DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE TENTH ASSEMBLY

Wednesday, 22nd September, 2010

The House met at 1430 hours

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

 NATIONAL ANTHEM 

PRAYER

________

ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MR SPEAKER

ACTING LEADER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN THE HOUSE

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, I have received communication to the effect that in the absence of His Honour the Vice-President and learned hon. Minister of Justice, who is attending to other national duties, Hon. Mkhondo D. Lungu, MP, Minister of Home Affairs, has been appointed Acting Leader of Government Business in the House from today, Wednesday, 22nd September to Friday, 24th September, 2010.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Matongo: The Opposition at work. 

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order!

EXTENSION OF PARLIAMENT RADIO COVERAGE

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to inform the House that under the auspices of the Danish Embassy, the National Assembly of Zambia has now extended the Parliament Radio coverage to all provincial centres.

It is worth noting that Chipata residents are now able to listen to Parliament Radio, thereby completing Phase II of the Parliament Radio Project.

Hon. Members may wish to know that this project is being undertaken in three phases:

(i) Phase I –  radio coverage of areas along the line of rail;

(ii) Phase II – radio coverage of the provincial centres; and

(iii) Phase III –  radio coverage of areas which are not covered under phases I and II.

In this regard, Phase II has been completed and will be formally handed over to the National Assembly by the Danish Embassy in the near future.

I finally wish to inform hon. Members that Parliament Radio can be heard on the following assigned frequencies:

Province Frequency (MHz)

Copperbelt 94.1

Choma, Monze and Pemba  105.5

Kabwe and Kapiri-Mposhi 91.3

Kafue and Lusaka 92.5

Livingstone   100.5

Kasama 91.5
   
Mansa 91.5

Chipata 95.7
   
Mongu 98.1

These are all in the Frequency Modulation (FM) mode.

SESSIONAL COMMITTEES – MEMBERSHIP

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order No. 131, the Standing Orders Committee has appointed the following hon. Members to serve on various Sessional Committees for the Fifth Session of the Tenth National Assembly as follows:

HOUSE-KEEPING COMMITTEES

Committee on Privileges, Absences and Support Services (08)

The Hon. Madam Deputy Speaker (Chairperson);
The Hon. Minister of Justice; 
The Hon. Chief Whip;
Mr H. I. Mwanza, MP;
Mrs A. C. K Mwamba, MP;
Mrs R. M. Musokotwane, MP;
Mr Y. D. Mukanga, MP; and
Mr S. Sikota, SC., MP.

GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEES

Reforms and Modernisation Committee (10)

The Hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning;
The Hon. Minister of Justice; 
The Hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing;
The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House;
Dr K. Kalumba, MP (dependent upon the outcome of his court case);
Mr S. Katuka, MP;
Mr Y. D. Mukanga, MP;
Mr E. Kasoko, MP;
Mrs F. B. Sinyangwe, MP; and
Mr B. Y. Mwila, MP.

Committee on Agriculture and Lands (08)

Mr R. Muntanga, MP; 
Major C. K. Chibamba, MP;
Mr B. Hamusonde, MP;
Mr S. Katuka, MP;
Mr G. Mpombo, MP;
Dr S. Musonda, MP;
Mrs F. B. Sinyangwe, MP; and
Mrs E. K. Chitika-Molobeka, MP.

Committee on Communications, Transport, Works and Supply (07)

Mrs E. M. Banda, MP;
Mr J. C. Kasongo, MP; 
Mr W. Nsanda, MP;
Mr A. Sejani, MP;
Mr B. Imenda, MP;
Mr G. Chazangwe, MP;
Mr W. Banda, MP; and
there is one vacancy to be filled later.

Committee on Delegated Legislation (08)

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC., MP; 
Mr G. B. Mwamba, MP;
Ms J. M. Limata, MP;
Major R. M. Chizhyuka, MP;
Mr C. M. Silavwe, MP;
Reverend G. Z. Nyirongo, MP; (depending upon the outcome of her case);
Mr J. K. Zulu, MP; and
Mr J. Shakafuswa, MP.

Committee on Economic Affairs and Labour (08)

Mr C. W. Kakoma, MP; 
Ms E. M. Imbwae, MP;
Mr G. Mpombo, MP;
Mr J. K. Zulu, MP;
Dr P. D. Machungwa, MP;
Mr F. R. Tembo, MP; 
Mr D. Matongo, MP; and
Mr W. C. Simuusa, MP.

Committee on Education, Science and Technology (07)

Mr D. M. Syakalima, MP; 
Mrs S. T. Masebo, MP;
Mrs J. C. Mumbi-Phiri, MP;
Mr M. C. K. Mushili, MP;
Mr G. Chazangwe, MP;
Mr Y. D. Mukanga, MP;
Mrs B. K. Kawandami, MP; and
there is one vacancy that is to be filled later.

Committee on Energy, Environment and Tourism (08)

Mr P. P. Chanda, MP; 
Mr G. G. Nkombo, MP; 
Ms J. M. Limata, MP;
Mr J. Shakafuswa, MP; 
Dr S. Musonda, MP;
Mr J. J. Mwiimbu, MP; 
Mr A. M. Nyirenda, MP; and
Mr A. Simama, MP.

With the exception of the Committee on Privileges, Absences and Support Services, all the other Committees are mandated to elect their own chairpersons. The Election of chairpersons will be presided over by the hon. Madam Deputy Speaker or the Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House on a date to be communicated by the Clerk’s Office.

The composition of the other Committees will be announced tomorrow.

I thank you.

_________

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY

11. Dr Chishya (Pambashe) asked the Minister Science, Technology and Vocational Training:

(a) what state of relationship existed between the Republic of Zambia and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA);

(b) what socio-economic and techno-economic development benefits Zambia had gained from the IAEA;

(c) how Zambia was utilising the gains from the IAEA in the programmes for poverty reduction; and

(d) for how long the relations at (a) would subsist.

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Vocational Training (Mr Mangani): Mr Speaker, Zambia enjoys a cordial relationship with the agency since it became a member in 1969. The country has been participating in the technical co-operation programme and the support from the IAEA has been in the following areas:

(i) radiation machine and health;

(ii) application of isotopes and radiation in food and agriculture;

(iii) Isotopes Hydrology and application of isotopes and radiation in industry;

(iv) general atomic energy development;

(v) application of isotopes and radiation in Biology and Environmental Studies; and

(vi) nuclear engineering and technology.

Zambia is a non-nuclear weapon State and a party to the non-nuclear State and the non-proliferation treaty.

Mr Speaker, in the period between 2004 and 2010, the following benefits were accrued:

(a) Human Capacity Development

(i) fifty individuals got fellowships for long-term training and ninety individuals attended short-term training;

(ii) more than six scientists were trained in Isotopes Hydrology;

(iii) more than twenty personnel were trained for the Cancer Disease Hospital; and

(iv) fellowships were given to staff from both the University of Zambia  (UNZA) and the Livestock Department in the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives;

(b) Agriculture

(v) improved mutant lines of beans with larger seed size and preferred colours were developed;

(vi) cassava mutants with improved yields, quality and stress tolerance were developed;

(vii) finger millet mutants which had increased yields with higher yields of calcium and zinc were developed;

(viii) the Balmoral and Mongu Veterinary laboratories were equipped with modern equipment to improve surveillance of contagious bovine pleuro pneumonia (CBPP) and help with the control of the disease;

(ix) improvement of livestock productivity by improving genetic resources;

(x) provision of equipment for a food laboratory at UNZA; and

(xi) Zambia is still participating in the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) for tsetse fly control at regional level to help solve the problem of tsetse fly in the north-eastern part of the country;

(c) Health

(i) introduction of nuclear technology to help tackle the major prevalence of stunting and neonatal hyperthyroidism.

Mr Speaker: Order!

May the hon. Minister, please, speak a bit louder so that the House can follow.

Mr Mangani: Mr Speaker,

(ii) introduction of isotope molecular technique to address diarrhoeal diseases;

(iii) upgrading of the nuclear medicine capabilities at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) through the introduction of in-vivo medical investigations using gamma camera;

(iv) establishment of the first Cancer Disease Hospital (radiotherapy facility) in Zambia;

(v) provision of equipment for the Cancer Disease Hospital;

(vi) provision of expert services at the Cancer Disease Hospital;

(vii) assessment of food supplements for Humane Immuno Virus (HIV) infected people on anti-retroviral therapy (ART);

(viii) assessment of Vitamin A supplementation in young children at the Tropical Disease Research Centre;

(ix) provision of treatment to the Tropical Disease Research Centre; and

(x) provision of equipment for workers in radio active facilities; and

(d) Other Benefits

(i) provision of equipment for non-destructive testing (NDT) training service at UNZA (Physics Department);

(ii) provision of equipment for the Water Laboratory under the Department of Water Affairs; and

(iii) installation of surveillance at Kapiri Mposhi to monitor Radio active materials that are coming into the country.

Mr Speaker, the following are the gains from the IAEA in programmes of poverty reduction:

(i) improvement of mutant lines for beans and cassava, livestock productivity and control of livestock diseases, resulting in the improvement of people’s health, livelihood and income generation;

(ii) the Cancer Disease Hospital (radiotherapy facility) is now attending to a lot of cancer patients and has reduced the cost of sending people abroad and consequently, more people have access to health care services;

(iii) with the development of the  regulatory framework for the radioactive materials and improvement of the infrastructure and human resources at the Radiation Protection Authority, the workers in the mines, health facilities and industry are monitored regularly so that they are not exposed to too much radiation which could result in health complications such as cancer disease; and

(iv) a lot of Zambian scientists have been trained. As a result, there are competent personnel in hospitals, institutions and universities.

As long as Zambia is a member of the United Nations (UN), it remains a member of the IAEA which is a specialised agency of the UN. As a country, we can withdraw the membership if we so wishes.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

Dr Chishya: Mr Speaker, is the Government planning to lobby for a position for a Zambian to be part of the staff of the IAEA since the one who was there has retired and more funds are attracted from the IAEA when there is a representative among the staff?

The Minister of Science, Technology and Vocational Training (Dr Chituwo): Mr Speaker, thank you for that very important question. We have, indeed, been following the career of the Zambian who was with the IAEA. It is normal practice to lobby for such representation.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mukanga (Kantanshi): Mr Speaker, what was the IAEA’s contribution to the formation of the Cancer Disease Hospital in Lusaka?

Dr Chituwo: Mr Speaker, the contribution of the IAEA to the establishment of the Cancer Disease Hospital in Lusaka was in two forms. Firstly, it was monitoring. Secondly, in terms of capacity building, as has been stated in the answer, more than twenty personnel at various levels trained in radiation treatment of patients.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chanda (Kankoyo): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what deliberate programmes have been put in place by the IAEA concerning the Lumwana Copper Mine where uranium is being mined.

Dr Chituwo: Mr Speaker, the IAEA works through country representation. Secondly,  various activities are assessed by IAEA through the country programme. However, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Vocational Training, as the focal point, has representation at the Environmental Council of Zambia to follow up the issues at Lumwana Copper Mine and elsewhere.

I thank you, Sir.
CLASSROOM BLOCK IN KANCHIBIYA

12. Mr Mwango (Kanchibiya) asked the Minister of Education when the Government would fund the construction of the one by three classroom block at Munduwantanga Basic School in Kanchibiya Parliamentary Constituency.

The Deputy Minister of Education (Mr Sinyinda): Mr Speaker, the Government will fund the construction of a one by three classroom block at Munduwantanga Basic School in Kanchibiya Constituency when funds are made available.

I thank you, Sir.

MAKENI ROAD REHABILITATION

13. Colonel Chanda (Kanyama) asked the Minister of Works and Supply when the Makeni Road, which is in a deplorable state, would be rehabilitated.

The Deputy Minister of Works and Supply (Dr Kalila): Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Works and Supply, through the Road Development Agency (RDA), is aware of the bad condition of the project road. In view of this, it has been given priority and its rehabilitation has been included in the 2011 Annual Work Plan.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Zulu (Bwana Mkubwa): Mr Speaker, when was the Makeni Road last rehabilitated? Why is it already in a bad state?

The Minister of Works and Supply (Mr Mulongoti): Mr Speaker, that road falls under the Lusaka City Council.

Hon. Opposition PF Members: Aah!

Mr Mulongoti: I hope those who are murmuring know the boundaries of the City of Lusaka. There are many roads falling under the City of Lusaka. We have been having active discussions concerning the Makeni Road with the community, but I have never seen the hon. Member coming to the office to discuss this road. We have agreed on the way forward by putting money in the annual work plan. The communities have also been preparing some funds and have, in fact, offered equipment to be used in the project. I am grateful for the question raised, but I would like to encourage the hon. Member to participate in this project.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC. (Chasefu): Mr Speaker, notwithstanding the fact that the road falls under the Lusaka City Council, could the hon. Minister tell us which contractor worked on it because it has deteriorated at an unprecedented rate.

Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, that is a new question.

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Mr Mulongoti: If the hon. Member wants to know the details, we can find out. Since the road was worked on a long time ago, the hon. Member will appreciate my difficulties as well. However, we will be able to bring the information thereon if it is required.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mushili (Ndola Central): Mr Speaker, what is the Government’s plan to rehabilitate urban township roads nationally, including the Makeni Road?

Mr Speaker: The question is irrelevant.

Laughter

Mr Beene (Itezhi-tezhi): Mr Speaker, may the hon. Minister shed light on the issues of roads that are incomplete such as the road that passes through the American Embassy? Why abandon a road and start work on roads in other places when there is a road whose construction is yet to be completed?

Mr Speaker: The question does not relate to the Makeni Road.

Laughter

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, the Makeni Road was cut off during the last rainy season. Is the hon. Minister thinking of bringing that project forward so that the people do not have the problem they had during the last rainy season where some people were not even able to go for work? Has it been included in the 2011 Annual Work Plan?

Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, I gave a statement that we were actively dealing with the community with regard to the road. What more would you want us to do? I have said that we engaged the community in the project. However, funding for projects of that magnitude is approved by this House. We have been responsible enough to include it in our annual work plan. Nonetheless, if there is anything that can be done before that, it will definitely be done. We have not ignored it. It is not only Makeni, but also many other parts of Lusaka that were affected. We are, therefore, considering Makeni as well as the other parts of Lusaka.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

LOCAL COUNCILS FUNDS DISBURSEMENT

14. Mr Mukanga asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:

 (a) how much money was disbursed by the Government to the following local     councils from January to December, 2009:

  (i) Kitwe City Council;

  (ii) Lusaka city Council;

  (iii) Ndola City;

  (iv) Chingola Municipal;

  (v) Mufulira Municipal; and

  (vi) Luanshya Municipal.

 (b) What the funds at (a) were intended for; and

 (c) of the total disbursement, how much, in percentage terms, was meant for     service delivery.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Muteteka): Mr Speaker, a total amount of K42,320,277,550.00 of various grants, including Constituency Development Fund (CDF) was disbursed. In 2009, each constituency received K600 million. The breakdown of the grants disbursed to the councils indicated from January to December, 2009 are as follows:

 Council Category Grants and CDF        (ZMK)

 Kitwe  City   7,173,748,060.00

 Lusaka  City 22,260,729,765.00

 Ndola  City   5,342,099,725.00

 Chingola Municipal   2,300,000,000.00

 Mufulira  Municipal   2,900,000,000.00

 Luanshya Municipal   2,343,700,000.00 

 Total   42,320,277,550.00  

Mr Speaker, grants disbursed to councils were in five categories as follows:

 (i) Restructuring Grant
  
 The Restructuring Grant is for clearing indebtedness of councils in the form of retirement benefits to former council employees, statutory and other creditors. Currently, this grant is applied towards payment of retirement benefits in response to retired council employees.

 (ii) Recurrent Grant

This grant is meant to support councils to supplement their administration costs. However, from 2010, a part of this grant has been designated specifically for service delivery and the allocation was determined on a formula basis.

 (iii) Capital Grant

The objective of the grant is to support councils to undertake their capital projects. In 2009, the approved budgeted amount for this grant was K20 billion, and the Lusaka City Council (LCC) received K10 billion for its drainage programme.

 (iv) Grant in Lieu of Rates

This grant is a statutory requirement under the Rating Act of 1997 for the Government to pay grants in lieu of rates to councils for Government property appearing in the valuation rolls within the jurisdiction of each council. The discretionary decision-making authority on the utilisation of this grant is given to councils and councils can, therefore, utilise all or part of this grant on service delivery.

 (v) Constituency Development Fund

  This fund is utilised only on micro community projects which can      contribute to development of the constituencies.

Mr Speaker, the disbursed funds in terms of the percentage meant for service delivery is about 60 per cent.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that Mufulira Municipal Council received K2.8 billion. When the CDF is subtracted, it comes to K1.1 billion. At that level of disbursement, what service delivery does he expect the council to provide?

The Minister of Local Government and Housing (Dr Kazonga): Mr Speaker, as regards the amount that has been indicated and the net the hon. Member has referred to, the Central Government believes that no matter how little that amount is, it can still be used for something that the communities can see. I am still convinced that he can do something with that K1.1 billion he has referred to.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kambwili (Roan): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether it is true that councillors on the Copperbelt Province have been paying themselves allowances from these disbursements as alleged by the President.

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, yes, some councils were involved in the misapplication of funds particularly to do with payments that were made to people who were not thereto entitled or giving funds without following the guidelines. Appropriate action has already been taken to correct that particular wrongdoing.

I thank you, Sir.

Mrs Phiri (Munali): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister why his ministry directed the LCC to get K2.1 billion, without going through a full council meeting, and yet he knows that people need services to be provided.

Hon. Members: For What?

Mrs Phiri: For the police.

Laughter

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, we need to get the fundamentals right. Firstly, local authorities are agents of the Central Government. The overall policies and programmes come from the Central Government. If the Central Government believes that there is something wrong happening, it will not just sit and watch. Therefore, that decision was taken to save the people of Lusaka and bring sanity to the city.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Machungwa (Luapula): Mr Speaker, the total amount disbursed to councils in the form of grants is K42 billion and more than half of this went to the LCC. Can the hon. Minister say that the LCC deserves to get more than half of what all the six cities are getting? What criterion was used in the allocation?

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, these are some of the questions that we have been receiving. As a Government, we have decided to change the mechanism of disbursing grants. We are now using a formula-based grant system instead of simply negotiating these amounts with the respective councils because some of them may have very good negotiation skills while others may not. Therefore, from this year onwards, it is this formula that will be used. It will take into account the population and level of poverty in a particular council. It will also look at the percentage of people who have access to municipal infrastructure such as clean water supply and sanitation as well as other amenities in that area. This information is obtained from the Central Statistical Office (CSO).

Sir, the formula is currently being used in order to address the problematic areas. The formula is also more objective. Therefore, I wish to indicate to the hon. Member of Parliament that based on these statistics, the grant for Lusaka was, indeed, on the higher side when compared to other councils.

I thank you, Sir.

   Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether he honestly believes that there is any council in this country, or anywhere in the world, that can stand on its own financially.

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, the answer lies in what we are doing as a Government. Year in year and year out, we release grants to local authorities. It is pleasing to note that last year, all the grants that were due to our local authorities were released. Having the grants in place means that the Government has acknowledged that there is a need to support the local authorities. As was clearly demonstrated, last year, the Government is committed to providing support to our local authorities.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Mr Speaker, granted that the Government allocated a sum of K10 billion to the Lusaka City Council for the construction of the drainage system, can the hon. Minister assure us that the money has been used for that purpose and that, this year, we will not experience the flooding to the same extent as last year?

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, since we have disbursed funds to the Lusaka City Council for works on the drainage system, particularly, in Kanyama, we have been following up on the progress that is being made. At some stage, the contractor stopped the works for about three months because of the weather conditions. We have kept on asking the local authority to follow up on the progress that is being made. When we notice that a particular council is not adequately supervising the works taking place, we move in to help. We are hopeful that by the beginning of the next rainy season, the works on the drainage system will be completed. If the works will not be completed by that time, we shall use the provisions in the contract to address the concerns that may arise.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lubinda (Kabwata): Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister indicate the relationship between the grants in lieu of rates that were paid to the Lusaka City Council during the period in question and the rentals that the Ministry of Local Government and Housing has been owing the council for the occupation of the offices along Church Road and some houses by members of staff in his ministry?

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, I am aware of the two issues which have been raised by the hon. Member for Kabwata. With regard to the first one to do with offices, as I earlier indicated, the local authority is an agent of the Central Government.

Laughter

Mr Lubinda: Therefore!

Dr Kazonga: Therefore, …

Laughter

Dr Kazonga: … we can decide when to give the council money and when not to.

Laughter

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kazonga: The local authorities are our babies.

Hon. Opposition Members: No!

Dr Kazonga: Yes! In turn, that property in question belongs to the Central Government.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, on the second part of the question about the houses which are occupied by some members of staff at the ministry, I would like to state that I am not aware of any outstanding housing rentals. I can authorise the council right away to collect the rentals, if there are any, but not for that office.

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter

Ms Mwape (Mufulira): Mr Speaker, taking into account what the hon. Minister has just stated that the local authorities are agents of the Central Government and also how the police utilise their funds, is the hon. Minister saying that the agents are authorised to breach procedures by not allowing the full council meetings to approve their expenditure? Are the councils allowed to breach procedure as they perform their duties as agents?

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, the local authorities are not allowed to breach the regulations. However, their overall direction, as I indicated earlier, comes from the Central Government which has the right to direct the local authorities to do what is in the best interest of all Zambians.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

KAFUE AND KABWE ROUNDABOUTS

15. Mr Ntundu (Gwembe) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:

(a) when the two water fountains at Kafue and Kabwe roundabouts in Lusaka would be rehabilitated;

(b) what the total monthly cost of running the fountains was; and

(c) which contractor built the fountains.

Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, I would like to inform this august House that:

(a) according to the lease agreements signed on 9th August, 2010 between the Lusaka City Council and Professional Insurance, the insurance firm is currently running the Kabwe Roundabout Fountain while Radian Stores is taking care of the Kafue Roundabout Fountain. The rehabilitation of the two fountains should be completed by mid- November, 2010;

(b) the total monthly cost for the running of the two fountains is approximately K6,700,000; and

(c) the two fountains were built by two different contractors namely, Kajeema Construction which built the one at the Kabwe Roundabout and Appolo Enterprise which constructed the one at the Kafue Roundabout.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out how Professional Insurance is involved in the running of the fountains.

Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, taking care of such infrastructure is a collective responsibility of everyone. Professional Insurance showed interest in maintaining the fountain at the Kabwe Roundabout. As a result, an agreement was entered into. The insurance firm is committed to ensuring that it sustains the fountain.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr L. J. Mulenga (Kwacha): Mr Speaker, what strategic long-term sustainability plans does the Government have for these fountains unlike depending on donors who are not even there?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for that follow-up question.

Interruptions

Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, I mean the hon. Member.

Laughter

Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, indeed, as you may be aware, the Government has brought on the scene the concept of public-private partnerships (PPPs). How the fountains are being taken care of is an indication of how such partnerships are working. The fountains are public facilities that will be sustained through PPP ventures. The long-term plans will depend on how we co-operate with our co-operating partners and the companies which are supporting this infrastructure.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kapeya (Mpika Central): Mr Speaker, K6 billion is quite a huge amount of money…

Interruptions

Mr Kapeya:… for the maintenance of the two fountains.

Mr Speaker: Order! What is the figure?

Hon. Members: K6 million!

Mr Kapeya: Mr Speaker, if it is K6 million, then it is acceptable. I thought he meant K6 billion.

Laughter

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister referred to PPPs in his response to the question at hand. I seek further clarification regarding his response. I wish to know whether, indeed, he would like the corporate citizens in Lusaka to continue to assist the LCC purely as a social corporate responsibility without necessarily thinking about the concept of the PPPs which entail them making a profit in their undertaking. Could he, please, clarify that point so that we send the right signal to the co-operating partners in Lusaka who have helped us maintain the Cairo Road.

Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, we appreciate his observation. The Ministry of Local Government and Housing shall always continue to deliver according to the aspirations of our citizens, but will not ignore the presence of our co-operating partners. This is why we partner with them. However, we have taken into account what the hon. Member has said. We are going to continue providing resources for the infrastructure which is under the Ministry of Local Government and Housing.

I thank you, Sir.

Interruptions

TEACHERS’ HOUSES IN CHIPILI CONSTITUENCY

16. Mr D. Mwila (Chipili) asked the Minister of Education:

(a) when the following schools and teachers’ houses in Chipili Parliamentary Constituency would be rehabilitated:

(i) Luminu;

(ii) Kalundu;

(iii) Kanshimba; and

(iv) Mukoshi; and

(b) how much money would be required to rehabilitate the infrastructure.

The Deputy Minister of Education (Mr Sinyinda): Mr Speaker, the following schools and teachers’ houses in Chipili Constituency will be rehabilitated when funds are made available:

(a) Luminu;

(b) Kalundu;

(c) Kashimba; and

(d) Mukonshi.

Sir, a total of K315 million will be required to rehabilitate the infrastructure broken down as follows:

 Name of School No. of Classrooms/Houses Amount (ZMK)

 Luminu 5 classrooms and 2 teachers’ houses  130,000,000

 Kalundu 5 classrooms 45,000,000

 Kashimba 5 classrooms and 3 teachers’ houses 65,000,000

 Mukonshi 4 classrooms and 4 teachers’ houses 75.000.000

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr D. Mwila: Mr Speaker, will the hon. Minister confirm to this House that the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) Government has failed to rehabilitate this infrastructure and that since next year is an election year, the rehabilitation works will be done by a new Government?

Laughter

Mr Sinyinda: Mr Speaker, I am sure the hon. Member realises that we are undertaking some massive construction works in all the constituencies in the country. We know that we may not have the resources that might cater for all the schools, but it is our plan that as we complete rehabilitating and constructing the ones we have already started before we move on to other schools.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Chazangwe (Choma Central): Mr Speaker, most rural schools are understaffed due to poor accommodation and sanitation. When will this Government put in place measures to improve such schools so that they can also have teachers?

Mr Sinyinda: Mr Speaker, the Government realises that for it to deliver quality education, it needs teachers’ houses, classrooms and good sanitation. That is exactly what we are working on. We are mindful of the fact that we must provide accommodation. I know that we have not built enough teachers’ houses, but we are making efforts to address the situation.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker: Order! Let me guide the Executive. When you answer a question like that one and then hon. Members take you into a cross-country kind of questioning, the Chair will not mind if you said that the question that was being asked such as the supplementary questions to Question 16 were not relevant. However, if the hon. Minister, in the process of answering a question like this one opens up and refers to the rest of the country, he or she should not complain when the House now follows him or her all over the country.

Laughter

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out whether the Government intends to include the works in question in next year’s Budget so that the teachers’ houses and schools are worked on.

Mr Sinyinda: Mr Speaker, like I have already pointed out, the works will only be done when funds are made available.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has consistently said, “When funds are made available.” May I find out what is going to happen to this infrastructure if the funds are not made available?

Mr Sinyinda: Mr Speaker, I am sure that the hon. Member knows that, at the moment, the Ministry of Education is constructing more than 2,000 classrooms all over the country. This simply shows how serious the ministry is about infrastructure development. It is unfortunate, however, that it does not have the money to build all the schools at the same time.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

TITLE DEEDS ISSUANCE

17. Mr Ntundu asked the Minister of Lands:

(a) when the issuance of title deeds to people who bought either Government or council houses would be completed; and
 
(b) what the policy of the Government was on properties bought on unsurveyed land through the Zambia Privatisation Agency (ZPA).

The Deputy Minister of Lands (Mr Mabenga): Mr Speaker, the issuance of title deeds to people who bought either Government or council houses is an on-going exercise whose progress is client-driven and dependent on a number of factors, including the following:

(i) payment of all expenses incidental to the issuance of title deeds such as payment of survey fees and lease charges; and

(ii) the submission to the Ministry of Lands of duly completed conveyance documentation by the originating institutions or persons.

Mr Speaker, the policy of the Government on properties on unsurveyed land bought through the ZPA is not different from the existing policy on any other properties. For example, anyone who buys property must follow the procedure of having land surveyed before title can be issued. In other words, the policy is the same whether one buys property from an institution or from an individual.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, when someone buys property from the Government, it should not be difficult to get a title. A title should be issued straight away. Why should the Government complicate matters by giving people the hustle of running after their title deeds when money is obtained from them and is being used? Why should it be so difficult?

Mr Mabenga: Mr Speaker, I have clearly outlined how a person buying a piece of land or house can acquire a title. I indicated that whether it is at an individual, Government or institution level, the procedure is the same.

You may wish to know that, at the moment, we have no pending cases for houses purchased by individuals or institutions. Therefore, our hands are very clean on this matter.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr D. Mwila: Mr Speaker, it has been thirteen years since 1997 when the sale of council houses was done. Can the Government tell this House whether it will not give title deeds to the people who bought those houses since they will be out of Government soon?

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order!

I know that it is the wish and desire of hon. Members to ask genuine questions to which they require genuine answers. However, if your question includes a provocative insinuation, then you have a problem.

I will, however, ask the hon. Minister of Lands to answer the question, but ignore the latter part.

Hon. Shakafuswa: Hear, hear!

The Minister of Lands (Ms Lundwe): Mr Speaker, in our response, we stated that the process of issuing title deeds is client-driven. This means that it is the client’s role to make available all documentation required by the ministry. In the case of the buyers that have not yet been issued with title, it may mean that they have not submitted certain documents required by the ministry.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Imenda (Lukulu East): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what the ministry intends to do in situations where a district administrative centre has not been surveyed.

Ms Lundwe: Mr Speaker, that is a new question.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

MARKET CONSTRUCTION IN KANKOYO CONSTITUENCY

18. Mr Chanda asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing when the Government would construct a market in Chibolya Township in Kankoyo Parliamentary Constituency.

Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that there is no provision in the 2010 Budget to support the construction of a market in Chibolya.

Mr Speaker, development initiatives should be advanced by councils and all infrastructure development programmes must be planned and reflected in the councils’ annual plans and supported by budget provisions.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chanda: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister why there are no clear answers when it comes to Kankoyo, and yet …

Laughter

Mr Chanda: …markets are being constructed countrywide using the Government coffers. I would like to know what is wrong with Kankoyo Constituency. Is it because there is sulphur dioxide there or what?

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order!

You are spoiling your question.

Laughter

Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, I wish to state that each individual council or local authority has to put the aspirations of the residents of that particular area in its annual work plan. This is where it begins from.

The Ministry of Local Government and Housing receives annual work plans and budgets that the hon. Minister approves, every year, as he stated earlier. We, therefore, depend on an individual local authority to submit for consideration the aspirations of the residents of the area to the ministry.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr L. J. Mulenga: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister how council budgets are included in the National Budget to establish how the construction of the market in Kankoyo can be fostered.

Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, this happens as a collective agreement at the level of local authorities. To some extent, all local authorities participate in the construction of the National Development Plan. There is, therefore, a system in the Government of how to channel the views of the individual councils to the Central Government for consideration.

The challenge to build our cases according to the system and submit them to the relevant authorities for consideration is at local authority level. In this case, individual hon. Members of Parliament are key players in the genesis of this aspiration. I, therefore, challenge all hon. Members to work with the councils to develop their areas according to the wishes of the people.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

CHIUNDAPONDE AND CHAMBESHI/MBATI/CHINKOBO ROADS

19. Mr Mwango asked the Minister of Works and Supply:

(a) when the Government would construct the Chiundaponde and Chambeshi/Mbati/Chinkobo roads in Kanchibiya Parliamentary Constituency; and

(b) what the estimated cost of the construction of the two roads above was.

Dr Kalila: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Ministry of Works and Supply, through the Road Development Agency (RDA) is desirous to rehabilitate the 70.6 km Chiundaponde Road. In previous years, limited maintenance was carried out in order to halt further deterioration in the condition of the road. This year, the Regional Engineer for the Northern Province has been allocated an amount of K499 million to carry out spot improvement of the project road with the Rural Roads Unit (RRU) construction equipment.

The Regional Engineer has started the maintenance of the drainage and drainage structures while awaiting the receipt of the construction equipment on site from other on-going projects within the province.

Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Works and Supply, through the RDA, is also desirous of rehabilitating the 86-km Chambeshi/Mbati/Chinkobo Road. However, the inadequate funding, over the past years, has made it difficult to do so.

In 2001, a contract was awarded to a foreign construction company to rehabilitate the project road. The contractor moved on site, but later demobilised because an advance payment was not made. The Ministry of Works and Supply is still committed to carrying out the rehabilitation of the project road. In the meantime, in order to keep the road in a  state which cars can use, the RRU construction equipment will be used to maintain it. The estimated cost for the rehabilitation of Chiundaponde and Chambeshi/Mbati Road is K15 billion and K12 billion respectively.

 Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mwango: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out why the Government is failing to use the K500 million which was allocated last year as stated by the hon. Minister.

Dr Kalila: Mr Speaker, K499 million has been given to the regional engineer for this purpose. However, this is not to say that we have failed to utilise it. If the hon. Member was listening to our response, we said work thereon has since started. What we are simply waiting for is the construction equipment which is still in use in other parts of the province. Therefore, I would like to assure the hon. Member that we have not failed and will soon be attending to this road.

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kapeya: Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister explain, in very clear terms, why the Government withdrew the RRU equipment from Chiundaponde after the 2008 by-elections.

Mr Mulongoti:  Mr Speaker, the programme of work in the province is controlled by the provincial administration. Therefore, if it was felt that there were other priority areas where the equipment was taken, it was not for us to decide otherwise. Do not assume that we, as a Government, have something against Chiundaponde because we would like to also see it developed. That is why the equipment was taken there in the first place. Therefore, the Government still has Chiundaponde in mind.

I thank you, Sir.

 Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chisala (Chilubi): Mr Speaker, in connection with the question asked by the hon. Member for Mpika, could the hon. Minister indicate the total number of kilometres that were worked on before the equipment was withdrawn from the road in question.

Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, that being a road that is not tarred, even if we worked on the entire road, it could have been washed away by now.

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Interruptions

CHIBOLYA COMPOUND UPGRADING

20. Colonel Chanda asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing what the progress on the upgrading of Chibolya Compound which started in 2008 was.

Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this House that the process of upgrading squatter settlements starts with the declaration of an area as an improvement area by the ministry. This follows recommendations by the concerned council to my office clearly indicating the size of the area, facilities found there, proposed roads, common areas, etc …

Mr Speaker: Order! What is meant by etc?

Laughter

Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, it means other factors to be taken into consideration as we plan for the settlement as provided for in the Housing Statutory and Improvement Areas Act Cap. 194 of the Laws of Zambia. Therefore, an area cannot be upgraded until it is declared an improvement area by my ministry.

Mr Speaker, Chibolya Compound in Lusaka has already been declared an improvement area and has been selected as a pilot project on the improvement of the urban environment through the upgrading project under the just-completed comprehensive Urban Development Plan for Lusaka. Sensitisation activities were commenced under a theme called Chibolya/Urban Renewal Programme that included improvement of housing, roads, drainages and other ancillary services.

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Colonel Chanda: Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister shed some light on why the Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA) that was assigned to undertake the programme decided to pull out at the last minute.

Dr Kazongo: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament for Kanyama is aware of the problems that were encountered and these are what led to JICA’s pull out. This particular initiative was heavily politicised. Party cadres were quarrelling and fighting. Meanwhile, this is a good programme meant for the improvement of the area. Since I have approved the Urban Development Plan for Lusaka, I am aware that Chibolya was picked as one of the pilot projects. Therefore, we shall continue to implement the programme so that, at least, that area can be upgraded.

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

DISTRICT COUNCILS’ REVENUE LOSS

21. Mr Muyanda (Sinazongwe) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:

(a) how much revenue was being lost by district councils countrywide following the abolition of the grain levy; and

(b) what the benefits to peasant farmers resulting from the abolition of the grain levy had been.

Mr Muteteka:  Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that there is no revenue lost by councils as a result of the abolition of …

Mr Kambwili: Question!

Mr Muteteka: …crop levies by the Government. This is because this responsible Government has provided K16.620 billion in the 2010 Budget to compensate all the councils that used to collect crop levies. So far, the Government has already disbursed K8 billion to the deserving councils, leaving a balance of K8.620 billion yet to be disbursed.

Mr Speaker, so far, there is no data to indicate the benefits accruing to peasant farmers resulting from the abolition of the crop levy.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Muyanda: Mr Speaker, may the hon. Minister indicate whether some commercial farmers have not benefited from the abolition of this levy that has been imposed by the Government.

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, at the moment, we do not have any information relating to a group of farmers who have benefited. However, after a while, we shall sit down and analyse the effect of this abolition, but we feel it is too early to do so now. Since it was only effected this year, we should be able to move forward in terms of what we intend to do and analyse its impact at an appropriate time. There is a need for proper data before some allegations such as the one concerning commercial farmers can be made. We need to carry out an investigation. In the absence of that information, it would be difficult for us to affirm or negate them.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Muntanga (Kalomo Central): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister mentioned that there has been no loss of revenue involved. Could he then indicate to this House whether the ministry will reimburse the councils that were raising K800 million from this abolished crop levy, but have only been given K500 million as grants. Will the ministry cover the shortfall created by the abolition of this levy?

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, I wish to state that the Government did not just dream about the K16.620 billion figure. We, in Government, had to compile submissions from all the councils that were affected and are aware that some are even inflating the revenue collected from the crop levy a bit. However, we took it as it came which is the K16.620 billion. In turn, the Government picked that figure and converted it to a compensation package. To show that we are really committed to that, out of that K16.620 billion, K8 billion has already been released.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kazonga: There is simply K8.620 billion remaining to be released.

Sir, some of the councils, today, are getting more now due to the compensation package we introduced as opposed to what it was that time …

Mr Kambwili: Question!

Dr Kazonga: … because this time, we have simply taken the crude figures as they were submitted. These figures did not come from the Government, but the affected councils. We are saying that there is no loss in terms of revenue because the Government has not altered the figure the councils submitted.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mrs Musokotwane (Katombola): Mr Speaker, is the Government not contradicting itself since we are supposed to decentralise? Decentralisation means that councils are supposed to raise their own funds, but we have closed the avenues of raising their own funds and are instead giving them money from the Central Government. Are we not contradicting ourselves?

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, I wish to categorically state that there is no contradiction. Decentralisation, if implemented by devolution, does not mean that every function from the Central Government will be transferred to the local authorities. It simply means devolving some of the functions. Therefore, the Central Government will still have a role to play.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kazonga: If it means that a particular function needs to be handled by the Central Government, it will be done by the Central Government

Mr Mulyata: Bauze!

Dr Kazonga: It does not mean that by decentralising, the Central Government will abdicate all its functions to the councils.

I thank you, Mr Speaker:

Interruptions

Mr Lumba (Solwezi Central): Mr Speaker, when will the Government release the remaining K8.620 billion to the affected councils since the year is about to end?

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, our Government is committed to ensuring that the balance of K8.620 billion is disbursed as early as possible, based on what we shall collect using the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) resources. Funds permitting, we will implement our approved budget for this year. That K8.620 billion in question is part of what was approved for this year. Therefore, we are simply implementing what was approved.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Mwape: Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister give us the actual revenue lost in relation to the crop levy and not the grant figures given because the question is on loss of revenue as a result of the abolition of the crop levy. What are the amounts lost as a result of the abolition of the crop levy and not the grants being given, please?

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, I will still emphasise that there is no loss in revenue because these figures came from the councils. The Government has indicated that it is going to give these councils what is due to them.

However, this year, the Government has also gone beyond that. We had to engage a consultant to go on the ground and verify these figures. When this consultancy is completed, it could also be an input in what we plan for the future for the local authorities. It is a commitment we have made to assist the local authorities as much as possible. However, they also need to assist themselves by raising revenues through locally generated ventures.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

COPPERBELT PROVINCE HIGH SCHOOLS

22. Mr Mukanga asked the Minister of Education:

(a) what the total number of high schools on the Copperbelt Province was; and

(b) of these high schools, how many had been constructed between 2006 and 2009.

Mr Sinyinda: Mr Speaker, the Copperbelt Province has sixty-three high schools. Only Ndola Girls’ Technical Boarding High School was constructed between 2006 and 2009.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, in his reply, the hon. Minister mentioned that only one high school had been constructed from 2006 to date on the Copperbelt. I would like to find out what the Government is doing to ensure that the children who live in the peri-urban areas of the Copperbelt are afforded a chance to go to high schools nearer to their areas. Some of them have to walk about 20 km to the nearest high school. What is Government doing about this?

Mr Sinyinda: Mr Speaker, the Government is serious about the provision of education to all our people. On the Copperbelt, the Government is constructing the following high schools: namely, Lufwanyama Boarding, Masaiti Boarding, Mpongwe Boarding and Kamfinsa Day.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sinyinda: Mr Speaker, you can see that we are serious about this issue.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, out of the sixty-three schools mentioned by the hon. Deputy Minister in his answer, would he indicate the total number of public and private schools?

Mr Kambwili: New question!

Mr Sinyinda: Mr Speaker, since that is a new question, I request that we come up with the correct statistics at a later date.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

COMPUTER LESSONS IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS

23. Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma) asked the Minister of Education whether the Government had any plans to introduce computer lessons in all the Government schools countrywide.

Mr Sinyinda: Mr Speaker, it is the intention of the Government to introduce computer lessons in all Government schools in Zambia. The curriculum is being reviewed to take on board information communication technology (ICT).

I thank you, Sir.

FRA MAIZE PURCHASE

24. Mr D. Mwila asked the Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives:
 
(a) how many bags of maize were bought by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) in the 2009/2010 farming season;

(b) how much money was spent on buying the maize; and

(c) how much profit the FRA accrued from the purchase of maize.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives (Mr Mbewe): Mr Speaker, the FRA does not buy maize on the basis of farming seasons, but only during the marketing season which starts on the 1st of May and ends at the end of September every year. However, during the 2009/2010 marketing season, the FRA bought 198,630 metric tonnes translated into 3,972,594 x 50kg bags of white maize.

Mr Speaker, the FRA spent K258,218,610,000 (K258.2 billion) on payments to farmers who supplied the maize. The FRA is not a profit-making organisation, but an implementing arm of the Government in the management of national strategic food reserves and the provision of agricultural marketing services to small-scale farmers.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr D. Mwila: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out whether the Government has intentions of re-introducing the selling points that were removed, for example, in Chipili Constituency where people have failed to sell all their maize.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, the marketing arrangement is growing each year. Last year, there was an average of seven depots per district, but it has been increased to above fifteen depots per district. In case our farmers do not locate nearby places to sell their maize, the district agriculture co-ordinating officers (DACOs) will prepare areas for the affected farmers for this activity.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Mr Speaker, in view of the bumper harvest of maize which the country has produced this year, I would like to find out whether the FRA has bought the required quantities of maize and if it has, what will happen to the excess which it has apparently purchased from the farmers.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, the bumper harvest has been recorded because of the good policies of the Government and the rains.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kambwili: Question!

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, the Government is determined to buy all the maize which our small-scale farmers have produced and the Government will source funds to make sure that all the farmers who will supply maize to the FRA are paid in time. There will be nothing like getting the maize on credit because the Government is determined to handle the produce from our farmers.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Matongo (Pemba): Mr Speaker, I believe the FRA’s deficit is about three months from the first purchase of maize to date. I would like to know from the hon. Minister how much, to date, it has paid for the maize it purchased and where.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, payments to our small-scale farmers for the maize or produce is on-going and, so far, it has spent over K126 billion thereon. As the hon. Minister indicated yesterday, every week, it shall disburse K130 billion to farmers.

Mr Speaker, in districts where there was minimum production, all the farmers have been paid.

Hon. Opposition Members: Where?

Mr Mbewe: We have covered sixty-eight districts.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Habeenzu (Chikankata): Mr Speaker, I would like the hon. Minister to indicate whether the Government will reimburse the farmers for the grain bags they used since the FRA was supposed to provide empty grain bags.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, the intention of the FRA is to return all the grain bags that our small-scale farmers used to deliver their grain to the markets. The FRA does not need those bags because they lose grip when making stacks and cannot withstand the heat. All such bags will be returned to the owners because now, the FRA has enough grain bags for our farmers to use.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Mwape: Mr Speaker, since the policy of this Government has led to the bumper harvest, can the hon. Minister explain how this good policy excluded budgeting for the purchase of this maize, resulting in the Government resorting to borrowing for it?

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, we budgeted K100 billion for this activity, but now that there is more maize, we have had to look elsewhere for money for us to settle the bills with the farmers to enable them to continue farming.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister said that the grain bags that the farmers used are not good enough and, therefore, should be returned to the farmers. Could the hon. Deputy Minister explain to the nation, through this House, the programme that he intends to put in place to ensure that these bags are delivered to the farmers.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, the FRA grain bags are different from the other grain bags. We will take them back in the sense that all the depots in the districts have been instructed to exchange the FRA grain bags with those the farmers have been using to deliver their grain. It has also been instructed to request the owners to collect their bags from the depots where they delivered their grain.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

_________

MOTIONS

MOTION OF THANKS

(Debate resumed)

Mr Beene (Itezhi-tezhi): Mr Speaker, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Motion of the President’s Address.

Mr Speaker, if I am correct, this is the fifth time I have witnessed the President’s speeches made in this House. This speech was business as usual. The opening remarks of the President’s Speech mentioned the remarkable recovery after the global recession. That statement gave no percentages of how many jobs have been created.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Beene: Mr Speaker, it gave no statistics on how many businesses were created and those that went under.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Beene: Mr Speaker, the ideal way to debate this Motion is to correct the Executive where they have not done well. I am not going to stand here and praise them for things which they did not do well. Where they have done well, I will praise them through you, Mr Speaker.

Mrs Musokotwane: Hammer!

Mr Beene: Mr Speaker, there are no statistics to show the poverty progression he talked about. The bumper harvest that is being talked about is unreachable.

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

Mr Beene: Mr Speaker, I thought the speech should have clearly mentioned the Zambian people’s benefits from the measures taken against the global recession. We are all aware here that the recession was global. Other Governments took measures to ensure that jobs, companies and businesses were protected and money was injected into companies.

Mr Speaker, the President said that remedies to the recession such as the Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) failed to help citizens mitigate the effects of the global recession.

Interruptions

Mr D. Mwila: Bwekeshapo!

Mr Beene: Mr Speaker, in that vein, it is wrong to talk about the oasis of peace for development. It is alright to talk about the oasis of peace where there are no guns and civil wars, but where people are still wallowing in poverty and failing to take their children to school, there is no oasis of peace to talk about.

Interruptions

Mr D. Mwila: Landa, boyi!

Mr Beene: Mr Speaker, we lost gallant hon. Members of Parliament from this House, which is very sad. However, the President should have gone further to talk about how those who have remained will live a normal life.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1615 hours to1630 hours.

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Speaker: The Chair is impressed by ….

Laughter

Mr Speaker:  … the massive punctuality.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Beene: Mr Speaker, before I left the House for some refreshments, …

Laughter

Mr Beene: … I was talking about the obituaries in the President’s Speech. I said that it is very important for the Head of State’s policy statement to give guidance to every system from the top to the bottom for the sake of those who are left behind. I am aware that some offices take issues …

Mr Chimbaka: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Chimbaka: Mr Speaker, I have risen on a very serious point of order and before I go further, may I beg the indulgence of my fellow compatriot and trade unionist for disrupting his well-researched debate.

Laughter

Mr Chimbaka: It is barely a month ago when you, Mr Speaker, …

Interruptions

Mr Chimbaka: Listen.

… made a very thoroughly researched ruling on the point of order raised by the hon. Member of Parliament for Mwense, Hon. Chongo, in reference to the article in The Post Newspaper, where Hon. Mpombo was quoted as having spoken contrary to parliamentary etiquette and decorum on an issue that His Honour the Vice-President spoke about on the Floor of this House.

Mr Speaker, I would like you to equally assist us, as hon. Members of Parliament and the country, to understand whether it is parliamentary for a Member of Parliament who has the opportunity and privilege to debate and discuss the President’s Address on the Floor of this House to go out to the media and call the Head of State a liar. He said:

“Rupiah is a Shameless Liar Charges Mpombo.”

Mr Speaker, I think this statement is contrary to the provisions as inscribed by parliamentary etiquette and decorum. I would like you to make a serious ruling on whether Hon. Mpombo was in order, after having been counselled, to go to the media again and talk in a manner as quoted by The Post Newspaper.

Mr Speaker, I would like to lay this paper on the Table for your study and ruling.

I thank you very much.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chimbaka started walking towards the Table.

Mr Speaker: Order!

Did you quote any paragraphs from that article?

Hon. Members: No!

Mr Speaker: You may have to go back and continue.

Mr Chimbaka walked back to his seat.

Mr Chimbaka: Mr Speaker, I want to quote The Post Newspaper of Tuesday, 21st September, 2010:

“RUPIAH IS A SHAMELESS LIAR, CHARGES MPOMBO

“George Mpombo yesterday described President Rupiah Banda as a shameless liar who is eager to hoodwink the public through blatant political plagiarism by claiming credit for projects initiated by the late President Levy Mwanawasa.

“And Mpombo urged the MMD senior leadership, especially Cabinet Ministers, to get out of their cocoons of fear …

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chimbaka:

“… and exercise their democratic right to challenge President Banda.”

Sir, my concern is the usage of the word ‘liar’ which is unparliamentary.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lubinda: You did not say end of quote.

Mr Chimbaka: End of quote. Thank you, Hon. Lubinda.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

I have ruled and guided the House on matters such as the one raised by the hon. Member for Bahati in his point of order. There is no need for me, having guided the House so many times in the past on matters such as this one, to defer ruling and come back to the House with a final decision. Matters of this nature go beyond politics and relate or affect us with regard to how we relate with one another as human beings to begin with and also as adults in society. Look at how old each one of us here and out there is and consider whether it is Zambian culture for adults to insult one another in a normal community environment. Is it normal to insult one another? Is it normal to call one another liars?

Now, if I may narrow it down to this House, each one of you has subscribed to the Oath of Allegiance and you stand there (pointing to the right side of the Table) to make this oath. Remember the words you say over there? What do you say when you are standing over there? One of the things you do is …

Mr Mwaanga: Swear allegiance to the President.

Mr Speaker: … swear allegiance to the President. Look, I have heard some of you, very cunningly, thinking I do not hear you, swear allegiance to the Presidency. That is not correct because that is not what the Oath says. The Oath says “… allegiance to the President of the Republic of Zambia.” One day, if I have an opportunity, I will make one of you swear twice.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Once wrongly on your own and the second time correctly under my supervision.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Until such a time that the Oath is changed to the language you want to use, it shall be said that you bear true allegiance to the President of the Republic of Zambia. What that means is that wherever you are, in this House or outside, you must respect the President or the bearer of that office. If some of you are privately friendly out there with any Head of State, current or former, do it privately and not here, in the media or anywhere else because you are not allowed to do that.

In any case, it is actually an offence. I believe the biggest Act of Parliament, which may be even longer than the Constitution, is the Penal Code. There is a section in the Penal Code which is still intact and which clearly says insulting or in any way making disparaging remarks on the Head of State is a citable offence. It says so and even prescribes a penalty for this offence. It does not matter whether you make such remarks outside this House. I have read in some newspapers and even heard some of you on radio referring to the Head of State by name only and not saying, “President so and so”. This is an offence and I do not even know where the law enforcement agencies are when this is happening.

You have no immunity when it comes to insulting the Head of State wherever you are. If you insult in this House, this House will take care of you. If you insult outside, the law enforcement agencies should take care of you. The use of such language on the Head of State is not a sign of heroism or political championship, but an indication that there is something wrong with you.

The point of order has been properly raised and I am guiding in a very frank manner. If the words you used were used in this House, this House would have taken care of you. Hon. Mpombo is an hon. Member of Parliament. No hon. Member will utter words such as the ones he used. I am assuming The Post Newspaper quoted Hon. Mpombo correctly. If not, he would have by now, maybe, asked for a retraction which I have not seen. Therefore, I take it that the paper quoted Hon. Mpombo correctly. What he said should not be said by an hon. Member, especially when he is referring to matters that took place in this House.

I referred to this matter yesterday that on Friday, last week, some of you found it more convenient or, maybe, easier to rush to the media to debate the President’s Address, but when it came to this House, all of you froze. What is that? Why should an hon. Member avoid discussing these matters in the House and then go out there to discuss them? What do you hope to achieve? It is here that you have the freedom of speech which protects you. You are also protected against injuring yourself by saying the wrong things because there are rules of how to debate here.

I hear both sides of the House, advising one another to debate issue-related matters and not insults. When I hear you say that, I know you are on the right path. I have also heard that you have been invited to discuss the code of conduct when campaigning. That is a very serious and honourable attempt and I pray that it succeeds.

Has the hon. Member not been reprimanded before on a matter like this one?

Hon. Members: Yes!

Mr Speaker: You are still an hon. Member of Parliament because the courts say so. The courts have tied my hands with regard to declaring Hon. Mpombo’s seat vacant. Doing so would be sub judice and may even be contempt of court. We have to follow these matters with regard to the separation of powers that we talk about in this House. Hon. Mpombo is in this House technically by leave of the courts. The party which he belongs to does not want him, just like I know the parties to which some of you belong  do not want you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: You are here by the grace of the courts.

Therefore, hon. Member for Bahati, I am grateful for the point of order. There is a word in the two dictionaries here. Maybe, that is where one was borrowed from yesterday. There is a word which teachers used in the past. Maybe, even the current ones still use it to describe a school boy or girl who is incapable of being advised. Do you know the word they use? He or she is what?

Hon. Members: Incorrigible!

Mr Speaker: Incorrigible. That is a Latin word used to refer to a person who cannot be corrected. However, you cannot go on refusing to be corrected. Some day, you may make a fatal mistake and that will be the end.

The Hon. Member for Itezhi-tezhi was debating. May he continue.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Beene: Mr Speaker, in summary, the President’s Speech should have gone further to look at what should be done to help the relatives of the departed hon. Members so that they can continue to lead normal lives. This issue is very important because it affects everyone. I am aware that there are people who are protected by the some provisions in the Constitution while others through the collective agreements at their workplaces.

Mr Speaker, the President, in his opening remarks, talked about elections. He should have discouraged unnecessary by-elections because they are costly to the economy of this country. We should focus on by-elections that are unavoidable such as those that are caused by deaths so that we do not waste our resources. However, there are instances when some people deliberately violate the Constitution of their institutions. Such people need to be dealt with.

Mr Speaker, on parliamentary reforms, …

Mr Muntanga: Do not be brief.

Mr Beene: … I wish to say that it is true that they have started. The President’s Speech said that we have about nine constituencies out of the 150 that have constituency offices. This means that 141 constituency offices are yet to be constructed. We would have expected the Government to take up this task by asking the Ministry of Works and Supply to construct the constituency offices rather than leaving it to the Danish Government.

Mr Speaker, some of the offices where these hon. Members of Parliament operate from are within the markets close to where people cook nshima and kapenta. Such a situation makes it difficult for hon. Members to concentrate on their work.

Mr Speaker, in his speech, the President only thanked those who have helped in the reforms. I think that all the donors who are helping in all the sectors of this country are supposed to be appreciated.

Mr Speaker, it is good to hear that the reception of Parliament Radio has improved. I was happy to hear about the phases of the Parliament Radio Project this afternoon. However, the Government has not supported community radio stations such as those in Itezhi-tezhi and Kasempa. The Danish Embassy funded the two community radio stations in Itezhi-tezhi and Kasempa. The one in Itezhi-tezhi was the first to be completed, but it has taken five years for it to be commissioned. Why are things being done in this manner? What mechanism was used to give Kasempa Community Radio Station a licence, and yet the Itezhi-tezhi Community Radio Station which was completed five years ago has not been commissioned?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Beene: Mr Speaker, that is selectively distributing the national cake.

On economic management, Mr Speaker, the President mentioned 6.6 per cent as the anticipated economic growth rate. However, this means nothing to the people of Itezhi-tezhi and the other Zambians because infrastructure is not being developed. For instance, roads are not being tarred in the country. The roads to be tarred are being chosen selectively.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Beene: Mr Speaker, Itezhi-tezhi is supposed to have a power station. The place only has bush paths that will make it difficult for the turbines to be transported. How will they be  transported since the area has no roads?

Mr Nkombo: By helicopter.

Laughter

Mr Beene:  Infrastructure such as roads is only made when there is a by-election. I have no quarrel if the road is being rehabilitated in Chipata or Shang’ombo because it is about the connectivity of the country. However, it is very important that the benefits of the 6.6 per cent growth rate are shared countrywide. Once this is done, the Government will not have problems in the 2011 Elections.

Hon. Opposition Members: No.

Mr Beene: Mr Speaker, some hon. Members are rejecting what I have just said.

Mr Speaker, on education, I know that the Government has technical experts who carry out its research. It is important to know how many schools are needed in a particular area. Therefore, I urge the Government to see to it that more schools are built.

Mr Speaker, regarding the revision of the tax policy and administration, the hon. Members of this august House have always emphasised the need to broaden the tax base so that more Zambians are captured. We have tried to talk about windfall tax that can help us to earn more resources that can help us to develop this country. All our efforts to call for the windfall tax to be reintroduced have failed. When the Government tries to tax the people who sell on the streets, there are riots. I think this is a serious issue. I urge the Government to rethink its position regarding windfall tax as it reviews the administration of tax. The creation of wealth in this country should not be left only in the hands of the few working Zambians.

 On agriculture, Mr Speaker, it is very disheartening and disappointing to note that when there is a bumper harvest, the Government does nothing to reduce the price of mealie-meal. We have a bumper harvest this year and, therefore, the Government should reduce the price of mealie-meal. If this will not be done, then the Government has failed to manage agriculture.

Mr Speaker, I come from a rural constituency, Itezhi-tezhi, but I wonder whether the Government will manage to buy all the maize in the country because it is just issuing statements that it is looking for money. It is now towards the end of September and farmers need to pay school fees for their children and prepare for the next planting season. I am aware that the Government has delivered fertiliser in some places, but it is failing to buy the maize. Let this not just be a political gimmick for the 2011 Elections. It will not help anybody. I urge the Government to consider reducing the price of mealie-meal because it is subsidising its production. Let the people benefit from this bumper harvest.

Mr Muntanga: Waamba kabotu.

Mr Beene: Mr Speaker, it is also disheartening to note that the Government only talks about maize. This country produces a number of crops such as sweet potatoes, rice, cassava and sugar cane though it has a price structure which is subject to manipulation. We are supposed to get a lot of money from such crops, but we do not. In fact, one wonders whether sugar is being exported to Burundi because if it is, then it should be in unknown circumstances. Regarding cattle, there are no plans at all. People should know that cattle-rearing is part of farming. I urge the Government to look at the agriculture sector in a broader sense. I think that will help the country.

On energy, Mr Speaker, your Committee tabled a report in this House which talked about works at the Itezhi-tezhi Power Station commencing in July, but there is nothing happening to date. This was mentioned in His Excellency the President’s Speech. I think when we mention some issues, they must have substance.

On information and transport, Mr Speaker, there was a committee that was set up to look at the two areas. It is important to move away from the analogue to the digital system. Other countries have migrated by even more than 50 per cent. We do not know whether that committee still exists. We belong to the global world and, therefore, we should be realistic so that we can catch up with everybody.

Mr Speaker, on peace and security, the Government should not just thank the men and women in uniform for their work, but look at their problem of accommodation because most of them live in shanty compounds. We have enough land to build houses for them. Of course, at the moment, they are well dressed, but it is important to look at the problem of accommodation. Some of the border points in this country are managed by, maybe, one officer due to lack of accommodation. For example, I was in Shang’ombo where I found only one officer managing the whole area. I urge the Government to look into this issue and see how this problem can be solved. The standard of living of our gallant men and women in the Defence Forces needs to be improved.

Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Education has a big agenda of deploying teachers, but there is no accommodation for them. The remote/rural hardship allowance is a big problem. We have heard statements about how teachers do a lot of work and this is why I feel that the his Excellency the President’s Speech should have also mentioned the development of infrastructure vis-à-vis teachers.

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

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC. (Chasefu): Mr Speaker, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to add my voice to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to His Excellency the President’s Address.

Mr Speaker, may I start by saying that politics of doom and gloom are long gone.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Those are politics of the dark ages.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: We live in an era where we must appreciate the efforts of others.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Even in the localities where we live, if your neighbour is doing well, there is everything good and no harm in giving him or her a pat on the back.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Unfortunately, these days, if you pat the back of somebody who is doing well, it is deemed as anti-party. Please, this is not so. Let us change our ways.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Mr Speaker, all things being equal, the speech of His Excellency the President was focused.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: It was focused because he outlined the programmes of his Government. It is important for all of us, as Zambians, to know what the Government is doing.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: For example, in Lusaka, nobody can disagree that five clinics have been upgraded. What is wrong in saying that this is a good move?

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: People who will benefit from those programmes must be happy. I take it that the people we represent are happy about the development taking place.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: There is nothing wrong in saying that this is the way to go. We, in the Forum for Development and Democracy (FDD), stand for development.

Mr Ngoma: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: If any Government of the day develops this country, we will say that is the way to go.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: However, if the implementation is poor, we will be courageous enough to say so. If the policy is bad, we will be courageous enough to say so because for us, the policy direction is the other way. That is politics of maturity.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Gone are the days of politics of doom and gloom. Who can deny the fact that there is a hospital being constructed at Chainama?

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Is that not good news for the people of Lusaka?

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. Government Member: Tell them. They do not know.

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Is it a sin to say that is a good development? The days of hypocrisy are gone. Let us talk politics of development.

Mr V. Mwale: Mwila.

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: It is important to bring morality into politics. Do not call a white piece of paper red even when you know it is white.

Laughter

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: That is what is happening.

Hon. Government Member: Hamududu.

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Mr Speaker, let me talk about agriculture. We, in the FDD, …

Mr Ngoma: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: … agree that the Fertiliser Input Support Programme (FISP) is well intended. However, we differ on a number of aspects.

Mr Ngoma: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: The first point of difference is that there is no way of measuring its extent of success. There is also no way of ensuring that it is not the same people who continue to benefit from this programme year in and year out.

This is why in our party, …

Mr Ngoma: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: …we would rather go a straight forward way of giving bags of fertiliser to each household. That is straight forward and has no complications. That way, the benefit can be measured. That is what we stand for in the FDD …

Mr Ngoma: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: … and not name calling.

 Mr Speaker, notwithstanding the bumper harvest of maize which has been experienced this year, we cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that it does not augur well for the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) not to pay people on-the-spot once they sell their maize to the Government.

Mr Ngoma: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: The people of Chasefu Constituency have told me to appeal to the Government to make sure that it plans ahead of time. Some farmers in Chasefu Constituency are peasants who may only sell five bags of maize to the Government. It is hard to see the logic in asking a person who has only sold five bags of maize to wait for months on end to be paid for his or her produce.

Mr Ngoma: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: We appeal to the Government to start planning thereon. It is one thing to talk about a bumper harvest and yet another for the Government to get maize from poor people on credit.

Mr Ngoma: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: That is the point of difference. We, in the FDD, …

Mr Ngoma: Hear, hear!

Laughter

Mr C. K. B. Banda: … believe that a farmer must be paid on-the-spot. In Malawi, farming has improved because people are paid on-the-spot. It is because of this payment system that Zambians in provinces that border Malawi prefer taking their produce there where they get paid on-the-spot. Therefore, while we celebrate the bumper harvest, I appeal to this Government to ensure that it pays the farmers on-the-spot next time around.

Hon. Member: Hear, hear! FDD.

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Mr Speaker, the rains are around the corner and farmers have started planning for the next season. How do you expect them to plan when they do not know when they will be paid? My appeal is that we remain focused while we celebrate the bumper harvest.

Laughter

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Mr Speaker, on education, it is good for the Government to transform the Nkrumah and the Copperbelt Teachers’ Training colleges into universities. It is very good in the short-term. However, we, in the FDD, …

Mr Ngoma: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda: … believe that in the long-term, we must be thinking of opening universities in provincial centres.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: For example, the Southern Province is renowned for producing a lot of maize and other crops. Why not have a college of agriculture located there?

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

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Better still, why not locate it in the Eastern Province which is the food basket of Zambia. We believe that policies must be focused. Do not heap all your development projects along the line of rail. Therefore, my appeal to this Government is for it to continue with its effort to upgrade some colleges to universities. However, for future plans, it must ensure that it locates new universities in rural areas. Chasefu Constituency would be a good place for that because we have one of the oldest schools in this country called Chasefu and after all, even Manda Hill is located in Chasefu Constituency.

Hon. Member: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Mr Speaker, on road infrastructure, the President’s Speech was very good, in so far as the Eastern Province is concerned, because he has assured us that, this time around, the Great East Road will be attended to. That is good news for us. For those who do not see good in that, it is not for me to say whether they are on the right track or not. However, we, in the Eastern Province, are grateful for this because we have been complaining about the condition of the Great East Road for a long time.

Mr Speaker, as regards the Lundazi/Chipata Road, we are equally glad that the remaining 74 km will be attended to. As I was coming back to Lusaka from my constituency, I noticed that the contractor, Sable Transport, had opened up camp along this stretch.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: I will not comment on whether they will deliver quality work because it is not for me to do that. However, my wish is that they carry out a quality job because that is what the people of Lundazi are yearning for.

Mr Speaker, I was uncomfortable that no mention was made of the rehabilitation of the Lundazi/Chama Road. I recently drove as far as Chama and must confess that this road deserves attention. I, therefore, appeal to the Government that while it is doing a good job, it would even be better if attention was paid to the Chama/Lundazi Road.

Mr Speaker, the Emusa/Chasefu/Chikwa Road leading to Chama South Constituency is also in a deplorable condition. If the Government can look for funds to attend to this road, we will appreciate the good efforts that are on the ground. However, appreciation will even be greater if the Government addresses these gray areas.

Sir, as regards sport, this country has a lot of potential to develop. Unfortunately, we never allocate enough funds for sports development.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Those of us who went to school during the colonial days know that even the primary schools we attended in the rural areas had necessary sporting facilities then. However, no sooner had our country got independence than the entire sporting infrastructure deteriorated to such an extent that there is nothing in existence today.

Sir, if we want to promote sport in this country, we must ensure that we allocate sufficient funds to the Ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development. However, that alone will not be sufficient to develop sport. It will also be important to ensure that the Ministry of Education is also allocated enough funds. If the two ministries work together, then sport will develop, especially in schools.

Mr Speaker, I wonder why we do not do well in sports such as javelin when we know that in the Southern Province, Namwala in particular, our brothers and sisters are very good at javelin throwing and all they need is the technical know-how. Why can we not tap that talent? I am appealing to the Government to put money where its mouth is.

Finally, on sport, there is the National Sports Complex that needs massive refurbishment, but with the allocations being given to the Ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development, nothing can be done. Therefore, my appeal is that all the sports infrastructure in this country be given massive funding so that it can be uplifted to acceptable international standards. The same can be said about sports infrastructure in Luanshya. There is very good sporting infrastructure in Luanshya. If the Government could, perhaps, engage the mining company there, it may just be in a position to takeover that sports infrastructure for the benefit of all of us.

Mr Speaker, permit me now to talk about poor radio reception. The people of Zambia, especially those living in rural areas, have, for a long time, been complaining about poor radio reception. If the Government wants the people to know what it is doing for its people, it is important that it gives this the necessary attention. We have been complaining about poor radio reception in Lundazi for over twenty years. Lundazi does not have radio Zambia reception. I am urging the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to ensure that Lundazi is also kept abreast of the developments taking place in the country, thereby making the need to improve radio reception even more important.

Sir, let me now talk about an equally important issue which is elections. All political parties want, at one time or another, to win the favour of the people of Zambia so that they are given an opportunity to run the Government. In order for us to have good elections, it is important that the leadership of all political parties remain calm and collected at all times. Leaders of political parties must take serious responsibility to ensure that the political atmosphere in this country is conducive to better practice of politics. As it is, it is not uncommon for leaders of political parties to take up space in newspapers merely to compete on who insults the other worst.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: I think that is a very bad example. We need peace and tranquility in this country. As such, this responsibility lies squarely on the shoulders of the leadership of all political parties.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: What sort of Zambia do you want to leave for your grandchildren if each time a political leader opens his mouth, he insults his fellow leaders? Where do you want to take this country? My appeal is that we have introspection. Each political party leadership should ensure that it educates its members that it will not help us to have leaders who, day in and day out, preach hatred.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: We only have one country, Zambia. If some people are playing to the tune of non-Zambians, let me warn them against doing so because when war breaks out here, those people will be evacuated by their embassies to their respective countries, but and you and I will remain here, fighting each other.

Hon. Members: Shame.

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Please, for once, let us exhibit love for our country and each other.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: There is nothing wrong in me differing with my colleague on principle, but there is everything wrong in me fighting a colleague because there is no need to do so. Let us fight with ideas. Why should it be that, everyday, when you buy a newspaper, there is always be news of one political leader insulting another? When you look the ages of some people involved in this, you will notice that some of them are above sixty.

Mr Shawa: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Where are you taking this country? Were you being insulted when you were growing up? If so, who was insulting you? Our appeal is for us to abandon the stone age politics. Please, Zambia belongs to all of us and we all love it. Let us live peacefully together.

Mr Speaker, I thank you very much.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muntanga (Kalomo Central): Mr Speaker, I thank you for according me the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to His Excellency the President’s Address.

Sir, we could not debate yesterday because we were still processing our ideas. I do not want to give apologies, but only state that sometimes, members of the press run after hon. Members of Parliament for interviews and once published, it appears as though we run to them.

Interruptions

Mr Muntanga: Otherwise, we do not intend to demean this House.

Mr Speaker, some parts of the speech made by His Excellency the President were truthful because he laid bare what is on the ground. In fact, that was a very good campaign speech, especially that he capped it with a statement that he was ready for the campaign and, as such, had hired a physical trainer.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muntanga: Therefore, we have also hired physical trainers.

Laughter

Mr Muntanga: In this case, we must understand that in any democracy, the party in government must praise what it has done. It must show and prove to us that what it is doing is right. My job in the Opposition is to show that what the Government has done is not the best and …

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muntanga: … offer it an alternative.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muntanga: That is why I am in the Opposition.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muntanga: I want to replace the Government …

Laughter

Mr Muntanga: … so that I take over.

Laughter

Mr Muntanga: That is a fact.

Laughter

Mr Muntanga: In a democracy, there is no way, I can stand as an Opposition hon. Member of Parliament and praise the Government when I want to replace it.

Laughter

Mr Muntanga: Who says that in any government, someone can freely hand over power to you? They cannot do so. Even after a father has ruled for so many years, he will not hand down the power to you. You must be able to take that power away from him.

Interruptions

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, the President talked about physical training and this means that we must engage one another politically. I, therefore, would like to appeal to other political parties and party cadres not to misconstrue this statement to mean beating and hacking other people. The President’s Speech can be misunderstood by some people. Others will think that they must be fit to beat and threaten anyone with a dissenting view. That is not correct. This statement must be understood in the correct perspective.

Sir, the other point I would like to talk about is agriculture. Sometimes, when some people are debating on agriculture, I sit here and shake my head. All our friends have talked about a good harvest. Please, stop talking about a bumper harvest. A bumper harvest means that every farmer has produced. This is not correct. In the areas where you have a good harvest, there are some farmers who were not able to produce because there was not enough fertiliser. This is a fact.

Mrs Musokotwane: Poor policies!

Mr Muntanga: Sir, when we agreed to increase the number of farmers, we did not increase the money. The amount of money remained the same. All we did was reduce their allocations and instead increase the number of beneficiaries. I would like to tell this Government that if you continue doing this, I will praise you and this will give me an opportunity to tell the people to replace you. I will use that as your failure to fund agriculture. We have to, at least, allocate a 10 per cent of the National Budget to agriculture. I am urging the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning to take note of that. The President talked about increasing the allocation to agriculture and I want this statement to come true. In the next two weeks, we should be able to see an increase of above 10 per cent in agriculture and this is in accordance with the SADC Protocol. If that will be done, we will believe you.

 The President tactfully said that next year, he will increase the number of farmers to benefit, but he never mentioned the number. He can increase it by twelve or 100. The hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning should be able to show us the increase in figures. How will he handle this statement if he does not know the actual figure? Are you going to give the 10 per cent allocation?

Sir, we have also heard about marketing re-organisation. When is it going to be done? There is no proper organisation because, as a country, we have not agreed on how much maize we can hold at a time and for how long. How much money should the FRA hold in strategic reserves? We have not decided. Therefore, have we engaged private buyers to be strategic food reserve holders such that we can back up the expenses of maintaining such strategic reserves? We have not done so. As a result, the millers and other marketers hold their own strategic reserves. Due to lack of the actual figures, we cannot tell people that so much cassava is in stock and we can convert it into so much mealie-meal.

We cannot state whether in Chama, we have very high grade rice and, therefore, we need so much of it. This is because we are talking about it. Sir, when we went to Mporokoso, we found very nice beans, but no one is marketing it. They send that beans to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). When we say that these things are not catered for, we are simply reminding you, the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) Government, to do what is right. If you do not want to do so, we will congratulate you and tell you to continue doing the wrong things. We will, in turn, tell the people that you have failed to deliver. We will prove that you have failed and we shall replace you.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muntanga: If you do not want to be replaced, do not take offence when we advise you. Sometimes, when we tell you something, some people say we are insulting them. What is an insult? I have to ask the people who use dictionaries. Is it insulting to tell someone what he has done? You can still tell somebody with decency. That is all. Sometimes, we lose sight of the crux of the matter. The hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning will make a presentation to the House in the next two weeks. However, is what the President said possible to carry forward?

Sir, the hon. Member for Moomba raised an important point. Is it really true that we were able to rehabilitate and tar in excess of 40,000 km? How long has the 60 km Zimba-Livingstone Road taken to be completed?

Interruptions

Mr Muntanga: Sir, how long has it taken you to finish rehabilitating the Choma/Namwala Road we talk about? We are now telling you that you have omitted it. You have not worked on the Bottom Road, although the President said it is the Bottom Line.

Laughter

Mr Muntanga: It is the Bottom Road.

Laughter

Mr Muntanga: You do not even know it. We are waiting for the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning to look for money to tar the Monze/Niko and Kalomo/Mapatizhya roads. If the condition is that you can only do a job when you are voted for, then you are wrong. You were voted to govern us.  If you cannot realise that you are in that position to govern, I am afraid, you have lost it.

Hon. Government Members interrupted.

Mr Speaker: Order! Address the Chair and ignore them.

Laughter

Mr Muntanga: When one is being told something, he should be able to listen and understand. I would like to advise the hon. Minister responsible for livestock that while he wants to create disease free zones in the Central Province, he should look a little further. It is good for those areas. The international market only requires that you create disease free zones on individual farms where all the measures to control diseases are undertaken. I want you to look into that issue.

Mrs Musokotwane: Tell them!

Mr Muntanga: These are United Party for National Development (UPND) ideas. If you want us to try this, we will rule forever because we will tell you what is practically possible. We will create disease free zones at individual farm level where these farmers will take the responsibility of fencing the farms and applying all the required measures. We cannot follow what Botswana is doing because we are not that rich. We would need a lot of fencing. There are farms that are next to game parks and we know that the foot and mouth disease comes from buffaloes. We should then have double fences so that there is no kissing …

Interruptions

Mr Muntanga: … amongst the animals. I can see that it is difficult for you to understand that there is the term ‘kissing’ in agriculture that requires one to use a double fence to avoid. The hon. Minister responsible for livestock has understood what I am talking about. I would like the hon. Minister of Lands to go and learn about the type of kisses I am talking about.

Laughter

Mr Muntanga: I am talking about the kissing of animals between two fences so that diseases are not easily transmitted. The President said that he would like to have disease control zones. I, therefore, appeal to the hon. Minister responsible for livestock and his counterpart, the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives to go a little further than that. Let us not only talk about disease free zones in certain areas. Let us talk about areas that have managed to control diseases.

Mr Speaker, the other point I would like to look at is the uniform pricing of fuel. It was good that the President said that we need one price structure for fuel. I have been waiting for that change. What has happened is that not much gain has been made in the rural areas. The price of fuel in the rural areas has remained the same. They have increased the price in towns and, therefore, the oil companies will only make huge profits in towns and not in the rural areas. The tenets of business people will be not to deliver fuel to the rural areas because they will say they are not making enough money. However, if the Government wants this to be done, it has to make sure that it is sustained. We do not want oil marketing companies to close service stations in rural areas in preference for stations in towns.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muntanga: If we really wanted to avoid this, we would have reduced the prices. However, if we reduce the prices, who will subsidise the reduction? I thought that this might be difficult for the Government. Therefore, let us address this situation. We will not have fuel in rural areas because service stations will close all because they can sell it at higher a profit in towns.

Mr Speaker, there are already twenty-five service stations between the Kafue Roundabout and Chilanga and the number is increasing. There is a lot of competition. Now that service stations are booming, the price has increased. The price of fuel in rural areas should come down to the price as in the urban areas. The hon. Minister should think of ways to subsidise this commodity. If you want me to give you ideas on how to do this, then we should exchange positions.

Laughter

Mrs Musokotwane: Hear, hear!

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, in the President’s Speech, there is a determination to have infrastructure development. We are in agreement on this matter. The Ministry of Education has built a lot of schools in rural areas and earlier, I heard a commitment by the hon. Minister to take care of teachers as well.

Mr Speaker, it is unfortunate that we have constructed schools without teachers’ houses. You have put up beautiful classrooms that we are all praising, but not a single teacher’s house. Teachers are now sleeping in these classrooms. This means that pupils still have no classrooms.

Laughter

Mr Muntanga: You should have first built teachers’ houses so that teachers come from decent homes. How can you say that you are committed thereto, and yet at Mboye in Kalomo, a 2 X 3 classroom block was completed and another one approved, but there is still no single teacher’s house.

Mrs Musokotwane: Shame!

Mr Muntanga: The solution to this problem is not the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). If you hope to correct this situation by using the CDF, it will not work.

Mr Speaker, I anxiously waited for the President to talk about the hospitals that will be opened this year. I had hoped he would mention Kalomo Hospital but, alas, he did not. I wondered whether I was in my home country or elsewhere. There is a hospital that has been built by this Government in Kalomo. It promised that before the end of the year, it would be opened, but it has not even been mentioned in next year’s plan. We would like to know when this hospital will be opened. When will you open it? It has not been mentioned in the President’s Speech. I am not saying that I built the hospital because you did. However, when will you open it?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, this is my bone of contention.

I am looking forward to a time the road between Kalomo and Mapatizya will be tarred. There is a good mine in that area. I am also looking forward to a time the Kalomo/Chikanta Road will be tarred so that it joins Namwala from the other end. Only then will I be happy that we are doing something. Between the Boma and town in Kalomo, there is a very narrow bridge that was left by the Colonial Government. The hon. Minister is always assuring us that it will be repaired. When will it be replaced? If by next year you do not, I will capitalise on it and say that you have failed to replace it so that we do it ourselves. We will tell the people that the hospital is not open because you do not care about them.

Hon. Government Members: Aah!

Mr Muntanga: When you open it, however, we shall praise you and I will include myself in the scheme of things …

Laughter

Mr Muntanga: …and say I am the one who made sure that the hospital was opened. Either way, I will win.

Laughter

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, they must understand when we tell them that they are in a difficult situation. If you refuse to help me, I will use your refusal as a failure to do your job. However, when you help me, I will be part of your success …

Laughter

Mr Muntanga: …and tell the people that I am doing very well.

Laughter

Mr Muntanga: That way, we shall have a political field that performs very well. We shall maintain our fitness and hope for the best in 2011. The hon. Mr Speaker has reminded us, time and again, not to take our losses to heart. We should ask our friends who have been here before.

Laughter

Mr Muntanga: On this part of the House, we came back. I can sing a farewell song, but not today. I will do it next year. I will be exercising to show you that I am fit.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kambwili (Roan): Mr Speaker, I thank you for according me this opportunity to contribute on the Motion on the Floor.

Mr Speaker, I wish to begin by saying that I agree with His Excellency the President’s sentiments on page 37 that reads:

“In 2008, I asked the voters to look at what the candidates had actually done for Zambia and not what they said they had done. I stand by these words. I will urge voters to look at what we have achieved since 2008.”

Mr Speaker, we are not disputing the fact that there is a lot of infrastructure development and many projects that the MMD Government has undertaken.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kambwili: However, we are disputing the fact that these achievements have been made from 2008 to-date.

Hon. Government Member: But it is still MMD.

Mr Kambwili: In my language, we say nga waupa umwanakashi uwaupwapo, alikwatapo nabana, wilaumfwa ubufuba nangu uku yunfwila pali balya abana. Fyalamo abobe.

Hon. Government Members: Meaning?

Mr Kambwili: It simply means that when you marry a woman who has been married before and has children, do not boast of the children you found with her. You must father your own children.

Laughter

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, this is where our bone of contention is. It is true that people must judge us by what we have done. However, we should not claim the credit to be ours only. I do, therefore, think that the President misled the nation …

Hon. Government Members: Aah!

Mr Kambwili: …by claiming that the achievements that he had outlined were made between 2008 and now.

Mr V. Mwale: Question!

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, road works are partially funded. This concern has been raised time and again. Some of the roads have taken as long as thirteen years to complete. Therefore, it is retrogressive for one to claim credit for what he has not initiated. If a person wants to get credit for something he or she has done, he or she should make reference to and praise the people who started the projects. This is the best way to go.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kambwili: However, for the President to come to this House and say that all the developments in this country have been achieved from 2008 to date is clear testimony of his misleading the nation.

Mr Speaker, people must judge us by what we do and the people will judge President Rupiah Banda’s Government by what it has done. However, what has it done? It will be judged by the dubious and suspicious sale of the Zambia Telecommunications Company (ZAMTEL).

Mr Speaker: Order!

Withdraw those two words.

Mr Kambwili:  Mr Speaker, I withdraw the words.

Mr Speaker, they will be judged by the sale of ZAMTEL which was highly contentious, and yet the people of Zambia had said they did not want to sell the company.

Mr Speaker, ZAMTEL has been sold and 1,666 Zambians have been thrown onto the street. Some of these employees are getting as little as K5 million as terminal benefits, and yet the entire President went to Swaziland and said that the ZAMTEL employees who have been retrenched will go smiling. Surely, how can you go smiling with K5 million as the last payment of your working life? Therefore, the people of Zambia will judge them by the sale of ZAMTEL.

Mr Speaker, secondly, the people will judge them by the failure to appeal against the cases of one Fredrick Chiluba.

Hon. Government Members: Aah!

Mr Kambwili: Yes, they will judge them.

Mr Speaker: Order! 

That is not correct and it is not for this House. You will withdraw reference to what you have just said.

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, I withdraw it.

Mr Speaker, thirdly, the people of Zambia will judge the MMD Government of President Rupiah Banda by the many trips abroad that he has made at the expense of the country.

 Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, it is unprecedented that almost every month, the President travels out of the country. We have had three Presidents in the past and I do not think they were travelled out of the country once every month. It is on record that sometimes, the President takes three trips in a month. At the moment, he is en route to South Africa and Namibia. Surely, can he not ask the hon. Minister or someone else to undertake those trips?

Mr Speaker: Order!  

Can you give facts? South Africa and where else?

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, Mozambique.

Laughter

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, yes, they will be judged by these things and I totally agree with the President when he said, “Judge us by our deeds and not our words.”

Mr Speaker, the people will judge the MMD Government by the intended procurement of mobile hospitals when even the technocrats in the Ministry of Health have told them that they are not a priority. The people of Zambia, the health workers’ union and resident doctors have said that mobile hospitals are not a priority, but this Government has arrogantly said they will go ahead and procure them. Yes, the people of Zambia will judge you by that. They will judge His Excellency, the President, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, on being the first President ever to wear a white ballet at the Kuomboka ceremony.

 Hon. Government Members: Aah!

Mr Kambwili: Oh yes, they will judge him on that and that is the fact.

Interruptions

Mr Kambwili: Sir, they will judge the MMD Government of Mr Rupiah Bwezani  Banda by destroying democracy in Zambia by expelling people who have divergent views and hope to challenge him at the convention. Yes, the people of Zambia will judge you by your deeds.

 Interruptions{mospagebreak}

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, let me turn to the issue of mining.

Sir, this Government has been boasting that the mining sector is prforming very well. If you do not accept your mistakes, you will never change for the better. There is a saying in English that goes:

“He who knows that he knows not is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not know that he knows not and knows not that he knows not is a fool forever.”

You can only work on your mistakes if you acknowledge that you have made mistakes. Yes, the mining sector in Zambia is booming, but what is there for Zambians? What are we getting from the mining sector? You have refused to introduce windfall tax, and yet every time we come to Parliament, you are crying that you have no money and that your envelope is limited, and yet there is money out there which you can easily get. You are saying that you saved jobs in the mining industry by removing windfall tax. That is not true.

 At the time of the global recession, the price of copper was low at US$5,500 per pound which is the price at which windfall tax is expected to be triggered. Therefore, it is not true that you saved the mining industry by revoking windfall tax. Today, the price of copper is unprecedented at US$7,000 per pound. In the time of the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM), the price of copper was US$1,800 per pound. You are refusing to collect money on behalf of Zambia in an industry that is wasting. Minerals will not be there forever. Tomorrow we shall remain with empty open pits. When are you going to tax the mining industries to raise money on behalf of the people of Zambia so as to develop Zambia? Why are you giving so many concessions to the mining companies?  They are paying low prices for fuel and low electricity tariffs. What are we getting from the mining industry apart from their taking away the money? You have allowed them to externalise 100 per cent of their profits? What is there for the Zambians? We must think twice about how we will manage our mining industry. Otherwise, prosperity will judge us very harshly. Our children, grand children and great grand children will find those open pits in Chingola and ask what was going on there. We will then tell them that there was copper. They will also ask us how much was realised from the sale of copper every year and we will tell them that it was so much. Why is it that we have so many schools and roads in a poor state, they will ask. What answers will we give them? It is for this reason that I would like to appeal to this Government, through you, Sir, to be serious and consider the reintroduction of windfall tax because it is inevitable. Do not just refuse to reintroduce it for the sake of it.

Sir, in his speech, the President stated that all things are rosy at the Luanshya Mines. I would like to tell the House that even the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development knows that there are more problems in Luanshya than meet the eye.

Sir, there is segregation in Luanshya between the Chinese nationals and the Zambians. First and foremost, the Zambians are not allowed to jump on buses that are used by the Chinese. In our country and under our laws, such things are happening and the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development is aware of this.

Sir, two days ago, before I came to Lusaka, I received a phone call that some miners had fallen off a truck. I went to the plant and, indeed, I found that about eighty miners were being ferried in a canter. Therefore, when the truck turned at a corner, all the miners fell off and ten of them were injured.

Mr Lubinda: Shame!

Mr Kambwili: When I asked why the miners were being ferried on an open van, and yet there was a bus with a seating capacity of eighty coming from the same direction with less than fifteen Chinese on it, I was told that they were not allowed to jump on the same bus with the Chinese. These Chinese tell the miners that they want to sit like bosses when they are travelling.

When I told the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development about the incident this afternoon, he said that he was told that I even went to see the miners ten minutes after the accident occurred. Therefore, when I say that he is aware about these things, I am not speaking from without. Can we sort out the problem at Luanshya Mines? There are too many problems there. Our people are paid very low salaries.

Mr Speaker, for instance, Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) pays a G-7 K2.8 million. Mopani pays a G-7 K2.8 million, but at Luanshya Mines a G-7 is paid K1.2 million while we are watching. It is the same copper they are mining and it is sold to the same customers, and yet the miners in Luanshya are getting nothing from the sale of copper.

Mr Speaker, on contractual jobs, let me declare interest that I am also in that field.

 Interruptions

Mr Kambwili: What is happening is very bad. Two Chinese companies have been brought to the Luanshya Mines and are undertaking all the jobs that Zambians were doing. These companies are called Exploration China and Fifteen MCC. Initially, this company used to give jobs to Zambians to hoodwink the Government. However, today, there is no tender board involved and, therefore, no one is tendering for any job. What is happening now is that the people in Government are just giving jobs to Chinese nationals from within their offices and without tender procedures. For example, the contract jobs are given to Exploration, a Chinese company.

Mr Speaker, the danger with this kind of situation is that with the variance profit tax that we introduced, it will be extremely difficult for us to get any taxation revenue from the mines. For example, a job that a Zambian would do for K20,000,000, the Chinese are quoting it at K100,000,000. This means that when they calculate their profits, they will have to reduce by K100,000,000 instead of the K20,000,000 that a Zambian could have charged under normal circumstances. The Chinese investors will forever continue to declare losses at the expense of our people. We have to be extremely serious about the way we handle the mining companies. It is not a question of being arrogant, but listening to the people who live and mingle with the Chinese.

Interruptions

Mr Kambwili: With regard to the conditions of service, Luanshya Copper Mines, today, has no conditions of service to talk about. The hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development knows this fact. The only thing the Chinese agreed to negotiate was the increase of salaries at 10 per cent.

Mr Speaker, in any mining industry, it is a requirement by the Mining Regulations (MR) that a mining company operates with personal accident insurance schemes and life assurance for the miners. If a mining company takes life assurance and personal accidents schemes on board and a miner dies on duty underground, he is to be paid his basic salary multiplied by sixty months. However, the Chinese have not taken up these schemes. When a miner dies on duty he is only paid twenty months multiplied by his basic salary. For example, if a miner is getting a salary of K1,200,000 per month, it is multiplied by twenty months and it comes to K24,000,000. Surely, can the family that remains behind sustain itself on K24,000,000?

Mr Speaker, we have let the Chinese come and destroy what has been there from time immemorial instead of improving what they found. This is retrogressive, but we are sitting back and watching.

When the President came to this Parliament, he said, “We have opened Luanshya Mines and created jobs in Luanshya.” We must be serious. Yes, you have opened Luanshya Copper Mines, but what is there for the people of Luanshya? I hear people say there is economic boom in Luanshya. Where?

At Mopani and KCM where miners are paid on time, you can tell that the miners are paid by the way they flock into Shoprite. However, the situation is different at Luanshya Copper Mines whose pay day has been moved from the first to the tenth day of the month. Miners have more problems when they are paid than on an ordinary day.

Laughter

Mr Kambwili: They do jobs that are very risky underground, but we pretend that all is rosy in Luanshya.

Sir, I wish to appeal to my colleagues on the right hand side to seriously sort out these anomalies in the mining industry. Go to Luanshya and investigate what I have just told you and, please, sort the problems out. If you do not, we will replace you.

Laughter

Mr Lubinda: There is no problem whether they do or do not, kuya beebele!

Interruptions

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, allow me to talk about the Mulyashi Project. When we were told that the project was beginning, all of us contractors were happy and said, “Yes, now is the time for us to make money in Luanshya.” Alas! All the jobs at the Mulyashi Project were given to the Fifteen MCC Chinese Contractor. The jobs of subcontractors were given to the Chinese who came from Lusaka while the Zambians just watched outside the fence. In the meantime, you have allowed these people to externalise their profits since they work for the Chinese. When they get paid, they send their money to develop China. If this money were paid to a Zambian, he would employ some Zambians and make a building in Luanshya, hence creating wealth for Zambia. Meanwhile, we have let the Chinese build very beautiful hospitals where people go when they are sick because we do not have equipment, and yet the money they use to build those hospitals comes from Luanshya. Why should we allow a project of that magnitude to be undertaken by the Chinese only without any Zambian contractor getting involved? What are they paying them?

Mr Speaker, I wish to make comparisons between an operator of a dumper truck working for KCM who is paid K3,100,000 per month and an operator at the Chinese Mulyashi Project who is paid K600,000 per month. A workman at the Chinese Mulyashi Project is paid K450,000 per month whilst at KCM he is paid K2,800,000. What is wrong? What is going on? Where is Maxwell Mwale?

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order!

Who is that?

Laughter

Mr Kambwili: Sorry, Mr Speaker. I withdraw that question.

Where is Hon. Maxwell Mwale, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, who is supposed to sort out these problems? That is why he was given that mandate to sort out these problems. I see him coming to Luanshya, but I tend to wonder, Mr Speaker, whether he is blind or deaf and therefore, cannot see or hear about these problems.

Laughter

Mr V. Mwale: Niya motoka iyo defu.

Mr Kambwili: Sir, on a serious note, let us sort out these problems in Luanshya. I can rest assure you, hon. Minister, through you, Mr Speaker, that if these problems are not sorted out, it will be to my advantage when you fail so that people will vote for me. However, I am telling you because I am concerned about the people. If I wanted, I could be quiet because your failure in Luanshya is to my credit. Since I care for the people, I am advising you to sort out these problems.

At Mulyashi, the Chinese eat rice and meat and give Zambians one aka lituku isabi, the smallest fish with 0.5 kg of nshima. Hon. Minister, I invite you to come with me tomorrow to Mulyanshi, then you will see what I am talking about. Why should we allow such a thing to happen in our country? Why should we allow our own brothers to suffer to that extent, and yet we are claiming to have made things rosy in Luanshya and in the mining industry. I think the Chinese-run mines have gone too far. Something needs to be done about them. There is a need to put a stop to this treatment of Zambians like slaves in their own country.

Due to lack of time, Mr Speaker, I will end here.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwenya: Hear, hear!

Mr Chella (Wusakile): Mr Speaker, I am very grateful for granting me this opportunity to contribute to the debate on the President’s Speech which was delivered in this august House on 17th September, 2010.

Sir, I will be very brief because the President’s Speech was well summarised.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chella: Sir, the President’s Speech was a true reflection of a good leader.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chella: The speech was well articulated, focussed, issue based, inspiring and to the point.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kambwili: Question!

Mr Chella: Mr Speaker, I have received a lot of messages from the people of Wusakile Constituency …

Hon. Opposition Members: Iyee!

Mr Chella: … congratulating the President on his comprehensive speech.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chella: The people of Wusakile are also happy with the developmental projects the Government has undertaken in my constituency.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chella: For example, the rehabilitation of the Cedries, Zambia National Service and Chamboli Cemetery Road.

Hon. Members: Yes!

Mr Chella: Yes, all the roads in that cemetery have been worked on.

Laughter

Mr Chella: I am also grateful, Sir, to the Government for having allocated money to the construction of Chamboli Clinic and toilets in Wusakile.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Laughter

Mr Chella: Sir, it is gratifying to note that under the leadership of President Banda, this Government has done a lot of work in sectors such as health, education, tourism, mining and agriculture, ….

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chella: … and created a lot of jobs.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Laughter

Mr Chella: Mr Speaker, I would like to urge the hon. Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services to publicise these developments for people to see.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chella: As I have already mentioned earlier, I will be very brief.

      I commend His Excellency the President and his Government for fighting corruption because this scourge has brought misery to the people.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chella: I am aware that corruption has been vigorously fought by our leaders and this can be seen by all except for those who do not want to accept that fact.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order! I would like to follow the debate.

Mr Chella: Mr Speaker, there are a lot of jobs being created in this country. The roads are being worked on while multi-facility economic zones are coming up in places such as Chambeshi. If you do not know about this, go there and see what is happening for yourself.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chella: Mr Speaker, in agriculture, the Government has done very well.  and we do not need to tell anybody about this because it is common knowledge. You cannot say anything about something without talking about what we have seen. I am a farmer who produces a lot of tomatoes on the Copperbelt because of the good leadership of this Government.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kambwili: Question!

Mr Chella: Mr Speaker, this Government has gone further to procure more affordable fertiliser …

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chella: … than the one we used to get in the past. As a result, the price of tomatoes on the Copperbelt has been reduced. If you went there today, you would find a box of tomatoes that used to cost K100,000 going for K20,000.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chimbaka: That is money in people’s pockets.

Mr Chella: This is how it should be. I urge all hon. Members in this House to start farming in order to produce more for the people other than just talking. This Government is doing very well and I have no doubt, in my mind, that President Banda will carry the day when election time comes.

Interruptions

Mr Chella: I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr L. J. Mulenga (Kwacha): Mr Speaker, I thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Speech.

Mr Speaker, most of my debates are issue based.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr L. J. Mulenga: Mr Speaker, what is contained in the speech of the Republican President is policy that will give direction on how the country should be governed next year.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr L. J. Mulenga: It is important for every person involved in governing this country to read the speech retrospectively. There should be no glossy areas in the way it is interpreted. It is one thing to make a policy statement and another to see it implemented.

Mr Speaker, it is my colleagues on your right who will implement what is contained in this speech. It is them who will include what is contained in this speech in the Budget to ensure that it is implemented. It is my colleagues there who will ensure that the aspirations of His Excellency the President, as indicated in this speech, are implemented. If what is in this speech is not done, it is not the President we shall blame, but our colleagues on your right.

Mrs Musokotwane: Hammer!

Mr L. J. Mulenga: Mr Speaker, the President only comes here once to articulate what he intends to do. It is our colleagues in Government who are supposed to implement the President’s desires. Thus, when there is failure, we know who to blame and it is, definitely, not His Excellency the President.

Mr Speaker, in his speech, the President talked about the upgrading of health facilities such as the one in Chawama and Kanyama and others. It is good to have such facilities in place, but I would like to see more health workers there. I was at the clinic in Chawama today, but I did not find a doctor. My relative was discharged without being given any medicine.

Interruptions

Mr V. Mwale: Wenze dizzy sunauone munkwala.

Laughter

Mr L. J. Mulenga: Mr Speaker, it is important that we do things correctly. I commend the President for his speech, but I will now lodge a complaint with the hon. Minister of Health. Where have you taken the doctors?

Laughter

Mr L. J. Mulenga: Where is the medicine?

Laughter

Mr L. J. Mulenga: Mr Speaker, I appreciate everything that His Excellency the President has said in the speech, but I want our colleagues to be accountable to the State.

Mr L. J. Mulenga staggered.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order!

Mr L. J. Mulenga: Mr Speaker, there is what we are calling the Citizenship Economic Empowerment Fund. The policy which put it in place was done in good faith and I am happy that the President acknowledged that the commission has problems.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr L. J. Mulenga: Where is the funding? Where is the money? We want to enjoy that money.

Laughter

Mr L. J. Mulenga: We want to participate in the empowerment scheme, but where is the money?

Laughter

Mr L. J. Mulenga: Mr Speaker, the policy that led to the fund being established is good, but how many people are benefiting from it?

Mr L. J. Mulenga staggered.

Laughter

Mr L. J. Mulenga: Mr Speaker, I am saying that this policy outlined by this able Government is good, but it is not benefiting many Zambians. What is the problem? It is the implementation part which is making President Rupiah Banda fail to achieve his objects. It is because the people he has appointed to assist him are not doing their work properly. We need to understand this is a good policy, but its implementation is what is worrying us.

Mr Speaker, like the other hon. Members have said, if you are not doing the correct thing, you will be replaced although I do not know by what means.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1815 hours until 1830 hours.

(MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr L. J. Mulenga: Mr Speaker, before business was suspended, I was trying to highlight the point that the policies that are being put in place by the Government are very good on paper. We find time to read everything that is said by the Government with the hope that what is on paper will be implemented so that the people can benefit therefrom. This is why when we come here, we just remind them of what they write in their documents and that we expect them to implement what is contained therein.

Mr Speaker, I am a farmer. I have a farm here in Lusaka …

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr L. J. Mulenga: … near Chaminuka. I have supplied a lot of maize to this Government, but I have not been paid up to now.

Laughter

Mr L. J. Mulenga: I do not even know how I am going to organise myself for the next farming season.

Hon. Opposition Members: Yes!

Mr L. J. Mulenga: Mr Speaker, I deserve to be paid because I have supplied the maize.

Laughter

Mr L. J. Mulenga: I deserve to be paid so that I can start planning for the next season. Most of the farmers who contributed to the bumper harvest in my area, including those who only produced ten bags of maize, have not been paid. I have a hammer mill on my farm and people go there to grind their maize without paying. They hope to pay me after the Government has paid them for their maize.

Laughter

Mr L. J. Mulenga: Mr Speaker, this Government is not being fair by not paying the farmers on time. Those people have contributed to the bumper harvest, but they have not been paid. That is not the correct way of doing things.

Mr Speaker, let me talk about my constituency. They have been preaching about the Mufuchani Bridge that is to be constructed in my constituency for a long time. Construction of a bridge is infrastructure development. I am made to believe that the money is readily available, but why is that project not being implemented? Why are they not building that bridge? Do you want us to have another disaster? This is not fair.

Mr Speaker, these are our colleagues, they are our friends and we dine together and do everything together. There should be no reason why they should fail to implement things they have done before.

Mr Speaker, I would like this Government to take cognisance of the fact that when it puts something on paper, it commits itself to its implementation as well.

With those few words, Mr Speaker, I want to say thank you so much.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Order!
(Debate adjourned)

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to.

___________

The House adjourned at 1835 hours until 1430 hours on Thursday, 23rd September, 2010.