site such as river sand and blocks. Therefore, I am sure that it should be completed any time.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, in view of the fact that Kanyama is a very high density area, may I find out from the hon. Minister whether one vehicle is enough to cover the entire Kanyama. If not, what is the hon. Minister doing to send more vehicles to Kanyama?

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, obviously, most of the stations do not have as many vehicles as they need but, for now, they can make use of what is available. However, the question was when we are going to allocate a motor vehicle to Kanyama. I have stated that there already is a motor vehicle at that station but, when the situation allows and when we find more motor vehicles, Kanyama will be considered for another vehicle.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mukanga (Kantanshi): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out how much fuel has been made available for that vehicle to enable it to cater for Kanyama effectively.

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, sometimes, I think it is such questions that make it very difficult for …
 
Laughter

Mr Lungu: … one to answer because I am bound to tell lies.

Laughter

Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, I beg your pardon. I withdraw the word lies.

I am bound to tell him something that may not be true. If he wants to ask such a question, it is better to put it in writing so that we are able to give an answer. Surely, for us to tell you how much fuel has been used and so on and so forth is not possible.

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter

Mr Muyanda (Sinazongwe): Mr Speaker, may I find out from the hon. Minister of Home Affairs when the Zambia Police Force or Government as a whole will have standard motor vehicles throughout the country, unlike what the case is, at the moment, where there are vehicles of different models dotted throughout the country. When will it standardise them so that the police have one model of vehicles?

Mr Speaker: Order!

That is clearly irrelevant.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: The hon. Minister of Home Affairs is not in charge of motor vehicle procurement, but another ministry is. Having said so, I wish to state as follows:

I listened very carefully to the written answer that the hon. Minister of Home Affairs read out. From the way in which the answer was given, there should have been no-follow up questions at all. The answer was complete but, obviously, hon. Members are free to ask questions such as the one I just disallowed.

Laughter {mospagebreak}

ENERGY REGULATION BOARD

73. Colonel Chanda asked the Minister of Energy and Water Development:

(a)  what the composition of the current Energy Regulation Board (ERB) was; and

(b) whether political party affiliation was one of the conditionalities for being appointed to the ERB.

The Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Development (Mr Imasiku): Mr Speaker, the current ERB comprises the following members:

 Name of Board Member Position Held 
 
 Mr Sikota Wina  Chairperson

 Ms Idah Nkhoma Vice-Chairperson

 Ms Irene Chiwala Musonda Member

 Mr Charles Chipulu Member

 Mr George Samiselo Member

 Mr Hobson Simasiku Member

Mr Speaker, political affiliation is not a prerequisite for appointment to the ERB.

The Energy Regulation Act, Chapter 436 of the Laws of Zambia prescribes the requirements for appointing members of the ERB, including the number of board members which, in this case, is seven.

The Energy Regulation Act states that the board shall have seven part-time members appointed by the hon. Minister from among eminent persons who have adequate knowledge, experience and qualifications in:

(i) engineering;

(ii) finance;

(iii) law;

(iv) natural resources management;

(v) electricity industry;

(vi) petroleum industry and;

(vii) administration.

I thank you, Sir.

Colonel Chanda: Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister explain the circumstances that surrounded one named member of the committee who appeared at a public rally adorned in a political party attire …

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Colonel Chanda: … and publicly declared that he was a senior member of the party, but no action has been taken against him? Can the hon. Minister explain these circumstances?

The Minister of Energy and Water Development (Mr Konga): Mr Speaker, indeed, as the answer has been given, appointment to the board, as regulated by the laws passed by this House, is on a part-time basis. Therefore, members can wear attire which is not necessarily …

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Mr Konga: … reflective of the Government because it is a part-time appointment.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kapeya: Mr Speaker, may I learn from the hon. Minister of Energy and Water Development why even board members enjoy free electricity apart from ZESCO workers.

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, that assertion by the hon. Member is incorrect and I challenge him to produce evidence.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chisala (Chilubi): Mr Speaker, would it not be right for the hon. Minister of Energy and Water Development to have Parliament ratify the board members?

Laughter

Mr D. Mwila: Hear, hear!

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, the ERB is regulated by an Act passed by this House and the Act does not demand that the appointment of members be ratified by Parliament.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lumba: Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister just mentioned the professions or fields these board members are supposed to come from. May I know from the hon. Minister what profession the Chairperson of ERB has.

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, if the hon. Member heard the response of the hon. Deputy Minister and if he read the Act passed by this House, he would know that it does not state that they must belong to professional bodies, but it indicates that they must be people who have adequate knowledge, experience and qualifications in the stated fields. I would like to believe the chairperson of the board has adequate knowledge in administration.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr D. Mwila: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has indicated that membership to the ERB board is on a part-time basis. Why, then, do they get more money than members of any other board in this country?

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, that is a very subjective question because there must be some comparative analysis made for the hon. Member to determine that the allowances paid to the ERB Board members are the highest in the country.

I thank you, Sir.

Mrs Phiri: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out why almost all the ERB Board members are members of one political party; namely, the MMD.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, again, that is a very speculative and subjective question …

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

Mr Konga: … because the political affiliation of these members is not known by the Government.

I thank you, Sir.

Mrs Phiri: Aah!

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, in responding to one of the questions, the hon. Minister said he believes, and not knows that the chairperson of the ERB Board has qualifications, and yet he is the one who ratifies the appointments of this board. When he was ratifying the name of the chairperson of this board, what was indicated as his experience and qualification?

Mr Speaker: The hon. Minister of Energy and Water Development may read those criteria because I think hon. Members have forgotten what you read out.

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, I thank you for allowing me to further clarify …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Konga: … the criteria used for the hon. Members who did not understand the answer that was given earlier. The answer was that political affiliation is not a requirement for appointment to the ERB Board. The Energy Regulation Act, Chapter 436 of the Laws of Zambia, passed by this House, prescribes that the board shall have seven part-time members appointed by the hon. Minister from among eminent persons who have adequate knowledge, experience and qualifications in engineering, finance, law, natural resources management, electricity industry, petroleum industry and administration.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Konga sat down.

Mr Kambwili: So, in what field does the chairman have experience?

Hon. Government Members: In administration.

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, the chairperson of the board is a very eminent public officer who has previously even served as hon. Minister. Therefore, he has adequate administrative capacity.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

SAFE WATER AND SANITARY FACILITIES

74. Mr Mukanga asked the Minister of Energy and Water Development what percentage of the Zambian population, in both urban and rural areas, had access to safe drinking water and satisfactory sanitary facilities in the period 2006 to 2009.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

The Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Development (Mr Akakandelwa): Mr Speaker, during the period 2006 to 2009, 70 per cent of the Zambian population had access to safe drinking water in urban areas while in rural areas, it was 53 per cent. On the other hand, 38.4 per cent of the population had access to satisfactory sanitary facilities in urban areas while in rural areas, it was 33 per cent.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, Millennium Development Goal (MDG) No. 7 talks about environmental sustainability and Target 10 of MDG No. 7 talks about access to water and sanitation. I would like to find out what the Government is doing to ensure that we meet that MDG.

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, this very able Government …

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Konga: … is doing everything possible to meet the MDGs by the stipulated date of 2015. As regards the provision of safe drinking water and improvement of sanitation, the Government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, is increasing access to these services because, year by year, the statistics that we get indicate that there is an improvement in this sector.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mwenya (Nkana): Mr Speaker, the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP), which has finally expired, had a projection of how many people were supposed to have access to safe drinking water by the end of its implementation. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what our achievements and failures in this plan have been.

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, the target set out in the FNDP has not been met primarily because of inadequate financial resources, but we are moving towards it.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lumba: Mr Speaker, the people in the urban part of Solwezi have access to safe drinking water. However, may I know from the hon. Minister why water tariffs in Solwezi are higher than in any other part of the country.

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, I believe he meant to say Solwezi District in comparison to other districts in the country.

Hon. UPND Members: Yes!

Mr Konga: Water utility companies have been commercialised. Therefore, there must be a return on the investment for the provision of better services. If hon. Members have followed events very carefully, they will know that the North-Western Water and Sewerage Company (NWWSC) has been winning awards in the past two consecutive years. This is because of the improved service it is providing. This improved service must be commensurate with the resources that the institution is putting in and that is why there are high tariffs.

I thank you, Mr Speaker:

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, I would like a more meaningful answer from the hon. Minister regarding the question my colleague, Hon. Mukanga, asked on the country meeting MDG No. 7. Is leaving squatters around the sewer ponds in Garden Compound, as discussed this afternoon, part of what the Government is doing to make its citizens drink clean water? Can he give us the practical steps that the Government has taken such as to evict the squatters or break structures of those who have built around sewer ponds illegally?

Mr Speaker: That question has long passed.

Mr Lubinda (Kabwata): Mr Speaker, in view of the statistics given by the hon. Minister, I would like to find out whether he and his Vice-President have a response to a similar question I asked His Honour the Vice-President in the last sitting in which I wanted to find out how Zambia would meet the millennium development goal (MDG) referred to by Hon. Mukanga. This is when that Government, at the last United Nations Summit, decided to abstain from voting on a motion to call upon the international community to invest in countries such as Zambia so that they could be helped to attain this MDG. May he, please, clarify that matter now because I heard him say that we are on the way to attaining this MDG.

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, I think that the question has been long and winding such that I have failed to get its gist.

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter

Mrs Phiri: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out how the ministry, together with the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, is working, especially in settlements that are not legalised, to provide safe drinking water and satisfactory sanitary facilities. We have, for instance, in Lusaka, Mtendere East that is not a legalised settlement. The people living in that area are not serviced with water because the Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company cannot take water to an area which is not legalised. How are you going to help to legalise that place so that the people there can have access to clean and safe drinking water?

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member for Munali is a counsellor at the Lusaka City Council (LCC).

Interruptions

Mr Konga: She must push for the legalisation of such illegal settlements. It is not the hon. Minister of Energy and Water Development who legalises illegal settlements.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: May the hon. Member for Lukulu East now ask his question. I cannot see him, in the House. What has happened to him?

Can the hon. Member for Ndola Central now ask his question.

Mr Mushili: Mr Speaker, when the hon. Minister gave some statistics regarding the accessibility levels of safe drinking water in the House, he talked about 70 per cent in the year 2006 in the urban areas and 53 per cent in the rural areas. However, what were the accessibility levels in the year 2000 when the MDGs targets were set?

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, we can only avail the hon. Member the data he has asked for after further research. For now, I am unable to give the answer to that question on the Floor of the House.

I thank you, Sir.

Mrs Banda: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister where most citizens will get the money to pay the high water tariffs that were recently hiked. Where will the people get this money from since this Government has totally failed to create jobs for the people?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, I would like to state from the beginning that we must all be aware that the provision for service delivery requires financial investment. We should not expect investments to be put in place without support from the people who are being provided with the service. When people do not pay for the service being provided to them, its quality will go down Therefore, as the case is with any other service, I would like to urge the hon. Members of this House to encourage our citizens to pay for the services that are provided by various institutions. If this is not done, the quality of the service being provided, as the case is with the water provision this time, will deteriorate.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr L. J. Mulenga: Mr Speaker, taking into account the fact that there are five years before 2015, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what strategic plans the Government have in place, year by year, to ensure that we meet this MDG.

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, as I have indicated earlier, the Government is committed to ensuring that the MDGs are attained. All efforts will be made to ensure that these goals are achieved. However, we must bear in mind that the attainment of these goals is subject to the availability of resources because all these goals, be it improving sanitation or clean water provision, require huge financial investments. It is this House which approves the financial resources which are supposed to be used to attain these goals. Whatever strategy will be put in place will be subject to hon. Members’ provision, through this House, of adequate resources so that the set goals can be met.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Beene (Itezhi-tezhi): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister, whether the Government is considering providing rural people with chlorine just like the way the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives is supporting farmers with fertiliser so that they are able to drink clean water.

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, the Government often provides its citizens with chlorine, especially during epidemics such as cholera. In addition to that, this Government is also committed, as I have indicated, to increasing access to safe drinking water by digging wells and boreholes.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Kapata (Mandevu): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister when his ministry will launch the National Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Programme because despite access to safe drinking water and satisfactory sanitary facilities being basic needs, most people do not have access to them.

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, I totally agree with the hon. Member that access to clean water and satisfactory sanitary facilities are basic needs. Therefore, this Government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, is working on providing those services and I am sure my colleague at the ministry will soon launch the programme.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Munaile (Malole): Mr Speaker, in rural areas, safe drinking water is provided through the digging of boreholes. I would like to learn from the hon. Minister of Energy and Water Development what his ministry is doing to ensure that those boreholes that are not in use are repaired in time? In Malole for example, only 40 per cent of the boreholes are functional. What is the ministry doing to ensure that people continue drinking safe water?

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, there are district water officers in the ministry who go round to get information on the ministry’s behalf. At the moment, the Government has procured kits to undertake the maintenance of some of the malfunctioning pumps at some of the boreholes.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Let me take this opportunity to guide the hon. Members with regard to the follow-up question that was referring to the need to subsidise chlorine in rural areas. I can guide that this is already happening. You can obtain the chlorine from the nearest rural health centre.

_____________

MOTION

MOTION OF THANKS

(Debate resumed)

The Minister of Education (Ms Siliya): Mr Speaker, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Motion on the Floor of the House.

Mr Speaker, I wish to begin by referring to the facts that the President stated with regard to the education sector in his speech. The President stated that in 2009, the Government constructed 2,543 classrooms and that 2,016 classrooms were constructed in 2010. The President informed the House that forty-five high schools and forty-two basic schools were currently under construction and would be completed in 2011. The House may wish to know that the Southern and Lusaka provinces have the highest education infrastructure projects and these are twelve in total. This is why I wish to thank my colleagues in this House, particularly those from the Opposition, who on the Floor of the House, pretend that they are blind and cannot see the developments that are taking place, but continue to send me messages saying that ba MMD mulebomba, meaning that the MMD is doing fine. I wish to specifically thank Hon. Mwenya, Hon. D. Mwila, Hon. Mwamba, Hon. Mwape and many others who continue to tell us that ba MMD mulebomba.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, the wonderful thing about infrastructure is that you cannot hide it. Just to illustrate the point further, on the Copperbelt Province, we are constructing Kamfinsa Day High School, Lufwanyama Boarding High School, Masaiti Boarding High School, Masangano Boarding High School, Mpongwe Boarding High School and Mpongwe Basic in Mpongwe. There is also the conversion of the Copperbelt Secondary Teachers’ College (COSETCO) and Nkhrumah Teachers’ Training College into university colleges and the building of infrastructure at the Copperbelt University.

In Lusaka Province, Mr Speaker, we are constructing Kanyama Day High School, Kanyama Basic School, Mandevu High School, Kabanana Day High School, Matero and Nyumba Yanga Day High schools, Mwembeshi Boarding High School in Kafue, Rufunsa Girls’ Technical High School, two basic schools in Chongwe District and Chongwe West Basic School. There are also more infrastructure developments at the Zambia Institute of Special Education (ZAMISE) and the University of Zambia (UNZA).

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, a few weeks ago, we launched the Education For All Campaign and we estimate that for us to have every child in school by 2015, we have to construct an extra 16,000 classrooms. The good news is that we are on target to meet the Millennium Development Goal Number 2 and that is, to put all children in school.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Siliya: Just to illustrate the point further, Mr Speaker, we have been talking about infrastructure for a long time and I know that many people ...

Mr D. Mwila: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr D. Mwila: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister of Education in order to inform this House that we write notes to her, indicating that the Government is doing a commendable job in the area of education without laying them on the Table of this House? I seek your ruling, Sir.

Mr Speaker:  My ruling on the point of order raised by the hon. Member for Chipili is that the hon. Member for Chipili is not alert. He has waited to raise the point of order after the hon. Minister of Education has long passed that particular issue. You are too late to raise that point of order.

The hon. Minister may continue.

Laughter

Ms Siliya: Thank you, Mr Speaker, for that guidance. Let me now give further clarity on the types of commendations that we receive from the Opposition. The notes are not only limited to the good work we are doing in terms of infrastructure development, but also very specific about how lovely we look on this side of the House.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, let me also illustrate the point about how well we have done in infrastructure development. At the close of 2007, there were 1.6 million children in school. As a result of this Government’s consistency in investing in education, we have doubled the enrolment of children from Grades 1 to 9 to 3.4 million children. The investment in education is doing three things which I shall highlight in due course. I heard the hon. Member of Parliament …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

The House should pay attention to the debate of the hon. Minister.

You may continue.

Mr Siliya: I heard the hon. Member for Chililabombwe saying that no jobs are being created by this Government. The Ministry of Education, by virtue of investing in infrastructure development, is doing three things which I shall now look at. Firstly, we are creating employment specifically for teachers. In 2010, 2,500 jobs were created for teachers. In the last five years, over 25,000 teachers have been employed. By 2015, we expect to employ an extra 30,000. Secondly, what we are doing by investing in infrastructure development is not only to create wealth for some citizens who are in the construction business, but also jobs for the many Zambians I have seen around this country working in the construction sector.

Mr Speaker, the President put it very clearly that education is the foundation to prosperity. Education makes it possible for daughters of servants to become doctors and sons of miners to become the heads of the mines. The Ministry of Education continues to commit resources to children with special education needs. Since 2009, we have increased the enrolment of children with special education needs at basic school level to 202,000. This year, we will construct a high school for deaf children at a cost of K30 billion. I know that, sometimes, when people speak on the Floor of this House, they do it in a manner which will help them to attract public attention. Those who speak in this manner remind me of the words of Mr Mahatma Gandhi who once said that we should be the change that we want to see.

Mr Speaker, the Government continues to provide the foundation for the future prosperity of this country. In doing so, we will make sure that we continue to invest in education in order to meet the Vision 2030. There is no substitute to good education or any form of education. On this side of the House, we recognise education as a very important factor in the development process. This is why we will be upgrading the qualifications of teachers. On the eve of the World Teachers Day which fell on 5th October, 2010, we talked about the socio-economic recovery of this country beginning with the teachers. We recognise that socio-economic transformation does not happen in a vacuum. For this country to attain the Vision 2030, it must have a large mass of educated people. In 2030, these educated people should have the skills to manage the affairs of this country and provide continued leadership.

Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, to be a president of a country does not just mean occupying the presidency, but also being moved by a vision and passion. Furthermore, one must have the will and zeal to want to see projects done. This is the direction that we see in the President’s Speech. Therefore, we, on your right side, feel energised enough to ensure that we bring development to this country and education is the beginning.

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

Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, to continue to invest in education, increase investment in infrastructure and teacher upgrading, the economy must continue to grow. This is why we, on this side of the House, get surprised to hear hon. Members of Parliament talk about reducing investment in this country, be it foreign or local.

Mr Kambwili: Question!

Ms Siliya: Unless we continue to invest in the economy so that it grows and expands, there will be no investment in the health and education sectors.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

 I emphasise that the House should pay attention. The hon. Members of the Executive are now responding to the issues you raised in your earlier debates.

The hon. Minister may continue.

Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, all the work that the Government does and that the other side purports to do will be judged by the public, the electorate.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Siliya: Going by their behaviour, it is evident that they do not value education as much as we, on your right side, do.

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, we value the teacher highly and that is why, to ensure that we reward very hardworking teachers, the Ministry of Education has initiated an award ceremony every May. At the same time, we intend to bring legislation to this House to enable the education sector to be truly liberalised and have increased participation by the private sector. This is because the education sector does not only allow for education to be provided, but also offers an opportunity for people to make money and create jobs for others at the same time.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, being a labour-intensive ministry, we realise that the Ministry of Education needs an effective management system. Therefore, we are investing in the training of a critical mass of managers so that wherever you go in this country, you get timely and effective service.

Mr Speaker, much more so, in 2010, this House gave the Ministry of Education a huge budget of K3.4 trillion. We have to ensure that the money is expended efficiently and effectively.

Mr Speaker, I take note of Hon. Chongo’s words that it is important regardless of where they are, members of staff in the Ministry of Education act quickly, efficiently and effectively in order to serve the people of Zambia.

Mr Speaker, as such, in line with the Decentralisation Policy that was passed by Cabinet, we will continue to devolve most of the functions, including procurement, to district levels so that there is effective delivery of education.

Mr Speaker, the ministry is still concerned that in spite of the major investments that the Government is making in the Ministry of Education, there are still many families that are not committed to the education of their children. The Government can build schools and enroll teachers, but unless families make up their minds to educate their children, no education will take place.

I, therefore, urge parents not to use the shopping malls as babysitters for their children where they continue to engage in under-age drinking and other vices. There is no point in sending girls to school only to end up in Grade 4. We have seen that there is gender parity between the boy and girl child. However, most of the girls and some boys drop out of school before Grade 7. This is a waste of resources at family as well as national levels.

It is important that hon. Members of Parliament provide leadership at both family and national levels so that as many children as possible do not just go to school, but remain in school.

Mr Speaker, the reason we continue to increase the budget is to support schools, particularly with the School Health Nutrition Programme. This is especially targeted for rural areas where, by the end of the year, we expect to have at least 316,000 children in the feeding programme in our schools.

We also realise that the poor will always be with us and hence, we are supporting 50,000 children who are orphaned or vulnerable in both basic and high schools as well as universities.

Mr Speaker, there is an interesting saying at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) mission in Paris that:

“Since war begins in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men we must begin to construct the defences against war.”

Mr Speaker, I also believe that since it is human beings that are able to provide that magic for economic and social transformation to take place, it is in the minds of men and women that we must sow the seeds of development. This is why education will continue to play this critical role until 2030, that is, twenty years from today, for us to move from being tired of being a poor country to a middle-income country.

Mr Speaker, the speech by the President set the path with regard to education. We know that education is a path to prosperity. We are confident that by 2015, we will provide 16,000 extra classrooms to ensure that every one of the 520,000 children without a place in schools has one.

Mr Speaker, even as we go to the elections, next year, we will have things to point at and only those who are blind will fail to see the development.

Interruptions

Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, I know that, sometimes, the usage of the English language is complicated for many people. However, I still repeat that only the blind will fail to see the development that is going on in this country.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Siliya: If education is the engine of development, the teacher is the fuel that runs the engine. With the advent of information communication technology (ICT) and many children being exposed to technology, it is important that we also get the teacher to move at the same pace. Therefore, we have plans to introduce ICT laboratories in the fourteen colleges of education so that we ensure that the teachers are also exposed to the new teaching methods, particularly with regard to e-learning. This will directly impact the issue of access and quality of education as even children who are disadvantaged by space will be able to access educational materials with the help of a laptop.

Mr Speaker, you will recall that Zambia hosted the Africa E-learning Conference. I believe that this is a campaign agenda throughout the country. I, again, call on the hon. Members of Parliament to provide leadership in this matter. Unless children have access to computer skills, they will be disadvantaged in the Zambia of 2030. They will not be able to compete for jobs in Zambia, in the region and anywhere else in the world.

Mr Speaker, this is the vision that was well-reflected in the speech of the President and the Ministry of Education will carry on with that vision.

Mr Speaker, once again, the Ministry of Education and the side on your right welcomes the many good things that are being said about us, especially by hon. Opposition Members of Parliament.

Hon. Member: Hear, hear!

Ms Siliya: We are very grateful and will continue to serve all Zambians regardless of which part of the country they are in because that is the kind of leadership we want to continue to provide.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
 
The Minister of Labour and Social Security (Mr Liato): Mr Speaker, I thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the debate on this very important Motion on the Floor of the House.

Sir, I would like to start by saying that I hope my colleagues on your left will listen attentively and carefully as I wish to start by clarifying an issue that they keep bringing on the Floor of this House. Even this afternoon, I heard the hon. Member of Parliament for Chililabombwe say that this Government had lamentably failed to create employment for people. Therefore, I would like hon. Members from the Opposition to listen to me very carefully.

Mr Speaker, I will start with the mines. During the time this country was experiencing the global economic crisis, this Government of His Excellency, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, did not only sustain jobs in the mining sector and other areas of the economy, but also created jobs in the mines and some other sections of the economy.

For instance, the Lumwana Mine created close to 1,000 jobs at the height of the global economic crisis.

Ms Siliya: Hear, hear!

Mr Liato: The Chambishi Copper Smelter officially opened its operations during the credit crunch and created about 1,000 jobs for our people.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Liato: Mr Speaker, Luanshya Copper Mines opened at a time we were recovering from the global economic crisis and about 1,700 jobs were created as opposed to the 1,400 jobs that were held at the time of closure. This time around, before official production at the Luanshya Copper Mines, about 1,700 jobs have been created for people and each one of them is being paid a salary of not less than K1.2 million per month.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Liato: Sir, we have just heard, in this House, that Albidon Mine in Mazabuka is beginning to operate and so is the Maamba Coal Mine Collieries.

In the mining sector alone, we can quote jobs that have been created by simply quoting the figures that I have given to the House. What, therefore, is this talk about the Government not creating jobs? I do not seem to understand the kind of world our colleagues in the Opposition are living in.

Laughter

Mr Liato: Mr Speaker, these things have repeatedly been said on the Floor of the House and I am going to repeat what I said when I was answering a question. Schools are being built in every constituency.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Liato: There is no constituency where schools are not being built. If schools are being built in your constituencies, who do you think is building them? Do you think they are building themselves?

Laughter

Mr Liato: There are people who are being employed to build those schools.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Liato: Recently, the President was in the Southern Province and I am sure that you are aware that there is a new road there. In fact, it is not only one, but also many new roads that have been constructed in the province. However, I will give an example of one road, the Choma/Namwala Road. Who do you think constructed that road? Do you think that it just created itself?

 Mr Speaker, people are being employed when constructing these roads. Therefore, let the Opposition stop misleading the Zambians that this Government is not creating employment for them. There are jobs being created for the people in infrastructure development. The construction of roads, schools, health centres and bridges means that many jobs have been created for our people.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mabenga: Utalumbi!

Mr Liato: Mr Speaker, we have just experienced a bumper harvest. This bumper harvest, in very simple terms, means that there has been a notable increase in agricultural activities. It also means that people who did not have jobs before had them by engaging in activities in the agriculture sector.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Liato: Therefore, you cannot claim that the Government has lamentably failed when there is a bumper harvest. If you do so, it means that you do not understand how the mechanisms of economics operate.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Liato: How can a bumper harvest come about without people? You cannot have a bumper harvest without people being employed.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Liato: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister of Education has just informed us, on the Floor of this House, how many teachers are being recruited into the teaching fraternity every year. However, some hon. Members can still stand on the Floor of this House and claim that the Government has lamentably failed. How can that be when, every year, we are increasing on the number of teachers to be recruited? I do not understand how the Opposition is failing to understand what creation of job opportunities means. However, the Government has created a lot of jobs for its people.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Liato: Sir, according to the 2008 Labour Force Survey, and I would like to use a term which must be understood very clearly, we have engaged 5.2 million people in our economy. These 5.2 people million people are broken down as follows: 2.3 million people are self-employed.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Liato: This includes people who are engaged in agricultural and construction activities. This shows that 2.3 million people hav been employed in these sectors.

Furthermore, 2.1 million people represent those engaged in domestic activities such as employment in a given family. According to the International Labour Organisation definition of provision of employment, being in employment does not have to refer to everybody working and being paid a salary or a wage because some people are paid in kind.

Ms Siliya: Yes, tell them.

Mr Liato: Therefore, if you can create an activity at family level from which people are able to feed their families even if they are paid in kind, they are in employment.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Liato: This is because they are engaged in an activity or the economy has provided an activity that sustains lives at both the individual and family level. There is a total of 2.1 million people who are engaged in this kind of activity.

Sir, 865,000 are among those we call the paid employees in the formal sector. Those are the ones who are commonly known and understood as being employed.

Laughter

Mr Liato: This involves only 865,00 people.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Liato: Sir, about 14,000 are employers.

Mr Speaker, I hope that the talk that this Government has failed to provide employment will end because I have given out information and statistics to show how many people are employed. This information has been given out free of charge.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Liato: Mr Speaker, I have listened carefully to the debates on the Floor of this House. Some of our colleagues from the Opposition have claimed that their role, as Opposition Members of Parliament, is to continuously oppose this Government so that they can take over from the Ruling Party. According to them, whatever happens, their role is to ensure that they criticise this Government even when it has done something good.

Ms Lundwe: Given!

Mr Liato: I do not understand this kind of politics because it is very dangerous. One of the tragedies that this country may face is to have leaders who want to tell people that something is black even when it is white.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Liato: There is no way one can take up the duty or responsibility of telling their colleague who has achieved in a given area that he or she has failed. Where they have succeeded in creating jobs, your job is to say that they have lamentably failed.

Laughter

Mr Liato: Where the infrastructure development has been written as a success such that even the Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has put it on record that poverty alleviation, as far as infrastructure development is concerned, has gone up by 20 per cent. That is on record because the TIZ does not work for the MMD Government.

When you fail to acknowledge statistics such as those that come to you independently, it gives me the impression that you are falling into a tragedy where leadership in this country has acquired a role of fighting even when the achievements are so clear. How can you change a winning team? A team can be playing very well, but just because you are an opponent, you want to make sure it leaves? We shall be living in a country where we are fighting for destruction because we do not want good things to happen. This country is going in the right direction. The leadership of President Rupiah Bwezani Banda has clearly shown success in a lot of areas.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Liato: Mr Speaker, we cannot be chronic critics where our role is simply to criticise, no matter what. We cannot want to wear a tag of opposing even the projects that are explicitly good. I want to say that in Namwala, there is a girls’ technical high school that Hon. Major Chizhyuka has always mentioned. He has always said that for the first time, he is grateful that the Government has constructed a girls’ technical high school in Namwala. How can this attract criticism? How can my colleagues on your left not acknowledge that to do this, means progress for the people? I think that we must recognise the truth and move away from criticising even the good things that this Government has achieved.

Mr Speaker, I have heard other hon. Members who have debated in this House say that the President came to this House to campaign. I do not understand this kind of criticism because I have actually wondered what kind of politics my colleagues on your left do in this country. From the first day, after losing the elections, they have been seen on platforms campaigning. No sooner were the elections over than they started campaigning. Therefore, we cannot say the President came to campaign, and yet he came to tell you to prepare yourselves for next year’s elections. In this House, we have always ignored the fact that after elections, we must settle down and do what is good for this country and concentrate on issues that will develop this country, engage in development debates and developmental activities and put politics aside. You cannot start campaigning as soon as you lose an election. This is what has been happening.

Laughter

Mr Liato: Sir, when a President just comes here to tell you to prepare and get fit for next year’s elections, you say he came to campaign in this House, but you have been campaigning for the last four years. Do not be so jittery when you are given a single dose of your own medicine.

Mr Speaker, the culture of running away from developing this country must end. The responsibility to develop this country should not just be among the people in the Ruling Party. In other democracies, after elections are over, they put aside these campaign issues and concentrate on ensuring that the country develops first because all of us only have one Zambia to develop. The responsibility to develop this country should not be the Ruling Party’s alone, but yours too. We want to urge you to change that attitude of thinking that when you have lost elections, it is not your responsibility to help govern and develop this country.

Mr Speaker, I have also heard criticisms on the Floor of this House ...

Mrs Phiri: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

Mr Liato: Sir, I think it is Hon. Kambwili who said that in Luanshya, people are suffering.

Interruptions

Mr Liato: He said that people are getting poor salaries, they are being mistreated and having poor meals. He further wanted to know what the Government was doing about employees in Luanshya. Again, this is a tragedy of not understanding the roles and responsibilities that each one of us must play. It is not the responsibility of the Government to negotiate or bargain for conditions of service of workers in every institution, especially workers in the private sector. It is also not the responsibility of the Government to bargain for conditions of service of workers at the Luanshya Copper Mines.

Mr Speaker, the Government has provided laws for collective bargaining between those who represent those workers at Luanshya Copper Mines and management. If there are any bad conditions of service obtaining in Luanshya, we expect that the unions, which are responsible for this intervention, will play their useful role. If they need the Government’s intervention and, are readily available, they should approach the Ministry of Labour and Social Security when they think that the process of collective bargaining has failed.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Liato: Mr Speaker, where they think that the employer is being unreasonable and is not responding to the process, as a Government, we are ready to intervene and provide solutions in situations where the harmony in industrial relations is threatened at every place of work and every undertaking. Therefore, it is a gross misunderstanding of facts and issues to come to this House and say that this Government is not doing anything because the people at Luanshya Copper Mines are poorly paid. In any case, it is the responsibility of the unions to complain about the poor salaries at the mines and not somebody who is not well informed about their conditions of service.

Mr Kambwili interjected.

Mr Liato: Mr Speaker, that is the truth. You are not privy to the conditions of service of the people at Luanshya Copper Mines. You have not sat down to bargain and understand what those conditions really mean to those people. While you think that the workers are losing out, you may not know about other benefits that may remove other sufferings in another area. Conditions of service are a package and so, we should not look at them in a narrow perspective. If you are going to talk about conditions of service of workers, you should look at the total package because in negotiating, you will agree, for example, to forego one benefit in order to achieve another. What an hon. Member of Parliament must do, if he thinks that the conditions of service are not good at a particular work place, is work with the unions and bring that to the attention of the Government or the ministry and then, those issues will be addressed.

Mr Speaker, I would like to end by saying that President Rupiah Bwezani Banda is winning next year’s elections because he has delivered maximally to the Zambian people.

Interruptions

Mr Liato: Mr Speaker, he has delivered in infrastructure development and created many jobs as I have illustrated. His policies have also given us a bumper harvest. He is a President who is popular in all the nine provinces and that is why he is going to win the elections.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr M. B. Mwale): Mr Speaker, I thank you for allowing me to contribute to the debate on the President’s Speech which was delivered on the occasion of the Official Opening of the Fifth Session of the Tenth National Assembly. I join all the hon. Members of the House who have debated the Motion before me, in congratulating the President on the excellent and inspiring speech to this august House and the nation at large.

Sir, as mentioned in the President’s Speech to this House, mining will continue to contribute to the stability of our economy, job security of workers and for all Zambians to enjoy the prosperity this sector brings. In this regard, the mining sector still remains the main driver of the country’s economic development. The sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been on the increase. It stood at 11 per cent in 2009 compared with 8.2 per cent in 2008 and  8.5 per cent in 2007 and contributes about 80 per cent to the country’s foreign exchange earnings. The target is for the mining sector to contribute in excess of 20 per cent to GDP. How will this be achieved?

The House may wish to know that currently, there are many companies undertaking mineral exploration in Zambia. Notable among these are First Quantum Minerals that is exploring for copper, uranium and nickel, over the Kalumbila area in the North-Western Province. BHP Billiton are exploring for copper and gold in Mumbwa, Central Province, and Kaoma in the Western Province. Era Power Infrastructure Limited Company is exploring for coal in the Gwembe Valley in the Southern Province.

My ministry is confident that the new mines will come on stream in the near future, following increased investment in exploration. Regarding the on-going development of new mine projects, I wish to report the following:

(i) the Mulyashi Mine Development Project in Luanshya is progressing well. The mine is expected to start production by the end of 2011. Once in operation, the mine will create 1,200 jobs. I hope that the hon. Member for Chililabombwe is listening;

(ii) the first phase of the Konkola Deep Mining Project was commissioned in April this year. The project has created 500 new jobs;

(iii) Chambishi Metals which was placed under care and maintenance has been recapitalised and is now operational. It has re-engaged a total of 690 employees out of the 1,040 who were employed before the plant closed in 2008.

The plant is currently treating material from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is investigating manganese processing in its smelter with a view to processing ore being produced in Zambia, thus adding value to our manganese, which, I believe, will be to the delight of Hon. Chimbaka of Bahati Constituency. This will result in more people in Chambishi returning to work, notwithstanding the multiplier effect;

(iv) Denison Mine Limited has defined a mineable uranium ore resource at Mutanga and Dimbwe Deposits in Siavonga. It is estimated at 13.7 million pounds. The company was granted a mining licence and mining is expected to commence in 2012. The project will create approximately 300 jobs.

(v) African Energy Resource Limited also owns uranium resources estimated at 9.5 million pounds of uranium oxide at Njame and Gwabe in Chirundu. The company has been granted a mining licence and mining is expected to commence in 2012. Considering that the ore resources are not adequate to sustain individual mine processing plants, the two companies are exploring the possibility of setting up a central processing plant to carter for the two mines; and

(vi) the Konkola North Copper Project is being developed as a joint venture by the African Rainbow Minerals of South Africa and Vale of Brazil. The House may wish to know that African Rainbow Minerals is a black economic empowerment company while Vale is the second largest mining house in the world, which cannot be ignored. The mine development has already commenced and this project will create 1,500 jobs, promising vibrancy to the community of Konkola. The hon. Member for Chililabombwe should acknowledge the Government’s efforts.

Mr Speaker, as further alluded to by the President in his speech to this House, the performance of the mining sector has improved, in the past one year, indicating full recovery from the effect of the global economic crisis of 2008. All the mines that were once under care and maintenance during the crisis have resumed operations.

Furthermore, the mines that were threatened with closure such as Nkana and Mufulira continued to operate due to the Government’s strong intervention. This clearly shows that the Government took the right and timely decision in finding investors for the mines that were threatened with closure at the onset of the global economic crisis. Our people are back to work and many more have started work. As clearly stated by the President in his speech to this House, in particular, with reference to Luanshya Copper Mines, production has increased by 3.6 per cent and 2,523 jobs have been created, well above the pre-closure employment levels. In addition, Munali Nickel Mine in Mazabuka has produced 14,434 tonnes of nickel concentrates since resuming operations.

Mr Speaker, I am pleased to report that due to the positive performance of the mining sector, copper production is on the increase. Copper production in 2009 was 667,173 tonnes and production is projected to reach 740,000 tonnes this year. This is due to the conducive investment climate created by this Government of President Rupiah Bwezani Banda, as well as the positive outlook of metal prices on the market.

Mr Speaker, allow me to respond to some issues raised by hon. Members of this House in their debates. From the outset, it should be acknowledged that the ministry will continue to implement measures in line with the provisions of the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2008 and its subsequent amendments so as to safeguard the interests of Zambians in general, employees in particular and the investors.

The hon. Member for Roan, Hon. Kambwili, and others, in their debates, argued for the re-introduction of the windfall tax. Sir, there are two contradictory positions from the Opposition that emerged on this subject. On one hand, they argue for the re-instatement of windfall tax and on the other, they would like to have the Development Agreements (DAs) re-introduced.

Mr Speaker, under the DA Regime, there is no allowance for introduction of windfall tax and other taxes. Hon. Members should be reminded that under the DAs, mineral royalty tax was pegged at 0.6 per cent, but is currently paid at 3 per cent, which is 500 per cent times more. Corporate tax, under the DA Regime, was at 25 per cent whilst with its abolition, it is at the rate of 30 per cent, a 5 percentage point more. From the foregoing, it is evident that Zambia is currently benefiting more from its mineral wealth than under the DAs that some Opposition Members would like re-introduced.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr M. B. Mwale: Mr Speaker, I would like to emphasise that windfall tax impacts negatively on mine development and we cannot afford to deter mine development in the country at this stage. We need the jobs to empower and assure the people of their human dignity. Re-instating the 2008 mining tax regime would work against the policy of creating a favourable investment climate for the mining industry. We should always remember that we are part of the global village and are competing for the same foreign direct investment (FDI) with other countries. The Government, under the Business Reform Programme, is reviewing the various pieces of legislation in the mining sector with the view to reducing the cost of doing business in Zambia. This will enhance our competitiveness.

Mr Speaker, on the issue of segregation, this Government has provided an enabling investment climate. Whilst we appreciate that investors are our socio-economic partners, we will not tolerate any form of racial segregation at the mines. It is important that management, at all mines, encourages its employees to work as a team while recognising and respecting each other’s cultural values.

Mr Speaker, it is important to note that jobs have been created and my ministry in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is working to ensure that these jobs are safeguarded and conditions of service for employees are negotiated for by the unions at the mines, on the basis of ability to pay, which arises from the profitability at a particular mine.

Mr Speaker, you cannot compare the wages obtaining at the Luanshya Copper Mines to those obtaining at KCM and Mopani Copper Mine as the latter operations have been continuous and the employees have benefited, over the years, from negotiated annual increments.

As regards the allegations that the people of Luanshya are suffering, the House may wish to know that since the coming on board of CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines, there has been an upswing in the economic activities in Luanshya as is evidenced by the various construction works that are going on, …

Mr Kambwili: Question!

Mr M. B. Mwale: …the increase in the volume of trade in the markets and the number of vehicles on the road.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr M. B. Mwale: Mr Speaker, on the issue of contractors at Mulyashi Mine, the House may wish to know that CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines made an undertaking to commission the mine by 2011. There are two Chinese Contractors who have employed Zambians. In addition, there is also one Zambian contractor.

Mr Kambwili: Question!

Mr M. B. Mwale: I wish to state that Zambians compete for contracts in the mines based on performance just like any other person or company. Strangely, Sir, some hon. Members continue to negatively debate on Chinese investment in Luanshya, and yet they are beneficiaries through supply of Maheu, mine development and production drilling contracts.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr M. B. Mwale: Mr Speaker, from the foregoing, it is time the hon. Member for Roan started accepting that things are now different and better in Luanshya. We have reported an increase in job creation and business opportunities by supply contracts and trading. There is now a serious investor in Luanshya and the people of Luanshya cannot be told otherwise.

Hon. Malama of Mfuwe Parliamentary Constituency argued that it was not economical to tar the Chipata/Mfuwe Road. He informed the House that the Great North and Great East roads were important to the economy and should be given priority. Yes, I agree with Hon. Malama that the Great North Road is important to the economy. I also agree that the Great East Road is equally significant to the economy. However, I disagree with the assertion that the Chipata/Mfuwe Road is not of any economic significance. This Government has prioritised agriculture and tourism to turn around the economy of this country and the Government is expected to provide basic infrastructure such as roads and power to spur economic activities. Upgrading of the Chipata/Mfuwe Road is expected to result in increased tourism arrivals in the South Luangwa National Park. In case Hon. Malama thinks tourists are only those who come in by air, even overlanders are tourists. We can also drive to the South Luangwa for a weekend.

Sir, Hon. Musenge of Nkana Parliamentary Constituency lamented that the he had not seen change in the livelihoods of the people following the privatisation of the mines as he has not seen construction of new schools, hospitals and roads. I will not belabour the point as the other hon. Members who debated before me adequately itemized, in this House, the various developmental projects being undertaken under His Excellency, President Rupiah Bwezani Banda’ Administration. For those who insinuate that this administration is only claiming the glory, I would like to put it to them that plans are only plans until you put money on the table. Conceived ideas are only plans on the drawing board until you have some budgeted expenditure to implement them.

Mr Speaker, as regards incentives offered to investors at the privatisation of the mining industry, it was a necessary surgery to save the industry. The House may wish to be reminded that metal production had dropped from 750,000 metric tonnes in 1973 to 257,000 metric tonnes in 2000. Similarly, copper prices were on the downward trend. Consequently, the mining assets deteriorated and required massive capitalisation. With privatisation, new jobs have been created and there has been technology transfer. Mineral resources such as the Lumwana deposits that were considered uneconomical in the days of the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM) have now been developed for the benefit of the people.

Mr Speaker, finally, I do not want to say much on health because we have delivered in that regard. Some persons living in Rhodes Park and those in Kabulonga can now go to Chawama Clinic for Under-Five Clinic.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister of Community Development and Social Services (Mr Kaingu): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank you for allowing me to contribute to the debate on the speech delivered by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, at the Official Opening of the Fifth Session of the Tenth National Assembly. The speech was full of wisdom, visionary and focussed on both the economic and social issues that are cardinal to both national development and poverty reduction.

Sir, I must add that other than that, the President delivered the speech in a friendly, wise, loving and caring manner. In short, the emotional intelligence that were in that speech were very exceptional.

 Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, it is clear from the speech that Zambia’s …

Mr Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1615 hours to 1630 hours.  {mospagebreak}

[THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the Chair]

Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, when business was suspended, I was saying that it was clear from the speech that Zambia’s economy has been growing steadily at an average growth rate of 6 per cent. This can also be attributed to the wise and democratic leadership of His Excellency, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda.

Mr Speaker, to grow the economy at this rate requires dedication from His Excellency the President, His Honour the Vice-President, hon. Ministers and indeed, the Government in general.

 Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, we have been told by the IMF and the World Bank that our economy is doing very well and everybody is seeing that except the people on you left.

 Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, we have been told that there is a saying in Tonga that utalumbi, mubwa. I would like to say that in the contemporary world, even dogs say thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kaingu: Therefore, I would not want to say anything beyond that.

Mr Speaker, I stand here with a very sad heart as I remember our dear departed colleagues, Hon. Reuben Chisanga Banda, Member of Parliament for Milanzi and Mr Misheck Bonshe, hon. Member for Mufumbwe Parliamentary Constituency …

Interruptions

Mr Kaingu: Yes, we might have lost the seat, but we still have the constituency.

Mrs Phiri: Question!

Mr Kaingu: … who was also Deputy Minister for Home Affairs. We also lost Mr Benson Mwamba Bwalya, Member of Parliament for Chifubu Parliamentary Constituency and, recently, Mr Lameck Kauzi Chibombamilimo, Member of Parliament for Mpulungu Parliamentary Constituency. May their souls rest in everlasting peace.

 Mr Speaker, this Government has the best social security intervention in sub-Saharan Africa. In fact, I would like to echo Hon. Liato’s debate who said that this country has employed about 5.2 million people. Most of those who have not been employed have been assisted through numerous programmes in the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services. For example, we have the Public Welfare Assistance Scheme (PWAS) where we assist people who are incapacitated or bedridden. We have programmes where we care for children, including street children.

Sir, there are programmes in the Department of Community Development that empower women, including those who are less privileged. For colleagues who had no opportunity to attend school early in life, there is a non-formal education programme to help them. In case there are people who are wanting in education, they can come to the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services for lessons.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, the President talked about the Citizen Economic Empowerment Fund through the Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC). I agree with what he said on empowerment, but I wonder what the hon. Members of Parliament, especially those on your left do with the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) which is meant for empowering citizens. Each time a question is raised and hon. Ministers advise hon. Members to use their CDF, the hon. Members of Parliament on your left protest. I do not know what their CDF is for.

However, they must realise that the CDF is a Government programme. It is a programme that should be used to alleviate poverty, particularly in rural areas.

Mr Mulyata: Hear, hear!

Mr Kaingu: Sir, additionally, my ministry is working with our co-operating partners to spearhead the Social Cash Transfer Programme. This is a topical programme today. Everywhere one goes, people are talking about the Social Cash Transfer Programme. The ministry is doing its best to see to it that this programme covers the whole country. Despite the slow pace, I know that we will get there eventually.

As regards people with disabilities, my ministry has created a vehicle called the Zambia Association for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) to look into their welfare. In his speech, the President mentioned that as a Government, we ratified the Convention on Disability. The Government will eventually domesticate it.

Mr Speaker, I do not want to mention all the activities undertaken by my ministry because I am sure very soon, I will be privileged to discuss these items in my budget speech.

Sir, I now wish to talk about the calibre of engineers we have in our country. The quality of engineers from the universities is worrying as evidenced by some of the engineers we have in this House who, when they stand to speak, the first thing they talk about is how crooked the road is and how the calculations of the quantity of stones are wrong.

Mr Mukanga: Aah!

Mr Kaingu: I know this has hit you because you are an engineer.

Hon. Milupi talked about the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) being the same since Independence and how our colleagues in South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore, have moved on. I wonder why he does not know why our colleagues have moved on. Our colleagues have moved on because their engineers are innovative. Hon. Milupi, our engineers here in Zambia cannot even invent a lightening arrestor.

Laughter

Mr Kaingu: If anything, he is peddling fuel just like Hon. Kambwili.

Laughter

Mr Kaingu: How can an engineer …

Ms Lundwe: A trader!

Mr Kaingu: A trader.

Mr Speaker, engineers, like Hon. Mooya, are good at criticising how bad the road is. He is focussed on criticising the works of his colleagues, and yet he has failed to even invent a hammer mill …

Laughter

Mr Kaingu: … or a sieve for a hammer mill.

Laughter

Mr Kaingu: This is the type of engineers we have.

Laughter

Ms Kapata: On a point of order, Sir.

Ms Lundwe: Are you an engineer?

Mr Kaingu: In fact, I am also talking about myself because I am an engineer. I am a real engineer.

Laughter

Mr Kaingu: I designed transmitters and worked on big computers before you could be allowed even to touch one.

Laughter

Mr Mulyata: Hear, hear!

Mr Mukanga: So what?

Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, engineers suffer from lack of entrepreneurial skills.

Mr Mulyata: Hear, hear!

Mr Kaingu: They would want to be employed and work for others. Who do you think will create jobs if you, as an engineer, who is supposed to invent vehicles, drive second-hand vehicles from Japan? When will you invent one? When will you, an engineer, improve the canoe?

Laughter

Mr Kaingu: Sir, we have been let down by the engineers in this country.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, at the moment, people come from as far as Mansa or Kasama to buy door and window frames here, and yet there are trades schools there. Where are the engineers?

Ms Lundwe: Hear, hear!

Mr Kaingu: So, you have seen the people who have let the country down.

Sir, the Government cannot employ everybody at the same time. Therefore, the informal employment sector must be improved so that people can employ themselves. The Government can create jobs, but can only employ a few. You must know that we cannot employ everyone. Therefore, it is not enough for engineers, like Hon. Mukanga, to sit back and talk about job creation. How many have you, yourself, created?

Laughter

Mr Mukanga: I have!

Mr Kaingu: Just your servant at home.

Laughter

Mr Kaingu: That is not enough. All of us need …

Mr Mukanga: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Kaingu: This is a challenge I put to all of you.

Interruptions

Mr Kaingu: My nephew, Hon. Simuusa, this is a challenge to you. It is a challenge to all engineers to come up with companies.

Ms Siliya: And ideas!

Mr Kaingu: Do you know that these cell phones you are so proud of using are made by children in schools in South Korea and Singapore?

Laughter

Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, let me now talk briefly about culture.

Ms Siliya: Hear, hear!

Mr Kaingu: My colleague, Hon. Siliya, at one time told me that America’s biggest export to the world is culture. Some of you want to speak like Obama. You want to eat meat pies, instead of our indigenous foods.

Interruptions

Mr Mukanga: Obama uyo, Hon. Mwangala!

Interruptions

Mr Kaingu: Today, most people in Zambia are living below one dollar per day. Do you know that these statistics are based on people living in urban areas like yourselves? In rural areas, people do not need the dollar.

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Mr Kaingu: Yes!

For example, if you go to the Southern Province where Tongas are found, they sell food along the road. If you go to the north, people sell kandolo depending on the season.

Interruptions

Ms Lundwe: Continue!

Mr Hachipuka: On a point of order, Sir.

The Deputy Chairperson: A point of order is raised.

Mr Hachipuka: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister who is on the Floor in order to continue emphasising the same point that engineers have failed to create employment, and yet all he has done, as an engineer, is employ his two wives at Kozo Lodge?

Laughter

Mr Hachipuka: Is he in order to create employment through wives?

The Deputy Chairperson: The hon. Minister may continue.

Laughter

Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank Hon. Hachipuka for that point of order. In fact, I forgot to inform the House that I put up Kozo Lodge from the greens, …

Mr Hachipuka: Yes!

Mr Kaingu: … using the angles I learnt from school. There is no architectural work from anybody involved. That is my own work.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kaingu: That is how good an engineer I am.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, as a Government, we are going to engage our royal highnesses in the country because we have realised that for the programmes that we implement to succeed, we need to work with them. We shall also engage the headmen and their subjects.

Mr Speaker, at present, we have 286 their royal highnesses whom we will work with. We are currently preparing ourselves for various developmental programmes and the elections next year. I would like to state here that the only suitable candidate for next year’s presidential elections is His Excellency, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda. As for my colleagues in the United Party for National Development (UPND), who are snake charmers, I would like to tell them that they cannot charm a snake because if it will not swallow them, it will swallow their chiefs who hold their votes.

Laughter

Mr Kaingu: In any case, Sir, if I may ask, what type of relationship did the UPND enter into with the Patriotic Front (PF)? Was it a merger or an acquisition? From what I am seeing, it is actually an acquisition.

Laughter

Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I wish my friend, Hon. Sejani, were here because I would like him to know that as we go for elections next year, the people of Zambia will remember an hon. Minister of Agriculture who paid them using promissory notes.

Hon. Member: Was it Hon. Sejani?

Mr Kaingu: It was Hon. Dr Guy Scott.

Laughter

Mr Kaingu: They will remember an hon. Minister who slaughtered all his pigs to just have himself compensated. They will remember a presidential candidate who went to Kanyama and razed all their houses. They will remember a presidential candidate who went to Chawama and organised for people to be beaten up during a by-election. As we go for elections, the people of Zambia will remember a presidential candidate who said that all those suffering from HIV/AIDS must be quarantined and that the Government should not buy anti-retrovirals (ARVs). I urge the People of Zambia to remember all these things as they go to vote.

Mr Kambwili: Amwishiba ichisungu imwe, inga tatulanda.

Laughter

Ms Lundwe: Just continue!

Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, there is someone with a psychiatric disorder here.

Laughter

Mr Kaingu: It is not my fault if there is disorder in a person’s head.

Laughter

Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I would like to warn those guys in the UPND …

The Deputy Chairperson: Order! Withdraw the word ‘guys’.

Mr Kaingu: I sincerely withdraw the word and say that I wish to warn my colleagues in the UPND not to be snake charmers.

I thank you, Sir.

The Deputy Minister for Lusaka Province (Mr Shawa):  Mr Speaker, firstly I would like to say that in whatever we do and say, we must always put Zambia first and for us on this side of the House, we want to set standards in politics which others should emulate.  

Mr Speaker, I am delighted to be accorded a chance to contribute to the debate in support of  the well-thought-out speech for the Official Opening of the Fifth Session of the Tenth National Assembly which His Excellency the President, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, delivered on the 17th September, 2010 on the Floor of this House.

Mr Speaker, from the outset, I would like to join other hon. Members of this august House and, indeed, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia to thank you, Mr Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, the Deputy Chairperson of the Committees of the Whole House and the Clerk for the able and impartial manner in which you presided over the business of this House during the last session and still continue to do so.

I would also like to commend the good work and output that the parliamentary reforms under your guidance have achieved by affording a wider coverage to members of the public to have access to the deliberations of Parliament through the media. We thank and commend you for the many constituency offices you have recently constructed, commissioned and handed over. We, in Lusaka, are pleased that Rufunsa Constituency benefited from this programme. I am aware that as we go on, many other offices will be constructed.

Mr Speaker, it is very important, that all constituencies have these offices constructed so that people can effectively interact and communicate with their area hon. Members of Parliament.

Mr Speaker, allow me also to join His Excellency the President and other hon. Members who have conveyed their deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the hon. Members of Parliament who passed on before the opening of this session of Parliament. We worked very closely with all of them. We will really miss their contributions to this House and to the development of this country at large. May their souls rest in eternal peace.

Mr Speaker, I wish to highly commend His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, for his inspiring and thoughtful speech which, among other things, gave guidance to us on the economic development of this country. It is, indeed, gratifying to note that the Government of the Republic of Zambia, under his able leadership, has continued with its prudent macro-economic management and put in place measures that are aimed at further improving the overall growth and development of the country.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Shawa: Mr Speaker, more resources have continued to be channelled to the lower levels of the administrative system of the Government. This current administration has enabled the logical application of resources to the core areas of economic development and good governance. Accountability, transparency, the rule of law and responsiveness have continued to be restored and fostered.

Mr Speaker, this is a speech from a great man with a vision for this country. It was, indeed, a speech from a man who loves and cares for his people.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Shawa: This is a speech from a man full of humility who wants to see a united, peaceful and developed Zambia.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Shawa: The speech by the President was pragmatic, dynamic, charismatic and passionate.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Shawa: Mr Speaker, Lusaka Province has and continues to experience high growth in investments in all its districts due to the warm and enabling investment polices of this Government. Most of the investment has been in manufacturing, tourism and construction. This has provided gainful employment to people, especially the youth who have found livelihoods instead of roaming the street.

Mr Speaker, in agriculture, this year has been very successful in terms of production, as we have witnessed the largest ever bumper harvest in this country. This is all because of the good agriculture policies of this able Government.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Shawa: Apart from crop production, there have been improvements in other various agricultural activities such as fish farming, poultry, livestock for beef and milk production as well as bee-keeping. This is relevant for the diversification of the economic base of the country which will ultimately contribute to employment generation and poverty reduction.

Mr Speaker, let me now highlight how the Government has put in place an enabling environment in agriculture in Lusaka Province alone vis-à-vis the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) for the 2009/2010 Farming Season. The province was allocated with packs targeted for 37,000 beneficiaries. Out of these 36,882 farmers collected their packs, translating into 99.52 per cent which was, indeed, commendable.

Mr Speaker, this is a living testimony of the Government’s commitment to agriculture development. In order to further improve and diversify in the livestock sub-sector and prevent diseases so as to reduce losses, the Government has intensified early warning and the timely and efficient detection of diseases. As a province, we are working to forge ahead in terms of livestock development so that farmers can continue to be assisted with livestock multiplication skills, especially for quality and improved breeds.

Mr Speaker, in tourism, Lusaka Province has a great potential for tourism development. Notable tourist attractions in Lusaka Province include the Lower Zambezi National Park, Chinyunyu Hot Springs, Lusaka South National Park, Lusaka Museum, Kabwata Cultural Village and Munda Wanga Gardens. The Government has made it a priority to improve the rural roads leading to some of these tourist attractions. Greater strides will be made in the tourism sector to attract both local and foreign investors. The Zambian people are themselves a marvel and attraction because of their warm, friendly, hospitable, peaceful and smiling nature. What more can tourists ask for other than this?

Mr Speaker, climate change with the resultant degradation is yet another major source of concern to this Government because it threatens the main core of livelihoods of most people, especially the rural communities. This may eventually lead to food shortages and food insecurity. Most of the times, droughts and floods due to climate change have had negative effects on agriculture and rural development, consequently, hindering the progress towards the achievement of the millennium development goals. On the issue of environmental degradation, it is worth noting that the Government has continued with efforts to reduce the wanton cutting down of trees for charcoal burning which is the main contributing factor to deforestation in Lusaka Province. Bee-keeping has since gained prominence and is being promoted as one of the alternative economic activities. We are pleased also that the hardworking hon. Minister of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources will soon bring a Bill to correct this situation. Careless burning of bushes and unsustainable agricultural methods are quite worrisome to us.

Mr Speaker, let me say something on water and sanitation. My provincial administration recognises the importance of the problem of water supply both in quantity and quality. The quality aspect has been prominent in rural areas while in urban areas, the quality generally meets the regulatory requirements although much still has to be done. Over the years, cities such as Lusaka have grown at a very fast rate. Water demand continues to increase due to population growth. Water utility companies need to improve their capacity in order to meet the ever increasing demand. It is important to note that there has been massive investment in infrastructure for water supply in order to beat the aging and existing infrastructure and growth in demand. For instance, in a large city such as Lusaka, about 80 per cent of the population resides in urban and peri-urban areas. Some of these areas, as you know, come up as a result of long-gone unplanned settlements due to the rural-urban migration. This has, however, had implications on the service delivery of water and sanitation, among others. In this regard, therefore, the water service utility companies and other providers such as the Ministry of Local Government and Housing and other co-operating partners have been working tirelessly to improve water and sanitation services so that adequate boreholes are drilled to improve supplies in water-stressed areas. Just to give an example, in Lusaka, the projects for water improvement include, among others, the following:

(i) project to improve water supply to Kanyama Compound where about K1 billion has been used;

(ii) K1.93 billion has been used in the construction of 100 kiosks under the Water Sector Performance Improvement Project (WSPIP);

(iii) on Phase I of the Water Supply Improvement Project to John Laing Compound, K1.75 billion from the District Task Force (DTF) and K1.93 from Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company (LWSC) was used;

(iv) on the Garden Compound Water Supply Improvement Project which is co-funded by the DTF and LWSC, K1.3 billion and K1.9 billion respectively had been used; and

(v) the Chazanga Compound Water Supply Improvement Project is also being worked on.

Mr Speaker, Lusaka Province and in particular, Lusaka City, had a problem of floods during the last rainy season. The province managed to contain the adverse effects and assisted many people to be relocated to the Independence Stadium. We appeal to the people of Lusaka not to build in flood-prone areas.

Mr Speaker, a lot has happened in mining development in Lusaka Province. This province is endowed with a lot of minerals and exploration is now going on, especially in areas such as Chongwe.

Mr Speaker, on the CEEC, in order to have more co-ordinated and effective financial schemes, especially for small and medium-scale enterprises, the Government of Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda has continued to facilitate the opening of provincial offices and many people in Lusaka have accessed this CEEF. This goes hand-in-hand with the opening of new resettlement schemes where people can settle and establish themselves.

Mr Speaker, in energy, this Government is still continuing with efforts of connecting rural areas to the national electricity grid. We would like to see to it that the Government now opens up Luangwa and Rufunsa in terms of electricity.

Mr Speaker, the construction of multi-facility economic zones (MFEZs) in Lusaka near the international airport and the one proposed in the southern part of Lusaka are signs that this Government is hardworking. 

On road infrastructure, the Government gave twenty-three pieces of equipment to the Lusaka Province after procuring road equipment for the country. However, many other areas have benefited from this equipment. The Government has spent a lot of money on ensuring that all rural roads are worked on so that people can be assisted to transport their produce.

The road from the T4 to Mumpanshya Hospital, which is a stretch of six kilometres, has been tarred. At the moment, the equipment is being used in Lusaka. The only problem is that from the K5 billion Rural Roads Unit (RRU) funds, the Lusaka Province has only received funding twice, in March and May, of K1,271,673,000 and K334,004,000 million respectively. This brings the total funding received to K1,605,677,000 We are now waiting for the balance of about K3.4 billion. The delay has been caused by budgetary constraints.

Mr Speaker, as regards local governance, I would like to thank this Government for the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). It has contributed a lot to the socio-economic empowerment of our people in all constituencies in the province.

Mr Speaker, the country has also made strides in the health sector. I will not say much on this matter because the able hon. Minister of Health accurately talked about developments in this sector. I, however, wish to state that we have now started spraying houses against mosquitoes to reduce malaria cases in Lusaka. I, therefore, appeal to the people of Lusaka to co-operate with the men carrying out this exercise.

Hon. Government Members: And women.

Mr Shawa: Including women.

Mr Speaker, as regards education, though belatedly, I would like to wish all the teachers in Lusaka Province a happy Teachers’ Day which fell yesterday. As for developments in this sector, the hon. Minister of Education has ably tabulated and given a proper account of the high schools and basic schools being built in Lusaka. I want to thank the hon. Minister of Education for the wonderful job.

Mr Speaker, on social welfare, I would like to thank the hon. Minister of Community Development and Social Services for introducing the Women Empowerment Fund.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Shawa: This is a programme that should continue. We should also ensure that the Cash Transfer Scheme is extended to all parts of the country so that it can be appreciated by the people.

Mr Speaker, as for gender and development, I thank the hon. Minister of Gender and Women in Development for the grinding mills that all constituencies have received, including those represented by people who do not appreciate.

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

Mr Shawa: Mr Speaker, on youth and sports, I would like to thank the hon. Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development for the Centre of Excellence Sports Facility in Lusaka. However, I must say that people with disabilities have not fully participated in sports due to a number of factors which include lack of user friendly sports facilities, equipment, funding of specific policies and targeting their involvement in sport. Consequently, this has led to rejection, isolation and discrimination which have hindered their psychological and educational development. Discrimination and stigma against people with disabilities in sport is not accepted. It is my hope that the construction of this new complex will change this. The building of this facility is another example of the wise leadership of our President.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Shawa: Mr Speaker, I would like to end by repeating that in whatever we do and say, we must always put Zambia first. Those of us on this side want to set standards in politics which others should emulate. As for the 2011 General Elections, President Rupiah Bwezani Banda, is our definite presidential candidate.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives (Mr Mbewe): Mr Speaker …

Hon. Opposition Members: Tom and Jerry!

Mr Mbewe: … I thank you very much.

Mr Kambwili: Kwati kali mu bwendo.

Mr Mbewe: I am very grateful that, at last, I have caught your eye.

Interruptions

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, the President’s Speech to this House meant well because it articulated issues related to our past, present and future.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, I would like to challenge you by saying that …

Hon. Opposition Members: Challenge the Speaker?

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!You cannot challenge the Speaker.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, I repeat that I would like to challenge you.

Laughter

The Deputy Chairperson: Order! Order!

Mr Lubinda: Sit down!

The Deputy Chairperson: The Chair cannot be challenged. Can you use other words, please.

You may proceed.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, I withdraw those words, but I would like to say that the notion that about 60 per cent of hon. Members do not retain their seats will not be the case next year.  It will be a different scenario, this time around, because President Banda has taken development to all parts of  the country.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, there is no hon. Member of Parliament who can challenge my statement and claim that there has been no development in a particular constituency.

Interruptions

Mr Mbewe:  Schools, clinics and roads have been built in every constituency and a lot of other projects can be seen. We have also enjoyed a good environment for investment. President Banda has made sure that the investment climate is very conducive and we have, therefore, seen a lot of investors coming to our country.

Mr Speaker, those opposing my views do not have points to counter my argument and are just what I would call disgruntled politicians. I say they are disgruntled because they can see development taking place, but are just politicking and being comical. Real politics should discuss issues with logical arguments.

Mr Speaker, some politicians are just greedy because they always want good things to go to them. As I stand here, I am what I am because I was educated by President Kaunda. He ruled this country for twenty-seven years and everyone in this House benefited from his leadership and we should, therefore, be grateful for this.

Mr Speaker, when Dr Chiluba came on the scene, he also brought new policies …

Dr Machungwa: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbewe: … and we are now seeing the fruits of these policies.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbewe: It is because of Dr Chiluba that we now have democracy. A lot of social schemes, amenities and other good policies were brought by Dr Chiluba.

Dr Machungwa: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, it is not good to pretend. The people from the Northern Province have been leading us for thirty-seven years and we are thankful for this. Some leaders of the Opposition parties were part of both Dr Kaunda and Dr Chiluba’s Governments and just want to divide this country because of greed. They want to continue ruling this country, but Zambians are silently saying no. Zambians know very well that it is not only one part of this country where leaders are supposed to come from. Leadership should come from across the country and not only from the northern part.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kambwili: Meaning?

Mr Mbewe: It is not only the Bembas who are supposed to rule Zambia. I am telling you (pointing at Mr Kambwili).

Interruptions

Mr Mbewe: Leaders should come from different parts of the country.

Mr Kambwili: On a point of order, Sir.

The Deputy Chairperson: A point of order is raised.

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, I thank you for according me this opportunity to raise a point of order. Is this hon. Minister, who is speaking so badly without following your guidance of hon. Ministers reading their texts, in order to insinuate that the presidency must not only be taken up by Bembas? Is he in order to be tribal against the Bembas when we are seated quietly listening to his disgruntled debate?

The Deputy Chairperson: The hon. Member for Roan …

Interruptions

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Please, do not ask questions and then make noise because it makes it difficult for the Chair to respond.

The hon. Member for Roan has raised a point of order on the debate of the hon. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives. In the point of order, he has raised the issue, first of all, of the need for hon. Ministers to read from their texts because it does help when the answers that hon. Ministers are giving to the country are written. That is, obviously, valid. The hon. Member has also raised the question of the nature of the debate by the hon. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives, alleging that the he is being tribal. My advice on that matter is that the hon. Deputy Minister may avoid statements that may inflame others and continue with his debate.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, I withdraw my statement.

The ruling of this country should be associated with all the provinces which are in this country. There is nothing wrong with rotating the presidency from one province to the other. This is why the Zambians are silently disagreeing to the notion adopted by the people who always feel that they are the only ones who can rule.

What we are supposed to do is support others. At the moment, I am asking …

Mr Kambwili: You want Bembas …

Mr Mbewe: Can you keep quiet.

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Please, do not engage in a dialogue with the hon. Members who are seated. They are simply diverting your attention.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, what I am saying today …

Mr Mukanga: Is irrelevant.

Mr Mbewe: … is that, in the nearest future, this issue will come out in the open because what is supposed to happen is that all provinces in Zambia should be involved in governing this country. Therefore, I am asking that all provinces help the people from the Eastern Province, next year, because in 2016, they will also need their assistance …

Mr Lubinda: On a point of order, Sir.

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

A point of order is raised.

Mr Kambwili: Stupid debate! Tukami votolola ku Northern Province.

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I thank you very much for allowing me to raise this very important constitutional point of order. Is the hon. Deputy Minister in order to continue debating along the line of his terribly tribal and regional debate even after your very clear guidance, notwithstanding the fact that the governance of this country, today, is in the hands of President Rupiah Bwezani Banda who, on his own, chooses which ladies and gentlemen to work with? He is also the one who decides which region shall be represented in his Cabinet and which ones shall not.

 Given that looking across to your right, we see that the President has ensured representation from every part of the country, is he in order, therefore, to debate in a way that is inciting people from other regions to start tabulating the list of Cabinet Ministers to see which provinces do not have adequate representation or to incite the people in every province to sponsor their own presidential candidates in the next election? Is he in order to debate in such a careless manner? I seek your very serious ruling, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Deputy Chairperson: The hon. Member of Parliament for Kabwata …

Interruptions

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

The hon. Member has raised a point of order on the debate by the hon. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives. I have to say that the hon. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives must tread carefully with his line of debate because, truly, he might touch on constitutional provisions. My advice to him is that he directs his attention more on what his ministry is doing for the nation than getting carried away by hecklers and issues that may not necessarily have to do with his ministry.

He may continue.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, I withdraw my statement.

Mr Speaker, His Excellency the President has put so much emphasis on agriculture by ensuring that the people of Zambia have enough food. He has also made policies which will assist this country to reserve food and prevent begging from other countries. Furthermore, these policies will empower our commercial, medium and, of course, small-scale farmers to produce more so that we have enough food in the country. The President has done a lot of work in this field because he wants the country to not only have food security, but also food sovereignty.

Mr Speaker, as a ministry, we have already strategised the distribution of the inputs in depots. 80 per cent of fertiliser and seed has already been positioned in readiness for distribution in different depots.

Mr Speaker, the production trend from the 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 farming seasons has continuously been going up. It is the aim of the ministry to make sure that each and every farmer maximises on the hectarage rather than having a big hectare, but with very low production. The ministry is now focusing on making sure that production per hectare is increased so that a lot of food is produced within a small area.

Mr Speaker, in marketing, we will not only look at maize, but also other crops such as cotton. The marketing of cotton and tobacco and other crops has been very good. Equally, at the moment, maize marketing is moving on smoothly. We are in the second stage in paying farmers and most of them are being paid now. There is no district which an hon. Member of Parliament would say has not had its farmers paid. It was a general cry in this House that farmers were not being paid, but I can confirm that more than K306 billion has been released, through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), to make sure that farmers get their money.

My ministry, through the FRA, has procured 1,600 tarpaulins. These will be sent to the various depots to make sure that the maize is not soaked by the rains. The ministry is also ensuring that sheds are built. Construction has already commenced in various areas such as Chilanga and Kapiri Mposhi.

From the way the President has aligned the policies and the way the ministry, will work, it can be said that even next year, there will be a bumper harvest. The President has also put tangible measures in place to make sure that next year’s harvest does not go to waste.

The ministry has, at the moment, organised transport to ferry maize to the main depots for safe keeping. Let me inform the House that most of the transporters who participated last year have been paid. The ministry, through the FRA, will make sure that all those who will transport the crop, this year, are paid within a short time.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

The Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Development (Mr Akakandelwa): Mr Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to contribute to the Motion on the Floor.

Mr Speaker, firstly, let me say that the speech presented to the House by His Excellency is appropriate for this country. I will straightaway talk about my ministry, especially the water portfolio.

Mr Speaker, let me also, from the outset, pre-empt all those who will not want me to talk about development in my constituency. I think it is only right that I highlight what this Government has done for the country, including my constituency. I think I am the right spokesperson for my constituency. While appreciating that I am a member of the Executive, I am also a Member of Parliament for my constituency.

Mr Speaker, water plays a very big role in the socio-economic development of any country. Water sustains all forms of life, be it that of plants or animals. We are blessed with 42 per cent of the region’s water resource in Zambia. Therefore, we have a challenge of harnessing and putting this water to productive use so that it empowers the Zambians and is used effectively and efficiently for the maximum benefit of the citizens of the country to enhance productive ability for improved livelihoods.

Mr Speaker, the President, on pages 10 and 11 acknowledged the shortcomings of maximum usage on the water resource. It is against this background that the Government has passed a revised National Water Policy. This policy embraces modern principles of water resource management in mitigating the challenges of poverty. The revised National Water Policy will create an enabling environment by providing a clearly defined framework within which all stakeholders will perform, resulting in positive economic growth and increased production. Additionally, the ministry will bring to the House the Water Resources Management Bill to replace the 1949 Water Act that is archaic and not responsive to the modern trends and practices. 

Mr Speaker, let me now thank His Excellency the President, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, and the MMD Government for delivering development to my constituency.

Hon. Government Minister: Hear, hear!

Mr Akakandelwa: Sir, to sum up the development levels in my constituency, I can safely say that the development that has taken place in the last four years can be equated to the entire development programmes from Independence to 2006. This is an unprecedented level. I am not talking from without. There are fifteen basic schools which have been either upgraded or constructed. A modern boarding high school and five clinics have been provided within four years. The Government has also constructed bridges at many crossing points and two gravel roads. Water has also been provided.

This afternoon, the statistics on access to safe drinking water for the whole country were released. Truly, these figures reflect the situation on the ground because my constituency was one which had few boreholes that could be counted using the fingers of one hand.

Mr Speaker, this Government has facilitated youth clubs. I recently collected ten cheques from the Ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development for the youth clubs in my constituency. This should go a long way in alleviating poverty. Therefore, I commend the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services too ...

Hon. MMD Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Akakandelwa: ... because it has empowered women. In addition, each constituency has been given a hammer mill. What else should one ask for? I know that resources permitting, we would have more than what we have now.

Mr Speaker, there are areas where ingratitude has been exhibited. I will state clearly here that one only needs to look at the Yellow Book to see how Zambia has been developed by the successful MMD Government, be it an area in the Opposition or Ruling Party hands. In fact, the Southern Province has enjoyed massive support and development from this Government.

Hon. MMD Members: Hear, hear!
 
Mr Akakandelwa: It is surprising, therefore, that there are hon. Members of Parliament or leaders who exhibit ingratitude in the manner that some have done.

Mr Speaker, this morning, a question on access to safe drinking water was posed. I have extracted some figures from the Central Statistical Office (CSO) that indicate that all districts in the Southern Province enjoy access to safe drinking water at rates ranging from 76 per cent and above. It is only Namwala and Itezhi-tezhi that have access to safe water of 62 and 64 per cent respectively. Choma is at 76 per cent, Kalomo at 80 per cent, Livingstone at 99 per cent, Mazabuka at 88 per cent, and Monze at 84 per cent.

Although Namwala enjoys the lowest rate at 62 per cent, paradoxically, this is where the hon. Member of Parliament appreciates what this Government has done for his area and the Southern Province as a whole.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Akakandelwa: It is a shame that people do not appreciate the Government’s efforts. I do not want to be drawn into describing the people who do not appreciate. You know how you describe yourselves if you do not appreciate any help extended to you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Changwe: Utalumbi, mubwa.

Mr Akakandelwa: Mr Speaker, when the MMD transformed itself into a political party, the rate at which the transformation took place was remarkable and had the hallmark of a successful partnership. Currently, I am not sure whether the current arrangements of parties that have come together are showing any signs of success. This is because in team dynamics, you go through four stages. These are the forming stage, the storming stage and the naming stage which is before you perform. However, this pact seems to have stuck at the storming stage and is still raising dust. My advice to my colleagues is through a wise Lozi proverb which says that if you want to measure the depth of a river, do not use both feet because in the event that the river is deep, you can drown.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Muteteka): Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to add my voice to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Speech which was delivered in this House.

Mr Speaker, I would like to start by adopting all the salutations that have been expressed by my colleagues.

Mr Speaker, the President’s Speech gave the direction for the governance of this country. I can testify that this country is under good governance.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muteteka: When there is good governance, the result is development. This is why various ministries have been able to testify to a number of infrastructure development.

Mr Speaker, I would like to speak about the Ministry of Local Government and Housing which is very close to the people throughout the country because of its role of providing various services such as water, market infrastructure and street lights.

Mr Speaker, every year, the Ministry of Local Government and Housing budgets for resources for each district council for the purpose of service provision to the people in various sectors.

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Muteteka: The ministry audits the use of this money in line with financial regulations. The services that have been provided from this money include the construction of modern markets and houses, provision of water and the execution of the Keep Zambia Clean Campaign.

Mr Speaker, with regard to infrastructure development, the Ministry of Local Government and Housing has constructed modern markets in the Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces.

Hon. Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, in Lusaka alone, a sum of K36 billion was spent on the newly-completed Soweto Market which is due for commissioning by the President.

The Chilenje Market has been rehabilitated at the cost of K7.4 billion while the Chelstone Market has also been completed and is already open to the public.

Mr Speaker, on the Copperbelt, we have constructed modern markets at Buchi, Ndeke and Nakadoli.

Mr Speaker, huge sums of money have been spent on improving this infrastructure because the Government realises that to reduce poverty levels, we have to create a good trading environment for marketers. This infrastructure is of help to retirees, widows, orphans and people who want to be in business. All this is being done by this Government through the Ministry of Local Government and Housing.

Mr Speaker, the infrastructure that we have developed, particularly on the Copperbelt, deserves to be appreciated because despite the political situation there, the Government recognises that it is responsible for all the people in all the nine provinces.

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Local Government and Housing remains committed to ensuring that money is provided to all councils according to the budgets they submit to the hon. Minister.

Mr Speaker, further, on the Copperbelt, about US$26 million has been allocated for the improvement of the township roads and a contractor has already been sourced. Those who come from Kitwe can attest to this.

Hon. Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, presently, the roads are being attended to and the people are able to see what the Government is doing. It is important to be grateful because this Government has committed itself to developing the country. As I have already said, development can be achieved under good governance.

Mr Speaker, the construction of the township roads is not only taking place in Kitwe, but Ndola as well.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muteteka: I would like to urge the hon. Members, who come from there, to closely monitor and supervise these projects because they are for their people. It is important that we partner in monitoring and supervising the projects so as to get a good job done. It would not be helpful to frustrate or ignore these important projects.

Mr Speaker, as regards the CDF, the Ministry of Local Government and Housing has not failed to allocate money to any constituency. It is now giving out K660 million per constituency. It has also revised the CDF guidelines with regard to the manner in which the projects are identified. This is the money which has gone to a number of sectors, including agriculture, health and education.

I have seen this money used to construct clinics, improve roads and provide water. This money should neither be personalised nor politicised because it is money that the Government has found prudent to plough back, through the constituencies, onto its people.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muteteka: Therefore, when the CDF is released, be realistic, sensible and have a vision to meet the aspirations of the people in your constituencies.

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

Mr Muteteka: When we want to account for the CDF, we will depend on your leadership in your respective constituencies. I will not be happy to hear that a Member of Parliament has ignored the guidelines which have been issued. In certain instances, some hon. Members of Parliament have ignorantly failed to follow the set guidelines and have used the money on unproductive ventures. As a Government, we want hon. Members to use this money reasonably. If it means spending the whole K660 million on a very big project, as long as it will benefit the people, do it.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muteteka: It will not help to spend K2 million on a project that will not be appreciated by the people in the constituency. Therefore, let us use the CDF on projects that will make an impact.

Sir, let me take this opportunity to inform the House that we shall soon be visiting constituencies and we would like hon. Members to tell the ministry officials how their CDF has been spent. Show them the projects on which the CDF was used. This has been happening every year and, as a ministry, we will continue to release this money. Hopefully, when the revenue base increases, the Government will consider increasing it.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muteteka:  As a Member of Parliament for Chisamba, even though I know that my debate needs to concentrate on the ministry, I have to appreciate that the CDF has changed the face of Chisamba Constituency. I am aware that some politicians who were at the Ministry of Health claim that they did a lot for that constituency. However, I would like to mention that during the period they were at the Ministry of Health, they left only one clinic in the constituency and that clinic belongs to the Church.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muteteka: Today, under this Government, there are eight clinics. What glory are they claiming and what leadership was there? The people of Zambia must check who failed when he was given an opportunity.

Laughter

Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, about ten districts have been allocated money to construct houses as a pilot project. Chibombo, Nyimba and Senanga, just to mention a few, will have ten houses each. This project will be extended to other districts as well. This is public money which the Government has deemed fit to respond to the demands of our citizens in terms of accommodation. This will continue if the revenue base for this country increases.

Mr Speaker, it is just reasonable that we appreciate and give credit where it is due. It will not help to criticise for the sake of pleasing other people.

Mr Speaker, I would like to speak about Chisamba Constituency. There are a number of projects which this Government has implemented in Chisamba Constituency. We are building a high school which is almost complete in the constituency. For the first time, K25 billion was released to complete this project and the people of Chisamba are very excited about this development.

Mr Speaker, the road from Ngwerere has not been attended to from the time it was used by the United Bus Company of Zambia (UBZ) to date when this Government released K13 billion to work on this road. Therefore, the people of Chisamba are very happy about this development. That is Phase I. From there, the road will be repaired through where the school is being constructed up to Kabwe. In fact, it is shorter to use this road when going to Kabwe than the Great North Road. I know that the Government is planning to tar this road in future, provided the money is available.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, it is important to appreciate and mention what is happening. Under the Rural Electrification Programme, we have spent about K1.2 billion to tap power from the nearest point. At the moment, teachers at Mupelekese School are benefiting from the electricity. There is electricity in areas in Chisamba Constituency where some leaders in the other political parties never thought of taking power. The people of Chisamba have every reason to analyse who is telling the truth and has a vision.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muteteka: For now, I am telling the Zambians that we have a good governor in this country and all we need is to support this Government.

Mr Speaker, it is important to analyse our own leaders to see if they are better than us before we praise them. It is very important for this country, at the pace we are moving politically, to analyse serious issues. They are failing to describe their leaders.

Ms Kapata: Drink water!

Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, it is important that Zambians hear that we are serious and visionary. We must point out the good things that this Government is doing. We must also point out the grey areas which some people are bringing out in the governance of this nation.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muteteka: Therefore, I want to put it on record that, as a Member of Parliament, I appreciate, 100 per cent plus, the governance we are experiencing now, especially on infrastructure development.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muteteka: The Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP) has been followed to the letter.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muteteka: Therefore, every reasonable Member of Parliament, who has been in this House for the approval of the annual Budget, must be there to supervise the implementation of its programmes.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muteteka: Sometime back, all hon. Members of Parliament received circulars where they were instructed to be supervisors of all these projects and …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muteteka: … and report the progress to the line ministries.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muteteka: This culture must be encouraged because these things are happening in your constituencies. It is unfortunate that some hon. Members of Parliament do not know what is happening in their constituencies, and yet they come here to claim that they belong there when they are actually not on the ground. Therefore, it is important for hon. Members to know what is happening on the ground through their councillors, chiefs or headmen. They need to know even if the projects are being done by Plan International Zambia or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) because they are our co-operating partners. As a Member of Parliament, you are responsible for all the ministries’ projects in your constituency.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muteteka: Therefore, you have to tow party lines.

Interruptions

Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Laughter

The Minister for Northern Province (Mr Chinyanta): Mr Speaker, I thank you very much for according me the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Motion on the Floor of the House.

Mr Speaker, let me start by joining His Excellency the President in conveying my deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of two …

Interruptions

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Mr Chinyanta: … of our departed friends, the late Hon. Benson Bwalya, Member of Parliament for Chifubu Constituency and the late Hon. Lameck Kauzi Chibombamilimo, Member of Parliament for Mpulungu.

The late Hon. Bwalya was a very quiet Member of Parliament, but very focussed because he understood what his people needed in his constituency. At the same time, he co-operated very well with the Government and found it very easy to work with it.

Hon. Opposition Members: He was a rebel!

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chinyanta: Hon. Chibombamilimo was a Member of our party, the MMD, and worked very well as a Member of Parliament for Mpulungu with the support of this Government. As a result, massive development can be seen in Mpulungu today. Some of them were highlighted by His Excellency the President in his Speech and others have been mentioned by some hon. Members of Parliament during their debates.

Sir, to react to the President’s Speech, I will highlight some of the areas that have been debated on the Floor of this House to correct the wrong impression that has been created by some hon. Members of Parliament who have debated before me.

Mr Speaker, with regard to the issue of the agriculture sector, it is clear that the MMD Government policies are working very well.

Mr Shawa: Hear, hear!

Mr Chinyanta: Last year, the President announced the restructuring of the FISP. I agree with the hon. Minister of Health who said that the policy was criticised on the Floor of the House. Clearly, our colleagues from the Opposition did not understand what it meant. Sadly, again, when there is a bumper harvest in this country, the hon. Members from the Opposition do not understand its implication. We have to put it on record that we must not underplay the activities or the hard work that is coming from our farmers. It is not long ago that this country received yellow maize from other countries because we could not produce our own maize. It is not long ago that we heard the misery in the countries whose agriculture systems have collapsed. When farmers grow a lot of maize, we must appreciate it as a country.

Mr Speaker, the Northern Province has produced 2,109,710 x 50 kg bags of maize. This is a commendable job. If we translate this into money, it is about K137 billion. People are talking about the challenges that have risen from this bumper harvest. That is alright, but it would be very sad for this country if we underplayed this achievement because farmers have made a lot of effort to produce this maize and, as a Government, we have implemented policies to produce this much. This maize has been produced by 77,500 farmers. This year, our target is 132,000 farmers. Naturally, even next year, we are going to have a very big bumper harvest in this country.

Mr Speaker, as an hon. Minister for this province, I can also indicate that close to K15 billion has already been paid to farmers. If you went to the Northern Province today, you would find that all commercial banks are crowded with farmers who are being paid. It is the responsibility of the Government to ensure that it buys all the maize. These are the issues people are criticising us for. We have bought all the maize from the farmers to protect them from thieves who get maize from farmers and pay them very little. This Government has allowed these farmers to sell all the maize. The challenge is to ensure that we work on the issue of storage. I can confirm what the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives said that we are transporting maize to safer depots. If you go to Mbala, you will find that we have built a very big shed when some of our friends have just been moving along the line of rail. If you go to Kapiri Mposhi, you will find a very big shed on the left hand side. If you go to the Northern Province, including Serenje, you will find some sheds. This is all because we are preparing to store the maize in a safer environment.

Mr Speaker, it was mentioned on this Floor of this House that as a Government, we are just concentrating on maize production. That is not true. In my province, we have embarked on improving irrigation and dams. All these hon. Members of Parliament who are in this House can easily identify the projects that we are doing in their constituencies as regards irrigation and farming. All this is done through diversification so that our farmers can move into livestock rearing and production of beans. I can confirm that if you go to Soweto to buy some beans, it will most likely have come from either Luwingu or other places. Therefore, these policies are not only targeting maize, but also other crops and this has been the case for the past three years.

Mr Speaker, despite the vastness and complexity of the Northern Province, the Government has made remarkable success in the last three years. In the President’s Speech, I will highlight some of the issues the President talked about in his speech with regard to infrastructure development. That can be seen in the provinces as indicated.

Sir, as far as the roads are concerned, the main road that we are working on in the Northern Province is the Kasama/Luwingu Road. If you go there today, you will find that there are less than 45 km of road works remaining. When some hon. Members come on this Floor, they talk about that road as if nothing is being done. I am very sure that by December, very few kilometres will be left to be tarred. These are the achievements that we have seen on the ground. In addition, I know that other roads are being worked on.

Mr Speaker, the hon. Member for Chinsali said that nothing is being done there. I have travelled on the Safwa Road which goes up to Chinsali. We spent K20 billion on that road. Therefore, when hon. Members come to this House, they should talk about both the bad and good sides of this Government. If you are driving on that road, you can go up to 160 km per hour because it is quite good. It makes me very sad to see somebody come to this House and say that nothing has been done.

Sir, the hon. Member for Chilubi talked about very bad roads in his constituency. He failed to talk about the Chaba Road, but in Chilubi, he is being praised because of that road. We spent a lot of money on that road. Therefore, the hon. Member should talk about that as well rather than just talking about the things that are not being done.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chinyanta: Mr Speaker, the Rural Roads Unit (RRU) has been criticised in this House. I can tell you that this roads unit is very visible and is working in the Northern Province. The problem we have is that our friends on the other side do not want to engage us properly so that we can explain some of these issues to them. I can tell you that the Northern Province has 3,000 km of unpaved roads within the districts.

Mr Chisala: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

The Deputy Chairperson: A point of order is raised.

Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, I was not in a mood to raise a point of order, but the situation has forced me to do so.

The Deputy Chairperson: Raise your point of order.

Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Deputy Minister for Northern Province in order to mislead the nation by saying that I spoke against the efforts the Government has made in developing the country when I really praised the Government …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chisala: … for constructing the road from Luwingu to Chaba in Chilubi District? I need your serious ruling.

Interruptions

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

I think the point of order will assist the hon. Deputy Minister for Northern Province to continue debating and it does show that the hon. Member who has raised the point of order is, in fact, praising the Government’s activity in his constituency.

May the hon. Minister continue.

Hon. Government Memebrs: Hear, hear!

Mr Chinyanta: Mr Speaker, I was trying to talk about the RRU and how we are working with it in the Northern Province. I have indicated that the challenge that we face is the vastness of the province. With a total coverage of road network of 1,000 km of paved road and 3,000 km of unpaved road, initially, as a province, we planned that we work on these roads according to the districts. The hon. Members of Parliament from the Northern Province urged us to work on the roads in constituencies because there are some districts that have three constituencies. Their demand was that we go to the constituencies and work on the roads. This is what our officers have done. As a result, three months passed without any work done on the roads. They went there in May and made sure that they talked to the chiefs. They also passed through the offices of the hon. Members of Parliament so that all the stakeholders could identify the roads.

Mr Speaker, now, we have divided this equipment into two sets. At the moment, the equipment is in Mbala. From Mbala, it will go to Luwingu and Mungwi. On the western side, the equipment is now in Kaputa. From Kaputa, it will go back again to Mungwi, Mpika and Chinsali. This equipment cannot skip one district to be taken to another one. It is not easy to move equipment from one district to the next within two days. This is why our friends are complaining that the equipment has not been to their areas. They need to engage us and be patient as they await this equipment. They need to appreciate that it is heavy equipment and cannot be moved easily. These are the efforts we are making in as far as the road equipment is concerned.

Mr Speaker, the infrastructure meant for tourism development has already been talked about by my colleagues. I can confirm that the works on the Kasaba Bay Integrated Programme are going on well. I would like to urge the committees that you send to these areas to report accurately on some of the successes that they find when they come back.

Mr Speaker, I agree with the President that significant progress has been made in the health sector. Health facilities in the Northern Province have increased from 176 in 2006 to 213 in 2010. This increase in facilities indicates that the people have access to health services. For instance, the number of people who are benefiting from ARVs in the Northern Province has increased from 9,515 in 2009 to 17,238 this year. This is an increase of more than 50 per cent.  Clearly, the facilities that we have built are coming closer to the people.

Mr Speaker, it is the same situation in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Last year, 5,690 mothers accessed this facility. Today, the number has increased to 9, 700. This is a clear indication that things are working out very well for our people.

Mr Speaker, it is surprising when people condemn projects that the Government is doing. People have condemned mobile clinics. The problem is that clinics in Lusaka are within the neighbourhood and so people tend to think that mobile clinics cannot work well in other areas.

Recently, I was in Mporokoso District, commissioning Njalamimba Clinic. For the past twenty years, there was no clinic in this area. By the way they were celebrating, you could tell that these people really wanted these services. This place is very far from the nearest clinic and I believe that when we introduce mobile clinics, places that are even further will be reached. If we condemn projects such as this one, we should ensure that we do it in a way that will help this country to develop.

Mr Speaker, I would like to briefly talk about the uniform fuel pricing that has been received very well in the Northern Province. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chinyanta: The distance from Lusaka to Kaputa is about 1,420 kilometres. Hon. Members can understand what it takes for an Member of Parliament and the general public to travel this distance. Uniform prices will be very helpful for the people. The Government needs to encourage people to construct more filling stations in those areas. I can confirm, and Hon. Kapeya who is not here will bear me witness, that if you go to Mpika now, you will find a modern filling station. You will not believe that you are in a rural area. This is what we want to see. These filling stations have to be established in far-flung areas so that people can be helped in one way or another.

Mr Shawa interjected.

Mr Chinyanta: Mr Speaker, the situation I described goes for the Ministry of Education as well. A total of 176 new classroom blocks, which have already been talked about by my colleagues, were constructed at a cost of K82.8 billion. All these are indications that the Government is trying as much as possible to take development to the people. Everywhere you go, there is a basic school or secondary school being constructed. It is an indication that we are trying our best.

Mr Speaker, indeed, there are some isolated cases where there are still some challenges. There are bridges that have collapsed and roads that need our attention. We need to work together with hon. Members in the Opposition. They should encourage us so that we direct our focus and energies on some of these projects rather than discourage us when we are making every effort to ensure that we develop their areas and the province at large.

Mr Speaker, I have outlined some of the projects that are going on in the Northern Province and that are in line with what the President announced in this House. This confirms the confidence that the people have for this Government and the President himself. We are, therefore, very sure that come 2011, as my colleagues said, this confidence will be translated into votes.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

(Debate Adjourned)

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to.

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The House adjourned at 1811 hours until 1430 hours on Thursday, 7th October, 2010.