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Debates- Tuesday, 29th June, 2010
DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE FOURTH SESSION OF THE TENTH ASSEMBLY
Tuesday, 29thJune, 2010
The House met at 1430 hours
[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]
NATIONAL ANTHEM
PRAYER
______
OATH AND AFFIRMATION OF ALLEGIANCE
The following Members took and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance:
Whiteson Banda
Eliot Kamondo
______
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MR SPEAKER
DEATH OF MR BENSON MWAMBA BWALYA, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR CHIFUBU
Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to acquaint the House with a fact already sadly known that the House lost one of its hon. Members, Mr Benson Mwamba Bwalya, hon. Member of Parliament for Chifubu Parliamentary Constituency who passed away on Monday, 31st May, 2010 at Konkola Mine Hospital in Chililabombwe.
The late Mr Benson Mwamba Bwalya, MP, was buried in Ndola on Wednesday, 2nd June, 2010. The House was represented at the burial by the following hon. Members of Parliament and members of staff:
(i) Mr E. Kasoko, MP (Leader of Delegation);
(ii) Mrs F. Sinyangwe, MP;
(iii) Mr G. Nkombo, MP;
(iv) Mr S. Chisanga, MP;
(v) Mr J. K. Zulu, MP;
(vi) Ms E. M. Imbwae, MP;
(vii) Colonel G. Chanda, MP;
(viii) Mr F. R. Tembo, MP;
(ix) Mr A. Musonda, Chief Editor of Parliamentary Publications (Secretary to the Delegation); and
(x) Sergeant G. Mulenga, Security Officer.
I have already conveyed the sympathies and condolences of the House to the bereaved family.
I now request the House to rise and observe a minute of silence in honour of the memory of the late hon. Member.
Thank you.
Members of Parliament stood in silence for one minute.
ELECTION OF THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES OF THE WHOLE HOUSE
Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, following the Presidential appointment of Hon. Mkhondo Danwood Lungu, MP, former Deputy Chairperson of the Committees of the Whole House, to a cabinet portfolio of hon. Minister of Home Affairs on 18th May, 2010, it has become necessary for the House to hold an election, today, to fill the vacancy created.
In accordance with the provisions of the National Assembly Standing Order No. 5(1), the Clerk of the National Assembly will guide the House on the procedure to be followed and perform the electoral functions as Returning Officer. In performing this important function, the Clerk of the National Assembly will be assisted by other Senior Parliamentary Officials.
I, therefore, suspend business until the election has been concluded. Before I do so, however:
(i) I hereby ascertain that a quorum is present and direct the division bells to ring accordingly; and
(ii) the Bar of the House will be closed and the doors shall be locked.
I now call on the Clerk to guide the House through the election process.
Thank you.
________
The Clerk read the Proclamation
ELECTION OF DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES OF THE WHOLE HOUSE
The Clerk (Mrs D. K. Mwinga): Hon. Members, before the House proceeds with the election to the office of Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House, may I explain the procedure which has to be followed in accordance with Standing Order No. 5(15) which states:
“5(15) The process for electing the Speaker shall apply when electing the Deputy Speaker and the Deputy Chairperson of the Committees of the Whole House.”
Hon. Members, the procedure for electing the Speaker is provided for under Standing Orders Nos. 4 and 5 of the National Assembly Standing Orders, 2005. Standing Order No. 5(2), (5(3) and 5(4) states:
“5(2) when a quorum of the House is present, the Clerk shall direct for the division bells to be rung for four minutes. At the end of a further period of one minute, the Clerk shall direct the Bar to be closed and doors locked and no Member shall, thereafter, enter or leave the Chamber until the elections of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House have taken place.”
“5(3) The election of Speaker shall be by secret ballot.”
“5(4) The names of candidates for election to the office of Speaker shall be entered upon nomination papers being obtained from and handed to the Clerk, at least, forty-eight hours before the time appointed at which the House is to meet to elect the Speaker and shall be accompanied in each case by the signatures of two Members who support the candidate and a declaration by them that the candidate is willing to serve and, when the candidate is not a Member, is qualified to be elected under Article 69(1) of the Constitution of Zambia.”
In addition, hon. Members should note that Standing Order No. 5(12) provides that:
“Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Standing Order, if there is only one candidate who has been duly nominated, that candidate shall be declared forthwith to have been elected Speaker, without any ballot or vote being required.”
Hon. Members, this being the election of the Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House, necessary modifications have been made to the procedure for electing the Speaker as outlined above in conformity with Standing Order No. 5(15).
Arrangements
Hon. Members, the following arrangements have been put in place to facilitate the election of the new Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House in accordance with the relevant Standing Orders:
(i) Circular to Invite Nominations
On 17th June, 2010, I issued a circular to all hon. Members to invite nominations for candidates for the position of Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House in conformity with Standing Order No. 5(4). Further, on 24th June, 2010, I issued another circular to remind hon. Members of the closing date and time for nominations for the position. I now wish to confirm that, as returning officer, I have since received one valid nomination, for the position of Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House.
(ii) Ballot Papers
The Ballot papers for use during the election by secret ballot have been prepared.
(iii) Ballot Boxes
Transparent ballot boxes to support the voting have been acquired. Therefore, both the ballot papers and boxes are here with us.
(iv) Support Staff
In terms of the National Assembly Standing Order 5(1), I am the returning officer for this election. Had the polls actually taken place, I would have been assisted by polling assistants drawn from senior staff of the National Assembly, namely; the Deputy Clerk, the Assistant Clerk, the Parliamentary Legal Counsel, the Principal Clerk of Research, Public and International Relations and the Principal Clerk of Committees.
Voting Process
Hon. Members, the voting process would have proceeded as follows:
(i) the names of the candidates who would have successfully lodged their nomination papers for the position of Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House would have been displayed and indicated on the ballot papers;
(ii) the ballot boxes would have been opened, inspected and sealed in full view of all hon. Members. Thereafter, the ballot boxes would have been placed back in their rightful positions;
(iii) during the voting, we would have used the Division List, which is arranged in alphabetical order, as the order for voting; and
(iv) at the end of the voting and in conformity with Standing Order No.5 (8) and 5(10), I would have counted the votes and announced the winner.
However, hon. Members may wish to know that, at the close of the nominations on Friday, 25th June, 2010, only one nomination was received, namely; Mr Ernest Chitumwa Mwansa, MP.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
The Clerk: Therefore, in accordance with Standing Order No. 5(12), I now proceed to declare the result for the position of Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House.
I, Doris Katai Katebe Mwinga, Clerk of the National Assembly, being the returning officer for the election of Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House, do hereby declare that I have, in accordance with the law and the Standing Orders of the House, ascertained that only one nomination for election as Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House has been received as follows:
Name of Candidate:
Ernest Chitumwa Mwansa, MP.
In Accordance with the provisions of Standing Order No. 5(12) of the National Assembly, I, therefore, declare that Ernest Chitumwa Mwansa, MP, has been duly elected as Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House unopposed.
Mr Ernest Chitumwa Mwansa, MP was accordingly elected as Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House unopposed.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr D. Mwila: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Speaker: On whom?
Laughter
Mr Speaker: On the new Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House?
Laughter
Mr Speaker: Order!
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BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice (Mr George Kunda, SC.): Mr Speaker, before I give the House an idea of the business it will consider this week, may I thank Hon. Mkhondo D. Lungu, MP, Minister of Home Affairs, for the services he rendered as hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House. Hon Mkhondo D. Lungu, MP, is still in the House though he is now here in a new capacity. I, therefore, congratulate him on his new appointment as the hon. Minister of Home Affairs.
Mr Speaker, in the same vein, on behalf of the House, allow me to congratulate Hon. Ernest Chitumwa Mwansa, MP, on his election as Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House.
Hon. Mwansa, we have no doubt that you are the most suitable person for the position and that the choice this House has made, today, is the correct one.
Parliament is a democratic institution in the country and you, Hon. Mwansa, MP, as Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House, are now part of the custodianship of the rights and privileges of hon. Members of Parliament. You have a major task of ensuring that the rights and privileges of the House are protected and preserved. However, I can speak with confidence that you are richly endowed with the experience and qualities that will enable you perform your functions to the expected standards.
Mr Speaker, on behalf of the House, may I now wish Hon. Ernest Chitumwa Mwansa, MP, great success in his new undertakings in this challenging position of Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House.
I thank you.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}
TheVice-President and Minister of Justice: Mr Speaker, I now wish to give the House an idea of the business it will consider this week. Before I do that, allow me to welcome all hon. Members to this Third Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Tenth National Assembly. Special welcome goes to the two new hon. Members who have just taken their Oath of Allegiance.
I believe that all hon. Members are ready and keen to undertake the Business of the House lined up for them in the next few weeks.
Mr Speaker, let me now turn to the business the House will consider this few week. Today, Tuesday, 29th June, 2010, the Business of the House will comprise items as indicated on the Order Paper.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, 30th June, 2010, the Business of the House will begin with Questions, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will consider Private Members’ Motions, if there will be any. Then, the House will consider the Report of the Committee on Education, Science and Technology.
On Thursday, 1st July, 2010, the Business of the House will begin with Questions, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any.
Thereafter, the House will consider the Report of the Committee on Information and Broadcasting Services. Then the House will consider the Report of the Committee on Delegated Legislation.
Mr Speaker, on Friday, 2nd July, 2010, the Business of the House will begin with His Honour the Vice-President’s Question Time.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will consider the Report of the Committee on Health, Community Development and Social Welfare. Then the House will consider any other business that might have been presented to it earlier in the week.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
___________
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT
THE DEMISE OF MR LANCE MATE
The Minister of Education (Ms Siliya): Mr Speaker, I wish to thank you for according me this opportunity to make a ministerial statement on the demise of Mr Lance Mate, a Zambian student who was on a Russian Federation Scholarship.
Mr Speaker, on Monday, 9th November, 2009, the Ministry of Education received a facsimile from the Zambian Embassy in Moscow, Russia, informing the Government of the missing of Mr Lance Mate.
The facts of the matter were that Mr Lance Mate went missing on Friday, 6th November, 2009, which prompted the Zambian Student Community leadership in Kazan, Russia, to file in a missing person report to the Kazan Militia (Police) on Saturday, 7th November, 2009.
Upon receipt of this information, the Ministry of Education, through the Bursaries Committee, embarked on locating the next of kin, Mr Shakumbila Mate, the father to the late Mr Lance Mate.
The information on the student’s file indicated that his next of kin was in Mazabuka. However, upon making inquiries in Mazabuka, it was discovered that Mr Shakumbila Mate had relocated to Lusaka.
The Bursaries Committee finally made contact by telephone with Mr Shakumbila Mate on Sunday, 15th November, 2009 and on Tuesday 17th November, 2009, he was formally informed that his son had gone missing in Kazan, Russia.
Mr Speaker, on Tuesday, 10th November, 2010, our embassy in Moscow sent an official note to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, asking for assistance to locate the student. On Thursday, 12th November, 2009, two embassy officials were sent to Kazan on a fact-finding mission.
Mr Speaker, Mr Lance Mate, aged twenty, was awarded a Russian scholarship by the Bursaries Committee in July, 2007. In September, 2007, he commenced his Russian Language Instruction Course which he successfully completed in July, 2008. At the time of his death, Mr Mate was in his second year, studying a Power Generation Systems and Networks Degree course at the Kazan State Power Engineering University in Kazan, Russia.
Mr Speaker, according to the investigations carried out by the Russian authorities in Kazan and confirmed by the Zambian team which went to Kazan, Mr Mate left the university in the evening of Thursday, 5th November, 2009, escorting a Kenyan colleague, who was travelling to Moscow, to a railway station. When they reached the Tahdem Shopping Mall, they met two known Zambian students and Mr Mate parted company with the Kenyan colleague to join his Zambian colleagues.
Around 2200 hours, Mr Lance Mate and the two Zambian students had some beers at Zolotaya Vobla Club at Tahdem Shopping Mall. Mr Mate’s roommate, a fellow Zambian student, joined the trio, but shortly afterwards, left for a night club called Arena.
About 2300 hours, the trio took a taxi to Baumana Street with a view to joining their colleague who had left earlier for Arena Club. On Baumana Street, they made a stop at a kiosk to buy some beers which they drank on their way to Arena Club. When they reached Arena Club, they could not be allowed in since the club was about to close. The trio then proceeded to Café Cuba Libri where they had a few more beers.
Interruptions
Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, from Café Cuba Libri, they proceeded to Café 50/50, another night Club on Baumana Street.
Hon. Members: Aaah!
Ms Siliya: The club was reported to be full of patrons. After taking a few beers, they decided to separate and do their own activities independent of each other, such as dancing, drinking and talking to other persons.
Interruptions
Mr V. Mwale: Enzojama uyo!
Ms Siliya: According to the investigations done by the Russian authorities that were also confirmed by the Zambian team, Mr Mate and his colleagues separated in the club and his two colleagues were unaware of his leaving the club. At the time of their departure, the two colleagues asked the door bouncer about Mr Mate and they were informed that he had left the club around 0400 hours in the morning of Friday, 6th November, 2010. We have a closed circuit television (CCTV) footage showing Mr Mate in a scuffle while being forcefully ejected from the club.
Mr Speaker, consequently, the Russian authorities conducted searches and interviews. Bulletins relating to Mr Mate’s missing were put in both electronic and print media. Some of them featured Zambian students appealing to the Kazan Community with any information on Mr Mate’s possible whereabouts.
In the meantime, the Zambian Embassy in Moscow continued updating both the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education on the developments on the matter and the next of kin was being informed, accordingly.
Mr Speaker, according to the report from Russia, on Sunday, 4th April, 2010, the Easter weekend, at about 0950 hours, a passer-by found the body of Mr Lance Mate in the Kazanka River, under the Leninskaya Damba Bridge. The personal effects found on the body were a medical insurance policy in the name of Lance Mate and a bank card and this assisted in the initial identification. Suffice to mention that the official identification was done by his paternal uncle, Mr Godfrey Chinkamba on Wednesday, 5th May, 2010, in the presence of the Zambian team that had travelled to Russia.
Following the discovery of Mr Lance Mate’s body, the Zambian Embassy in Moscow informed the Ministry of Education on Tuesday, 6th April, 2010, which was the first working day after the Easter Weekend, about this development. The next of kin, Mr Shakumbila Mate, was informed of the news of the death and discovery of his son’s body by the Secretary to the Bursaries Committee on the same date.
Mr Speaker, on Tuesday, 13th April, 2010, the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Kabinga Pande and I, met the sister to Mr Shakumbila Mate in the company of two other relatives to express condolences and requested the family to nominate a representative to accompany the Government team to Kazan, Russia. On the same day, the nation was officially informed of the death of Mr Lance Mate and the Government’s commitment to establishing the cause of his death.
On Wednesday, 14th April, 2010, the then hon. Deputy Minister of Education, Hon. Richard Taima, also met Mr Mate’s parents and other bereaved family members to assure them of the Government’s commitment to repatriate the remains of Mr Lance Mate, as well as ensure that his cause of death was investigated.
Mr Speaker, the Government of the Republic of Zambia sent a team comprising the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, a forensic expert, Deputy Secretary to the Bursaries Committee and two family members to Kazan, Russia, on a fact-finding mission on 1st May, 2010.
The team was able to confirm with the Russian authorities that the cause of death was drowning. However, circumstances leading to the drowning are still under investigations. Self-harm, suicide, in other words, has been ruled out by our forensic expert and we note that the final forensic report from the Russian authorities does not make mention of the fact that Mr Mate committed suicide as earlier reported.
Mr Speaker, allow me to inform the House that the Government of the Republic of Zambia will continue to liaise with the Russian authorities to establish the circumstances leading to the death of Mr Lance Mate.
Mr Speaker, though the team which travelled to Kazan, Russia on 1st May, 2010 had intended to bring back the body of Mr Mate, it was not possible to do so by 13th May, 2010, when the team was scheduled to travel back to Zambia because the forensic investigations were not concluded. This delayed the issuance of the death certificate. When documentation for the shipment of the body was ready, the Zambian embassy in Moscow was also unable to secure cargo space immediately because there was congestion of cargo in Europe at that time due to the volcanic ash.
Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that Mr Lance Mate’s remains were finally received on Wednesday, 16th June, 2010. The family was joined by many well wishers, including hon. Members of Parliament. The Government was represented by the acting hon. Minister of Education then, Hon. Brigadier-General Dr Brian Chituwo. Mr Mate was eventually put to rest on Thursday, 17th June, 2010 at the New Leopards Hill Cemetery in Lusaka. Again, many Zambians turned up to mourn with the family and the Government was represented by the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Kabinga Pande.
Mr Speaker, in conclusion, allow me to express, on behalf of the Government, the people of Zambia and, indeed, on my own behalf, our sincere condolences to Mr and Mrs Mate and the entire bereaved family on the untimely death of their son Mr Lance Mate. May his soul rest in peace.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Speaker: Hon. Members may feel free to ask questions which seek clarification on the issues raised in the hon. Minister of Education’s ministerial statement.
Dr Machungwa (Luapula): Mr Speaker, there have been numerous reports of African students who have been molested and even murdered in Russia by some racists there. What programmes or …
Mr L. J. Mulenga: Measures!
Dr Machungwa: … measures has the Government put in place, in collaboration with the Russian authorities, to ensure that students who are still there do not meet a similar end as Mr Lance Mate and other African students who have studied in Russia?
Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, Russia is one of the countries where we have the highest number of Zambian students studying. Currently, over 456 students are supported by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with Russian authorities. Over the years, many notable Zambians have studied in Russia and successfully concluded their programmes. What happened to Mr Lance Mate is very unfortunate and regrettable.
However, through the Ministry of Education’s induction programmes for students going to study abroad, we continue to ensure that we remind the students and their families that it is important when they are studying in foreign countries to understand the social and cultural circumstances prevailing in those countries and to also ensure that safety always be a priority.
Even before Mr Lance Mate’s tragedy, we continued to liaise with the Russian authorities and other countries where we send students to ensure that, while students are there, they can study and complete their studies without fear. However, we will continue to strengthen our induction programmes, especially considering what happened to Mr Lance Mate in Russia.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Sikota, SC. (Livingstone): Mr Speaker, indeed, what we have just been informed about is a very sad occurrence. However, in view of the fact that there have been CCTV pictures showing that there was a scuffle and that the late Mr Lance Mate was forcibly ejected from a club, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether or not the Zambian Government has seen to it that the Russian authorities hold an inquest on the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Lance Mate to ascertain whether or not there was any connection between this scuffle and his subsequent drowning and who the people captured by the CCTV were.
Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, according to the report of the Zambian delegation that went to Russia and viewed the CCTV pictures, all they saw was Mr Lance Mate being ejected from the club by the bouncers and, thereafter, he was seen walking away by himself from the club. What happened to him, thereafter, is something that we do not know yet. The Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the embassy in Moscow, continues to liaise with the police in Russia on this matter and if and when any information is received, we will communicate it immediately.
I thank you, Sir.
Mrs Phiri (Munali): Mr Speaker, to start with, I would like to thank you for the election we had today …
Hon. Members: Aah!
Mrs Phiri: … for ushering in of the Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House. I would also like to congratulate my neighbour, Hon. Mwansa …
Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!
Mrs Phiri: … on moving to the other side where he is seated.
Sir, it is good that the ministerial statement has confirmed that we have children who are drunkards. Can the hon. Minister confirm that it is because this child was drunk and got involved in a scuffle that we received a maggot-infested body to be buried here?
Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, I cannot confirm such matters. In fact, records show that Mr Lance Mate, who, unfortunately, died very tragically, was not somebody who had very bad behaviour. I think many of us who have been students at universities know that it is not strange for students, whether studying in Zambia or abroad, to have a beer over the weekend. However, I believe what is important is that this is a tragic event and we shall continue to encourage our students to put safety first. What exactly happened to Mr Mate is something that we are all not aware of, at this moment, except that he drowned.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Kambwili (Roan): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister if there is any life insurance policy to cover students studying abroad and, if, indeed, there has been any compensation to the family of the late Mr Mate.
Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, the conditions by the Russian authorities are that, while students are studying in Russia, and I think this applies to many other countries, they must have medical insurance to take care of any unforeseen illnesses. However, I think what is important to note at this point is that the Zambian Government bore all the expenses for the repatriation of the body back to Zambia, funeral expenses and all kinds of support was given to the family during this very trying period.
I thank you, Sir.
Ms Masiye (Mufulira): Mr Speaker, this is a most unfortunate development and it is quite tragic. I personally shed tears when I heard the news about that child. It felt as if it were my own child who experienced such a misfortune.
Having said that, I would really like to know how the relationship between the Russian Government and ours is since it has been established by forensic tests that Mr Mate did not commit suicide and that, so far, in spite of what was captured on the CCTV, no arrests have been made. Rather than being kept in limbo and just waiting, I would like to know how this has affected the relationship between the Zambian and Russian governments.
Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, the fact that the number of students the Ministry of Education sends to Russia is, currently, at 456 seconded by Algeria with 159 students is a reflection of the good relations this Government has with the Russian Government.
Mr Speaker, let me state, once again, that what happened to Mr Lance Mate is very tragic and that this is not unique to Russia. Death or murders occur everywhere in the world. However, at this point, all the information that we have relating to the death of Mr Mate is that the CCTV shows that he was ejected from the 50/50 Club where he had gone with his friends. The CCTV thereafter showed him walking away by himself. What happened to him after that is something we do not know yet. We have to leave it to the investigating authorities as investigations continue. As a Government, we will continue to liaise with the Russian authorities to find out if they have any information. When we get that information, we shall be able to communicate it.
I thank you, Sir.
Colonel Chanda (Kanyama): Mr Speaker, I had the privilege of discussing with one of the colleagues of the late Mr Lance Mate at the funeral house. The information that came out of that discussion indicates that there is a lot of hatred between foreign and Russian students. Therefore, the disappearance of Mr Lance Mate from November, 2009 and only to be found in April, 2010 has a lot of questions than answers. Would the hon. Minister shed some light as to what would be the most logical conclusion to this untimely death of Mr Lance Mate?
Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, neither myself nor my colleagues in the Ministry of Education are competent authorities to insinuate what would have led to the death of Mr Mate. We are depending on both the Zambian and Russian forensic experts who have noted in their forensic report that they do not believe that this death was as a result of self harm. However, I must repeat that from the CCTV, facts are that he was ejected from the club. Thereafter, he was seen walking away and that was the end of the CCTV coverage. What happened to him thereafter is something we do not know.
Mr Speaker, the hon. Members of the House will recall that last year was one of the worst winters in Europe and one of the reasons that was provided by the authorities was that the rivers in Russia had frozen because of the high fall of snow. This is why it was very difficult to locate the body of Mr Mate from November, 2009 until April, 2010, the beginning of spring when snow began to thaw, the body came to the surface and it was seen by passers-by.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Simuusa (Nchanga): Mr Speaker, I wish to find out from the hon. Minister whether, apart from the induction that is given to students who intend to study abroad, there are other measures the Government is putting in place when it comes to countries that are risky, especially as you know that, in Russia, currently, there is high racism and violence. What other measures is the Government putting in place to direct or even stop some of our students from going to these very high risk destinations to study as is the case in other countries?
Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, I do not know what classification the hon. Member of Parliament is using to refer to Russia as very risky. Like I stated, Russia is one of the countries where we have been sending students for many years and there are notable Zambians such as Professor Nkandu Luo who studied in Russia and successfully came back. Currently, we still have a number of Zambians studying there and many have come back. I do not recall an incident where a Zambian student died in Russia because of racism, but I stand to be corrected. Therefore, this should be taken as a tragic event.
As the Ministry of Education, we intend to strengthen our induction programmes for students who are going to study abroad. It does not matter where they go to study, but they must always take safety first, try to move in numbers and avoid unnecessary scuffles, especially in drinking places over the weekend when there could be a lot of excitement. They should also continue to work with the parents because the decision to send a child abroad to study is not for the Government, but the family. Therefore, we all have to work together and ensure that when these children are out there, they must always remember to put safety first.
I thank you, Sir.
Mrs Musokotwane (Katombola): Mr Speaker, the relationship between Zambia and Russia is very good and we do not want to mess it up. However, is it possible for the Russian Government and the Government of the Republic of Zambia to try and ask agencies such as the MI5 and CIA to help find out what happened to Mr Lance Mate because the investigations are taking a little too long?
Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, the Zambian delegation that travelled to Russia on 1st May, 2010 comprised forensic experts from the Ministry of Home Affairs who are competent in these matters. I am sure that the Ministry of Home Affairs, through the experts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our embassy in Russia, will continue to liaise with the authorities there on the best way to bring this matter to a logical conclusion.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mwenya (Nkana): Mr Speaker, taking advantage of this case, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister of Education whether there is a laid down form of assistance to any family that is affected in this manner. I say so because there is a family which has been coming to my constituency office that also lost a child in Russia and, to date, have not been assisted to get the belongings of their late child back to Zambia. I would like to find out the form of assistance that is offered to such families.
Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, unfortunately, as the Ministry of Education and I believe even the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through our colleagues at the embassy in Russia, are not aware of that matter. I would, therefore, advise that you approach us together with the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs so that we can ascertain what you are talking about. As of now, we are not aware of that information.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Msichili (Kabushi): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister did not indicate to this House the state of the body at the time it was brought back for burial. I would like her to inform this House what the status of the body was at the time it was brought for burial.
Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, I do not know of what value those details will be to the hon. Member of Parliament. Obviously, the body was missing for six months and we want to assume it was in the river all that time, but these are still details to be established. I think that if he wants to read further regarding the details of the state of the body, he can come to our offices so that we can avail to him the forensic report.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Beene (Itezhi-tezhi): Mr Speaker, may the hon. Minister confirm that it is common knowledge that Russia cannot come up with a policy that will cover students from foreign countries. It is the obligation of the Zambian Government to come up with a policy that will cover students in foreign countries. When will the Government issue a policy which will take care of all students who are in foreign countries so that they are covered when there is such a tragedy?
Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, I think it is important to put things into context. Currently, the Ministry of Education is supporting over 812 Zambian students abroad. Out of these students, the scholarships vary. Some of the respective governments of the countries where the students are studying pay the tuition and accommodation fees plus the air fares while in the case of other scholarships, the Zambian Government has to pay the air fares and top up on the allowances, including the settling in allowances. In some countries, it is the responsibility of those respective governments to provide medical insurance. Currently, we are spending over K14.7 billion, annually, on the students abroad who are supposed to be on scholarships offered by various countries. The money being spent is the top up that this Government is providing for the students in foreign countries.
Mr Speaker, like I stated before, the decision for students to go and study abroad, instead of staying at our institutions in Zambia, is actually made by families. Therefore, we see this initiative as a partnership between the families and the Government because we, as a Government, are spending close to K15 billion of taxpayers’ money on these 812 students that are studying abroad. For five of the students, the Government is actually almost paying their full accommodation and tuition fees. With all the needs that arise in this country, particularly in the Ministry of Education, I think, we have to continue to work with parents as they make the decision to send their children for studies abroad. The Government needs to urge parents to consider the issue of life insurance. It has to continue providing the right induction and will always tell them what is available in the scholarships so that parents can meet the differences which the Government and the scholarships are not able to cover.
I thank you, Sir.
Dr Katema (Chingola): Mr Speaker, earlier on in the ministerial statement, the hon. Minister mentioned that inquiries by a Zambian team revealed that the door bouncers stated that Mr Mate had actually left the nightclub on his own. However, later on, the hon. Minister stated that that the CCTV revealed that he was actually ejected from the night club. What has the investigating team done to reconcile the discrepancies in the information from the CCTV and the door bouncers? Why were the door bouncers hiding the fact that Mr Mata was actually ejected from the nightclub and that he did not leave on his own?
Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, there is no discrepancy in the information that has been provided. When his colleagues were leaving the nightclub in the early hours of Friday morning, which was after 0400 hours, they were informed by the door bouncers that Mr Mate had left earlier around 0400 hours. Now, it is that leaving earlier around 0400 hours which the CCTV establishes as him being ejected from the club and later on seen walking away by himself. His friends left the club much later on on the morning of Friday, 6th November, 2009 while he had left earlier. The facts are that he was ejected out of the club and was seen walking away from the club by himself. What happened thereafter is what we do not know yet.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Mr Speaker, I want to ask my question bearing in mind that Russia like the United States of America (USA) has got one of the best investigative wings by the name of the KGB. The KGB is a local outfit in Russia. Will the Government ...
Mr Speaker: Order!
There is no such thing as KGB now.
You may continue, please.
Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, I beg your pardon. Russia is known to have one of the best investigative wings. I want to know whether the Government spent any money to pay investigators to get to the bottom of the death of Mr Lance Mate.
Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, I think that, in the first instance, we must bear in mind that Mr Lance Mate’s body, first of all, was missing for six months and was only discovered in April. Thereafter, we had to attend to the immediate issues.
Mr Speaker, we sent a forensic expert through the ministries of Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs and the issue surrounding the death, up to this point, has been established as drowning. However, what led to the drowning is something that we are yet to find out from both the authorities there and here. I am not aware yet if the Ministry of Home Affairs has gone a step further to consult the special investigation unit in Russia, but I know that everything is being done by the police in Kazan and forensic experts who are in communication all the time. The Russians, particularly the Russian Ambassador here, in Zambia, has continued to show interest in this matter. I am sure that as soon as any new information is found, we will be alerted. We shall also, in turn, communicate that information to the nation.
I thank you, Sir.
__________________{mospagebreak}
QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER
ESTABLISHMENT OF FIRST QUANTUM MINERALS BWANA MKUBWA MINE
423. Mr D. Mwila (Chipili) asked the Minister of Labour and Social Security what the current total establishment of the First Quantum Minerals Bwana Mkubwa Mine was.
The Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Security (Mr Kachimba): Mr Speaker, the First Quantum Mining and Operations Limited comprises Bwana Mkubwa Mine Site in Ndola and Acid Plants Three and Four in Solwezi. The total number of employees as at 30th May, 2010 was as follows:
Name of Mine Number of employees
Bwana Mkubwa Mine Site in Ndola 223 (2 expatriates and 221
Zambians)
Acid Plants Three and Four 103 (all Zambians)
in Solwezi
Total number 326
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, this question assists me to ...
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: Order!
This question assists me to acquaint the House with the fact that there have been a number of rulings in this House regarding questions like this. Hon. Members are guided not to ask questions of an administrative nature regarding private enterprises, but are free to ask questions on matters of public policy regarding such private enterprises.
With regard to who determines which matter is of public policy and which is administrative, the Speaker does. Therefore, the hon. Members are discouraged from discussing this matter unless there is an express public interest in the statistical benefit of the answer that will come out of such a question.
CONNECTION OF MWATA TO MALAWI ELECTRICITY GRID
423. Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC. (Chasefu) asked the Minister of Energy and Water Development:
(a) when the project to connect Mwata, in Chasefu Parliamentary Constituency, to the Malawi Grid would commence; and
(b) when the project was expected to be completed.
The Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Development (Mr Imasiku): Mr Speaker, at the moment, there is no project identified to connect Mwata, in Chasefu Parliamentary Constituency, to the Malawi Electricity Grid.
The Government has to carry out a study to determine whether connecting Mwata to the Malawi Grid would be a more cost-effective alternative considering that the rural growth centres (RGCs) are near the Malawi Border.
However, Mwata is in a project package ranked number six and this is one of the thirteen project packages selected from the Rural Electrification Master Plan (REMP) to be funded by the Government of Japan at a total cost of K4 billion.
The above cost estimates are based on both the extension of the grid from Lundazi sub-station to the project areas and provisions of solar home systems. However, the commencement period of the actual electrification of the area will depend upon the availability of finances.
The procurement procedures, in accordance with the Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA) guidelines, to engage consultants and contractors to implement these projects started in 2009. It is expected that they could be completed by 2014.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Mr Speaker, I know that the consultants were engaged late last year. Could the hon. Minister, therefore, tell the House what stage this project has reached considering that it was earmarked for implementation this year and we are already six months into the year?
The Minister of Energy and Water Development (Mr Konga): Mr Speaker, as the hon. Deputy Minister indicated, consultants were engaged by JICA last year. JICA guidelines are quite stringent. Therefore, as soon as it engages contractors, the Government will be informed when construction works will begin. The hon. Deputy Minister has indicated that this process will end in 2014. Before 2014, the contractors will be engaged by JICA and when this is done, the Government and the hon. Member for Chasefu will be informed.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
BENEFICIARIES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION FUND IN KATOMBOLA
425. Mrs Musokotwane (Katombola) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives:
(a) how many small-scale farmers would benefit from the K15 billion European Union (EU) Fund countrywide;
(b) of the beneficiaries above, how many would benefit from Katombola Parliamentary Constituency; and
(c) how much money would be spent on various programmes in Katombola Parliamentary Constituency.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives (Mr Mbewe): Mr Speaker, there are two projects in the pipeline to be sponsored by the EU Fund. These are:
(i) the Disease Control Project under the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, which will cover the whole country; and
(ii) support to the Agriculture Sector Project, which will be funded through the Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU).
The projects are estimated to utilise 2 million euros each, which translates into approximately K15 billion each.
However, as these projects are still in the planning phase and have not yet been implemented, it is not yet clear on how many farmers countrywide will benefit from the EU Fund. It is also not clear how many farmers to benefit from the EU fund will be from Katombola Parliamentary Constituency and the amount of money to be spent on various programmes in the constituency.
I thank you, Sir.
Mrs Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, even though the money for disease control will be used countrywide, Katombola Constituency is most affected in this country. Right now, the constituency can neither buy nor sell …
Mr Speaker: Order!
Ask your question, please.
Mrs Musokotwane: How much of this money will be used in Katombola Constituency so that the ban is lifted?
Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, I have indicated in my answer that the programme is just in its infancy stage. The ministry will consider the concerns of the hon. Member when the programme is fully operational.
I thank you, Sir.
NSELUKA/KAYAMBI ROAD
426. Mr Munaile (Malole) asked the Minister of Works and Supply:
(a) when the Government would rehabilitate the Nseluka/Kayambi Road in Malole Parliamentary Constituency; and
(b) how much would be spent on the rehabilitation of the road.
The Deputy Minister of Works and Supply (Dr Kalila): Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Works and Supply, through the Road Development Agency (RDA), has no immediate plans to carry out the full rehabilitation of the Nseluka/Kayambi Road, but will continue to carry out periodic maintenance of the road whenever funds are available.
The RDA engaged a contractor in 2006 to carry out periodic maintenance of the project road. Works did not progress well due to insufficient funds. Consequently, in 2009, the contract was terminated. The contractor carried out and completed about 50 Kilometres of the road at the time of termination of the contract.
Mr Speaker, the rehabilitation cost of the 110 Kilometres of Nseluka/Kayambi Road are estimated to be at around K70 billion.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Munaile: Mr Speaker, as the hon. Minister has indicated that the Government has no immediate plans to rehabilitate the Nseluka/Kayambi Road, which has not been rehabilitated in the last twenty years, I would like to find out from the him how the Government expects the people of Malole to sell their produce to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) and get to their respective areas in Kasama.
The Minister of Works and Supply (Mr Mulongoti): Mr Speaker, the issue of shortage of funds is known to all of us and my ministry is committed to help improve on the standards of that road although we have difficulties. However, we have, in the provinces, equipment which could be deployed to try and mitigate the difficulties that the hon. Member is talking about. I do not know whether discussions have been held with the provincial administration on the programmes that have been planned for roads like that in the province.
I thank you, Sir.
REHABILITATION OF MSANDILE BRIDGE IN CHIEF CHINUNDA’S AREA
427. Mr V. Mwale (Chipangali) asked the Minister of Works and Supply when the rehabilitation works on Msandile Bridge, destroyed by floods in 2007, in Chief Chinunda’s area, would commence.
Dr Kalila: Mr Speaker, the rehabilitation of Msandile Bridge located on RD116 Road in Chief Chinunda’s area in Chipata District is expected to start at the end of July, 2010. A contract has been awarded for the rehabilitation of agricultural feeder roads in Chipata and Katete districts respectively which will include the rehabilitation of Msandile Bridge. The works are being financed by the World Bank.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
NAKAYOMBO GRAVEYARD
428. Mr Nsanda (Chimwemwe) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing when the Government Road in Chimwemwe Parliamentary Constituency, leading to Nakayombo Graveyard, would be considered for complete construction.
The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Muchima): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that there is no provision in the 2010 Budget to rehabilitate the road leading to Nakayombo Graveyard.
Sir, I must hasten to say that the rehabilitation of the said road must first be prioritised and included in the Kitwe City Council Annual Work Plan. The programme must then be included in the Kitwe City Council budget estimates in the year the programme is to be undertaken. The Kitwe City Council must then provide funds for the rehabilitation of the road in question according to its budget, funding profile and execute the programme.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Nsanda: Mr Speaker, for the information of the hon. Minister, part of that programme …
Mr Speaker: Order!
Laughter
Mr Speaker: Do you have a question, hon. Member for Chimwemwe?
Mr Nsanda: Yes, I do, Sir. Part of the road was worked on a year and half ago, but it has been washed away. What measures has the ministry put in place to protect Government’s money, when contractors brought in to work do a shoddy job?
Mr Muchima: Mr Speaker, the Kitwe City Council is the starting point. The hon. Member of Parliament who has asked this question is member of that council. He is one of the people who contract and are supposed to supervise and ensure that the works are done accordingly. I wonder why it should take the local government authority to supervise works when there is a decentralisation policy in place.
I thank you, Sir.
LOCAL CONTRACTORS
429. Mr Chazangwe (Choma Central) asked the Minister of Works and Supply:
(a) whether international contractors were obliged to subcontract local contractors in order to build the capacity of the local contractors; and
(b) if not, when the Government would introduce measures aimed at building the capacity of local contractors.
Dr Kalila: Mr Speaker, I would like to inform the House that the international contractors are not obliged to …
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: Order!
Hon. Members will consult quietly so that the rest of us may pay attention to the answer.
Dr Kalila: … subcontract the local contractors for the purposes of building capacity of the local contractors. The tender documents, however, provide for subcontracting works of up to 10 per cent of the total value of the works of the contract.
The Government has introduced measures to promote and encourage local contractors’ participation in tenders for major works, that is, citizens’ empowerment programme. The Government often provides a domestic preference of 7.5 per cent in tenders for the contractor with majority shares owned by the Zambians. This gives an added advantage to the bids being submitted by the local contractors. The Government is also making it a requirement in the bidding document for major works that up to 10 per cent of the works in the tender be subcontracted to local contractors only. Further, the international contractors are being encouraged to enter into joint ventures with local contractors.
Mr Speaker, all the above mentioned measures are aimed at enhancing capacity of the local contractors.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chazangwe: Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister state how many indigenous contractors have been subcontracted in the last few years.
Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, in essence, that is a new question because details like that cannot be provided on the spur of the moment. Like we have already stated, we are not under obligation to force contractors to take on board subcontractors because there is a lot at stake in terms of performance.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
FUNDING OF WOMEN’S CLUBS IN CHILILABOMBWE
430. Mrs Banda (Chililabombwe) asked the Minister of Community Development and Social Services whether any women’s clubs were funded from 2006 to-date in Chililabombwe Parliamentary Constituency and, if so, how much was released to each club.
The Minister of Community Development and Social Services (Mr Kaingu): Mr Speaker, I would like to inform the House that a total of four women’s clubs have been funded from 2006 to-date in Chililabombwe Parliamentary Constituency and the following is a break down of the releases to each women’s club:
Year Name of club Amount Released
(K)
2006 Sweet Aroma Women’s Club 2,000,000.00
Wenet Women’s Club 2,000,000.00
Chichetekelo Women’s Club 2,000,000.00
Subtotal 6,000,000.00
2009 Tuyunfwile Women’s Club 2,000,000.00
Subtotal 2,000,000.00
Grand Total 8,000,000.00
However, the House may also wish to note that, currently, ten applications from the constituency are being processed for funding.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mrs Banda: Mr Speaker, looking at the big number of women’s clubs in Chililabombwe Constituency, may I find out from the hon. Minister if the funding mentioned is enough for any given constituency if we have to empower women.
Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, obviously, money will never be enough.
Laughter
Mr Kaingu: Sir, the resources which were allocated to us will be disbursed according to the demand that we get from each constituency.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr D. Mwila: Mr Speaker, previously, women’s clubs were given money through hon. Members of Parliament. Currently, this money is given through District Commissioners (DCs) and the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services. Why has the system changed?
Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, we shall use our officers to disburse the resources. However, we want to state that we would like to work with hon. Members of Parliament who are willing. I asked all hon. Members of Parliament to come forward to the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services and access these resources. Others have responded positively and others are yet to come.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mushili (Ndola Central): Mr Speaker, will the hon. Minister tell this House the procedure which the successful applicants should follow to access this money. I am saying so because I have got clubs in Ndola which have been successful, but the money has not been released yet.
Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I would like to inform the hon. Member that we are still processing his application letters. As soon as the cheques are ready, they will be released.
I thank you, Sir.
ZAMBIAN WOMEN IN PRISON
431. Mr Chisala (Chilubi) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:
(a) how many women had been serving prison sentences countrywide as of 31st January, 2009;
(b) how many Zambian women had been arrested and imprisoned for drug trafficking offences outside Zambia between 16th March, 2009 and 16th March, 2010; and
(c) of the above women arrested, how many had been brought back to serve their prison sentences in the Zambian prisons.
The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Taima): Mr Speaker, 497 women were serving prison sentences countrywide as of 31st January, 2009. Five Zambian women were arrested and imprisoned for drug trafficking offences outside Zambia between 16th March, 2009 and 16th March, 2010.
Sir, none of those arrested abroad for drug trafficking offences were brought back to serve their sentences in Zambian prisons between 16th March, 2009 and 16th March, 2010.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Mushili: Mr Speaker, may I know the stopgap measures that the Government has put in place with a view to prevent future occurances.
The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Lungu): Mr Speaker, …
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Lungu: … I think we need to give a researched answer to that question.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mrs Sinyangwe (Matero): Mr Speaker, it is common knowledge that these women who have been arrested were sent by men.
Interruptions
Mrs Sinyangwe: I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether the investigating teams have gone further in their investigations to find out the people behind those crimes.
Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, it is not true that all those women have been sent by men. I, therefore, wish to inform the hon. Member that we will always look into the factors that go with such issues.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Mr Speaker, of the many women who were serving prison sentences as at 31st January, 2009, may the hon. Minister tell the House how many of these have minor children with them in prison.
Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, we will not be able to give the exact number of how many women have minor children with them in prisons. I think that is an issue which we can look at as time goes.
I thank you, Sir.
Ms Kapata (Mandevu): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister of Home Affairs whether his ministry is trying to engage the Ministry of Gender and Women in Development with the aim to work together in order to curb this habit of women trafficking drugs.
Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, although the question is not very related to what we are considering, at the moment, I would like to state that we consult all ministries concerned when it comes to issues of this nature.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mwenya (Nkana): Mr Speaker, drug trafficking in countries such as China carries a death sentence. Therefore, how many Zambian women were arrested, sentenced to death and later executed or died in unclear circumstances while in prison in China and what is the Government doing, especially that here, in Zambia, drug trafficking does not carry a death sentence?
Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, that is a new question. It will not be fair to give an answer which is not researched.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Simuusa (Nchanga): Mr Speaker, indeed, we have seen this increase of our Zambian women trafficking drugs outside Zambia. Does this imply that although we are seeing these cases outside Zambia, and yet it is Zambian women involved, that our drug trafficking cases in Zambia are on the increase?
Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, although the question is new, it is important to note that, of late, there has been an increase in the number of both men and women involved in drug trafficking. Therefore, for us to give a correct answer to that question, we need to research.
I thank you, Sir.
Dr Machungwa (Luapula): Mr Speaker, there is a new phenomenon of women trafficking these drugs and carrying them in their private parts.
Laughter
Dr Machungwa: What research is your ministry conducting to try to explain why this new mode of trafficking is becoming so popular?
Laughter
Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, the concern of the ministry is not how the drugs are carried. Our concern is to curb trafficking of drugs in the country.
I thank you, Sir.
Mrs Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what programmes, after consultation, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Gender and Women in Development have put in place to sensitise women on the ills of drug trafficking.
Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, we consult not only the Ministry of Gender and Women in Development, but all ministries concerned. At the moment, I cannot say what specific measures we have put in place, but we will take your point of view into account as we exchange views on the matter.
I thank you, Sir.
ZAMBIA’S DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS
432. Mr Kambwili (Roan) asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs:
(a) how many diplomatic missions Zambia had worldwide;
(b) how many diplomats had been recalled from January, 2009 to-date; and
(c) what criteria were used in appointing persons to serve in diplomatic missions abroad.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (Professor Phiri): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that Zambia has a total of thirty-three missions around the world, thirty-one of which are diplomatic missions, commonly referred to as embassies or high commissions and two consulates general.
Mr Speaker, Africa has five embassies, ten high commissions and two consulates general, giving a total of seventeen missions. The United States of America (USA) has three embassies and one high commission, giving a total of four missions. Asia has two embassies and two high commissions, giving a total of four missions. Finally, Europe has seven embassies and one high commission, giving a total of eight missions.
Mr Speaker, fifty-six diplomats have been recalled from missions abroad as from January, 2009 to-date. Diplomats recalled include those whose three-year contracts had expired.
Firstly, the appointment of diplomats abroad is mainly a prerogative of the appointing authority, who takes into account several attributes of the diplomat such as their field of specialisation required to run the missions collectively. These include economics, international trade, media, finance and security. In addition to the minimum requirements, the successful candidate must be loyal to the Government of the day.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, it is common knowledge that Zambia is spending a lot of money on foreign missions. Is there any plan by the Government to amalgamate some of the missions so that the money that is being spent on them can be used to supplement programmes on poverty reduction?
The Minister of Foreign Affairs (Mr Pande): Mr Speaker, instead of amalgamating, we are looking at other areas where we can open up more missions so that Zambia can be widely represented. This is in view of the fact that the world is getting rid of its boundaries and becoming a global village.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Mr Speaker, of the recalled diplomats, is the hon. Minister in a position to tell us whether any have been recalled on disciplinary grounds, and if so, how many?
Mr Pande: Mr Speaker, five diplomats have been recalled on disciplinary grounds.
I thank you, Sir.
UPGRADING OF SOLWEZI AIRSTRIP
433. Mr Lumba (Solwezi Central) asked the Minister of Communications and Transport when Solwezi airstrip would be upgraded to a modern national airport.
The Minister of Communications and Transport (Professor Lungwangwa): Mr Speaker,
Mr Speaker: Order!
Business was suspended from 1615 hours until 1630 hours.{mospagebreak}
[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]
Professor Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, the Government is already developing the Solwezi Aerodrome into a modern airport. Consultants have completed the designs for the new runway and apron that will be capable of handling the size of a Boeing 737-800. The designs for the new terminal building have also been completed.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Kakoma (Zambezi West): Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister describe further what he means by modern national airport? What facilities are going to be there?
Professor Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, the response to the question is indicative of what a modern airport will be. At this stage, it is mainly an airport that is capable of handling the requirements of a Boeing 737-800.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Kapeya (Mpika Central): Mr Speaker, are there any plans by the Government to rehabilitate airstrips countrywide?
Mr Speaker: The hon. Minister may expand his answer to cover the entire country in that respect, if he so wishes.
May the hon. Minister of Communications and Transport offer a bonus answer?
Professor Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank you for giving the opportunity to give a bonus answer on the Government’s plans and activities with regard to the airports in the country.
Mr Speaker, indeed, the Government is in the process of rehabilitating and upgrading the airports in the country. So far, it has finished the designs for the four international airports, namely Lusaka, Livingstone, Ndola and Mfuwe International airports.
Mr Speaker, as for the Lusaka International Airport, we, as a Government, have already advertised for a contractor under the private-public-partnership (PPP) who can take on the works of modernising it. The Government is now in the process of identifying a suitable contractor for the Lusaka International Airport.
Mr Speaker, the Government is already working on Kasaba Bay International Airport which is expected to be completed by December, this year. In addition, there are works that have already started on other airports. Constructing of modern terminals at the Kasama and Chipata airports has been completed. At the moment, the Government is in the process of upgrading airstrips such as Serenje, Mpangwe in Lundazi and Senanga in the Western Province. All these works are part of the Government’s plan to upgrade its airstrips in order to ensure that the aviation industry is closely linked to other sectors like tourism which, of course, is very important to the growth of our economy. These are the efforts the Government is putting in place to modernise and upgrade its airports.
Sir, that was the bonus answer and I would like to thank you for the opportunity.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Speaker: Order!
The bonus answer ends there. The hon. Member will return to the question on the Solwezi Airstrip.
Laughter
Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister state whether the total distance of the runway of the Solwezi Airstrip is in line with the modern plan that the Government has put in place.
Professor Lungwangwa: Sir, I would be able to give the hon. Member an accurate response if he came to my office and we looked at the designs.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister indicated that consultants had completed their works for designs of this aerodrome to accommodate the Boeing 737-800. I would like to find out which date they completed making these designs and when the Government intends to allocate money to start constructing the two installations, the terminal as well as the apron.
Professor Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, I just said that the designs of the apron and the runway had just been completed. Once they have been looked at and approved, we shall embark on the next stage.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
VULNERABLE PEOPLE SUPPORT
434. Ms Limata (Luampa) asked the Minister of Community Development and Social Services how many vulnerable people such as widows, orphans and the aged were supported by the ministry in the Western Province from 2008 to-date.
The Deputy Minister of Community Development and Social Services (Mr Mufalali): Mr Speaker, the ministry, through the Public Welfare Assistance Scheme (PWAS), supported the following vulnerable groups:
Category of 2008 2009 2010 Total
Vulnerable (Jan-March)
Persons
M F M F M F M F
Aged 89 127 599 760 5 6 693 893
Widows (Female Nil 141 Nil 257 Nil Nil Nil 398
Headed Household)
Orphans and 74 43 354 271 176 110 604 424
Vulnerable Children
Total 163 311 953 1,288 181 116 1,297 1,715
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Ms Limata: I am happy with the answer given by the hon. Minister. I have just arrived from my constituency, today, and, therefore, do not think that the statistics that the hon. Minister has quoted are true. I would like to find out from him which places, in Luampa, his ministry has given money to.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear! Quality!
Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I am wondering what sort of happiness the hon. Member is enjoying when she is saying that she does not agree with the figures which we have given.
Mr Speaker, PWAS is a scheme where we lend assistance to the incapacitated or destitute. Usually, these are found in the outskirts of the constituencies. I do not want to argue with the hon. Member on whether she visits the remote areas and not only the centre of the constituency. The figures that we have given are actually for the whole constituency and not just one place.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Speaker: For the record, hon. Minister, I believe your answer is related to the Western Province and not Luampa or any other constituency.
Mr Mukanga (Kantanshi): Mr Speaker, what mechanism is there to ensure that the money that is meant to be spent on the vulnerable people is spent on deserving beneficiaries and not officials?
Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, the Public Welfare Assistance Scheme embraces communities. From the provincial administration, we go to the district welfare assistance then the community welfare assistance. It is through the community welfare assistance that we identify people who are incapacitated or destitute. Again, it is through the same community welfare assistance that we disburse the resources. Therefore, I want to assure the hon. Member for Kantanshi that we have a mechanism in place that we use to monitor the programmes.
I also want to say that this is one programme that has received a lot of support from our co-operating partners because it has been running very well.
I thank you, Sir.
SOCIAL CASH TRANSFER SCHEME IN DUNDUMWEZI
435. Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi) asked the Minister of Community Development and Social Services:
(a) how many people were on the Social Cash Transfer Scheme in Dundumwezi Parliamentary Constituency; and
(b) of the beneficiaries at (a), how many had relocated to other constituencies.
Mr Mufalali: Mr Speaker, there are 1,007 beneficiary households in Dundumwezi Constituency. Out of this number, 605 are female headed households while 402 are male-headed households.
From January, 2009 to March, 2010, eleven households had relocated to other constituencies, while forty-eight beneficiaries had died during this period.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Sing’ombe: Mr Speaker, who is tasked to identify the vulnerable people and what mechanism is used to grade them?
Secondly, is the Government planning to increase the number of beneficiaries in the constituency?
Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, like PWAS, we use the communities themselves to identify the beneficiaries. We pick five people from the targeted community and train them in the methods of identifying would-be beneficiaries. This is the method we use.
Sir, as to whether we are going to increase the number of beneficiaries in this programme, the answer is yes. About four months ago, I gave a ministerial statement here and said that the co-operating partners had given about K300 billion to this ministry to upscale the programme of social cash transfer both vertically and horizontally.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Speaker: This has to do with Dundumwezi Constituency.
Mr Simuusa: Mr Speaker, how much was each household getting in the Social Cash Transfer Scheme and when will it be extended to other constituencies such as Nchanga?
Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, we give between K40,000 to a family that has no school- going children to about K60,000 to a family that has school-going children.
As to whether Nchanga Constituency will benefit, the answer is yes, but not in the near future.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Laughter
Dr Machungwa: Mr Speaker, considering that some of the poverty conditions in Dundumwezi are very similar to those in Luapula Constituency, when is the hon. Minister extending this scheme in view of the K300 billion that is coming from the donors?
Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, this Government has elaborate programmes on social protection for its people. There are also other programmes which are very active like those for the empowerment of women. Therefore, hon. Members should not pursue the Social Cash Transfer Scheme only. For this reason, I would like to advise the hon. Member to approach the ministry and find out how many other programmes are running.
Sir, as for whether Luapula will benefit from this programme, the answer is yes. The answer is the same as the one I gave to the hon. Member of Parliament for Nchanga.
However, I also mentioned that there are ten more districts that were brought on board on the Social Cash Transfer Scheme. As we get the money, we will bring more districts on board. Suffice to say that there are other programmes in the ministry. There is a programme on food security which is offered by my ministry.
If you think your constituency has a lot of people who are destitute, you can ask for this programme to be extended to your community. There are also initiative programmes for the communities. There are other programmes which you should find out from the ministry.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, in the hon. Minister’s answer to the hon. Member of Parliament for Nchanga, he said that he did not see this programme extending to Nchanga in the near future. I want him to reconcile the President’s statement when he addressed this Parliament, this year, and said, “This Social Cash Transfer Programme will, this year, extend to all constituencies of this country.” Who is telling the truth between the hon. Minister and the Head of State?
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I find that question hypothetical.
Laughter
Mr Kaingu: I do not know whether I should comment on it because I do not believe that my President said that.
Mr Magande: He said it!
Mr Kaingu: However, I want to state that we will look at the poverty levels of a district to put it on the Social Cash Transfer Scheme. I want to say that Mazabuka cannot be regarded as a poor district and the same can be said about Nchanga. That is why I said that those districts will benefit, but, definitely, not at the moment.
Laughter
Mr Kaingu: I can agree with Hon. Dr Machungwa when he says that his situation is more desperate. I agree that we will soon look into Luapula Constituency. However, to consider Mazabuka as a poor district, then I do not know what criterion you are using.
I thank you, Sir.
Laughter
THE CANCER DISEASE HOSPITAL
436. Mr Malama (Mfuwe) asked the Minister of Health:
(a) how much money was spent by the Government on establishing the Cancer Disease Hospital;
(b) what the sources of funds were for the establishment of the hospital; and
(c) what the patient admission capacity of the Cancer Disease Hospital was.
The Minister of Health (Mr Simbao): Mr Speaker, a total of US$7,973,000 was spent by the Government on establishing the Cancer Disease Hospital. The funds were sourced from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund for International Development (OFID), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) broken down as follows:
Donor Amount (US$)
OFID 5.6 million
IAEA 273,000
GRZ 2.1 million
Total 7.973 million
At the moment, the Cancer Disease Hospital is a day hospital with no admission facilities. Cancer patients are admitted to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) wards. The OFID has approved another US$6 million for construction of wards among other facilities as contained in the loan agreement.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Malama: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out whether the Government has plans to extend the admission wards for the Cancer Disease Hospital.
Mr Simbao: Mr Speaker, we will build wards for the hospital because we do not have any at the moment. Part of the US$6 million that has just been approved will be used to build wards for the Cancer Disease Hospital.
I thank you, Sir.
Ms Kapata: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister why it is taking long for patients to be put on cancer treatment at the cancer unit.
Mr Simbao: Mr Speaker, while I appreciate the question, I am not aware that we have patients who are taking long to access treatment. Now that I am aware, I will find out.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mushili: Mr Speaker, the infrastructure for cancer is in order, but when will the Cancer Disease Hospital have adequate trained staff to meet the needs at the unit?
Mr Simbao: Mr Speaker, as far as the establishment is concerned, it has been filled and there are no vacancies. However, it could be that the establishment is inadequate and that is what should be looked at although, at present, the establishment, as designed, has been filled.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Beene (Itezhi-tezhi): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out what the ministry is doing to make sure that patients receiving cancer treatment at the Cancer Disease Hospital meet the costs of the medicine which is extremely expensive.
Mr Simbao: Mr Speaker, at present, we are able to dispense most of the drugs that we are stocking. If there is anyone meeting their own expenses, it could be that they need drugs which are not yet in stock.
The budget, which the hon. Member approved for 2010, has K4 billion for drugs and that is not enough to purchase these drugs. However, at the moment, we are able to meet the demand at the Cancer Disease Hospital.
I thank you, Sir.
TRADING PARTNERS
437. Mr Imenda (Lukulu East) asked the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry who Zambia’s largest trading partners were:
(i) in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region;
(ii) in Africa; and
(iii) outside Africa.
The Deputy Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry (Dr Puma): Mr Speaker, the largest trading partners in terms of total trade are the Republic of South Africa, accounting for 42 per cent of the total export value and about 69 per cent of the total imports value in the SADC region as at 2009.
Mr Speaker, the Republic of South Africa accounts for about 36 per cent and 66 per cent of the total exports and imports in Africa, respectively.
Mr Speaker, outside Africa, in terms of total export value, the largest trading partner is Switzerland, accounting for about 47 per cent, followed by the Peoples Republic of China with about 11 per cent. In terms of imports, Kuwait was the largest and accounted for about 10 per cent.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Imenda: Mr Speaker, I wish to find out whether we are exporting more goods and services as compared to the imports resulting in trade imbalance.
Dr Puma: Mr Speaker, from the statistics that I have given, it is clear that we are importing more than we are exporting.
I thank you, Sir.
ESTABLISHMENT OF A POLICE POST IN NAMBWA AREA
438. Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma) asked the Minister of Home Affairs when a police post would be established in Nambwa area on the Landless Corner/Mumbwa Road.
Mr Taima: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that, in 2007, the community in the area took the initiative and constructed a police post. One house was also constructed by the community at the site, but what is delaying the opening of the police post is the building of, at least, two more houses for the officers.
The other work that needs to be done is the construction of pit latrines for staff houses as well as for the police post. The command in Central Province is willing to send officers there as soon as the project is completed. Currently, reports of crime are made to Nangoma Police Post which is 20 kilometres away from Nambwa.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, in the last sitting, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. David Phiri, indicated that his ministry would come up with a plan for the construction of the police posts in both urban and rural areas. May I know as to whether this plan is in place.
Mr Lungu: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member will realise that what he is asking is really apart from what is contained on the Order Paper. All the same, I think that is a matter which the ministry will follow-up. You must be mindful that the answer was given, as you said, in the last sitting by the then hon. Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Home Affairs. All I can say, at the moment, is that we will make a follow-up on the issue you have raised.
I thank you, Sir.
TRADING PLACES FOR VENDORS
439. Mr Mwango asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:
(a) what measures the Government had taken to find alternative trading places for vendors who were removed from the streets of Lusaka;
(b) when permanent infrastructure would be built at the COMESA Market in Lusaka; and
(c) when the new Soweto Market would be officially opened.
The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Muteteka): Mr Speaker, the Government has constructed New Soweto Market as a way of accommodating vendors that were removed from the streets of Lusaka. In addition, Chilenje and Nyumba Yanga markets have been expanded to accommodate some of the vendors that were removed from the streets of Lusaka.
Mr Speaker, the COMESA Market is under the auspices of the cross border traders with support from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). The Government, through the Lusaka City Council (LCC), provided land to the association of the cross border traders which had indicated plans to construct permanent structures at the site. The Government has no direct link with the association on the construction of the structures at the site.
Mr Speaker, the New Soweto Market will be opened once the allocation of stalls and shops is completed by the LCC. It should be noted here that my ministry, in accordance with the provisions of the Markets and Bus Station Act No. 7 of 2007, has handed over the New Soweto Market to the LCC for ownership and management.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mwango (Kanchibiya): Mr Speaker, it is over a year now from the time the construction of New Soweto Market was completed. I would like to find out what reasons the Government has given to the donors who funded this market for not opening it up to this time.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Speaker: The hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing gave the answer, but may he emphasise the reason for the delay.
Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, what should be noted is that, as a Government, we appreciate our co-operating partners for having spent K36 billion on the construction of the New Soweto Market. In Chilenje, about K7.4 billion was spent on constructing the market while in Chelston, about K9.2 billion was spent. However, we must also take into account that, initially, to displace the people who were trading on these grounds, we had a committee which negotiated for people to allow for this construction to take place. These people were assured that after the construction works, they would be allocated shops.
Mr Speaker, thereafter, there was also another committee which was put up to review the work of the initial committee and, in the process, the LCC and the groups which were on the ground had some misunderstanding on the manner the shops were being allocated. Hence, we have seen a lot of conflicts in the market. The ministry has since given directives to the LCC to iron out those differences which have nearly been completely sorted out. So, the LCC is going to normalise the situation and officially invite His Excellency the President to go and commission the New Soweto Market.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Simuusa: Mr Speaker, there have been reports on interferences from the Ministry of Local Government and Housing in the work of the LCC regarding the allocation of these shops. I wish to find out from the hon. Minister what method of allocation is, currently, being used for those shops and plots at the New Soweto Market.
The Minister of Local Government and Housing (Dr Kazonga): Mr Speaker, the Central Government is there to intervene when it sees a problem.
Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}
Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, as a result of the problems that we noticed at the New Soweto Market in terms of the allocation of shops, we had to give the necessary instructions to the LCC in order to bring sanity to the market. There were several problems that were witnessed at the New Soweto Market. Of course, the first problem had to do with the allocation of shops. During the allocations, we had cases where, maybe, two or more people were allocated one shop and this situation brought confusion.
The second problem was that one group challenged what the council had done in the courts of law which actually gave judgement in their favour. During this same time, another group also presented its case to the courts of law and judgement has not yet been passed.
Mr Speaker, sorting out these problems, definitely, requires time. It is these complications which have necessitated the Government’s intervention and delayed the opening of the market. At the moment, we are concritising our response to the problem as was partly indicated by the hon. Deputy Minister. We are looking at ways of considering, during the allocation, both those who paved way for that development to take place and those who won the case in the courts of law. We shall be able to conclude the discussions very soon and, thereafter, we can have the market officially opened.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Speaker: The hon. Member for Kanyama.
Colonel Chanda: Taken over by events.
CHITOKOLOKI MISSION MINI HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER STATION
440. Mr Katuka (Mwinilunga East) asked the Minister of Energy and Water Development whether the Government had any plans for the Chitokoloki Mission Mini Hydro Electric Power Station in Zambezi East Parliamentary Constituency and if so, what the plans were.
Mr Imasiku: Mr Speaker, the plan to construct a mini hydro power plant at Chitokoloki was a private sector driven initiative promoted by the missionaries at Chitokoloki Mission. In 2006, the missionaries approached the ministry through the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) with an application for a capital subsidy to support the installation of a 150 kilowatt mini hydro power plant to replace the diesel generator supplying the mission and the nearby school.
The proposed mini hydro power plant was based on a new technology that involved a floating turbine that utilises the velocity of running water to turn a turbine and generate electricity. This floating turbine was to be anchored on the Zambezi River channel at a point nearest Chitokoloki Mission.
Mr Speaker, the estimated cost for purchasing the turbine and shipping it into Zambia was K1.5 billion and the promoters had mobilised most of these funds. However, they were short of funds to meet inland transportation costs and the cost of fabricating the plant from where the turbine was to be anchored. After due consideration of the application and in its quest to promote the use of renewable energy technologies, REA approved the allocation of K100 million to the project to meet the local costs. The agreement between Chitokoloki Mission and REA to facilitate the release of the K100 million was signed on 17th April, 2008.
Mr Speaker, I must report that the funds allocated to this project by REA have not been disbursed to date because the project promoters have not submitted a claim for disbursement as provided in the signed agreement. It appears that the contact person from Chitokoloki Mission who was instrumental in promoting this project has left the country and all efforts to contact him have failed.
Mr Speaker, with regard to the larger plans that we have for Chitokoloki Mission, I am happy to inform the hon. Member of Parliament for Mwinilunga East that the mission falls in the project package ranked number nine for North-Western Province in the Rural Electrification Master Plan (REMP). The other areas that fall in this project package include Dipalata, Likungu, Ishima, Mpidi, Kakeki, Nyakulena and Lwatembo which will be electrified through grid extension at an estimated cost of K50 billion as soon as funds are mobilised.
Places such as Lunyiwe Basic School, Chisengi, Katontu and Chizuzu also fall under project package number nine, but these will be electrified through solar home systems at an estimated cost of K6 billion. The implementation of these projects will be subject to the annual budget available to REA.
Mr Speaker, with that comprehensive answer, I want to thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Kakoma: Mr Speaker, from the answer by the hon. Minister, it appears the proposed mini hydropower station at Chitokoloki Mission was found to be feasible and that is why the Government through REA decided to assist with a subsidy. Now that the project has hit a snug, I would like to find out what the Government will do to ensure that the project goes ahead so that the people of Zambezi have a mini hydropower station.
Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, the Government is inviting private sector participation in the energy sector. As has been answered by the hon. Deputy Minister, this mini hydropower project was sponsored by the private sector and the Government was only supposed to support the project. So, at this stage, since the promoter is not available at the moment, I would like to urge the hon. Member of Parliament for Zambezi West to, maybe, find other private promoters who the Government can support to complete this mini hydro power project.
The hon. Deputy Minister has also elaborated in his response that on a larger scale, that is looking beyond the mini hydropower station, the Government, through REA, and the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO), is going to develop other sites in the region like the Chavuma and Chikata Falls. On the other hand, options through REMP are being considered to link the district of Zambezi to the national grid so that areas like Chitokoloki and those other areas that have been mentioned can be provided with sustainable renewable energy.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
CARBON TAX
441. Mr Malama to ask the Minister of Finance and National Planning:
(a) what measures the Government had taken to discourage Zambians from importing second-hand vehicles that discharge a lot of carbon emissions;
(b) how much money the Government had raised from the carbon emission surtax (carbon tax) from the time it was introduced to-date; and
(c) how the Government intended to utilise the revenue raised from the carbon tax.
The Deputy Minister of Finance and National Planning (Mr Phiri): Mr Speaker, the Government has not yet put in place a specific policy aimed at discouraging the importation of second hand motor vehicles. These are the vehicles which most people in this country are able to afford. What the Government is doing is to implement programmes that will move this country from a low income country status to middle income status by 2030. Once this is achieved, then most people will be able to afford to buy brand new vehicles. It is envisaged that when Zambia attains a middle income status, the Government will start to look at the issue of discouraging the importation of old motor vehicles since the average Zambian will be able to afford brand new vehicles.
Mr Speaker, K53,461,555,444 has been raised from the carbon emission surtax (carbon tax) from the time it was introduced in 2006 to date. The reason the Government charges and collects tax is to raise resources for financing programmes aimed at benefiting citizens. In this country, there are many sources of tax revenue. The carbon emission surtax is one of those ways which have been introduced to provide funds for the Treasury. The objective of introducing this tax is to supplement the existing sources of revenues so that the Government can spend more on environmental, health and educational programmes among other areas.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Hear, hear!
Mr Malama: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that in Zambia it is very expensive to import a vehicle which is almost new because of duty? I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether the Government has any plans to look at the duty on second hand vehicles so as to encourage importers to bring in new vehicles.
The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane): Mr Speaker, I think that is really a different topic from the issue that is being discussed. However, if the hon. Member’s suggestion is to make the importation of second hand vehicles more expensive, I think we are open to that.
I thank you.
Mr Simuusa (Nchanga): Mr Speaker, the funds raised from carbon tax are supposed to go towards implementing measures to reduce the emissions of carbon, for example the use of catalytic converters. I wish to find out from the hon. Minister if the Government is concerned about the carbon that is being emitted into the atmosphere.
Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, the Government is, indeed, concerned about the carbon emissions and this is one of the reasons this tax was introduced in the first place.
However, I wish to hasten to say that we should not be overly concerned about the quantities of carbon emissions out of Zambia because there are other countries that are doing worse than us. The consequences of carbon emissions, of course, affect all of us, but our contribution still remains extremely tiny. So, we should not be overly concerned about this matter.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what major environmental programme the Government intends to execute, this year, using the revenue raised from the carbon tax is.
Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, as far as I know, this is a general revenue that goes to the Treasury and is applicable just like every other revenue. It is not necessarily targeted for environmental issues.
I thank you, Sir.
LOAN TO TAR ROADS IN LUSAKA CITY
442. Mr Imenda asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing whether the ministry had any plans to source funds through a loan on behalf of the Lusaka City Council (LCC) to enable the council construct and tar roads in the city.
Mr Muteteka: Mr Speaker, in response to the question raised by the hon. Member of Parliament for Lukulu East Constituency, I wish to inform this august House that the Government has plans to source funds to enable the LCC improve the condition of roads in Lusaka. The Government is, currently, holding negotiations with the donor communities as a way of raising necessary resources to rehabilitate approximately 100 kilometres of Lusaka’s roads.
Mr Speaker, it is also worth mentioning here that the Government, using local resources, is rehabilitating and improving roads in Libala, Kamwala South and other parts of the city. These roads include Water works, New Kasama, Yotamu Muleya and Zambezi.
Further, I also want to inform this august House that, two months ago, the hon. Minister approved a master plan for construction of ring roads in Lusaka with a view to decongest Lusaka City.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Imenda: Mr Speaker, from the hon. Minister’s answer, the question of ring roads and the current state of roads in Lusaka demeans the city to a level where it is not competing favourably with other cities within the region. Therefore, is the hon. Minister aware that the tourism …
Mr Speaker: Order! May the hon. Member, please, ask his question.
Mr Imenda: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that the current state of the roads in Lusaka demeans it to a level where it is unable to compete favourably with other cities?
Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, indeed, the Government is aware about that problem and what evidence is there? The following is:
(i) for the master plan to be released means that we have identified a problem. Therefore, even in the process of mobilising resources means that we have something that we can use to guide ourselves; and
(ii) in the response by the Deputy Minister, he has indicated that there is a plan to look at a distance of 100 kilometres of road network in the city. This is because we, as a Government, are aware of this problem. We have seen other cities elsewhere and that is why these efforts are being made.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Shakafuswa (Katuba): Mr Speaker, when we have a plan without resources, it just becomes a piece of paper. Therefore, I would like to find out whether there are resources committed to these plans as evidenced by some of the projects in areas like Katuba which are on the plan, but have not been funded, so far, due to lack of resources.
Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, our approach is that of planning first and then mobilise the necessary resources to implement that particular plan and this is the approach we are taking.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Dr Machungwa: Mr Speaker, does the hon. Minister’s plan include widening and putting bypasses and under passes and, if necessary, tunnels under Lusaka to allow free movement of people and vehicles? I am saying so because it is now becoming almost impossible to get around Lusaka in a reasonable amount of time.
Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, the plan, indeed, captures a number of issues some of which are road networsk, water supply and sanitation facilities, the drainage systems and many more. Having this master plan in place, I am sure some of these problems that are being faced, now, will be reduced or totally eradicated. As such, at the momet, we are mobilising resources for the implementation of that master plan to address all those concerns.
I thank you, Sir.
______________
MOTION
ADJOURNMENT
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice (Mr Kunda, SC.): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.
Question put and agreed to.
_______________
The House adjourned at 1732 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 30th June, 2010.