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Debates- Thursday, 5th August, 2010
DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE FOURTH SESSION OF THE TENTH ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 5th August, 2010
The House met at 1430 hours
[MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]
NATIONAL ANTHEM
PRAYER
_______
MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS
THE PRESIDENT’S OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY AND HIS ATTENDANCE AT THE 15TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE AFRICAN UNION ASSEMBLY
The Minister of Foreign Affairs (Mr Pande): Madam Speaker, I thank you for according me this opportunity to brief the House on the official visit to the Republic of Turkey by the President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, from 11th to 15th July, 2010.
Hon. MMD Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Pande: Madam Speaker, I would also like to brief the House on the recent African Union (AU) Summit.
His Excellency, President Rupiah Bwezani Banda, visited Turkey on the invitation of the Turkish President, His Excellency, Mr Abdullah Gul, for a three-day official visit. The President was accompanied by, among others, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, Hon. Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP; the Minister of Energy and Water Development, Hon. Kenneth Konga, MP; the Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives, Hon. Peter Daka, MP; the Deputy Minister in the Office of the Vice-President, Hon. Gastone Sichilima, MP; and I.
Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that while Zambia and Turkey have enjoyed good relations for many years, there has been little interaction at the bilateral level. There is, however, immense potential for the two countries to develop trade and investment ties. The key challenge in furthering relations between Turkey and Zambia was the mutual lack of knowledge and familiarity between the two countries, coupled with general uncertainty regarding how to further relations.
Madam Speaker, His Excellency the President’s visit to Turkey was, therefore, a ground breaker, particularly because it was the first-ever visit by a Zambian President to Turkey. In the talks, the two leaders expressed the common desire to pursue stronger ties. The Turkish President expressed happiness with the democracy and stability evidenced in Zambia. He confirmed that Turkey was opening embassies in Africa and that the target was to open one in Zambia before the end of 2010. He further raised the importance of cultural relations and offered university scholarships for Zambians as well as co-operation in the development of schools in Zambia.
In response, His Excellency, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, noted the need to concretise the ideas and desire for co-operation with Turkey. He welcomed the opening of a Turkish Embassy in Lusaka and promised Zambia’s assistance in ensuring that the mission was opened as soon as possible. The President also welcomed the introduction of Turkish Airlines flights to Zambia as a way of enhancing the desired co-operation.
Hon. MMD Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Pande: Madam Speaker, His Excellency the President announced that Turkish citizens would be granted visas at the port of entry into Zambia to make it easier for them to interact with Zambia.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House that a bilateral agreement on air services and two memoranda of understanding for co-operation in the field of Foreign Service Training and political consultation between the Government of the Republic of Zambia and the Government of the Republic of Turkey were signed during this visit. The Air Services Agreement will, among other things, provide for Turkish Airlines flights to Zambia, as I stated earlier, and similarly, flights of the Zambian Airline Companies to Turkey.
Meanwhile, the memorandum of understanding on political consultation provides for consultation on bilateral and international issues between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs. The memorandum of understanding on diplomatic training provides for co-operation between Zambia and Turkey in the field of diplomatic training as well as co-operation between the respective diplomatic training institutions.
Madam Speaker, there were other meetings involving the hon. Cabinet Ministers who accompanied the President and their Turkish counterparts that aimed at identifying possible areas of co-operation and establishing contacts for future activities. The discussions were wide-ranging, covering infrastructure development, energy and water development, capacity building, particularly among law enforcement officers and several other issues.
Madam Speaker, in addition to visiting a Turkish school, the President addressed the first-ever Turkey-Zambia Trade and Investment Forum, which took place on 14th July, 2010. The forum was attended by eleven Zambian businessmen who were representing various sectors of the economy.
Also, in attendance were a number of chief executives and experts from leading Zambian Government institutions and agencies. Over 200 Turkish businessmen and women attended the forum and held one on one meetings with their Zambian counterparts. A lot of Turkish businessmen and women showed interest in investing in energy, textiles, food processing, the construction industry and retail trade in goods such as furniture and garments. It is expected that a follow-up Zambia-Turkey Trade and Investment Forum will soon be held in Zambia.
Madam Speaker, the visit to Turkey by His Excellency the President may, all-in-all, be considered a success as it set the tone for future co-operation.
Madam Speaker, allow me to also quickly brief the House on the outcome of the 15th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly that was held in Kampala, Uganda, from 25th to 27th July, 2010. The assembly was attended by the President of Zambia, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda and thirty-five other African Heads of State and Government. Apart from me, the Minister of Health, Hon. Kapembwa Simbao, MP, was also in attendance.
You may wish to note that the assembly was preceded by the 17th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, which comprises Ministers of Foreign Affairs, from 21st to 23rd July, 2010. The council was also preceded by the 20th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee from 19th to 20th July, 2010.
Madam Speaker, since the assembly had a wide-ranging agenda, allow me to only highlight a selection of the major decisions that were taken. These are as follows:
(i) adoption of an action plan for accelerating the achievement of maternal, newborn and child health in Africa. This comprises effective measures to expedite the reduction of maternal, newborn and child mortality on the continent.
It is expected that the implementation of this action plan will ultimately build on the strides already being made in Zambia’s health sector.
The assembly appointed Zambia’s First Republican President, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, to the African Union Panel of the Wise for a period of three years.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Pande: This was in recognition of his contribution to the cause of peace, security and development on the African Continent. I am sure this House will join me in celebrating the fact that Dr Kaunda’s appointment to this important institution of African peace and security architecture is a great honour for Zambia;
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Pande:
(ii) launch of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA). This is a programme of the AU aimed at developing a vision, policies, strategies and programmes for the development of priority region and continental infrastructure up to 2030. This is in areas such as transport, energy, trans-boundary, water and information and communication technologies. Zambia stands to benefit greatly from PIDA given her geo-strategic position of being surrounded by eight neighbours;
(iii) approval for an additional 2,000 troops to beef up the current force of 6,200 African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) while retaining its mandate of peace keeping;
(iv) adoption of African Transport Maritime Charter which is a strategic framework for enhanced co-operation among member states in matters of maritime transport on the continent.
This endeavours to ensure harmonious development of maritime transport infrastructure and operations on the continent in conformity with international conventions. It also serves as a reference point for partners interested in supporting the development of maritime transport projects at the national, regional and continental levels. The next stage is for member states to sign and ratify this instrument. The charter will come into force when it has received a minimum of fifteen ratifications;
(v) adoption of the staff rules and regulations of the African Union Commission which is expected to promote productivity, efficiency, integrity and accountability among the AU members of staff;
(vi) appointment of Members of the African Court on Human and People’s Rights, African Committee on the rights and welfare of the child and the African Commission on Human and people’s rights.
Mr Mumba Malila, Zambia’s former Attorney-General is currently a member of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights and is its Vice-Chairperson. His term of office expires in 2011;
(vii) adoption of a new scale of assessment. This will be effective from January, 2011 to December, 2013 and will be guided by the principles of capacity to pay and equity. As a result of Zambia’s sustained rates of growth since 1999, our scale has risen from 0.440 per cent to 0.801 per cent of the total contributions to the AU budgets;
(viii) integration of the new economic partnership for African’s Development (NEPAD) into the AU structures and processes was taken note of. Following this integration process, my ministry will shortly be sending a team of experts to the NEPAD Planning and Co-ordinating Agency in South Africa to consult on the development of the NEPAD projects and programmes in Zambia and deal with issues of resource mobilisation;
(ix) reaffirmation of the mandate of the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Mr Meles Zenawi, to be the Chief Negotiator for Africa at the next climate change negotiations in Mexico later this year. Africa’s hope is that the climate change negotiations will eventually lead to an agreement that is legally binding and replace the Kyoto Protocol that will expire in 2012; and
(x) reaffirmation of the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration on the United Nations Reforms in which Africa is seeking two permanent seats with veto powers in the reformed United Nations Security Council.
Madam Speaker, lastly, allow me to inform the House that on the margins of the assembly, I held consultations with the delegations of Italy, Canada, Tunisia, Brazil and Venezuela. You may wish to note that Zambia and Venezuela concluded a framework agreement of co-operation that establishes a Joint Permanent Commission Co-operation.
A memorandum of understanding on political consultations between the two ministries of Foreign Affairs was also signed with Venezuela. As for the other countries, the consultations were either cementing the existing bilateral relations or exchanging views on reform of the United Nations Security Council.
Madam Speaker, I thank you and the august House for your attention.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Madam Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the Ministerial Statement given by the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Mr Imenda (Lukulu East): Madam Speaker, we have heard the involvement of other ministries other than the Ministry of Education which is the basis and cornerstone of development. I would like to find out whether in your visitation to this country, there was an engagement on scholarships for our children.
Madam Deputy Speaker: I thought that was clearly stated.
Laughter
Mr Muyanda (Sinazongwe): Madam Speaker, may I find out from the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs why it has been found expedient by our President to continue travelling out of the country at a very huge expense instead of using a relatively cheaper way of using our ambassadors to save the dwindling coffers of this country.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Pande: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for that question although, to some extent, I did not expect a question like that from my hon. Colleague.
Madam Speaker, the President travels on behalf of the Zambians. Anybody who knows the operations of the Government knows that meetings are structured in various forms. There are Heads of State meetings, ministerial meetings and meetings for officials. Therefore, it is only fair to understand that the President is obliged to attend the Heads of State meetings. Before any trip, consultations are done and an analysis to find out whether it is really desirable for the President to travel is made. We should not try to politicise the trips of the President.
Madam Speaker, I would like to assure the House that if there was another President in State House, he would take the trips that President Rupiah Bwezani Banda is taking today because they are desirable.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the statement and congratulate him on managing to bring a Turkish Embassy to this country, considering that this is an act which is long over due.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister because I did not hear him quite correctly whether or not the issuance of visas at the port of entry between Zambia and Turkey is reciprocal. Did I hear him say the Turkish people will get the visas at the Lusaka International Airport or whatever port of entry? However, I did not hear him say this will be applicable for Zambians who go to Turkey. If that is not the case, I would like to find out why they did not make a reciprocal arrangement because getting a visa is quite tedious.
Mr Pande: Madam Speaker, there is reciprocity in whatever we do in foreign affairs. Therefore, Zambians going to Turkey will also have to get their visas on arrival or at points of entry.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Kasongo (Bangweulu): Madam Speaker, could the hon. Minister confirm that the trip of His Excellency the President to Turkey and other countries was in response to the calls that have been made by many politicians that the President should attract other investors apart from the Chinese. Can he confirm that, please?
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}
Mr Pande: Madam Speaker, in the past, countries such as Zambia and many others in this part of the world only looked to the big powers. Now, it is time Zambia and other countries looked to other progressive countries such as Turkey which is not really in the category of big powers. Therefore, in short, Hon. Kasongo, that is absolutely correct. The President listened and that is his response.
I thank you, Madam.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC. (Chasefu): Madam Speaker, for the benefit of those who are not familiar with State visits, could the hon. Minister clarify who covers the costs if the President is invited for a visit to, for example, the United States of America. Are the costs for visiting America borne by the Zambian Government or the host Government?
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Pande: Madam Speaker, when he is invited, the planning and budgeting for the President’s trip is done by the Zambian Government.
Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!
Mr Pande: When you are invited, you must show that you are a real person.
Laughter
Mr Pande: In short, Madam, we plan for these trips and they are budgeted for by the Zambian Government. When we get there, sometimes, courtesies such as transport are extended to us for a limited number of the delegation.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Ms Kapata (Mandevu): Madam Speaker, as a Turkish Embassy is opened here in Zambia, will there be one embassy closed abroad since Zambia is a developing nation and does not have enough money to maintain missions abroad?
Interruptions
Mr Pande: Madam Speaker, I do not understand what the hon. Member is asking about. When a foreign country opens an embassy in Zambia, it meets all the costs fully. It is not the Zambian Government that meets the costs. All we do is provide space for the construction of the embassy. Actually, Zambia stands to benefit because the embassy will even employ some of the Zambians. The workers will pay for electricity, water and other things, including food. Therefore, there is no need to close any embassy.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Kambwili (Roan): Madam Speaker, I would like to know the significance of the historic trade between Turkey and Zambia so far.
Hon. Opposition Member: Hear, hear!
Mr Pande: Madam Speaker, in my statement, I indicated that although there were good relations between Turkey and Zambia, there had not been any interactions at all. This trip the President took is a bridge that will now bring about the trade he is talking about. For example, the trip has resulted in Turkish Airlines coming to Zambia and a Turkish Embassy to be opened in Zambia. That is the start of good things to come regarding trade.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Shawa: Hear, hear!
Dr Machungwa (Luapula): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister, stated that the Heads of State Summit in Uganda approved 2,000 additional troops to beef up the AU troops in Somalia, but did not change the mandate. The mandate remains that of peacekeeping. Is the AU not worried that maintaining the mandate as it is endangers the AU troops because El Shabab and those who support it would want to eliminate the troops? In other words, is the AU not willing to give them a more robust mandate so that they can sort out the troublemakers?
Mr Pande: Madam Speaker, the issue raised by Hon. Dr Machungwa was discussed and, after a lengthy discussion, it was felt that the mandate of peacekeeping should continue, but the number of troops be increased. In the view of the AU, once the number of troops is increased, this will help eliminate the El Shabab.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Lubinda (Kabwata): Madam Speaker, in the spirit of reciprocity on the award of airline landing rights to Turkey, could the hon. Minister indicate to us which Zambian Airline has shown interest in flying and landing in Turkey as reciprocity to the award of landing rights to Turkish Airlines in Zambia.
Mr Pande: Madam Speaker, so far, no Zambian airline has indicated an interest in flying to Turkey. Otherwise, the Turkish skies are open for the Zambian airlines to fly in.
I thank you, Madam.
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr C. Mulenga (Chinsali): Madam Speaker, could the hon. Minister clarify to the nation what kind of assistance, in the confines of the AU, the President of the Republic of Zambia rendered to the President of the Republic of Malawi, Dr Mbingu wa Mutharika, to win the elections in Malawi?
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
The Chair gave the hon. Members the right to ask questions on points of clarification on the ministerial statement and is not aware of the hon. Minister making a statement of that nature.
Mr Chanda (Kankoyo): Madam Speaker, why has the African Unity maintained the chief negotiator who, at the Copenhagen meeting, was believed to have contributed to Africa not doing so well in its negotiations.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
It is the African Union and not African Unity.
Mr Pande: Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia was appointed chief negotiator for Africa and, before he left for Copenhagen, he met with his colleagues the African leaders and what he said was representative of what was agreed upon by all African leaders. Therefore, there was no need to replace him because he presented what they asked him to present.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr L. J. Mulenga (Kwacha): Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether a technical committee has been put in place to ensure that the economic gains of the trips undertaken by the President are achieved quickly to benefit the tax payer.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Pande: Madam Speaker, issues of the impact on the economy after the trips by the President are twofold. Some are immediate while others take time. For example, the Turkish Airlines deal was immediate. If the President had not gone to Turkey, the decision of having a direct flight to and from Turkey would not have been there. Other economic benefits are not immediate. For example, His Excellency the President’s trip to India resulted in the opening of a Pepsi Cola factory that is already operational.
Mr Kambwili: Question!
Interruptions
Mr Pande: Madam Speaker, I was part of that delegation to India and if those who are saying, ‘Question’ do not want to be informed and want to remain ignorant, they may remain so.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
CONTINUOUS ISSUANCE OF NATIONAL REGISTRATION CARDS (NRCS) AND THE ON-GOING MOBILE REGISTRATION EXERCISE
The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Lungu): Madam Speaker, I thank you sincerely for according me this opportunity to give a ministerial statement to this august House on the continuous issuance of the NRCs and the on-going mobile registration exercise.
Madam Speaker, allow me to inform the House that the Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Department of National Registration, Passport and Citizenship Office, is charged with the responsibility of issuing the NRCs under Cap. 126 of the Laws of Zambia.
Madam Speaker, the Department of National Registration, Passport and Citizenship Office have been issuing the NRCs to citizens on a continuous basis since its inception in 1965. The following are the requirements for a Zambian to obtain a green national registration card:
(i) an applicant must be sixteen years of age or above;
(ii) the deponent must be a Zambian and should be a close relative to the applicant and a holder of a green national registration card; and
(iii) the deponent should be thirty-five years of age or there should be an age difference of fifteen years between the applicant and the deponent.
Madam Speaker, a green national registration card confers citizenship on the person who has so acquired it. This, in turn, will give that person rights to:
(i) vote;
(ii) obtain a drivers licence;
(iii) get employed;
(iv) open a bank account and obtain a loan; and
(v) receive medical treatment.
Madam Speaker, although the issuance of the NRCs is an on-going exercise, not every citizen has the capacity to travel to the district registration office to enable him/her to register and acquire the green national registration card or replace a damaged or lost card.
Madam Speaker, to mitigate the challenges cited above, the Department of National Registration, Passport and Citizenship Office conducts mobile registration exercises in all the seventy-two districts of the country to complement the work that is undertaken by the district registration offices. This exercise involves officers going to the remotest parts of the country to issue the NRCs to citizens on the spot in order to empower them to participate in the elections.
Madam Speaker, previously, this exercise used to be conducted six months or a year before the Presidential and General Elections. I wish to state that the current mobile registration exercise commenced in June, 2009, two years before the Presidential and General Elections. The first phase of the on-going mobile registration exercise began in June, 2009 and ran through to September, 2009. This exercise covered three provinces, namely, the North-Western, Western and Eastern.
The second phase began in October, 2009. This exercise covered the Northern, Southern and Central provinces while the third and final phase began on 1st April, 2010 and covered Lusaka, Copperbelt and Luapula provinces. The exercise ran up to 30th June, 2010, except for the Luapula Province which ran up to 11th July, 2010 because officers in this province commenced the exercise late.
Madam Speaker, in the process of issuing the NRCs, the Department of National Registration, Passport and Citizenship Office has had to ensure that no non-Zambian acquires an NRC. Consequently, registration officers have had to be on high alert by ensuring that deponents and applicants are thoroughly screened and interviewed in order to ascertain their citizenship by asking them to produce supporting documents such as birth records and under-five cards. This has resulted in delays in clearing queues, particularly in densely-populated townships such as those in Lusaka and some towns on the Copperbelt. However, more efforts have been made to quicken the process so that the nationals are issued with green national registration cards without undue delays and compromising the security of the nation by giving the same status to foreigners, for example.
Madam Speaker, the on-going mobile registration exercise recorded the following statistics for the first and second phases. The first phase province by province was:
Province Targeted Registered
Eastern 120,000 155,783
North-Western 100,000 83,541
Western 80,000 81,293
Total 300,000 320,617
Second Phase
Province Target Registered Persons
Southern 100,000 95,200
Central 120,000 133,344
Northern 150, 000 176, 542
Total 370,000 405,086
Third Phase as on 21st May, 2010
Province Target Registered Persons
Luapula 100,000 62,594
Copperbelt 250,000 151,271
Lusaka 200,000 151,271
Total 550,000 365,136
Madam Speaker, prior to the exercise, the department had projected to capture 1,000,000 people and, so far, we have captured 1,090,222 who have all been issued with green national registration cards. It was expected that the number would be much higher when the whole exercise came to an end.
Challenges of the On-going Mobile Registration Exercise
Madam Speaker, the mobile registration exercise was and still is faced with challenges such as the following:
(i) constant breakdown of vehicles due to bad roads;
(ii) communication breakdown as most of the provinces have poor communication facilities thereby making the collection of data difficult;
(iii) the vastness of the country resulting in long distances to be covered between villages.
The distances make it difficult for certain areas to be reached. This problem was more prominent in the North/Western and Western provinces were certain areas, such as Liuwa and Imusho in Western Province are waterlogged for most of the year. Other areas such as Nabwalya in the Northern Province are mountainous.
Resource Allocation
Madam Speaker, for the first phase of the mobile registration exercise, an amount of K15 billion was released. With this amount, the department had targeted to register 300,000, while in the second phase the department received K17 billion which was meant to be utilised to register 335,000 people.
The third and final phase gobbled K22 billion which the department anticipated was to be used to capture 550,000 people.
Madam Speaker, the funds that were released from the Treasury for the mobile exercise for all phases were used to:
(i) procure material such as cameras, plastic pouches, films, generators and fuel;
(ii) procurement of motor vehicles and their maintenance;
(iii) sensitisation of people through electronic and print media; and
(iv) allowances for officers in the field.
Conclusion
Madam Speaker, I wish to state that an evaluation of the whole exercise will be undertaken in order to determine the areas that require to be revisited due to the aforementioned challenges experienced during the three phases.
May I, therefore, take this opportunity to thank the churches, Ministry of Education, through their schools, traditional leaders, headmen, the District Commissioners (DCs) and all hon. Members of Parliament for the support rendered to the Ministry of Home Affairs during this exercise.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Madam Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the ministerial statement given by the hon. Minister.
Mr Simuusa (Nchanga): Madam Speaker, there has been a complaint that the publicity regarding the mobile registration of voters has not been adequate due to lack of funds. I wish to find out from the hon. Minister why our people in the constituencies are not aware that the mobile registration of voters is taking place. Is it because there has been inadequate sensitisation and advertisement regarding the exercise?
Mr Lungu: Madam Speaker, maybe, we differ in the way we understand things. I believe that adequate advisements were made. Maybe, some people had difficulties to respond because of the bad terrain in their areas. We announced the exercise adequately.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate the hon. Minister for the exceptional performance in the Eastern Province.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: I would like to find out why in most of the provinces in Zambia their performance was below par …
Hon. Opposition Member: Except Eastern.
Mr Mwiimbu: … apart from the Eastern Province.
Madam Deputy Speaker: The hon. Minister of Home Affairs.
Hon. Opposition Members: Question!
Mr Lungu: Madam Speaker, there are various factors that could account for the differences and one of them is the ability of hon. Members of Parliament to inform their people about the exercise.
Hon. Opposition Members: Question!
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Lungu: Indeed, I have listed a number of factors that are behind the low turnout in some areas. I have mentioned that …
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Lungu: … in some of these areas, maybe, the terrain is more difficult to move on than in other areas. This could be one of the reasons.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Kapeya (Mpika Central): Madam Speaker, may I know from the hon. Minister why he refused to grant permission to some hon. Members of Parliament, who were ready to use their own resources to transport the officers from their offices to the various centres that were left out by his officers.
Mr Lungu: Madam Speaker, it is true, the hon. Member for Mpika came to see me and asked whether it was feasible for him to transport officers from Lusaka to Mpika using his own money to pay for their transport and night allowances. At face value, the suggestion looked good, but upon further enquiries, we decided to turn the offer down because the responsibility to fund the exercise rests upon the Government.
Interruptions
Mr Lungu: This is why I told him that I asked the appropriate ministry to give us additional funds so that we can revisit some of the places that we were unable to cover. I even mentioned to him that we would reach a point where, if we allowed one hon. Member of Parliament to do what he wanted to do, a number of hon. Members of Parliament would make similar requests. My ministry would be overwhelmed with the work load thereby making it fail to run the exercise smoothly.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mrs Musokotwane (Katombola): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister of Home Affairs has just said that it is the responsibility of the Government to carry out this exercise, but the hon. Minister of Education is always telling us to use our initiative.
Mrs Phiri: Hear, hear!
Mrs Musokotwane: Therefore, as hon. Members of Parliament, we want to use our initiative so that the Government can spend its money …
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! Ask your question.
Mrs Musokotwane: Why are we not told by the hon. Minister of Home Affairs to use our initiative like his counterparts tell us?
Mr Ntundu: They are somersaulting.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! There are no somersaults.
Laughter
Mr Lungu: Madam Speaker, sometimes, the context in which certain things are said gives different connotations. I would like to repeat that it is basically the responsibility of the Government to carry out the national registration exercise. However, individuals can explore the possibility of talking to registration officers and agreeing with them on how best the exercise can be done in their areas. Nonetheless, this is basically the responsibility of the Government.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr L. J. Mulenga: Madam Speaker, after listening very carefully to the ministerial statement, I have observed that there are serious challenges such as the financial gap that needs to be bridged in order to reach the targeted population of Zambians with the NRCs. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister, in his sober time of going through whole …
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! Ask your question now.
Mr L. J. Mulenga: I would like to find out what measures the hon. Minister has come up with to ensure that no Zambian is disfranchised on account of the Government’s financial constraints and gaps.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! Order!
Mr Lungu: Madam Speaker, as hon. Members are aware, national registration is a continuous exercise. Therefore, anyone who is eligible can easily go to the district national registration offices to be registered. That notwithstanding, we take cognisance of the fact that sometimes, long distances inhibit people in remote areas from walking to our offices. This is why the Government intends to revisit the areas in which the registration exercise was undertaken. The idea is to capture as many eligible Zambians as possible. However, it may not be possible to register every Zambian above the age of sixteen years because of the various reasons I have given.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.{mospagebreak}
Mr Nkombo: Madam, the hon. Minister indicated that at the second phase, the target was to register 370,000 Zambians in three provinces, but he only gave us figures for two provinces, which are the Southern and Central provinces. Therefore, the statistics for the target and actual number of people registered do not tally. Before I ask my substantive question, I would like him to correct that error by telling us the number of people registered in the third province. I would be thankful if you permitted me to ask my substantive question because the figures he has given us are wrong.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Unfortunately, you cannot ask twice on the same matter. You may have to find other means to ask a second question.
Mr Lungu: Madam Speaker, I must admit that after reviewing the figures, indeed, one province seems to have been omitted on the statistics for the second phase. I will countercheck and bring the answer at an appropriate time.
I thank you, Madam.
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Hear, hear!
Madam Deputy Speaker: The appropriate time would mean before the end of the day?
Mr Lungu: We can do that, Madam.
Mr Chisala (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, regarding the answer by hon. Minister of Home Affairs to Hon. Kapeya’s question, is he implying that hon. Members of Parliament have to report the areas where the exercise was not carried out to district registration officers?
Mr Lungu: Madam Speaker, we know where the exercise was not done. Some hon. Members of Parliament have come to me or telephoned to inform me about the areas that the mobile registration did not reach. Therefore, we are aware of the situation on the ground and this is why I have requested for additional funds from …
Mr Chisala: Aah!
Mr Lungu: Why are you saying, “Aah” when I am telling you what the situation is? As hon. Minister of Home Affairs, I have …
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Minister! Address the House through the Chair.
Mr Lungu: I am sorry, Madam Speaker.
Laughter
Mr Lungu: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member was trying to divert my attention and he succeeded.
Laughter
Mr Lungu: Madam Speaker, several hon. Members of Parliament have told us that certain areas have not been covered. Hence, I have contacted the appropriate ministry so that we can be given additional funds to enable us revisit these areas. We may not know all the areas that were left out but, at least, we know that there are a number of areas that require to be revisited.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Malama (Mfuwe): Madam Speaker, I would like to find out what will happen to the people of Chief Mukungule and Chief Nabwalya where mobile national registration never took place in view of the fact that the voter registration will come to an end in August. Will registration officers be sent to the two chiefdoms for the registration to take place?
Madam Deputy Speaker: One would think that question was tackled in the previous answer, but the hon. Minister may repeat what he said.
M Lungu: Madam Speaker, as I stated before, we are making efforts to ensure that we revisit the remote areas around the country. Once funds are provided, we will conduct this exercise in areas such as the ones he has mentioned. However, I would like to emphasise the fact that we need to understand that there are various competing national needs and registration is just one of them. The resource basket may not be able to meet all our competing demands, but efforts are being made to address various issues. Therefore, I hope that we can revisit the areas in which registration was done as well.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Ntundu (Gwembe): Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister, since he has been struggling to answer …
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! Order! That is unacceptable. Do not start describing what is not necessary here. Just ask your question.
Mr Ntundu: Madam Speaker, since the hon. Minister told us, in his statement, that the registration exercise was not done as planned, would he be in a position to do a favour to the House by confirming whether or not this exercise will be restarted, instead of struggling as a driver ...
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! Order! Withdraw the last words.
Mr Ntundu: I withdraw them, Madam Speaker.
Mr Lungu: Madam Speaker, if Hon. Ntundu is correct, sometimes, we struggle to give answers because hon. Members also struggle when asking questions.
Laughter
Mr Lungu: Therefore, if hon. Members ask struggling questions …
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! Order, hon. Minister!
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! Order! That answer from the hon. Minister is not acceptable because the term ‘struggling’ was ruled out of order and, therefore, he will withdraw that answer and give another one.
Interruptions
Mr Lungu: Madam Speaker, I withdraw that word. However, I have repeatedly said that we intend to revisit the areas where the registration exercise was carried out. I do not know what is unclear about that statement. It is an on-going programme and, once funded, we will go to that area.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwenzi): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister admitted that one of the constraints is transport. Does he still insist that it is not a good idea to allow hon. Members of Parliament, who have transport and resources, to take people into areas where they feel the exercise was not done?
Madam Deputy Speaker: That may be tedious repetition.
Mr Lubinda: Madam Speaker, in the conclusion, the hon. Minister said that he was going to conduct an evaluation of the exercise so as to determine the way forward. May he reconcile that statement with the one that he issued on radio and repeated here that additional money had already been asked for to continue the exercise. How possible is it when he is still doing the evaluation of the exercise to find out where the pitfalls were? May he, please, clarify that?
Mr Lungu: Madam Speaker, I fail to understand what the problem is because the evaluation of the exercise is to establish the number of people who were captured. This is because, as I said, the third phase of the exercise ended on 30th June, 2010, except in the Luapula Province where it ended on 11th June, 2010. At the same time, we know that there are several hon. Members of Parliament who are saying that some areas were not reached. Therefore, I do not see any conflict.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Imenda: Madam Speaker, the reported number of registered voters for the Copperbelt and Lusaka provinces is referred to as 150,151,271 a piece. Is this just a coincidence or could it be a typographical or reading error or slip of the tongue?
Mr Lungu: Madam Speaker, the figures are as given.
I thank you, Madam.
Mrs Phiri (Munali): During the registration exercise, we witnessed people who claimed to be MMD cadres selling forms to people and this matter was reported to the Woodlands Police Station. I would like to find out when the hon. Minister will make a follow-up on this matter to avoid a situation, in future, of people obtaining money under false pretence in this manner.
Mr Lungu: Madam Speaker, the issue raised by the hon. Member for Munali, to me, is like hearsay in the sense that I have not heard about it. However, if there were people who did that and were reported to the police, I believe that appropriate action will be taken thereon.
I thank you, Madam.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mukanga: Madam Speaker, during registration, one of the requirements was for people to provide birth records or under-five cards. People living in the peri-urban areas of Zambia do not have birth records because there are no hospitals. Therefore, what system has the ministry put in place to ensure that these people are not disfranchised by being enabled to get their NRCs?
Mr Lungu: Madam Speaker, these guidelines are not cast in stone. This means that if a child is accompanied by anyone of its parents whose explanation of the child’s parentage convinces the officers, the NRCs is given.
I thank you, Madam.
Dr Machungwa: Madam Speaker, considering that the ministry experiences difficulties in conducting this exercise in the remote areas such as the islands on the Bangweulu Swamps, where a number of people were left out, would the hon. Minister consider starting with these areas, next time around, since it is more difficult to reach them and get proper numbers rather than begin with the urban areas.
Mr Lungu: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member’s suggestion will be considered.
I thank you, Madam.
Dr Scott (Lusaka Central): Madam Speaker, there is a huge disparity between the number of new voters’ cards issued by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and the figure of a million plus of new NRCs given to us by the hon. Minister. I wonder whether he has an estimate of the number of people over eighteen years who obtained NRCs in this exercise rather than the total which includes those between sixteen and eighteen years. We need to understand why there is a difference.
Mr Lungu: Madam Speaker, that is a new question.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Kambwili: Madam Speaker, many areas in the Copperbelt and Lusaka provinces are easily accessible by roads. Would we have a specific reason the ministry’s targets were not met and why the number of people to be captured is always projected at 250,000 and yet people who registered were between 150,000 151,000 and 271,000. How possible is that?
Mr Lungu: Madam Speaker, those are the figures that we were given and I think that they are correct. If on counterchecking, which I can do, we find that there were some errors, the House will be informed.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Chimbaka (Bahati): Madam Speaker, would the hon. Minister of Home Affairs indicate to what extent the country’s governance would be affected negatively if, for example, the issuance of NRCs was facilitated by anyone with money.
Madam Deputy Speaker: It sounds very similar to a question that was asked before.
Mr Lungu: Madam Speaker, a lot of problems could arise and one of them would be that of hon. Members of Parliament being accused of using their money to only take officers to areas where they have support. Those are the things we want to avoid because we want to cover all those who qualify.
I thank you, Madam.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
_________________
QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER
2009-2010 ROAD LICENSING FEES
630. Mr D. Mwila (Chipili) asked the Minister of Finance and National Planning how much money the Government collected in the form of road license fees from 2009 to 2010, countrywide.
The Deputy Minister of Finance and National Planning (Ms C. M. Kapwepwe): Madam Speaker, road licence fees are collected by the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) from a total of twenty-eight collection points throughout the country. For the period 1st January, 2009 to 30th June, 2010, total road license fee collections were K266 billion. Of this amount, K176 billion was collected in 2009 while K90 billion was collected during the period 1st January to 30th June, 2010.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr D. Mwila: Madam Speaker, I would like to find out whether the Government has any intentions to reduce the road license fees because they are too high.
Ms C. M. Kapwepwe: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for asking that question although I fail to understand what he means by the road license fees being too high. We, as a ministry, are responsible for the collection of revenue that is turned over to the Central Treasury and these charges are reviewed from time to time. As we understand, at the moment, these fees are at a desired level.
I thank you, Madam.
SHIWANG’ANDU BRIDGES
631. Major Chibamba (Shiwang’andu) asked the Vice-President and Minister of Justice when the reconstruction of the five bridges that were destroyed during the 2004/2005 floods in Shiwang’andu Parliamentary Constituency at the following places would begin:
(i) Chamusenga;
(ii) Mapampa;
(iii) Mwemenena;
(iv) Lufulambulo; and
(v) Mwilwa.
The Deputy Minister of Justice (Mr Chilembo): Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Works and Supply, through the Road Development Agency (RDA), in conjunction with the Chinsali District Council, inspected and carried out an assessment of the bridges that were washed away during the 2004/2005 rainy season at Chamusenga, Mapampa, Mwemenena, Lufulambulo and Mwila respectively. However, it has not been possible to work on all the washed away structures due to lack of adequate funds.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Major Chibamba: Madam Speaker, is the Vice-President and Minister of Justice aware that all these bridges have remained in this state for the last ten years and that if efforts were made, at least, some of them would have been repaired?
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice (Mr Kunda, SC.): Madam Speaker, I can only take note of what the hon. Member has stated. Of course, we, as a Government, are concerned about the state of the infrastructure such as bridges throughout the country, especially those which are washed away. Therefore, it is important that we continue to budget for this vital infrastructure.
I thank you, Madam.
2008 PRESIDENTIAL BY-ELECTIONS COSTS
632. Mr Mukanga (Kantanshi) asked the Vice-President and Minister of Justice how much money the Government spent during the 2008 Presidential by-election on the following activities;
(a) hire of helicopters by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ);
(b) hotel bills for the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) Presidential Campaign Team;
(c) MMD Presidential Candidate Image Builders; and
(d) other political party leaders that campaigned for the MMD Presidential candidate.
Mr Chilembo: Madam Speaker, with reference to the question on how much was spent on the hire of helicopters by the ECZ, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning provided K15 billion to the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) for the hire of helicopters for the 2008 presidential by-elections. The areas serviced by the helicopters are on the attached schedule. It covers various wards visited as follows.
Council Constituency Ward Polling Station No. of
Officers
Central
Province
Mkushi Mkushi South Mwalala Chimika Primary School 48
Mwalala Cheembe Primary School
Tembwe Tumbwe Game Camp
Chingombe Ching’ombe Primary School
Chingombe Katetaula Primary School
Chingombe Mboroma Primary School
Mkushi North Musofu Mulemba Primary School
Chipata Mboshya School
Chipata Game Camp (Tumbwe)
Serenje Muchinga Chisomo Chisomo Primary School 06
Chisomo Chimbaya Primary School 06
Kabansa Kaombe School 06
Kabansa Kabanse Primary School 06
Chitambo Luombwa Chobela 06
Luombwa Kamaka School 06
Nyimba Nyimba Luangwa Mshalira School 04
Luangwa Mbilisao School 05
Luangwa Chikwasha School 04
Chamilala Nkoma School 04
Luapula Province
Samfya Luapula Lunga Kasoma Lunga West Court 04
(Swamp)
Lunga Kasoma Lunga East School 04
Nkutila Itala School (Island) 04
Nkutila Mung’omba Village 04
Nkutila Mweshi School Island 04
Nkutila Buchinda Village Island 04
Nkutila Kalimankonde School 04
Island
Lunga Chibulu School Island 04
Nsaloshi Chisale School Island 04
Nsaloshi Mutwamina School Island 04
Nsaloshi Nsamba School 04
Nsaloshi Matongo School 04
Nsaloshi Kabulu Village 04
Nsaloshi Mandwe Village Island 04
Ncheta Chafye School Island 04
Ncheta Bwalya Mponda School 04
Island (Swamps)
Ncheta Mutoni School 04
Ncheta Mboyalubambe School 04
Island
Lunga Bwana Chikonde Village 04
Kashila
Lupiya
Northern Province
Mpika Mfuwe Mupamadzi Kamwendo Primary School 05
Chikanda Nabwalya Primary School 05
Chifungwe Chaya Primary School 05
Chikanda Luangwa Community School 05
Chikanda Kapangula Community School
Chifungwe Chilima Primary School
Muchinga Kazembe Primary School 05
Muchinga Kalimba Primary School
Muchinga Buzimbwa School
Muchinga Nkombo Village
Chilubi Chilubi Bumba Bumba Primary School 04
Bumba Minga Community School
Bumba Mwape Kalunga Village
Chiloba Chichile School 04
Chiloba Kasansa School
Luangwa Fube School 04
Luangwa Kateshi School
Kaputa Chimba- Chobo Katele Primary School 08
milonga
North-Western Province
Chavuma Chavuma Nyantanda Myambingila Primary 06 School
Nyantanda Likoma Primary 06
Kambuya Salikishi Primary School 06
Kambuya Nyakutemba Primary School 06
Kambuya Mukutu Primary School 06
Western Province
Kalabo Liuwa Siluwe Siluwe School 04
Siluwe Litapuya (Lusheshe) Village 04
Siluwe Libilingoma School 04
Siluwe Matindi School 04
Siluwe Mangala Village 04
Madam, the Government did not pay for any hotel bills for the MMD Campaign Team nor for the MMD presidential candidate image builders or other political party leaders as this was purely a party matter.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Mukanga: Madam Speaker, using the position of incumbency, I would like to find out exactly how much money was spent on the helicopter that the President was using to fly all over the country during this campaign.
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Madam Speaker, that question is, I think, irrelevant to the principle question. We will need a specific question to be asked for us to provide the details.
I thank you, Madam.
Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! It is not a right for a supplementary question to be asked by hon. Members. It is a privilege that we use ...
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
... depending on the work load. The right to ask a supplementary question is meant for the hon. Member who asks the principle question.
MANO/MWEWA ROAD LATERITE
633. Dr Chishya (Pambashe) asked the Minister of Works and Supply when Sable Contractors would apply laterite in areas the company left without laterite on the Mano/Mwewa Road in Chifunabuli Parliamentary Constituency.
The Deputy Minister of Works and Supply (Dr Kalila): Madam Speaker, the scope of the works for the contract awarded to Messrs Sable Transport Limited to work on the Mano/Mwewa Road was limited to carrying out 17 km of regravelling out of the total distance of 84 km. The remaining section that was not regravelled will, therefore, not be worked on under this contract awarded to Messrs Sable Transport Limited. The scope of works was limited by the funds available.
I thank you, Madam.
Dr Chishya: Madam Speaker, can the hon. Minister confirm if at all he is going to use the contractor in question who is known for shoddy work?
The Minister of Works and Supply (Mr Mulongoti): Madam Speaker, every contractor used is registered under the National Construction Council. This implies that there is no information to the effect that the work done by this contractor is shoddy and, thus, he cannot be deregistered. As far as we are concerned, a contractor is good until that information is proved to the contrary.
I thank you, Madam.{mospagebreak}
BRIDGE AT NAKABWE IN CHIEF MPUMBA’S AREA
634. Mr Malama (Mfuwe) asked the Vice-President and Minister of Justice when the bridge at Nakabwe in Chief Mpumba’s area, which was washed away by heavy rains, would be worked on by the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU).
Mr Chilembo: Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Works and Supply, through the Road Development Agency, carried out an assessment of the bridge at Nakabwe in chief Mpumba’s area that was washed away. However, it has not been possible to work on all the washed away structures due to lack of adequate funds.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Malama: Madam Speaker, the state of this bridge has contributed to pupils not going to school. I would like to find out the immediate plans the Government has to ensure that …
Mr Lubinda: On a point of order, Madam.
Madam Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Lubinda: Madam Speaker, the practice of this House is that when there are important visitors to Parliament in the Visitor’s Gallery, that fact is made known to hon. Members of the House. Is the Chief Whip in order not to acquaint the House with the fact that there is a stranger in the House who is continuously disturbing us with the flashing light of a camera without informing us why he is here?
Madam Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member who has raised that point may have to get clarification. The Chair is not aware of the stranger. In the mind of the Chair, …
Interruption
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
… the alleged stranger is a member of the press. If he is not, the Chair will verify that.
Hon. Members: He is.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Is he?
Order! At the moment, the Chair believes that we have the press around. Some are photojournalists, print journalist and others come with a video camera. This is how the Chair takes it. If the person who is here is not from the press, it will be clarified later to the House because, indeed, strangers are not allowed. However, the media, in whichever form, is allowed on this Floor. They mingle in here. Therefore, the Chief Whip …
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! The Chief Whip is, for now, in order unless found otherwise.
Hon. Members: Hear, Hear!
Mr Malama: Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the Vice-President what immediate plans the Government has put in place to help the school-going children, especially during the rainy season when it becomes very difficult for the small ones, to cross the river.
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Works and Supply has taken steps to plan for this bridge. However, the hon. Member has, at his disposal, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and if there is a need for urgent construction of the Bridge, he can use that alternative.
As a Government, we have provided various avenues through which hon. Members of Parliament can resolve their problems.
I thank you, Madam.
HEALTH CENTRES AND STAFF HOUSES REHABILITATION
635. Mr Chisala (Chilubi) asked the Minister of Health:
(a) why construction and rehabilitation of some health centres and staff houses failed to start in 2009 when funds were allocated for the purpose; and
(b) which contractors were awarded the contracts for construction and rehabilitation by the Ministry of Health, in Northern Province, in 2008 and 2009.
The Minister of Health (Mr Simbao): Mr Speaker, our answer to the hon. Member’s question is that …
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Conversations to do with the member who is regarded as a stranger have continued. Can we, for now, leave him? If he is a stranger, he, definitely, is not supposed to be here. He knows whether he does not belong to any media institution and is, therefore, a stranger. If he is, he should leave the Chamber so that we continue with the business of the House. However, if he is an accredited member of the press, he has the right to mingle in here.
Mr Simbao: Madam Speaker, construction of some health centres and staff houses could not start on time in 2009 because the funds were released late.
The following are the contractors who were awarded major contracts in the Northern Province in 2008 and 2009:
Total
Project Name of Contractor Amount (K)
Construction of (4)
Maternity Wings Ruthen (Z) Limited 2,746,862,699.06
Construction of Mpulungu Jin De Zham (Z)
District Hospital (Phase 1) Limited 3,182,037,249.00
Construction of Nakonde
District Hospital (Phase 1) China Jianxi Limited 4,286,994,275.00
Completion of Kaputa
District Hospital New Era (Z) Limited 4,788,004,646.00
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Chisala: Madam Speaker, Ruthen (Z) Limited Contractors lamentably failed to complete the works that were awarded in 2007. This company had its subsequent contract cancelled when its initial failure came to light. It has since taken legal action against the State …
Madam Deputy Speaker: You are debating.
Mr Chisala: May I know how the Government is handling this matter?
Mr Simbao: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member knows that this case is in court and the Government is following the court process.
I thank you, Madam.
MOFU AND CHICHELE SCHOOL REHABILITATION
636. Mr Chisala asked the Minister of Education when the Government would rehabilitate the 1 x 3 classroom blocks at Mofu and Chichile Basic Schools whose roofs where blown off in January and November, 2009 respectively, in Chilubi Parliamentary Constituency.
The Deputy Minister of Education (Mr Sinyinda): Madam Speaker, during the 2009/2010 rainy season, there were 161 classroom blocks and seventy-seven staff houses with blown-off roofs countrywide. One major cause of roofs being blown off is that schools were built using timber trusses. In order to correct this, the Ministry of Education, in the last ten years, has been using steel trusses in new constructions and rehabilitation.
Nineteen classroom blocks and twelve teachers’ houses have since been repaired. However, Mofu and Chichile Basic schools are among the schools that have not yet been rehabilitated and as soon as funds are available, these schools will be rehabilitated.
The repair of blown-off roofs is provided for under the rehabilitation and maintenance budget line at all levels. These funds are released and managed by respective Provincial Education Officers, District Education Board Secretaries, high schools and colleges. The budget provision for 2010 is K33,310,228,839.19.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Chisala: Considering the long period it has taken the Government to rehabilitate the schools, would it not be right to hand over the matter to the Office of the Vice-President under the DMMU that can act faster?
Mr Sinyinda: Madam Speaker, we are aware that a good number of schools have not been repaired. We are, however, doing everything possible to ensure that they are repaired. For the hon. Member’s information, the DMMU, from time to time, comes to the assistance of the Ministry of Education, but the ministry will nevertheless do everything possible to ensure that the schools are repaired.
CHABA AND MATIPA OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENTS
637. Mr Chisala asked the Minister of Health:
(a) why the construction of out-patients departments and staff houses stalled at Chaba and Matipa Rural Health centres; and
(b) who the suppliers of the building materials to these projects were.
Mr Simbao: Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that construction of the Out-patient Department at Chaba Rural Health is 80 per cent complete. The structure is now at the roof level. As for the staff houses at Matipa Rural Health Centre, the works are 99 per cent complete. The only thing remaining is painting of the staff houses. These were labour-based contracts and the constructor for both projects is Matipa Business Enterprise. Initially, these projects were supposed to have been completed within six months, that is, from 15th May, 2009 to 15th November, 2009. The delay in completing these projects has been caused by the poor flow of materials from the supplier who is based in Mansa to the contractor who is based in Chilubi.
Madam Speaker, the supplier of building materials to these projects is Chubili Enterprises of Mansa.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Chisala: Madam Speaker, corruption, in any form and at any degree, is a threat to the development of the country. May I know why the supplier of the materials was not picked amongst the suppliers from the Northern Province or local suppliers in Chilubi District.
Mr Simbao: Madam Speaker, I really do not know what the hon. Member is referring to as corruption. All these tenders were advertised and the people who qualified were picked and the guidelines do not designate from which area suppliers should come from. It was an open tender and whoever met the requirements, won it. In this regard, I do not understand what the hon. Member is talking about.
I thank you, Madam.
______
BILLS
SECOND READING
THE NATIONAL PROSECUTION AUTHORITY BILL, 2010
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice (Mr Kunda, SC.): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the Bill be now read a second time.
Madam, the National Prosecution Authority Bill seeks to establish a National Prosecution Authority and provide for its powers and functions; establish a Witness Management Fund; and provide a framework for the effective administration of criminal justice.
Madam Speaker, currently, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is created under Article 56 of the Constitution which mandates the DPP to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any court, other than a court-martial, for any offence alleged to have been committed by that person.
Madam, currently, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions is a department in the Ministry of Justice and has prosecutors who are state advocates. These are the ones who prosecute matters before the High Court and deal with appeals before the High Court and the Supreme Court. However, in addition to state advocates, there are other public prosecutors such as police prosecutors who are not directly under the control of the DPP because they fall under the Ministry of Home Affairs while other public prosecutors fall under statutory bodies such as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) and Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), to name but a few.
Madam, these public prosecutors prosecute criminal matters that are before subordinate courts. This arrangement is inconsistent with international best practice which requires the police and other investigators to only investigate criminal matters and not prosecute them directly before any court, after investigating them, as the dual role compromises their objectivity.
Madam Speaker, in view of that, the Bill seeks to bring all prosecutorial functions under the National Prosecution Authority whose chairperson will be the DPP in accordance with the constitutional mandate for that office. To that effect, the authority will appoint all state advocates and all public prosecutors who work directly under the DPP and exercise prosecutorial functions, in the case of public prosecutors, as authorised in writing by the DPP. Every prosecutor will be required to exercise his or her prosecutorial functions with impartiality, objectivity, confidentiality and fairness. In addition to this, the DPP is mandated, in this Bill, to develop a code of conduct that will bind all state advocates and prosecutors and thereby ensure professionalism and public confidence.
Madam, notwithstanding the above observations, there will be a transitional period during which police prosecutors and other public prosecutors will continue to prosecute matters before subordinate courts on behalf of the DPP whilst still being stationed within their respective institutions while the authority sets up offices around the country. Once the authority has set up a sufficient number of offices around the country, these public prosecutors will be required to windup their cases and only those appointed by the DPP and are stationed within the authority will prosecute criminal matters from that point onwards.
Madam Speaker, subject to the Constitution, the authority will be an autonomous institution that will not, in the performance of its functions, be subject to the control of any person, authority or body apart from the DPP.
Madam, currently, the criminal justice system is hampered by the non-availability of witnesses in court. The State has the responsibility to ensure the presence of witnesses for trials, but is unable to perform this function effectively due to lack of funds. In most cases, witnesses end up using their own financial resources to attend court sessions. Therefore, in order to address this problem, the Bill establishes the Witness Management Fund to be utilised for transportation and the welfare of witnesses. The fund will not be used to pay witnesses for testifying in court as has been erroneously alleged by those who misunderstood its purpose.
Madam Speaker, Members of this august House may wish to note that the management of prosecuting witnesses requires adequate funds to ensure that witnesses are not inconvenienced in their welfare while attending court to expedite the delivery of justice. Therefore, the establishment of the Witness Management Fund is long overdue.
Madam, from the foregoing, it is clear that this Bill is progressive and timely and will improve the administration of criminal justice in the country.
Therefore, I urge all hon. Members of this august House to support it wholeheartedly.
Madam Speaker, I beg to move.
Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Madam Speaker, I thank you most sincerely for giving me an opportunity to brief this august House on the National Prosecutions Authority Bill, 2010 which was referred to your Committee on 14th July, 2010 for scrutiny.
Madam Speaker, the proposed Bill seeks to:
(i) establish the National Prosecutions Authority and provide for its powers and functions;
(ii) provide for the framework for the effective administration of criminal justice;
(iii) establish a Weakness Management Fund; and
(iv) provide for matters connected with or incidental to the foregoing.
Madam Speaker, your Committee consulted various stakeholders who made both written and oral submissions. Your Committee is pleased to note that all the stakeholders it related with welcomed the enactment of the proposed Bill.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: The stakeholders stated that the enactment of the legislation will enhance and improve the standard of prosecution and provide an effective system of administering criminal justice. However, the stakeholders raised some concerns which are set out hereunder:
(i) on the composition of the board, the stakeholders do not appreciate the involvement of the Public Service Management Division and the Ministry of Labour and Social Services because they feel the two will dilute the autonomy of the authority;
(ii) they feel that it is necessary to be specific on the qualifications of the two people appointed by the hon. Minister to sit on the board such as stating that they be eminent juries; and
(iii) they are also concerned about how the transitioning of the prosecutors from other law enforcement agencies to the National Prosecutions Authority will be conducted.
Madam Speaker, your Committee is happy to note that the Bill provides for the autonomy of the National Prosecutions Authority in the performance of its functions. This will assist in doing away with the perceived interference in the proper conduct of the prosecutions and the functions of the Office of the DPP.
Madam Speaker, your Committee further welcomes the creation of the Witness Management Fund, as this will assist in ensuring that witnesses are brought to court quickly and cases are dealt with in good time, thereby reducing the time suspects are kept in prison.
Madam Speaker, your Committee, therefore, urges the hon. Members to support the enactment of this progressive piece of legislation, as it will ensure quick disposal of cases, especially with the delegation of the powers of the DPP in areas outside Lusaka.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Speaker, in conclusion, your Committee wishes to record and express its appreciation to the witnesses who made submissions before it. Finally, I wish to commend hon. Members of your Committee and the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly for the support rendered to your Committee during the consideration of the National Prosecutions Authority Bill of 2010.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Madam Speaker, I wish to thank the hon. Members for the overwhelming support for this Bill.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Business was suspended from 1615 hours until 1630 hours.{mospagebreak}
[MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]
Madam Deputy Speaker: When business was suspended, the House was considering the Second Reading of the National Prosecution Authority Bill, 2010 and His Honour the Vice-President and Learned Minister of Justice had wound up debate.
Question put and agreed to and the Bill read a second time.
Committed to a committee of the Whole House.
Committee on Friday, 6th August, 2010.
HOUSE IN COMMITTEE
[THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the
Chair]
THE ANIMAL HEALTH BILL, 2010
Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
CLAUSE 2 – (Interpretation)
The Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Development (Mr Machila): Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 2 as follows:
(a) on page 7, in lines 6 to 10 by the deletion of the definition of “animal” and the substitution therefor of the following:
“animal” means any vertebrate, other than a human being, which is a member of the phylum chordate and includes a bee, butterfly and other insects used in the production of animal products, including the carcass of such animals; and
(b) on page 12,
(i) in line 2 by the deletion of the word “tick” and the substitution therefor of the word “vector”; and
(ii) in lines 14 to 16 by the deletion of the definition of “veterinary surgeon” and the substitution therefor of the following:
“veterinary surgeon” means a person registered as a veterinary surgeon under the Veterinary Surgeons Act.
Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.
Clause 2, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clauses 3, 4 and 5 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
CLAUSE 6 – (Powers of the Veterinary Officer)
Mr Machila: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 6, on page 15, in lines 11 to 12 by the deletion of the words “as soon as is practicable” and the substitution therefor of the words “within fourteen days of the detention, treatment, disposal, or destruction of the animal, animal product, animal by-product, article or animal feed”.
Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.
Clause 6, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clauses 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
CLAUSE 14 – (Owners of Land to Provide Handling and other Facilities)
Mr Machila: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 14, on page 18, in line 31 by the deletion of the word “found” and the substitution therefor of the word “kept”.
Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.
Clause 14, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clauses, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 and 58 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
CLAUSE 59 – (Restriction on importation, manufacture or sale of animal feed)
Mr Machila: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 59, in line 21 by the insertion of the words “from the Director” after the word “permit”.
Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.
Clause 59, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 60 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
CLAUSE 61 – (Permit for rendering plant)
Mr Machila: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 61, on page 34, in line 6 by the insertion of the words “from the Director” after the word “permit”.
Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.
Clause 61, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clauses 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80 and 82 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Schedule, ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Title agreed to.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
THE ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION BILL, 2010
Clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
CLAUSE 10 – (Renewal of identification mark)
Mr Machila: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 10, on page 7, in lines 25 to 27 by the deletion of sub-clause (3).
Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.
Clause 10, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clauses 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
CLAUSE 23 – (Repeal of Act No. 12 of 1913)
Mr Machila: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment after Clause 23, on page 11 by the insertion of the following new clause:
Transitional provisions in relation to existing certificates of registration
24 (1) A person who holds a certificate of registration issued under the repealed Act shall, within a period of one year from the commencement of this Act, apply to the Director for a certificate of registration of an identification mark, in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
(2) For the avoidance of doubt, all certificates of registration issued under the repealed Act shall cease to be valid one year after the commencement of this Act.
Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.
Clause 23, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Title agreed to.
THE CATTLE CLEANSING (Repeal) BILL, 2010
Clauses 1 and 2 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Title agreed to.
THE TSETSE CONTROL (Repeal) BILL, 2010
Clauses 1 and 2 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Title agreed to.
THE CATTLE SLAUGHTER (Control) (Repeal) BILL, 2010
Clauses 1 and 2 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Title agreed to.
THE AGRICULTURE (Fertilisers and Feed) (Amendment) BILL
Clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Title agreed to.
______________
HOUSE RESUMED
[MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]
The following Bills were reported to the House as having passed through Committee with amendment:
The Animal Health Bill, 2010
The Animal Identification Bill, 2010
Report Stages on Friday 6th August, 2010.
The following Bills were reported to the House as having passed through Committee without amendment:
The Cattle Cleansing (Repeal) Bill, 2010
The Tsetse Control (Repeal) Bill, 2010
The Cattle Slaughter (Control) (Repeal) Bill, 2010
The Agriculture (Fertilisers and Feed) (Amendment) Bill, 2010
Third Readings on Friday, 6th August, 2010.
REPORT STAGE
The Copyright and Performance Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2010
The Independent Broadcasting Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2010
Reports adopted.
Third Readings on 6th August, 2010.
THIRD READING
The following Bills were read the third time and passed:
The Excess Expenditure Appropriation (2007) Bill, 2010
The Professional Boxing and Wrestling Control (Amendment) Bill, 2010
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
______________
MOTION
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice (Mr Kunda, SC.): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.
Question put and agreed to.
_______
The House adjourned at 1722 hours until 0900 hours on Friday, 6th August, 2010.
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
ZAMBIA POLICE FORCE
W64. Mr Mwango (Kanchibiya) asked the Minister of Home Affairs what measures the Government had taken to ensure improved conditions of service in the Zambia Police Force with regard to accommodation and remuneration.
The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Lungu): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Government has put in place measures aimed at improving the conditions of service in the Zambia Police Force with regard to accommodation and remuneration.
Madam, currently, there are 500 housing units under construction out of which 280 were completed and handed over to the Zambia Police Force on the Copperbelt. Final touches involving minor works such as landscaping and electrical fittings are being done to the remaining houses under construction in Livingstone, Chipata and Kasama. Ninety-two houses have been constructed in Chipata, sixty in Kasama and sixty-eight in Livingstone.
Madam, with regard to infrastructure rehabilitation, sewer repairs have been done at Chinyunyu Police Station and Monze and Sikanze Police camps while water reticulation has been done in the Lusaka West Camp, Police Headquarters and Imboela. Electricity and plumbing works are being done at Chavuma and Jimbe, among other rehabilitation works currently being done throughout the country.
Madam Speaker, in addition, police officers not accommodated in institutional houses are being paid housing allowance which the Government introduced in 2009.
Madam, with regard to remuneration, police officers were awarded a 15 per cent salary increment with effect from 1st April, 2010, in order to improve their salaries.
Madam Speaker, the mealie-meal allowance was also added to police officers’ salaries with effect from January, 2010, as a way of ensuring that they get it when it is due.
Madam, the Government also approved the adjustment of salary scales of the ranks of sergeant to senior superintendent to the next salary scale after the ranks of chief superintendent and sub-inspector were abolished with effect from April, 2010.
Madam, this was done to improve the salaries of officers in the lower ranks as a way of boosting morale in the service.
I thank you, Madam.