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Debates- Friday, 14th August, 2009
DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE THIRD SESSION OF THE TENTH ASSEMBLY
Friday, 14th August, 2009
The House met at 0900 hours
[MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]
NATIONAL ANTHEM
PRAYER
________
ANNOUNCEMENT BY MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER
ACTING LEADER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN THE HOUSE
Madam Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, in the absence of His Honour the Vice-President and hon. Minister of Justice, who is attending to other national duties, Hon. Lameck Mangani, MP, hon. Minister of Home Affairs, will act as Leader of Government Business in the House, today, Friday, 14th August, 2009.
I thank you.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
__________
STATEMENT OF CLARIFICATION
STUDENT PROGRESSION RATE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
The Minister of Education (Ms Siliya): Madam Speaker, at the end of the first semester of the 2008 academic year, progression rules were not applied in the other schools except only to the first year students in the School of Natural Sciences as these students were requested to be streamed into the Life Science Programme and the Physical Science Programme. However, at the end of the second semester, progression rules were applied to all students. The following were the rates:
(i) from 2008 first semester to 2008 second semester 93.3 per cent
(ii) from 2008 second semester to 2009 first semester 88 per cent
For the first year students in the 2008 academic year, progression rules were applied only to the first year students in the School of Natural Sciences at the end of the first semester as students were required to be streamed into the Life Science Programme and the Physical Science Programme. In this regard, fifty-nine students in the School of Natural Sciences were excluded from the university at the end of the first semester in the 2008 academic year.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Some Opposition Members stood up.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! This was not a ministerial statement.
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! The guidance after a point of order was for the hon. Minister to come and bring a statement of clarification, which is not a ministerial statement. This being the case, there will be no questions or points of clarification on this statement. If there …
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! If there are any other questions, other means may be used as that was a clarification.
_______
QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr Syakalima: On a point of procedure, Madam.
Madam Deputy Speaker: A point of procedure on whom, the Chair?
Mr Syakalima: On the House.
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: There is no such thing, hon. Member. You may take your seat.
Laughter
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! The Chair is very clear on …
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! The Chair has, in fact, stated that if the clarification is not acceptable, hon. Members have various avenues to use. You cannot, however, raise a point of order on the Chair. The procedure that has been followed is …
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! There was no ruling. The initial ruling was that the hon. Minister should make a statement of clarification and that has been done. Hon. Members, let us move on. If you feel the statement is misleading, there are other avenues you can use. If you feel there is something wrong with the Chair’s guidance, you still have other avenues to use.
Interruptions
MINERAL CONCENTRATES EXPORTED BY ALBIDON MINES
484. Mr Mukanga (Kantanshi) asked the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development:
(a) how much mineral concentrate was exported by Albidon Mines from June to December, 2008;
(b) what percentage of the mineral concentrate at (a) was:
(i) gold;
(ii) copper; and
(iii) cobalt; and
(c) how much revenue in taxes was collected from the export of the mineral concentrate above.
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr Mangani: Madam Speaker, we will provide the answer in due course.
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
The Question lapses.
Hon. Opposition Members: No!
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: We are in the House and these are your rules.
Hon. Opposition Members: No, he is in the Government.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Yes, he is in the Government, but he does not seem to have an answer.
Hon. Opposition Members: No!
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! This is not happening for the first time hon. Members. It has happened …
Hon. Opposition Members stood up.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! I do not want to engage in conversation.
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! The hon. Members, just like their hon. Ministers, are expected to be in the House. This I must mention and people on my right must be alert.
You cannot have questions on the Order Paper and are not prepared to respond to them. There has been enough time to enable everybody be ready. This must not happen in the House. In fact, there are many issues that happen that everybody can observe. Even instances where hon. Members on my left ask questions and walk out before answers are given or the question is still on the Floor are all things that ought not to be happening.
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! We should be serious as we are entrusted with serious work. I urge the Acting Leader of Government Business to take serious note. Owing to the serious nature of the question that the hon. Member took time to ask, I will accept that we defer it.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear! Long live the Chair.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! Nobody is fighting here.
ACCESSMENT EXERCISE ON VERNACULAR BOOKS IN SCHOOLS
485. Mr Malama (Mfuwe) asked the Minister of Education when the Government would carry out a need assessment exercise to determine the number of vernacular text books needed in schools in order to provide the shortfall.
The Deputy Minister of Education (Mr Sinyinda): Madam Speaker, the ministry’s assessment exercise is on-going and is carried out whenever Standard Officers undertake monitoring and inspections tours.
I thank you, Madam.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Malama: Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that most of these books are not in schools and that it is giving a lot of problems for those pupils who are about to write examinations. If he is aware, what is the ministry doing to ensure that it quickly sends these books that are not in schools so that pupils can have them and utilise them before the examinations?
Mr Sinyinda: Madam Speaker, as we have already answered, this is an on-going exercise. However, I would like to inform the House that the procurement of these books is decentralised and, from time to time, our officers on the ground buy these books.
I thank you, Madam.{mospagebreak}
PROVISION OF INCENTIVES TO POLICE OFFICERS
486 Mr Mwenya (Nkana) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:
(a) what incentives the ministry provided to police officers; and
(b) whether the ministry had plans to introduce a home empowerment programme for police officers.
The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Mr D. Phiri): Madam Speaker, police officers are provided with free mealie meal. Each officer is entitled to, at least, one 25 kilogram bag of mealie meal per month. All officers are entitled to free electricity and water whether they reside in police camps or rented houses.
In addition, police officers can access household or house loans through the facilities that the Government has put in place. The police officers can get loans from the Police Service, Zambia National Building Society, through the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, or from the Public Service Pension Fund.
As regards (b) as indicated in (a) above, a home empowerment programme for police officers already exists. Police officers, like other civil servants, are encouraged by the Government to construct or purchase houses through the Home Empowerment Loans facilities at their disposal.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Mwenya: Madam Speaker, from the hon. Minister’s answer …
Mr Syakalima: On a point of order, Madam.
Madam Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, I stand on a very serious point of order judging by the procedures that we follow in this House. The verification made by the hon. Minister of Education tallies with what the point of order stated yesterday. The point of order was whether the hon. Minister was in order to come here with a falsehood and that point of order has not been ruled on. I need your serious ruling whether, in this House, we accept that after clarification was made, the hon. Minister was in order to mislead the House initially?
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! That point of order goes back to the point of order that was raised yesterday for which the Chair demanded that a clarification be made. The Chair is, actually, tempted, after listening to the point of order and the answer, to give herself time to study the point of order together with the clarification and come up with a further guidance.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Madam Deputy Speaker: May the hon. Member continue.
Mr Mwenya: …I would like to find out if the hon. Minister of Home Affairs could be specific on how many officers have accessed these home empowerment loans and how much they are entitled to.
The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Mangani): Madam Speaker, that sounds like a new question and I am not in a position…
Hon. Opposition Members: Ah!
Mr Mangani: … to provide the details now. However, the House may wish to know that the Government allowed Public Service employees, including police officers, to buy houses. If the hon. Member submits that question, I can provide an answer on how many benefited from the housing scheme that the Government introduced and how many bought houses using the facility that we are talking about.
I thank you, Madam.
Mrs Musokotwane (Katombola): Madam Speaker, is it possible for the ministry to increase the bags of mealie-meal from one 25 kilogramme bag to two because we are all aware that besides their biological children, these officers look after orphans from their extended families?
Mr Mangani: Madam Speaker, married officers are entitled to two 25 kilogramme bags of mealie-meal while single officers get one bag. That is the position.
Thank you, Madam.
Mr Kambwili (Roan): Madam, police officers are disadvantaged when it comes to the allocation of land by the councils because they are required to tender bank statements and show proof that they can build. What is the hon. Minister doing to guarantee that police officers are able to build houses so that they can also enjoy the benefits of being allocated plots by the local councils?
Mr Mangani: Madam Speaker, I am happy that the hon. Member has raised this question. In some councils like the council in which I am a councillor, a certain number of plots have been allocated to civil servants who do not meet the laid down conditions for acquiring plots. I want to encourage the hon. Member, who is a councillor, to emulate what we are doing in his council.
I thank you, Madam.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka): Madam, the hon. Minister has talked about the incentives that were given to police officers. He indicated that they enjoy free water and mealie-meal every month. What value is there in the incentive of free water to police officers when, two days ago, we were told that the water supply to the police camps in Lusaka was disconnected by the Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company (LWSC) due to an accrued bill of K6 billion that the Government has failed to pay? How does the hon. Minister expect the police officers to cook nshima in the absence of water?
Mr Mangani: Madam, indeed, we have challenges regarding bills to utility companies, but are taking steps to make sure that we pay them. As I speak, the water supply to all the police camps and prisons has been connected. The situation has been addressed. The Government is working very hard to settle the bills.
Thank you, Madam.
HEAVILY INDEBTED POOR COUNTRIES MONEY
487. Mr Mukanga asked the Minister of Health:
(a) how much Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) money was received by the ministry for supporting health services in 2001 and 2002;
(b) how much of the money at (a) was disbursed to rural health institutions for staff accommodation in the same period;
(c) how much was used on the procurement of drugs; and
(d) how much was used in organising workshops to support health programmes countrywide.
The Deputy Minister of Health (Mr Akakandelwa): Madam Speaker, in the years 2001 and 2002, no Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) funds were received by the Ministry of Health as the country had not yet attained the HIPC completion point. The Ministry of Health received the first HIPC funds in 2003. The amount received was K58.8 billion.
Madam Speaker, in the 2003 budget from the HIPC funds, K10 billion was allocated to rural housing for medical staff. K12 billion was allocated to essential drug kits and K15 billion was allocated to the procurement of anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs). K2.8 billion was allocated to HIV/AIDS awareness programmes and K4billion was allocated to the prevention of epidemics.
The breakdown of how the HIPC funds were used is as follows:
Poverty Reduction Programmes
Activity Amount
Prevention of Epidemics K4,000,000,000
Essential drug kits K12,000,000,000
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! The House does not seem to be interested in this answer.
The hon. Deputy Minister may continue.
Mr Akakandelwa:
Rehabilitation of University Teaching Hospital K4,000,000,000
Rural Hardship Allowances K3,000,000,000
HIV/AIDS Public Awareness K2,800,000,000
National AIDS Council K4,000,000,000
Support to Home Based Care K4,000,000,000
Procurement of ARVs in Hospital K15,000,000,000
Rural Housing for Medical Staff K10,000,000,000
Total K58,800,000,000
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Mukanga: Madam Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister has stated that there were no HIPC funds allocated to the ministry during this period. Where did the allocations he has given come from because the records show that they had K29 billion as HIPC funds? May he clarify this?
The Minister of Health (Mr Simbao): Madam, I do not seem to follow the hon. Member’s question very well. In 2001 and 2002, nothing was allocated to the Ministry of Health. An amount of K58.8 billion was allocated in 2003 from the HIPC funds and this is what has been read out.
Thank you, Madam.
Mr Kambwili: Madam, can the hon. Minister confirm that he misled the House because part (b) of the question says: how much of the money at (a) was disbursed to rural health institutions for staff accommodation in the same period? In his answer, he talked about the 2003 allocation. Is he not misleading the House?
Mr Simbao: Madam, if the hon. Member followed the answer, we were referring to the disbursement which was made in 2003. That is what the break down we have given relates to. We acknowledge having received K58.8 billion in 2003 which is the only money we have received.
I thank you, Madam.
REHABILITATION OF ROADS ON THE COPPERBELT PROVINCE
488. Mr Msichili (Kabushi) asked the Minister of Works and Supply:
(a) when the Government would resurface the Chambeshi Road in the Copperbelt Province; and
(b) when the Government would rehabilitate the following roads in Ndola District:
(i) Kawambwa;
(ii) Mujobe; and
(iii) Dola Hill.
The Deputy Minister of Works and Supply (Mr Ndalamei): Madam Speaker, the rehabilitation of the Chambeshi Road in Ndola City will be carried out towards the end of the year 2009 under the Rehabilitation of Ndola City Roads Programme financed by the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA).
Madam, the maintenance of Kawambwa, Mujobe and Dola Hill roads may be considered under the on-going Accelerated Urban Roads Rehabilitation Programme depending upon the priorities of the Ndola City Council which is responsible for the maintenance of urban and township roads.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Msichili: Madam Speaker, I just want to correct the hon. Deputy Minister that I am not the hon. Member of Parliament for Mushili because there is no constituency by that name.
Madam, Lusaka is not Zambia and Zambia is not Lusaka. Why has the Government concentrated on rehabilitating roads in Lusaka at the expense of other areas such as Ndola, in general, and Kabushi in particular?
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, I stated in my answer that we are rehabilitating the Chambeshi Road this year. Therefore, we are not neglecting Ndola because we are doing something.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Lubinda (Kabwata): Madam Speaker, for the sake of correcting the record, could the hon. Minister indicate that no work is being carried out on even the roads that the hon. Member for Kabushi, Hon. Msichili, is talking about, such as the six roads in Kabwata Constituency which were supposed to have been tarred by now, because the Government has not released the money to rehabilitate the roads? Could the hon. Deputy Minister, please, clarify this?
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, such questions are supposed to be asked by people who are outside this House because the hon. Member knows that we have a K1.6 trillion Budget deficit. Therefore, once money is available, the works will be carried out.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! It is Friday.
Laughter
Mr Mwenya : Madam Speaker, I would like to find out the logic of advertising for tenders for roads works. For example, for the past two years, they have been advertising for the submission of tenders for roads on the Copperbelt, Kitwe in particular, and yet there has never been a single moment that we have seen a contractor being contracted to work on any of these roads. What is the logic of wasting money to advertise works which, at the end of the day, are not carried out?
Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, it is not true that we have never worked on the roads on the Copperbelt because the Mufulira/Sabina Road was worked on.
Interruptions
Mr Ndalamei: We advertise for tenders so that when funds are available, we just sign the contract and start the works.
I thank you Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr P. P. Chanda (Kankoyo): Madam Speaker, I think the hon. Deputy Minister has just ignited something. When was the Mufulira/Sabina Road worked on?
Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, we have been carrying out pothole patching on the road …
Laughter
Mr Ndalamei: … for motorists to travel well, but we are still looking for money to completely resurface the road.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Next question!
Hon. Opposition Members: You have been saved!
Laughter
GRZ BUILDINGS COUNTRYWIDE
489. Mr Kambwili asked the Minister of Works and Supply:
(a) what the total number of the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) buildings or real estate was countrywide;
(b) what the total value of the buildings at (a) was; and
(c) of the number of the buildings at (a), how many were insured.
Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, the total number of Government Buildings countrywide is approximately 62,000. This can be broken down into buildings such as common user blocks, hospitals, health posts, rural and urban health centres, houses, schools, courts, training institutions and police posts.
It is not possible to give the total value of all the Government buildings in the country as the last valuation of Government buildings was done specifically to value houses that were to be sold under the Home Ownership Empowerment Scheme. The Government Valuation Department intends to include the valuation of all Government buildings in its 2010 Annual Work Plan.
Due to the inadequate resources the Government currently has, it is not possible to insure all the Government buildings, which include offices, schools, hospitals, rural health centres, cabinet offices, Government complex and police posts throughout the country, as this would require large sums of money. However, all ministries are encouraged to safeguard their respective buildings from their limited resources.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Mubika: Hear, hear!
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! What kind of greeting is that?
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! Can we, please, lower our voices in this House.
Mr Kambwili: Madam Speaker, the Government is a business and, therefore, I would like to find out how it produces its balance sheet if it does not know the total value of its assets. Where does it base the production of its balance sheet if it does not know its assets?
Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, as a Government, we know all the buildings, but as I have already stated in my answer, in next year’s Budget, we will allocate money for the valuation of all Government departments.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mukanga: Madam Speaker, I would like to find out what the Government is doing to ensure that Government buildings appreciate instead of allowing them to deteriorate to the state in which they are in.
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, normally, in Government, each department plans for money to renovate its buildings.
I thank you, Madam.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Lubinda: Madam Speaker, as a follow-up to the question asked by the hon. Member for Roan, could the hon. Minister indicate to us why the Government does not have the total number of real estate it owns because he said the number is ‘approximately’. When will he come to the House to tell us exactly how many properties the Government owns and indicate how it balances its books if he does not know the value of the assets owned by the State. Could the hon. Deputy Minister, please, clarify this?
Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, the value of the assets will be arrived at when the exercise is completed.
I thank you. Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! Order! The House is extremely lively.
Laughter{mospagebreak}
TARMACING OF GRAVEL ROADS IN MUFULIRA CONSTITUENCY
490. Mr Mukanga asked the Minister of Works and Supply when the following roads would be comprehensively resurfaced with tarmac:
(i) Mufulira/Ndola; and
(ii) Mufulira/Sabina .
Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, the ministry, through the Road Development Agency (RDA) intends to provide funds in the 2009 Annual Work Plan for the rehabilitation of the Mufulira/Ndola and Ndola/Sabina roads. However, the 2009 Budget threshold was reduced resulting in the above mentioned works being referred to 2010.
Madam Speaker, the ministry is too desirous to carry out the rehabilitation of these roads which provide links to Ndola, Kitwe and Chingola towns. Due to the limited resources, only holding maintenance will be undertaken in 2010 while funds for full rehabilitation are being sourced.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mukanga: Madam Speaker, since the hon. Minister is saying that full rehabilitation will be taking place in 2010, what is this Government doing in the interim because, in the last three months, we have lost about five lives on these roads? What is the Government doing to protect the lives of people and vehicles that we use because the maintenance costs have increased?
Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, indeed, it is very sad to lose human life. Therefore, the ministry will do everything possible to maintain the roads so that accidents can be reduced.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Chongo (Mwense): Madam Speaker, it has been mentioned, in this House, before that the deterioration of the two roads is as a result of the heavy traffic which, of course, is coming from the mines. Has the ministry engaged these mining firms to ask them to also contribute so that these roads can be worked on?
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Before the hon. Minister stands up to answer the question, can I, please, remind the hon. Members that it is one of the rules of the House to remain silent when a person is on the Floor. If there is absolute need that you need to consult, do it quietly. The Chair cannot follow the debate. The Chair must strain her ears above all the talking that is freely going on in order to understand what is being talked about. Can the hon. Members give this House the dignity that it deserves. We cannot act like we are in any other place. We have rules that guide us.
Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, that is another option which we will consider.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Muntanga (Kalomo): Madam Speaker, realising that we have problems in sourcing funds to repair these roads, especially the Mufulira/Sabina Road where heavy trucks pass, what is the ministry doing about companies that are using very heavy trucks that are in excess of the tonnage required on those roads?
Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, that question has already been answered. We shall engage the companies and see the way forward.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Kambwili: Madam Speaker, we pay road tax in order to move on good roads. Now, that the Government has failed to repair the Mufulira/Sabina Road, is it considering exempting the people of Mufulira from paying road tax?
Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, we are not considering that.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Laughter
Mr P. P. Chanda: Madam Speaker, I find it very difficult to follow what the hon. Minister is saying. Previously, he said that the Ministry of Works and Supply had worked on the road and, now, he has just admitted that the road is in bad condition. When is this road going to be worked on because it is terrible to move on?
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! I think it is important to follow the answers in detail so that we do not mislead ourselves. The answers and questions must be harmonised. The Chair heared the kind of work the hon. Minister referred to. He described it.
CONSTRUCTION OF GRAVEL ROADS
491. Mr Kakoma (Zambezi West) asked the Minister of Works and Supply:
(a) whether the Government had any plans to construct gravel roads to connect the following areas in Zambezi West Parliamentary Constituency:
(i) Mize in Senior Chief Ndungu’s area to Mwange in Chief Chinyama’s area;
(ii) Mize in Senior Chief Ndungu’s area to Liyovu in Chieftainess Kucheka’s area; and
(iii) Chinyingi to Likungu in Senior Chief Ndungu’s area; and
(b) if so, when the plans would be implemented.
Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, there are no immediate plans to construct gravel roads between the stated places. However, the ministry has noted the requirement in Zambezi West Parliamentary Constituency and will advise the North-Western Province administration to consider including it in their future work plans, using the rural road construction equipment.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Kakoma: Madam Speaker, forty-four years after independence and seventeen years under the MMD Government, Zambezi West Constituency has not seen any gravel road being done. What does the Government think about the gallant people of Zambezi West Constituency, who have been very loyal to this country and deserve development like any other people in this country?
Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, we hold the people of Zambezi West in high esteem. As a Government, we will try by all means to help them. May I also take this opportunity to inform this House that the ministry has appointed local authorities as road authorities, where the hon. Member is a member. Therefore, these feeder roads are planned for in the councils. If the council will put them as priority, then they will be done.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr L. J. Mulenga (Kwacha): Madam Speaker, arising from what the hon. Minister has indicated to this House that the local authorities are involved in road development, can he specify as to what extent grants are given to local authorities for them to get involved in road works because as far as I am concerned, grants for road works are given to the RDA.
Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, the procedure is that the local authorities plan and submit their plans to RDA who normally budget and supervise works.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Lubinda: Madam Speaker, is the Hon. Minister aware of the fact that Zambezi District Council has been including the road works in Zambezi West Constituency on their annual plans for the last six years? The hon. Member for Zambezi West Constituency has, actually, been complaining on the Floor of this House that monies have not been released for the council to undertake road construction works in Zambezi West Constituency. If the Hon. Minister is aware, can he indicate what kind of plans he expects Zambezi District Council to submit which are better than the ones they have submitted over the last six years?
Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, we are aware. This is why I said we would do something about it. It is also for this reason that we bought the rural road equipment so that he can assist where we do not have the money to do the roads.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Laughter
CONSTRUCTION OF PERMANENT STRUCTURES AT LIMULUNGA
The Deputy Minister of Education (Mr Sinyinda): Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Luena would like to find out when the high school which was opened in 1981 at Limulunga, but operates in temporary former rural council structures will have permanent structures, complete with science and information technology laboratories.
Madam Speaker, Limulunga High School was opened in 1981 using infrastructure belonging to the then rural council which was later given to the Ministry of Education in 1983. The school has eight classrooms, a laboratory and a computer laboratory with ten computers as well as a library.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Lubinda: Who asked that question?
Mr Muntanga: On a point of order, Madam.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! I know who that point of order is targeting.
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: It is unprocedural. The hon. Member for Luena will ask the Question.
Laughter
492. Mr Milupi (Luena) asked the Minister of Education when the high school, which was opened in 1981 at Limulunga, but operates in temporal former Rural Council structures, would have permanent structures, complete with science and information technology laboratories.
Madam Deputy Speaker: I think that hon. Members will appreciate that it has not been an easy day. All of you seem to have new stories to tell each other. Can you cool down. The hon. Minister may now respond.
Laughter
Mr Kambwili: Long live the Chair!
Mr Sinyinda: Madam Speaker, I was very attentive and that is why I had to ask whether the Hon. Madam Speaker had asked us to speak.
Interruptions
Mr Sinyinda: Yes!
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr Sinyinda: Madam Speaker, Limulunga High School was opened in 1981, using infrastructure belonging to the then rural council, which was later given to the Ministry of Education in 1983. The school has eight classrooms, a science laboratory and a computer laboratory with ten computers as well as a library.
Madam Speaker, I would like to inform this House that the school is earmarked for rehabilitation next year, 2010.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Milupi: Madam Speaker, as the hon. Member of Parliament for Luena, I can assure the Hon. Minister that the science laboratory he talked about is non-existent. Considering that this is the only high school in Luena, which is a vast constituency, would the Hon. Minister indicate what urgency they will apply to reconstruct this particular school into a full high school, which will be well-equipped, in order to service the children in Luena Constituency?
Mr Sinyinda: Madam Speaker, I am aware of the state of the structures at Limulunga High School. I must, however, assure the hon. Member that as we get money, just like we indicated in our response, we will definitely rehabilitate the school. I am aware that it has a laboratory, a library and a computer laboratory. However, the buildings are dilapidated and that is why we are saying that we will rehabilitate these next year.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Madam Deputy Speaker: Considering that the Hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development is now in the House, the Chair will ask him to answer the Question that was asked by the hon. Member for Kantanshi.
MINERAL CONCENTRATE EXPORTED BY ALBIDON MINES
484. Mr Mukanga asked the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development:
(a) how much mineral concentrate was exported by Albidon Mines from June to December, 2008;
(b) what percentage of the mineral concentrate at (a) was:
(i) gold;
(ii) copper; and
(iii) cobalt; and
(c) how much revenue in taxes was collected from the export of the mineral concentrate above.
The Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr M. B. Mwale): Firstly, I would like to sincerely apologise. It is, in fact, on Question 484 that we had to find the latest information because I realised that it is an issue of national interest. Madam Speaker, I hope that my apology is accepted.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr M Mwale: Madam Speaker, a total of 632 tonnes of nickel concentrates were exported from Zambia during the period between June to December, 2008.
Madam Speaker, the contents in the concentrates were as follows:
Mineral Content (%, g/t)
Nickel 6.7%
Platinum (Pt) 4.4 g/t
Palladium (Pd) 3.7 g/t
Gold (Au) Nil
Copper (Cu) 1.0%
Cobalt (Co) 0.35%
Madam Speaker, a total of US$300,000 Value Added Tax (VAT) was collected.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Mukanga: Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what system exists on the ground to ensure that there is a complete concentrate analysis in order for us to know exactly what has been exported.
Mr M Mwale: Madam Speaker, we have in the ministry a department called geological survey department which has analytical facilities. In any case, as the minerals are being exported, some analysis is being carried out.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, Albidon Mines is due to re-open any time soon. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development for the effort he took to get the mine back on its feet.
Madam Speaker, I would like to find out how much importance and priority the Hon. Minister attaches to the commitments that Albidon Mine made to the community of Mugoto, vis-a-vis the construction of a school for those people that were displaced from the mining site as well as the construction of a clinic. Three years have passed since the development agreements that stated these commitments were signed. What is the Government doing to proactively make sure that these commitments are met in the soonest possible time?
Mr M. B. Mwale: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Mazabuka who is so concerned about the welfare of his constituents.
Madam Speaker, as a Government, we are aware that Albidon Mines had undertaken to construct a school and a clinic. However, it is unfortunate that due to the price meltdown of nickel, which has been the worst affected commodity, the mine had to be placed under care and maintenance. As the hon. Member has alluded to, every effort is being made to ensure that the operations commence so that our people can have their jobs back and the Mazabuka District Council can benefit from the operations of the mine.
Madam Speaker, regarding the school and clinic, the only thing I can tell the hon. Member is that, as Government, we will engage with Albidon Mines and particularly with the majority shareholders who will be taking over the mine to see how we can move forward.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Simuusa (Nchanga): Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether the value of the traced minerals, apart from nickel, that were in the concentrates were taken into account when arriving at US$300,000.
Mr M. B. Mwale: Madam Speaker, as I said, we read out what was contained. If the hon. Member has any information of the traced minerals, I will be more than glad if he could inform us because we want to deal with facts.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Major Chizhyuka (Namwala): Madam Speaker, Jinchuan, the Chinese Company responsible and taking over Mugoto, was the company which was contracted by the Australians to take all the concentrates from Mugoto and process them in China. Now, that Jinchuan is taking over all the operations, including selling to itself, so that it goes to process…
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! Hon. Member, you are debating. It is a follow-up question. The question is put.
Major Chizhyuka: This is the question.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! Ask the question now.
Laughter
Major Chizhyuka: How do you see in oligopolistic stature? It is not monopoly, but oligopoly…
Laughter
Major Chizhyuka: …by Jinchuan. How do you see the profit motive with respect to returns for our country, Zambia, in the light of what is happening to our nickel? In the same vein, could the hon. Minister comment that there are no Zambian human resources…
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr M. B. Mwale: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for his follow-up question.
Madam Speaker, the only thing that I am realising now as coming out of the Pact is that the influence of the other side …
Laughter
Mr Mwale:…is rubbing onto my elder brother.
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! Order! The hon. Minister may respond on the issues of the mine.
Laughter
Mr M. B. Mwale: Madam Speaker, the victory in Chitambo is celebrated in different ways.
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! The Chair is now wondering what is necessitating the mood of the House. However, I will advise the hon. Minister that the House has been waiting for your answer on this particular question. Can you go ahead. You will debate those issues some other time.
Mr M. B. Mwale: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Namwala should be very grateful that Jinchuan Company came up and offered to take up the processing of concentrates when the market for nickel was proving to be a problem.
Madam Speaker, this is the company which kept the operations of Albidon Mining in operation when they had liquidity problems. In fact, their share holding in Albidon Mining has been increasing because they have been providing capital to Albidon Mining. This is how Albidon’s other shareholding has been diluted. However, in terms of the marketing arrangements, it will be transparent in that even the Government wings will be involved in the export of commodities.
Madam Speaker, we are pleased to have the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), which is very vigilant when it comes to revenue collections.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwansa (Chifunabuli): Madam Speaker…
Mr Muyanda: On a point of order, Madam.
Madam Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Muyanda: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank you very sincerely for giving me an opportunity to raise a point of order on a brother who, I know for certain, was going to ask an intelligent question.
Madam Speaker, in a state of shock, may I know whether the Government has been prudent by remaining silent when the students at the Copperbelt University are constantly demonstrating in the streets and damaging public property over an issue this Government can quickly sort out? In the interest of public property, law and order, may I know as to whether the Government is in order to observe silence when property is being damaged on the Copperbelt by these students? I need you serious ruling.
Mr D. Mwila: Hear, hear!
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! The hon. Member has raised a point of order on students’ demonstrations at the Copperbelt University and has referred to the demonstrations on going at the moment.
Hon. Members, on issues of such nature, I think, that the Government should be comprehensive in coming up with statements. Sometimes, before the entire issue is studied, it may be very difficult and, in the end, there may be issues of misleading the House. The Chair would like to believe that when the issue is fully studied in terms of the underlying currents, causes and solutions then, the Government must bring a statement to indicate what they have done and what is going at the Copperbelt University. That is the guidance for now.
The hon. Member for Chifunabuli may continue.
Mr Mwansa: Madam Speaker, I would like to commend the hon. Minister for following the concentrates which are being exported and finding out what minerals are in them. Having said so, I would like to find from him whether his ministry is trying to make contact with those who are able to extract these concentrates and whether they can come in this country and set up the extraction plants within the country so that we are sure that our mineral wealth has not been taken out through concentrates.
Mr M. B. Mwale: Madam Speaker, I would like to inform the House that as Albidon were developing the mine and getting into the agreement with Jinchuan to be the off takers, the issue of setting up a smelter locally was vigorously explored. The only constraint is the volume of concentrates that are produced, which do not warrant setting up a smelter because there are only low volumes being produced. However, if the operations of the mine increase, that possibility is still alive.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.{mospagebreak}
CHILONGA MISSION HOSPITAL
493. Mr Malama (Mfuwe) asked the Minister of Health:
(a) the number of GRZ vehicles that had been donated to Chilonga Mission Hospital in Northern Province, from 2007 to date; and
(b) whether there were any plans to upgrade the hospital at (a) to make it effectively cater for the health needs of the entire Northern Province.
Mr Akakandelwa: Madam Speaker, two Toyota Land Cruisers have been donated by the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) to Chilonga Mission Hospital and School of Nursing since 2007. These are:
(i) GRZ 878CB donated in 2008; and
(ii) GRZ 842 donated in 2009
There are no immediate plans to upgrade Chilonga Mission Hospital from the current to the next level. However, K500 million will be spent on the construction of a new theatre to improve surgical, obstetric and gynaecological services in 2009.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
KAWAMBWA TEA COMPANY
495. Mr Mwango (Kanchibiya) asked the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry:
(a) what the total debt owed by Kawambwa Tea Company Limited was as of December, 2008;
(b) of that amount, how much had been for salary arrears and terminal benefits;
(c) what the future plans for resuscitating the company operations were; and
(d) who the shareholders of this company were.
The Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry (Mr Mutati): Madam Speaker, the company had a total debt of K6.7 billion as at December, 2008.
The breakdown of the debt is as follows:
Creditors Amount (K) Percentage
Zambia Revenue Authority 598,000,000 9%
National Pension Scheme Authority 1,900,000,000 20%
Workers Compensation Fund Control 75,000,000 1%
Board
Kawambwa District Council 15,700,000 0.2%
ZESCO Ltd 107,000,000 2%
Bank Loan 1,900,000,000 29%
Bank Overdraft 660,000,000 10%
Staff Debtors 1,500,000,000 23%
Retirees 500,000,000 8%
Total 6,700,000,000
Of the above amount, K2,000,000,000 was for salary arrears and terminal benefits.
Madam Speaker, the ministry has been monitoring the situation at Kawambwa Tea Company. We are aware that the creditors have exerted pressure to recover their money.
Madam, with regard to the payment of arrears, management submitted that as of March 2009, the company had paid a total of six months salary arrears. The company has, in the recent past, experienced poor sales, which has made it difficult to honour its obligations as planned. The poor sales have been attributed to the recession in both the local and export market, and loss of customers during the time the company had no products to sell.
Future Plans for Resuscitating the Company Operations
The company resumed operations in December, 2008 after eight months of closure following alleged mismanagement by a team of managers who have since left the company. The company has obtained a loan facility of K4.7 billion from the Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO) for capital expenditure.
The on-going rehabilitation of the plantation to reclaim tea plants, which had grown wild during the eight months when the company was not operational, was expected to be completed in 2010 after which the expansion of the plantation will start. Clearing of new fields is planned to start in December, 2009 in readiness for ploughing and transplanting from the company’s own nurseries.
The company has embarked on modernisation of machinery. Two new tractors are on site while new processing machines have since been ordered from India and are expected to arrive in the country any time. The pump station was expected to start working in July, 2009, after installation of five motors to facilitate irrigation.
The Shareholders of the Company
Initially, the ownership was as follows:
(i) Mr O. M. Chidavu, Chairperson, Zimbabwean, based in Zimbabwe;
(ii) Mr Craig Shiel, Director, Australian, Lusaka-based, farmer; and
(iii) Mr N. C. Narasimshan, Director, Indian based in Bangalore.
Both Messrs Shiel and Narasimshan were former employees of the company when it was still a parastatal. However, the ownership is now with Mr Chidavu. Recently the Registrar of Companies cautioned the company to increase the number of directors in accordance with the Companies Act. Management at Kawambwa informed the ministry that two investment purpose vehicles have been included. These are Canyon Holdings registered in Zimbabwe, which owns 51%, and Decateret Holdings, representing Zambian partners owning 49%. However, the registration of the two investment purpose vehicles has not yet been done. The Registrar of Companies is dealing with this matter.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Mwango: Madam Speaker, may I find out from the hon. Minister whether all the workers that have been retained are on contract or pensionable jobs?
Mr Mutati: Madam Speaker, the workers that have been retained are a mixture of contract and permanent pensionable employment.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr D. Mwila: Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether the company …
Mr Shakafuswa: On a point of order, Madam.
Madam Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Shakafuswa: Madam Speaker, if you have noticed, it is rare that I stand to raise points of order.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Shakafuswa: However, I stand on a very serious point of order. Madam Speaker, on several occasions, you have guided in this House that issues which affect us, hon. Members, or which need to be discussed should not be discussed outside, but in this House.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Shakafuswa: Taking your counsel seriously, I rise on a very serious point of order.
Hon. Member: Hear, hear!
Mr Shakafuswa: Is the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House in order to keep quiet and not explain what the hon. Member of this House who is a minister, was doing in Serenje boxing as reported and captured by The Post newspaper of today?
Laughter
Mr Shakafuswa: The hon. Member is showing a very serious Lottie Mwale stance.
Laughter
Mr Shakafuswa: Is he in order to keep quiet when the hon. Deputy Minister in the Office of the Vice-President, who usually quotes from newspapers when he raises points of order to be shadow boxing in public and demeaning the integrity of this House?
Laughter
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Shakafuswa: I need your serious ruling.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Chibombamilimo: Chitambo Fiasco!
Laughter
Mr Shakafuswa laid the paper on the Table.
Mr V. Mwale: Iwe ni paper yanga iyo!
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
The point of order had a preamble which the Chair does not fully understand in what context the hon. Members’ personal issues must be discussed in this House.
Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!
Madam Deputy Speaker: That is the preamble that was given.
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: As can be heard from the hon. Members, that preamble is put into question.
Hon. Member: However!
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: The point of order that has been raised ends with the person who raised it.
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: This House cannot direct the hon. Minister of Home Affairs to arrest anybody who commits any illegality, if it is, outside this House. Therefore, what happened in the newspapers is not part of the Order Paper.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Madam Deputy Speaker: For this reason, the Chair will not make a ruling whatsoever on this point of order.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! The hon. Member may continue.
Mr D. Mwila: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister indicated that the company paid six months of the salary arrears. Will the hon. Minister indicate to the House how many months of these arrears have not been paid.
Mr Mutati: Madam Speaker, from the information we have, the company still owes seven months salary arrears.
Mrs Mwamba (Lukashya): Madam Speaker, from the response given by the hon. Minister, there is no plan on how the Government hopes to redeem the debts owed by Kawambwa Tea Company. Can he clarify this.
Mr Mutati: Madam Speaker, the starting point is that in the last six years, Kawambwa Tea Company has been a bad business case and it is for this reason that the Government led a team of stakeholders, including the hon. Member for Kawambwa (Ms Chitika) to try to address the challenges that the company was failing to resolve. In so doing, the Government working with Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO) secured K4.7 billion towards capital expenditure so that it could resuscitate the operations of the company. In addition, the various Government agencies such as Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), and Workman’s Compensation Board also reached an agreement on a payment mechanism spread over a period of time to facilitate the resuscitation of Kawambwa Tea.
It is the expectation of this Government that the arrangements that have been put in place result in the revival of the company and also sustain the employment levels of the company. I also want to place on record the efforts that are being rendered by the hon. Member for Kawambwa.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Member: Hear, hear!
Dr Machungwa (Luapula): Madam Speaker, can the hon. Minister clarify the current shareholding at Kawambwa Tea Company. Is it Mr Chitabo of Zimbabwe who owns 100 per cent of the shares as of now since the other directors have pulled out and the other arrangements are not working? If that is so, what is the Government doing in trying to arrange financing for a private company?
Mr Mutati: Madam Speaker, the Registrar of Companies has issued notice to Kawambwa Tea Company to regularise the ownership and shareholding of the company. In addition, the registrar has also issued notice for the company to submit annual returns. The role of the Government is very clear because it is that of facilitation. Where we, as a Government, see difficulties, we move in to ensure that we work together with the company and the stakeholders to resuscitate the company for the purpose of people’s employment.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Dr Kalumba (Chienge): Madam Speaker, given that very inspiring response by the hon. Minister and what we were told a few days ago regarding Mununshi, what could be the strategy of the Government to avoid this persistent failure of investment in Luapula Province, particularly when it comes to the prospect of Luena Sugar Plantation in Pambashe.
Mr Mutati: Madam Speaker, we have a number of challenges for enterprises, particularly in Luapula. Mununshi, Mansa Batteries and the Luena Sugar Plantation are some of them. We are actively sitting to try and craft out a revival strategy which we will announce soon for these companies.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that after the directive by the Registrar of Companies, there is a Zimbabwean based company that would like to get 51 per cent of the shares while another company intends to get the remaining ones. However, they have not been registered. Would the Government, therefore, consider that all the money it has or intends to put in will revert to getting certain shares in Kawambwa Tea Company since it was one of the companies under the Zambia Industrial and Mining Corporation (ZIMCO).
Mr Mutati: Madam Speaker, the shareholding as we said in the answer is 51 per cent Zimbabwean and 49 per cent Zambian based. In terms of getting the moneys due to the Government, this will be as a consequence of the revival plan which we have indicated that the company has been given the facility of K4.7 billion towards resuscitation for the purpose of meeting its obligations.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Chisala (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, the issues pertaining to the poor performance of the company in question started coming to the Floor of this House as far back as 2006 when I came to this House. Could the hon. Minister indicate the major reason for its failure to arrest the situation?
Mr Mutati: Madam Speaker, I have indicated that Kawambwa Tea Company was a bad business case and our intention of going forward is not to exert energy on finding out why it has been so, but to resuscitate the company.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
NATIONAL AIRPORTS CORPORATION LIMITED
496. Mr D. Mwila asked the Minister of Communications and Transport:
(a) what the financial status of the National Airports Corporation Limited (NACL) was as of December, 2008;
(b) how much was owed to NACL as of December, 2008, institution by institution; and
(c) how much was declared to the Government in dividends from 2006 to 2008.
The Deputy Minister of Communications and Transport (Mr Mubika): Madam Speaker, the corporation’s financial year end is 31st March. The financial statements for the year to 31st March 2009 have not yet been approved by the Board. However, the financial status of National Airports Corporation Limited (NAC) as at 31st March 2008 was K83,454,941,000.
Turnover 2008
Profit before taxation K14,170,193,000
(Income tax expenses) (K4,001,285,000)
Profit/loss after taxation K10,168,908,000
Madam Speaker, the total debt owed to NAC as of December 2008, was K26.3 billion, including K9.3 billion owed by Zambian Airways. The other major debtors were as follows:
Summary of debtor position as at 31st December, 2008
Debtors Amount
(K)
Aviation K22,804,000,000
Non-Aviation 3,457,000,000
Total 26,261,000,000
The airlines which owe the National Airports are:
Airline amount owed status of airline
(K)
Zambian Airways 9,305,000,000 Airline in receivership
South African Airways 969,000,000 Currently collect through IATA
Kenya Airways 1,234,000,000 Currently collect through IATA
Ethiopia Airline 845,000,000 Currently collect through IATA
British Airways 796,000,000 Currently collect through IATA
Regional Air 449,000,000 Airline in receivership
Air Zimbabwe 336,000,000 Currently collect through IATA
SA Air Link 1,151,000,000 Airline own paying through IATA
Others 7,719,000,000 Current, collect through IATA
Total 22,804,000,000
Madam Speaker, the corporation has not paid dividends to the Government from 2006 to 2008. The corporation has an agreement with the Government, through the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, to exclude payment of dividends in the corporation’s five-year plan to 2011. This way, all the reserves are ploughed back in developmental projects. This is intended to enable the airports to prepare for the increase of passengers and aircraft movements towards the 2010 Confederation of the African Cup and FIFA World Cup.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr D. Mwila: Madam Speaker, my concern is on the K26,261,000,000 owed to NAC. Is there any time-frame given by to the company to recover all these monies from these institutions?
The Minister of Communications and Transport (Professor Lungwangwa): Madam Speaker, what is owed to NAC is in two categories, which are aviation and non-aviation debts. The non-aviation debts are normally collected on a regular basis and these are debts which emanate from activities like rentals of offices, restaurants and duty free shops plus other services which are rendered by the corporation. We have been assured by management that these debts which occur from time to time are usually collected. Now, as we have indicated, we have, of course, certain debts within the aviation category which are still under litigation, for example, the Zambian Airways debt. We have other bad debts like Regional Air, which was a private airline based in Kenya, which owes NAC about half a billion kwacha we have indicated. However, most of these debts are collected through the International Air Transport Association (IATA) from time to time.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr C. K. B. Banda (Chasefu): Madam Speaker, may the hon. Minister confirm that most of these debts are over ninety days old and that failure to collect them is as a result of ineptitude on behalf of the management that the Government has put in place at NAC.
Professor Lungwangwa: Madam Speaker, I have already indicated that this debt is collected from time to time and, clearly, management is making every effort to collect it.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Beene (Itezhi-tezhi): Madam Speaker, from the time that airport was constructed, some decades ago, the Government has never had any plans to upgrade it. When is it going to upgrade that airport to international standards, which are seen outside this country?
Madam Deputy Speaker: The hon. Minister may choose to respond to expansion issues.
Professor Lungwangwa: Madam Speaker, I do not know how many international airports are in Itezhi-tezhi, ...
Laughter
Mr Muntanga: Iwe Lungwangwa.
Professor Lungwangwa: … but, clearly, attention to upgrading our airports is being given by the Government. NAC is in charge of four airports in the country namely, Lusaka, Livingstone, Mfuwe and Ndola international airports. If the hon. Member has at any point in recent time flown to any of these airports or landed at any of these airports, he should have seen that a lot of effort is being made to renovate the infrastructure there. Livingstone International Airport has now acquired international airport status which it was not before. The runway has been extended, the tower is now being worked on at a cost of K2 billion and the passenger terminal and VIP lounge have been refurbished. Clearly, that is part of the infrastructure development which is taking place at that particular airport and we have a number of flights flying into Livingstone on the basis of that international status.
Mr Kambwili: Okay, fyafula.
Professor Lungwangwa: I am going to give you the details.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Professor Lungwangwa: Secondly, Madam Speaker, some infrastructure renovation has taken place at Mfuwe Airport to the terminus itself as well as to the bathroom or toilet facilities.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Professor Lungwangwa: The car park at Ndola Airport has been worked on …
Hon. Opposition Members: Aaah!
Professor Lungwangwa: … and we have the terminus re-tarring which has been done as well as the complaints on the toilets which have been taken care of.
Hon. Opposition Members: Aaah!
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Professor Lungwangwa: At the Lusaka International Airport, we have, of course, the re-tarring of the passenger terminus, we have the restaurants which are being face lifted and we have the duty free facility which is being worked on. All these are part of the infrastructure …
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Professor Lungwangwa: … development this Government …
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Professor Lungwangwa: … is undertaking.
Mr Kambwili: Question!
Professor Lungwangwa: So, it is wrong to insinuate that there is nothing that has been done. A lot is being done to ensure that airports are renovated refurbished and bring them to standards that are acceptable.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Dr Machungwa: Madam Speaker, among the companies owing NAC is Zambian Airways, which, as we know, is no longer operating. The hon. Deputy Minister says it owes K9,305,000,000, but how is this money going to be collected from the defunct airline?
Professor Lungwangwa: Madam Speaker, I have indicated that this matter is in court. Therefore, we cannot comment any further than what we have.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Dr Kalumba: Madam Speaker, given the generosity of the hon. Minister in responding to the question just before the last one, when is he going to come to the House with a comprehensive list of gazetted airstrips country-wide, both for our security needs as well as for general knowledge.
Professor Lungwangwa: Madam Speaker, when we are requested to do so.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.{mospagebreak}
ROADS IN KANYAMA PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY
497. Colonel Chanda asked the Minister of Works and Supply:
(a) when the following roads in Kanyama Parliamentary Constituency were last worked on:
(i) D162/163 – Blue Boar-Linda Compound Road;
(ii) Makeni Road; and
(iii) Los Angeles Road; and
(b) whether the ministry had any plans to consistently maintain the roads above in the light of the increased traffic.
The Deputy Minister of Works and Supply (Mr Ndalamei): Madam Speaker, the D162/D163/Blue Boar/Linda Compound Road has not received full maintenance works in many years. The condition of the road has deteriorated greatly. It is the immediate intention of the ministry, through the RDA, to carry out full maintenance of the road. To this end, the tender for the rehabilitation of the road will be advertised before the end of 2009.
Madam Speaker, the Makeni Road was last worked on in 2005 when it received pothole patching, surface dressing, shoulder maintenance and drainage and drainage facilities improvement. The works were carried out by Messrs J. J. Lowe. In 2008, the sections that were not maintained in 2005 were worked on and the works were carried out and completed during the same year.
As regards the Los Angeles Road, it is the current policy of the ministry to place all rehabilitated roads that are in good condition under routine maintenance using performance based road contracts which ensure that all routine maintenance activities are carried out regularly. All the above mentioned roads will be placed under routine maintenance using performance based road contracts for a duration of three years renewable every year subject to successful performance by the contractor.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: hear, hear!
Colonel Chanda: Madam Speaker, may I solicit, from the hon. Deputy Minister, Government assistance for the people of Blue Boar and Makeni who have, in the last seven years, shouldered the burden of maintaining these roads and are now fatigued.
Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, I stated, in my earlier answer, that the tender for the rehabilitation of the said road will be advertised before the end of this year.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
WOMEN PROMOTED TO DECISION-MAKING POSITIONS FROM 2006 TO 2008
498. Ms Kapata (Mandevu) asked the Minister of Gender and Women in Development:
(a) how many women were promoted to decision-making positions in the Public Service from 2006 to 2008; and
(b) how many of these took over positions initially held by men.
The Deputy Minister of Gender and Women in Development (Ms Changwe): Madam Speaker, ninety-five women were promoted to decision-making positions in the Public Service between 2006 and 2008 as tabulated in the table that we have provided, which I will lay on the Table.
Madam Speaker, thirty-two of these women took over from men. I will just give a brief statement on which institutions these women work in:
Institution Number of Women
Anti-Corruption Commission 2
Drug Enforcement Commission 11
Judiciary 23
Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry 5
Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17
Ministry of Defence 6
Ministry of Education 7
Cabinet Office 5
Ministry of Local Government and Housing 4
Office of the Auditor-General 15
Total 95
As I said, thirty-two of these women took over from men. I wish to state that this information is currently available …
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Business was suspended from 1045 hours until 1100 hours.
[MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]
Madam Deputy Speaker: Before I ask the hon. Minster to continue giving her response, I just want to remind the House that we have a lot of work on the Order Paper. One particular item that we should take note of is the Motion, which must be done before 1255 hours. Therefore, hon. Members will bear in mind that we have to move quickly so that we can go through that Motion for us to finish the business of the day.
The hon. Deputy Minister may continue.
Ms Changwe: Madam Speaker, I had actually finished giving the response. All I wanted to add was that this information is what we currently have, but we shall continue to update it from time to time as we continue working together towards gender equality in decision-making.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Ms Kapata: Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether the ministry keeps data on women who are highly qualified so that when there is a vacancy at decision-making level, the ministry supports these women.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Was that a question or comment?
Ms Changwe: Madam Speaker, indeed, the ministry has gender disaggregated data in its database coupled with systems for analytical skills and statistical packaging that can be fed into the gender process in the Public Service in order to make it gender responsive.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mrs Phiri (Munali): Madam Speaker, women have been fighting for 50 per cent representation at decision-making level. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister if the Government is giving any help to one female hon. Member of Parliament who is being attacked. Some male hon. Ministers have done wrongs things and even been taken to court and convicted for misusing Constituency Development Funds (CDF), but they are not being asked to step down from their ministerial positions.
Mr D. Mwila: Hear, hear!
Mrs Phiri: What help is this ministry giving to the hon. Minister of Education so that she does not lose her self-esteem?
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Madam Deputy Speaker: That is a gender related question.
Laughter
Ms Changwe: Madam Speaker, although it is not part of our mandate to speak on certain issues that affect the women-folk, as a division, we are concerned with the numbers of women in decision-making positions. I must state that we are very proactive in spearheading all the support to the current Minister of Education. However, we know that there are certain sects that are part of this House that are spearheading the mudslinging on the hardworking hon. Minister. Therefore, I would like to warn such people that we are going to move in on them so that they stop this scourge.
I thank you, Madam.
Laughter
CONSTRUCTION OF KANCHIBIYA/CHEWE BRIDGE
499. Mr Mwango asked the Minister of Works and Supply when the Kanchibiya/Chewe Bridge in Kanchibiya Parliamentary Constituency would be constructed.
Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, the ministry has immediate plans to complete the construction of the Kanchibiya/Chewe Bridge which was originally being undertaken by the Mpika District Council through funding provided by the Northern Province Administration under the Poverty Reduction Programme (PRP) in June, 2006. The estimated cost of the construction of the bridge was K76,440,000. The remaining works to be carried out include decking and construction of approach roads to the bridge.
In the 2009 Annual Work Plan, there is a provision of K300,000,000 …
Hon. Opposition Members: fili!
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Minister.
I think that we go a little beyond the border of what we can criticise. The Chair is not aware of the presence of any English person in the House. Let us listen to the points and not demoralise others because of their mother tongue interference. It is normal and we should accept it. Fili is alright for the hon. Member. You may continue.
Laughter
Mr Ndalamei: In the 2009 Annual Work Plan, there is a provision of K300,000,000 to carry out the construction of the bridge which is not sufficient to complete the revised scope of the works. The construction of the bridge is now being considered to be completed in 2010.
I thank you, Madam.{mospagebreak}
BALUBA MINE IN LUANSHYA DISTRICT
500. Mr Kambwili asked the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development:
(a) what the actual state of the Baluba Mine in Luanshya District was following reports that the mine was flooded;
(b) whether there was any evidence of weakening of the walls (ground caving) in the mine at (a) above; and
(c) if so, what measures the Government had taken to address the matter.
The Deputy Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr Nkhata): Madam Speaker, the Baluba Mine has not been flooded since it was officially put on care and maintenance on 28th December, 2008. There is no immediate danger of flooding as pumping of water to prevent flooding continues as part of the mining operations which have resumed.
The House may wish to know that there has been no reported fresh weakening of the walls in the mine. However, it should be noted that ground caving was a common occurrence in any underground operation. Minor ground caving was expected during the periods of care and maintenance in the remote areas of the mine and these are being rehabilitated as part of the mining operations which have resumed.
Madam Speaker, the Government, through the Mines Safety Department and Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH), was monitoring the care and maintenance programme at Baluba Mine. In addition, the Mines Safety Department made regular inspections of the care and maintenance operations at Baluba Mine. The department continues to conduct weekly inspection visits to Baluba underground operations and concentrator. The House may wish to know that the mine has since been taken over by China Non-ferrous Metals Corporation and has resumed mining operations.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Kambwili: Madam Speaker, may I thank the hon. Minister for that elaborate answer. However, I would like to find out whether the new owners of the mine will be operating under the name Luanshya Copper Mines or China Non-Ferrous Metal Corporation.
The Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr Mwale): Madam Speaker, since there is a change of ownership, there will be a change of name.
ZAMBIA NATIONAL BROADCASTING CORPORATION BUILDINGS AT MASS MEDIA COMPLEX
501. Mr Malama asked the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services:
(a) when the Zambian National Broadcasting Corporation buildings at Mass Media Complex in Lusaka were last rehabilitated;
(b) how much money was spent on the rehabilitation above; and
(c) if no rehabilitation works were ever carried out, when the Government intended to embark on the programme.
The Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services (Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha): Madam Speaker, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) has never received funds for rehabilitation since inception. Some repairs have been carried out as and when need arose.
Madam, in the last five years, the corporation has spent approximately K200 million on rehabilitation works.
Currently, ZNBC is conducting a comprehensive inspection of the portion it occupies in order to come up with a report on the extent of the repair works needed, which may include structural and plumbing works. The ministry has, however, spent about K80 million on repair works to the area occupied by the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS).
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Malama: Madam Speaker, what immediate steps has the ministry taken to ensure that the leakages in this building are stopped since this institution favours the Government of the day?
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Madam Speaker, as I said in my answer, a comprehensive inspection of the portion ZNBC occupies is being done. As soon as the report is submitted, we will be in a position to try and assist.
I thank you, Madam.
Dr Kalumba: Madam Speaker, in line with the hon. Minister’s response and the concern the country has for the security of radio stations, what measures is the Government taking to ensure that security systems are put in place to protect the young men and women working for ZNBC as was the case in 1990 and 1991?
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Madam Speaker, there is a security arrangement between my ministry and the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure there is sufficient manpower to protect the employees as well as equipment at ZNBC.
Madam Speaker, let met also digress a little and talk about what happened at Sky FM. A young man went in the Sky FM offices and attacked the young lady who was on duty that night and damaged the equipment. However, the police are available to look after radio stations as long as the owners of private stations are able to abide by the conditions laid down by the Government.
I thank you, Sir.
HEALTH FACILITIES IN ZAMBEZI PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY
502. Mr Kakoma asked the Minister of Health when the Government would establish health facilities at the following places which are far away from existing ones in Zambezi West Parliamentary Constituency:
(i) Matondo, Sakayi, Milomboyi and Mufula in Chief Chinyama’s area;
(ii) Chilila, Muswiza, Pungu, Kakoto, Muyembe and Kangulunga in Chieftainess Kucheka’s area; and
(iii) Likungu, Chihongo, Kashona and Makanga in Senior Chief Ndungu’s area.
Mr Akakandelwa: Madam Speaker, the ministry intends to establish a rural health centre at Matondo in Chief Chinyama’s area. The project was budgeted for in 2008, but will be done in 2009 as initial bids were on average K600 million. The funds available were only K225 million. The project had to be readvertised by the Provincial Administration Tender Committee. As for Sakayi, Milomboyi and Mufula, they may be considered in the infrastructure operational plan if they meet the criteria for establishment of a health facility. It should be noted that only those communities with a population of more than 10,000 people are entitled to a rural health centre whilst smaller communities of not less than 3,500 are entitled to a health post.
Madam Speaker, the Government completed the construction of Muyembe Rural Health Centre in Chieftainess Kucheka’s area in the first quarter of 2009. The other areas, namely Chilila, Muswiza, Pungu, Kakoto and Kangulunga will be assessed and may be considered in the next infrastructure operational plan.
Madam Speaker, Likungu, Chihonga, Kashona and Makanga in Senior Chief Ndungu’s area may be considered if they meet the criteria stated above.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Kakoma: Madam Speaker, out of more than sixteen places that were on the Order Paper, only two have had facilities constructed by the Government. May I know what serious steps the Government is taking to ensure that the remaining fourteen places that have been mentioned on the Order Paper get the actual facilities, instead of hiding under population figures which this ministry was supposed to have assessed already?
Mr Simbao: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for raising that follow-up question. I hope the hon. Member knows that there is a criterion that is supposed to met before consideration can be made to build a health facility at a place. It was also very clearly stated that the Government policy as of now demands that a place must have at least a minimum of 3,500 people. There is an issue of distance, but the biggest criterion is the number of people. I hope the hon. Member understands this.
However, to run away from this kind of inconvenience, we are, right now, studying an idea which is to put a health facility at every school in the country. We are calling these health facilities satellite health posts. Once Cabinet accepts this idea, a satellite health post will be constructed at every school countrywide regardless of whether it is a government or community school. The design is such that it can be upgraded to a clinic or health centre in future. We hope that this idea will be accepted by Cabinet. We have already sent people to Ethiopia where a similar idea although not as exact as ours has been used. The World Health Organisation (WHO) described the idea as very good. A similar idea has also been used in Malawi and Uganda. The team has, so far, been to Ethiopia and is now preparing to go to Malawi. Maybe, the same team will be sponsored to go to Uganda. However, what we came up with is that instead of going by the numbers of people, we just want to set up health facilities wherever schools are. This is because we know that wherever there is a school, it exists to serve a community. We hope we can achieve this, maybe, by 2011.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Ms Kapata: Madam, how are the satellite health posts going to operate in all schools countrywide in view of the shortage of health workers?
Madam Deputy Speaker: The hon. Minister may respond, but I thought it was something being considered and is not yet a policy. So, we have to be careful as to what we state.
Mr Simbao: Madam Speaker, yes, it is not yet a policy, but we have to sell it so that it can be accepted. However, in Ethiopia, for example, they have had a different type of training. They have trained 30,000 ladies. Each satellite health facility is manned by two ladies. These ladies are able to assist when faced with maternity problems and that is why only ladies were picked for the training. However, the training, although similar to that which nurses undergo, they underwent slightly falls short of qualifying them to be called nurses. Nevertheless, they are able to take care of all illnesses in the community. We hope we can follow a similar programme so that we can quickly train a cadre of women who are able to help the sick when the idea is accepted. In our case, we might have to train about of 14,000.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
PRIVATISATION OF NITROGEN CHEMICALS OF ZAMBIA
503. Mr Chisala asked the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry whether the Government had any plans of privatizing the Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia so as to revitalise it and increase fertiliser production.
Mr Mutati: Madam Speaker, the Government has no plans of privatizing Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) at the moment.
Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!
Mr Mutati: The performance of the NCZ has deteriorated in the recent years due to operational difficulties attributed to design deficiencies and other factors, including loss of market following the liberalisation of the fertiliser market, increased production costs and lack of working capital.
Due to these difficulties, the Ammonia and Ammonium Nitrate plants closed in 1991 and 2002, respectively. Since 2002, the company had been able to operate the NPK plant for the production of D-compound fertiliser, except for 2008 when there was no production due to lack of working capital. At present, the NPK Plant has been rehabilitated in readiness for the production of NPK fertiliser where as the Ammonia Nitrate Plant is still closed.
The poor condition of the other plant units and lack of working capital has prevented the company from operating these units and restricted production to one seasonal product despite growing markets for other products.
In order to mitigate this problem, the Government, through my ministry, the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and AEL Zambia Limited, signed an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) on 2nd December, 2008. In this IPPA, AEL Zambia Limited undertook to sign an Off-take Agreement with the NCZ involving the procurement of 30,000 tonnes per annum of ammonium nitrate for the local business and a further 30,000 tonnes for the export market with an estimated revenue of over K100 billion.
In addition, AEL Limited will assist the NCZ to prepare a business plan aimed at sourcing funds to finance the rehabilitation of the Ammonium Nitrate Plant and working capital for the resumption of production. A five-year Off-take Agreement between the NCZ Limited and AEL Zambia Limited to supply ammonium nitrate has been drafted.
Further, following the rehabilitation financed through the Government, this year, the NCZ has been contracted to produce 15,000 tonnes of D-compound fertiliser under the Fertiliser Support Programme (FSP). The company will also seek a similar long-term agreement with Orica Mining Services once stable production levels have been established.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Chisala: Madam Speaker, in the hon. Minister’s view, how good are the levels of production such that the Government is not able to privatise the company.
Mr Mutati: Madam Speaker, we have indicated that the production levels are low and we are looking at other solutions to try and revitalise the NCZ such as the Off-take Agreement that we are about to conclude.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Hachipuka (Mbabala): Madam Speaker, I have a lot of respect and trust for the hon. Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry. When will the ministry, which he is heading, come up with a concrete solution regarding the NCZ problems? It is not just about thinking that once you get money, you can continue with the operations of the NCZ. You will get yourself jammed. When are you coming up with a plausible proposal on whether to abandon the NCZ or not? That is within your capacity and ability.
Mr Mutati: Madam Speaker, we are very clear in our minds that we will not abandon the NCZ. It is for this reason that we started negotiating for the Off-take Agreement. We think that the bulk of the solution relies on the conclusion of the Off-take Agreement where the NCZ will be able to generate revenues of about K100 billion per annum. My ministry is going to take full charge to ensure that this Off-take Agreement is signed because part of this programme will be the rehabilitation of units in order to be able to manufacture the ammonium.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Dr Scott (Lusaka Central): Madam Speaker, can the hon. Minister be absolutely clear about the Ammonium Nitrate Off-take Agreement. Is the explosive’s grade ammonium nitrate which is more expensive by far than the grade required for fertiliser? In fact, no fertiliser is actually planned to be manufactured at the plant in question. The NPK Plant merely imports fertiliser, mixes it in the equivalent of a cement mixer and turns it into lumps, which anyone of us can do in our backyards. Can he confirm that he is misleading us by talking about the Explosives Off-take Agreement?
Mr Mutati: Madam Speaker, we are not misleading the House in any way. What we are saying, very clearly, is that we need to create a commercial solution to the fortunes of the NCZ, which include the conclusion of the Off-take Agreement.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
REVISION OF THE EDUCATION POLICY
504. Ms Kapata asked the Minister of Education when the Government would review the education policy.
The Minister of Education (Ms Siliya): Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Education will in September 2009, begin a nation-wide consultation exercise to review the existing Education Policy which is thirteen years old. At the end of that consultation process, we expect to have a new Education Policy which should adequately respond to the current and emerging challenges. Most importantly, it should respond to our 2030 vision aspirations.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Ms Kapata: Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether in the review of the Education Policy, the ministry will consider extending free education up to Grade 12.
Ms Siliya: Madam Speaker, as indicated in my earlier answer, this is going to be a consultative process with all relevant stakeholders and various issues will be discussed to ascertain the contents of the new Education Policy.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
REHABILITATION OF MWENSE POLICE STATION CELLS
505. Mr Chongo asked the Minister of Home Affairs:
(a) when the Mwense Police Station cells would be rehabilitated and extended;
(b) when sanitation for the Mwense Police Station and staff houses would be improved; and
(c) when a borehole would be sunk at the police station to improve sanitation and provide clean water.
Mr D. Phiri: Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Home Affairs has noted that some police cells need to be rehabilitated as they are in a state of disrepair. Some cells need to be extended as in the case of Mwense Police Station.
To this effect, the ministry has embarked on a rehabilitation and extension of police cells so that detainees are guaranteed a reasonable stay in the cells.
However, due to budgetary constraints, not all police cells could be worked on at the same time. Hence, rehabilitation works are done in phases as and when funds are available.
Mwense Police Station will definitely benefit from the ongoing programme of cell rehabilitation in ensuing phases.
As indicated in part (a) above, when it comes to sanitation in police stations and camps, many areas countrywide are hard hit by poor sanitary conditions. Sewer and water systems are in a bad state.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has embarked on a programme of overhauling water reticulation systems and sewer systems in some affected police stations and camps.
Again, due to budgetary constraints, the programme will be carried out in phases. I should reiterate my earlier position that Mwense Police Station will benefit from this programme in the ensuing phases.
I wish to inform the house that the budget for cell rehabilitation in 2009 was only K750 million. This small amount against so many needs can only manage very little.
Before sinking the borehole at Mwense Police Station, an assessment of the water situation must be done to ascertain whether, indeed,a borehole is needed or not. The Projects and Inspections Unit of the Zambia Police Force will carry out the assessment in due course. Once this is done, the project will be included in the Infrastructure Development Action Plan that the ministry is developing.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Chongo: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the positive answer, however, may I solicit for an assurance from the hon. Minister that the issue will be treated as an urgent matter since the water being used by the police officers is being drawn straight from the stream and the supply is very much unreliable.
The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Mangani): Madam Speaker, the concern by the area hon. Member of Parliament is genuine and we will follow it up very seriously.
I thank you, Madam.
________{mospagebreak}
MOTION
SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS
The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Mangani): Madam Speaker, the hon. Members may recall that on Friday, 7th August, 2009, I indicated that, all things being equal, I would move this Motion today. The purpose of this Motion, therefore, is to enable the House conclude its business today, so that hon. Members can thereafter take a break and attend to other national duties of equal importance.
Madam Speaker, this meeting of the House started on Tuesday, 14th July, 2009 and the House sat for a total of twenty days. During this meeting, the House considered three Private Members’ Motions, about 300 Questions and three Parliamentary Select Committee Reports. The House also considered a total of seventeen Bills, while about ten ministerial statements were presented. In addition, forty-four Annual Government and Quasi-Government Reports were laid on the Table of the House.
Madam Speaker, it is evident that the House accomplished this heavy workload in a short time as a result of team work and commitment to duty by all hon. Members. It is my hope and prayer that the same spirit will continue in future meetings of this august House.
Madam Speaker, it has become necessary that the House adjourns, today, so that hon. Members may not only prepare for the sitting of the National Constitutional Conference (NCC)…
Interruptions
Mr Mangani: … but also begin to encourage their constituencies to start preparing for the forthcoming farming season.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mangani: Madam Speaker, before the rain season begins, the Government and hon. Members ought to ensure that the distribution of farming inputs proceeds smoothly. I am positive that with concerted efforts, Zambia should have another bumper of maize and other food crops during the next harvest season.
Madam Speaker, as I conclude, allow me to remind hon. Members about some ramifications of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill, which has just been passed by the House. The amendment means that the National Budget for 2010 must and will be considered by the House before the end of this year. This means that the House will need to re-assemble not long from now and, therefore, hon. Members have to maximise the little time available during the break. Hon. Members should also bear in mind that they will not be in their respective constituencies during this year’s planting season. In this regard, they should ensure that they take all necessary measures to prepare the people in their areas before the House is summoned for the Budget Meeting.
Madam Speaker, let me now take this opportunity to sincerely thank all hon. Members of this august House for their diligence in conducting the business before them. I am also grateful for their support in passing the Government Bills during this meeting, particularly the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill, which has enabled us to appropriately adjust the National Budget Cycle. This amendment will improve programme implementation as spending agencies will now have the whole year to implement their respective projects.
Madam Speaker, this meeting has been one of the most interesting meetings of the House. As a Government, we benefited enormously from our colleagues on your left for their constructive criticism. This is how it should be. We, on your right, Madam Speaker, are ready, able and willing to take on board any progressive views and ideas from all hon. Members of this House for the good of our people.
Mr Kambwili: Question!
Mr Mangani: Madam Speaker, let me also pay tribute to the hon. Mr Speaker, to you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and to the hon. Deputy Chairperson of the Committees of the Whole House for the impartial and non-partisan manner in which you guided the proceedings and Business of this august House.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mangani: Madam Speaker, my gratitude is extended to the Clerk of the National Assembly and her staff for the efficient services rendered during the course of the Business of the House.
In the same vein, let me acknowledge the important workload generated by the staff in my ministry, other Government ministries and departments which collectively contributed to the success of the legislative meeting of the Third Session of the Tenth National Assembly.
Madam Speaker, I beg to move.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! Hon. Members, I am sure we are able to see the time. Therefore, if you choose to spend all your twenty minutes, then we may have only three people to speak. It is up to the hon. Members to make their points brief so that others can also participate.
Mr Hamududu (Bweengwa): Madam Speaker, I rise to support the Motion on the Floor. I will go straight to the points and be very brief.
Madam Speaker, as we adjourn sine die, today, I want to remind the Government that there are so many unfinished businesses in this country, especially as regards to the marketing of our crops. We have discussed this for a very long time, but the Government has not come out very clearly on this issue.
Madam Speaker, the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has no money to buy the crop from our farmers. This is very disastrous to the economy of Zambia. The economy of our country is basically based on agriculture. 60 per cent of our people depend on agriculture and we are not facilitating the business of this sector. The marketing of crops such as maize is a very important aspect and the Government must seriously take this into account.
Madam Speaker, as someone alluded to, Zambia is a land ‘linked’ country. We have eight markets. Out of these eight neighbours, we have very viable markets like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Angola, where this crop is needed. Time and again, the Government puts restrictions on the export of maize, and yet you have the FRA, which buys maize for reserves for the country. There is need to amend the operations of the FRA. A marketing wing must be established to facilitate the sale of maize. If the country has not market, export the maize. What the farmers want is money to put back in their farming business so that they can grow more maize.
Madam Speaker, I have no problem if the Government has no money to buy the maize and it is exported. The farmers want income. Right now, there are no green bags in the villages. We are destroying a sector that is carrying the majority of our people. I want this Government to think again. We cannot continue talking. A marketing wing to deal with our main crops must be established. I have no problem if the FRA is only dealing with reserves. We need a serious marketing company that will access markets for our farmers.
Madam Speaker, as I speak, the women in my constituency, as you get to Monze are sitting by the roadside selling their sweet potatoes. They are sitting there, waiting for travellers that can buy from them. They spend day and night waiting for customers. I think that it is the duty of this Government to find a market for these farmers. On one hand, you say that it is a liberalised economy and on the other hand, you put restrictions. What is your ideology? I am appealing to all of us in this House to be a bit more nationalistic. The nationalistic spirit is disappearing.
UPND Member interjected.
Mr Hamududu: I am not talking about nationalisation. I am talking about the spirit of putting Zambians first. The interest of Zambians must be put first. As we drive around our constituencies, let us ponder and come up with solutions to the many problems that affect our people. We have let down the agricultural sector. We are killing it by not facilitating the marketing end of this business.
Madam Speaker, basically, agriculture has got the input side and the marketing side. A lot of maize is now lying around because there are no green bags. Some of these farmers have no money to buy chemicals to treat the maize. As a result, it is going to waste.
Madam Speaker, in my conclusion, I would like to re-emphasise that let us think again. The Executive must sit down and not stand up and be argumentative for nothing.
Finally, we are still waiting for the release of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). For instance, in my constituency, I am very busy working on the roads with some equipment. However, there is no money to fuel that equipment. The CDF, as quickly as possible, must be released so that we begin to work in our constituencies before the rains come. It is not good to release the CDF during the rain season. The people in our constituencies are busy doing their individual work. Right now, people have relief to do other community projects like working on clinics and schools. This is the opportune time to release the CDF when labour is still available. I would, therefore, like to appeal to the Government to try as much as possible to make a change this year. All these years I have been in this House, CDF has been released in December. Maybe, the new hon. Minister can make a change so that it comes before December so that we have enough time to utilise it.
Madam Speaker, with these few words, I thank you.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mrs Masebo (Chongwe): Madam Speaker, I want to join others who stood before me in supporting the Motion for Adjournment on the Floor of this House.
Madam Speaker, indeed, it is important that we find time to go back to our constituencies and interact with the constituents and help them. However, I would like to say that time will not be enough for us to do this. We seem to have a problem. I want to agree with the hon. Member who said that we have a lot unfinished business.
Madam Speaker, when we adjourn today, some of us have to go out of station on Sunday, for Committee work, up to the end of the month. The Chairperson for the NCC has announced that from 1st September, 2009, for a whole month, we have to be at Mulungushi for the NCC. The first week of October, on 2nd October, 2009, we have to come back until December. Therefore, you can see that hon. Members of Parliament will not have enough time to go and help their people in constituencies. I think that the Government needs to do something about our timetable so that we can become effective hon. Members of Parliament.
I heard the Leader of Government Business in the House say that we must go and tell our constituents about inputs. Like someone already indicated, we are even scared to go back. In my constituency, the farmers do not have buyers for their crops because the Government has not released enough money to fund the FRA.
Madam Speaker, I would like to urge the Government to find money for this maize. I know that come December, we will not have enough maize because it would have found its way outside the country. Worse still, some private people will be holding the crop and the price of maize will go up. The Government will still come out at that stage and release money to go and import expensive maize from South Africa. That does not make sense. The Government must find the money so that we keep our maize so that the price of mealie meal does not go up come December as is always the case. It is better we buy our own crop.
Madam Speaker, the other point I want to raise is the issue that I earlier raised through a question which lapsed. I would like to use this opportunity to apologise to Madam Speaker …
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! You will not raise that. Just debate. The Question lapsed.
Mrs Masebo: Madam Speaker, I want to say that I am sorry that I was late because I noticed that the hon. Members were eager.
Madam Speaker, this is an issue I want to raise with the Government. We have a problem in our constituencies. Most young people have taken to drinking a certain alcoholic drink, which has been flavoured to disguise the alcohol. It has a very high content of alcohol. Most of the kids are now getting hooked to this drink and the Government must do something about this situation because we are losing lives. Three days ago, a young man in my constituency was overdosed by this drink and died. I would like, therefore, to urge the Government to take urgent steps to address the situation.
Madam Speaker, I know that there are many hon. Members who want to speak. So, I will be quick to echo my colleague on the CDF. As you have seen, the timetable is tight …
Madam Deputy Speaker: The drink that you have referred to is not known.
Hon. Members: Tujilijili!
Mrs Masebo: Madam Speaker, the drink is nicknamed tujilijili. It is a name coined after what they Njili njili in Eastern Province. It is a drink that knocks one out and the kids get knocked out. There is even an increase of accidents on our roads because I am told that even some of our taxi drivers are hooked on this. You wonder why there is so much anarchy in the country today. It is because of this same drink. It has other names like Esther Phiri, officers and teachers. It comes in a very small pack, which can actually be carried in a bag or pocket. They come in sachets and go for K1,000. It is so cheap that kids are buying it like …
Mr Muyanda: On a point of order, Madam.
Madam Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Muyanda: Is my elder, no, younger sister in order …
Madam Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member for Chongwe.
Mr Muyanda: Is the hon. Member of Parliament for Chongwe, who is younger than me, …
Laughter
Mr Muyanda: …as alluded to earlier, in order not to mention and emphasise that tujilijili, the drink is the one which …
Hon. UPND Member interjected.
Mr Muyanda: … may I finish. Thank you for your contribution.
Laughter
Mr Muyanda: Tujilijili is a drink that one hon. Minister took. As a result, he went amok …
Laughter
Mr Muyanda: … and that this tujilijili drove him into a frenzy of clobbering our cadres?
Laughter
Mr Muyanda: Madam Speaker, is she in order to remain silent? I need your serious ruling.
Madam Deputy Speaker: She is very much in order not to debate fellow hon. Members of this House and whether they take tujilijili.
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member may continue.
Mrs Masebo: Madam Speaker, the other point I want to talk about is on the CDF. I would like to urge the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning to help the Ministry of Local Government and Housing by releasing that money. I also want to state that the 2008 CDF for Chongwe Constituency was entirely used on fuel for grading of the roads in my constituency…
Mr Magande: Hear, hear!
Mrs Masebo: … because the hon. Minister of Works and Supply said that we could use part of that money although it was initially meant for macro small projects for our poor women. However, I had to divert that money on fuels to grade the roads. Therefore, I hope that the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning will ensure that the 2009 CDF is released on time so that it can be used for other small projects.
Madam, the last point is that I wish to urge the Government, and I hope the hon. Minister of Police is listening because I can see him writing …
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
There is no hon. Minister of Police in this House.
Interruptions
Mrs Masebo: The hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Acting Leader of Government Business.
Madam Speaker, the Government does not pay its bills to utility companies and this is a serious concern to some of us. The water companies are not doing well in the country on account that the Government is not paying bills. The Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) is not doing well on account that Government is not paying its bills. The Zambia Telecommunication Company (ZAMTEL) is being privatised on account that the Government has not been paying telephone bills. Can the Government seriously ensure that Controlling Officers pay for these utility services that are being provided by the utility companies so that we do not end up privatising our good companies?
I am aware that the Government budgets for paying for such services, and yet you find that the money is diverted to other things other than paying the water companies. These water companies are going down the drain because they are not being supported by the Government. Can the Government ensure that this is done by not just giving instructions such as, “do not switch off the water,” and yet it does not want to pay?
As I conclude, Madam, hon. Members will recall that the month of August is a very sad month for Zambia. This is the month when we lost a son of Africa, the late President Levy Mwanawasa, SC. and, today, we are retreating. I just want to appeal to hon. Members to reflect on the death of our President who died on the 19th of August, 2009, which will be the first memorial, to reflect on the principles that he stood for, which are the principles of hard work, zero tolerance to corruption, unity for a purpose and all those good tenets that he stood for. Let us not take his death in vain because he died whilst on duty.
Hon. Member: Hear, hear!
Mrs Masebo: It will, really, be sad that for all the efforts that even partly caused his death that we, today, can easily forget and take a different course from his vision. I hope that hon. Members of Parliament can seriously reflect as we remember and honour the fallen hero.
Madam Speaker, I want to say that we are happy…
Interruptions
Mrs Masebo: Madam Speaker, I have one more point to make. I know that…
Interruptions
Mrs Masebo: No! The tujilijili has gone. I hope the hon. Minister can help us with a response there.
I hope that the Government can seriously consider proposing the 19th of August and declaring it a public holiday just to help us commemorate the death of our President.
Hon. Member: Hear, hear!
Mrs Masebo: Madam Speaker, with those few remarks, I support the Motion to adjourn this sitting.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Member: Hear, hear!
Mr Sikota (Livingstone): Madam Speaker, I thank you for according me this opportunity to rise to support this Motion to suspend the Standing Orders 20 and 21(1) and 101, if necessary.
Madam, I would like to start by congratulating all of those who won in the various ward elections of yesterday.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Sikota: I would also like to congratulate those who won, undoubtedly, the big prize of Chitambo.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Sikota: Madam Speaker, as stated by the Leader of Government Business, there were many questions that we handled during this sitting. Many Motions and a lot of ratifications passed through this particular sitting. There were a lot of Bills which were passed, including a constitutional one. There was also talk of a planned impeachment Motion that did not come through although it was much talked about and anticipated. I am sure that wins such as the Chitambo one will have a telling effect on whether such future Motions will be able to succeed in this House.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Sikota: Madam, as I stated, the most important piece of business that we conducted was probably the Constitutional (Amendment) Act. This will lead to changes in our budget cycle, changes even in our parliamentary cycle and it will also require for us, in our various councils, to get the cycles in the councils in line with the new budget cycle. This also applies with the recurrent departmental charges (RDCs) and other stakeholders in our constituencies.
Madam Speaker, the busy legislative programme meant that there was more time which had to be spent by the hon. Members of Parliament on research. Probably, members of the public do not know the amount of time that the average hon. Member of Parliament has to put aside to research in order to effectively represent them and talk knowledgeably and intelligently about the various pieces of legislation that come before this House.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Sikota: Madam Speaker, as has been stated by the hon. Member for Chongwe, our time is going to be extremely squeezed because we still have committee tours for most of the committee immediately after we adjourn. Therefore, the time we will have for our constituencies is really limited. We are expected back for the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) on 1st September, 2009. Again, with the NCC, a lot of research is demanded of your hon. Members of Parliament. It means that we, really, do not have any time to ourselves. There is a lot of time that will go into us preparing for the various services that we give to our constituencies.
Madam Speaker, with a bit of luck, the maximum time that we will have in between the next time that we meet to, actually, be in our constituencies will just be slightly under a week. Therefore, members of the public should take that into consideration when they cry that hon. Members of Parliament are not seen in their constituencies. During that one week, we need to try to brief our constituents on the various pieces of legislation that we have past and, at the same time, like I said, research for the October Session.
Madam Speaker, I do not wish to take up a lot of time, but I want o go back to the point that I opened on. Those who aim to bring the impeachment Motion must go back to the drawing board to see how to bring about such Motions and see…
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Sikota: …what constitutes an impeachable offence.
Madam Speaker, in order to help them I am willing to hold a workshop for them…
Laughter
Mr Sikota: …to inform them on the legal requirements pertaining to such Motions so that they do not embarrass themselves next time round.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Sikota: Madam Speaker, I have also enlisted my support of an enthusiastic young recently graduated law student, who, in fact, graduated only today, Hon. Mulongoti …
Laughter
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Sikota: … to help me brief hon. Members on the legal requirements for impeachment during the break.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Laughter
Mr Sikota: With those few words, Madam Speaker, I hope that all the hon. Members will go into the break with good cheer and will towards each other.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Madam Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member will meet all the costs for the workshop.
Laughter
Ms Chitika (Kawambwa): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity to say something on this important Motion.
Madam, as we go home tomorrow, I must say that the Government assurances that have been made in this House, in this Session, are all very important and there is need for me to emphasise them.
Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Kawambwa, I would like to plead with the Government to seriously address its assurances that it has made concerning Kawambwa Constituency.
I would, further, like to plead with the Government to ensure that the construction of the Chibalashi Bridge on the Kawambwa/Mansa Road is done before the onset of the rains.
Mr Chongo: Hear, hear!
Ms Chitika: This is because, in Kawambwa, we receive early rains. Since February this year, the people of Kawambwa have suffered greatly because they have been completely cut off from the main land due to the bridge that was washed away. Hence, the marketing season has been greatly affected. Pregnant women also cannot access health facilities because they have been completely cut off.
Madam Speaker, the issue of Kawambwa Tea Company has been extensively debated and I am positive that the Government will intervene in the problems of this company so that, once again, we shall be able to see a vibrant company in Kawambwa.
Mr Chimbaka: Hear, hear!
Mr Chongo: Hear, hear!
Ms Chitika: Madam, a few weeks ago, when the President of the Republic of Zambia attended the Umutomboko Ceremony, he assured the people of Luapula Province that the problems at Mansa Batteries, …
Mr Chimbaka: Yes!
Ms Chitika: … Mununshi Banana Scheme ...
Mr Chongo: Hear, hear!
Ms Chitika: … and Kawambwa Tea Company were going to be addressed as soon as possible.
Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Kawambwa, in particular, and the people of Luapula Province in general, I would like to thank the Government of the Republic of Zambia …
Mr Shawa: Hear, hear!
Ms Chitika: … for the effort it has made on the Mununshi Banana Scheme. We have been told that the problems at Mansa Batteries are also going to be sorted out. I would like to thank this Government because this restoration of the Mununshi Banana Scheme happened immediately after the President assured the people of Mansa that the problems at the three companies were going to be addressed.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Ms Chitika: Madam Speaker, there are many problems in the province and when we, as representatives of the people, see the Government attend to them, we can only urge it to do more. For example, we are urging the Government to construct Mwense District Hospital in Mwense.
Mr Chongo: Hear, hear! Muleumfwa!
Ms Chitika: This is because the people of Mwense suffer due to lack of facilities of a district hospital. Therefore, this is another assignment that the Government should attend to.
With these few words, Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Milupi (Luena): Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity given to me to contribute on this adjournment Motion.
Madam, we adjourn against the backdrop of what happened earlier this year in my own constituency and in the province. We were devastated by floods and most of the crop was lost. Therefore, it is against this background that I wish to mention that even as we go back, as hon. Members of Parliament, we should encourage agriculture. We must remember that we will be dealing with populations that have no food and no seed. I ask the Government to ensure that its commitment to ensuring that people continue to live is carried to the full.
Madam Speaker, it is against this backdrop that we emphasise that one of the major inputs to crop agriculture is fertiliser. Therefore, this Government must address itself as to why fertiliser in this country should cost almost K300,000, especially to those who are not on the Fertiliser Support Programme (FSP) and who are the majority.
Hon. Member: Hear, hear!
Mr Milupi: The monopoly that this Government has allowed where a few importing companies bring in fertiliser and charge the exorbitant prices they do, is killing small-scale and peasant farmers and to, some extent, even the commercial farmers. Fertiliser must be available to the farmer at the correct price, allowing an acceptable substantial profit. I urge the Zambia Competitions Commission (ZCC) to seriously look at the issue of the price of fertiliser on the market in Zambia.
Mr Munaile: Mmm!
Mr Milupi: Madam Speaker, with regard to cattle rearing, the diseases continue to devastate our cattle, especially in Western Province and other places. As a country, we need to address this because this provides a major livelihood to the people in the some rural areas. Cattle also provide draft power for ploughing to increase crop agriculture. It is inexcusable that so many years after independence we continue to be devastated by cattle diseases. This country deserves better.
The other issue I wish to talk about is that of marketing. Madam Speaker, I have plenty of cattle in my village as a Headman.
Hon. Member: Hear, hear!
Mr Magande: Since when?
Mr Milupi: I am also a commercial farmer and I have a ranch on the Copperbelt.
Mr Masebo: Wow! Take me out!
Laughter
Mr Milupi: If I decide to sell an animal in my village, I might get K1 million for it, if I am lucky. However, if I sell the same animal on the Copperbelt, I will get K4 million. This is what I was referring to, yesterday, that since liberalisation, our economic policies are meant to rob the poor and give the rich. We need to come in and ensure that there is effective marketing in terms of crops and livestock.
Madam Speaker, the other issue I want to talk about is that in Western Province, the place where I come from, half the year is under flood waters. Therefore, many projects need to be undertaken during this time when it is dry. With this, I refer to the famous Mongu/Kalabo Road. For the last five years or so, every year, the Government of the day has made promises that the works on this road will be completed.
We need to see works done on this road and it should not just be used for political purposes because we need to have it completed so that Kalabo can be connected to the rest of the country through an all-weather road. The works should be done by September or October because we know that construction cannot take place during the rainy season.
Madam Speaker, if we are sincere to the people of Western Province, and in particular the people of Kalabo, we need to act now so that this road can be completed.
Madam, as we adjourn, I want to say, on behalf of all of us, that we need the CDF to ensure that the various projects that we undertake are completed.
Madam, this House has proven to be one of many talents. However, because time is limited, these come to the fore towards adjournment. In the last sitting, we saw some of these talents in our boxing ability…
Laughter
Mr Milupi: As we adjourn today, we have seen, in the newspapers, that that ability is not limited to this side of the House, but extends to those on your right.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Laughter
Mr Mooya (Moomba): Madam Speaker, I rise to support the Motion.
I have only two issues to discuss. The first is on the Bill that was supposed to be amongst the seventeen Bills. I heard the hon. Minister talk about the seventeen Bills that have been dealt with, but there is one Bill which should have been amongst them, which is important and has a direct impact on the economy of the country.
Madam Speaker, this Bill has been on the drawing board for four years and this is the Engineering Institution of Zambia Bill. We know that, currently, the Government is investing heavily in infrastructure development. However, looking at what has been going on, you find Bills that are ‘less important’ being dealt with within the shortest possible time.
I will give an example of the Small Claims Court Bill. For me, the purpose of that Bill was to decongest the courts. That Bill was passed last year and only last week, it was implemented because His Honour the Vice-President was there to implement it. The Engineering Institution Bill, to me, should have been the first amongst the seventeen Bills to be considered. Therefore, I am appealing to the Government to bring it during the next sitting because it is a very important Bill.
Finally, on the Private-Public Partnership Bill which was passed last week, I feel it should have been in a better form. This is because I remember that the stakeholders raised very important issues and the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning promised that he would meet them. However, I am surprised that he never met them. As a result, I am not happy with the amendments he made to the Bill.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! You are re-opening debate on the Bill. According to procedure, debate on the matter was concluded and you had the opportunity then to contribute to the debate. If you have to make a comment on the matter, it has to be general. Will the hon. Member continue, please.
Mr Mooya: Madam Speaker, finally let me join my colleagues in discussing the issue of the CDF. We want it tomorrow, if not today because it is very important.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Magande (Chilanga): Madam Speaker, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Motion.
Madam Speaker, I stand to support the Motion realising that we have had a very comprehensive working arrangement this particular session. We had many Bills to go through and, of course, most Chairpersons of various Committees already indicated how difficult it was to go through these Bills within the shortest time possible.
Madam Speaker, this time around, the Leader of Government Business in the House talked about preparing for the next crop season. I wish to appeal to the ministry responsible for the Fertiliser Support Programme (FSP) that, as early as possible, we need clear guidelines on how this coming season’s programme is going to be organised. This matter has been raised in the House several times and the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives had promised that an investigation would be done and a report presented. I have not seen that report. Perhaps, it was given to the Committee on Agriculture and Lands and some of us have not had the opportunity to see it. We do not know the shortcomings of the programme were last year. However, even the Head of State, at one of his meetings, admitted that something had gone wrong with the programme. Unless, we get clear guidelines on the operation of this programme, we might, again, end up with the vulnerable people and target groups not getting the fertiliser.
Madam Speaker, on maize marketing, we were told that we are going to produce 1,800,000 x 50 kilogramme bags of maize and presumably this maize is available in the farming communities. FRA which, as the name stipulates, is only meant for strategic reserves. Therefore, who is going to buy the remaining 1,700,000 tonnes of the …
Mr Munaile: Hear, hear!
Mr Magande: ... crop? If it is not going to be bought, it simply means that, next year, the farmers will be discouraged from growing more maize and those of us in urban areas who cannot grow our own maize are going to have problems feeding our families. Therefore, an arrangement must be made by the Government to see how quickly this crop can be mobilised and brought to safety. Even if it has not been paid for, we can work out something with the commodity exchange to make sure that this maize is properly stored although I agree that if we cannot buy it locally, we can export it.
Madam Speaker, I am one person who believes, like was said by one hon. Member, yesterday, that, at the moment, our reserves, in terms of food are too low. Some countries have stocks for five years and for Zambia to say we have a surplus and, therefore, we can export when we only have stocks for twelve months is not good enough. Therefore, we must make efforts to ensure that we store this maize in case we have a difficult time in future.
Madam Speaker, this meeting was very productive in that it saw the House pass the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill, 2009 to change the Budget cycle. This is going to change the way we present the Budget for national development.
The unfortunate part for my good friend at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning is that he has to come within the next two months with a Budget proposal for next year. Let me just request that in order for us to intelligently discuss these proposals, we must be provided with adequate information.
Madam Speaker, as we are all aware, this year has not been easy for the Treasury because, for a long time, we had the problem of poor copper prices and suddenly we had problems with the donors. From what has happened to some capital projects in some constituencies where a road which was ready to be tarred has suddenly been abandoned, we know that there is a crisis. Therefore, I am aware that in order for the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning to come up with a Budget that will stand the test of time, as they say, we expect him to come with smaller provisions because he does not have the money. Therefore, let us prepare ourselves to prioritise the programmes that are now suffering due to lack of funds so that we complete them before we start new ones.
Obviously, I am delighted that the CDF was increased this year and I look forward to getting this money because in the last few years I have been in Chilanga, this money has been effectively utilised to complete some of the Government projects and projects started by the communities.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Magande: Madam Speaker, the last item I wanted to touch on was the violence in the nation. I think we have had a period where there is rising intolerance to one another. First, it sounded like it was a very small thing. We saw journalists being targeted by some of our party cadres. From there, we have seen university students targeting members of the public. Only in today’s newspaper, we have seen politician against politician.
Laughter
Mr Magande: Madam Speaker, this does not augur well for a country which is already experiencing serious problems being understood by foreigners because of the way we have tried to manage our country. I want, therefore, to plead with each one of us that as we go to our constituencies, we should try to reconcile our people and tell them that even if they have differences of opinion, they should not fight. This is because after fighting, some may end up in hospital. This is a dangerous trend that should not be allowed. In particular, as leaders, we should prevail on our followers not to engage in any form of violence. I heard that some people were saying well, if you cannot convince people by word of mouth or by the pen, just go to blows. I do not think that is a good way of resolving our differences. I thought I should mention this because it is painting a very bad picture of what could be happening. What we saw in today’s newspaper happened in Chitambo. We have seen problems at the Lusaka International Airport and on the Copperbelt. This seems to be spreading and we cannot allow ourselves to end up with this kind of situation. Therefore, I hope that we are going to engage in constructive criticism and discussions of development, instead of talking about politics year in and year out.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Now, I will allow two more hon. Members with very short contributions to debate otherwise we may have to move on.
The Minister of Works and Supply (Mr Mulongoti): Madam Speaker, thank you for according me this chance to debate.
Madam, this is a great day.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: I was inclined to celebrate, but then I just got information that one of the presidents of the pact is in hospital. Therefore, I am restraining myself …
Hon. Opposition Members: Which one?
Mr Mulongoti: … lest it is misunderstood ...
Hon. Government Member: You know yourself.
Mr Mulongoti: … that the celebration was part of the …
However, Madam Speaker, I am sad that we are adjourning without one of the combative ministers, Hon. Tetamashimba, who is not well. Hon. Bonshe is also not with us. How I wish they were here because we make a very perfect team.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: I am also sad to be going away because everyday I come here, a voice keeps ringing in my ears even when I am at home saying, “Question.”
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: I will definitely think something has gone wrong with me when I do not hear ‘question’ everyday, without being told what that question is all about. I also do hope that Hon. Kakoma will find time to go to his constituency this time.
Laughter
Mr Kakoma stood to raise a point of order.
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! It is always very good to end the debates on a good note. The hon. Minister should not attract the attention of hon. Member whose ideas he may not be very sure of. The hon. Minister will restrict himself to the Motion. You have very few minutes because time is not with you.
Can you continue, please.
Mr Mulongoti: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am grateful to Hon. Sakwiba Sikota for recognising my achievement. It is unfortunate that those who thought I did not make it are not here, …
Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!
Mr Mulongoti: … but I am sure they will see on television tonight ...
Mrs Masebo: Tilimucibe na ka degree.
Mr Mulongoti: … that there was so much jubilation at the university just before they called my name. I would like to urge my colleagues from the other side to visit the university …
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: … so that they can be useful to this House.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: I can see the hon. Member for Kabwata …
Laughter
Mr Lubinda: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.
Madam Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Lubinda: Madam Speaker, thank you for allowing me to raise this point of order.
Madam Speaker, you guided that we have very little time and we have a lot of business on the Order Paper and you appealed to us to only rise and debate if we have real issues of national importance to debate. Is that hon. Member of Parliament, who has graduated in old age, in order to waffle and talk about irrelevancies when the Zambian people are paying him to perform important national duties? Is he in order to do that, instead of sitting down to allow others who are indicating, who are well educated, to debate?
Madam Deputy Speaker: The point of order is a reminder to the hon. Minister that there is not much time and we must conclude this Motion before it lapses. The point concerning the hon. Member for Kabwata is not of national importance and, therefore, can you debate issues of national importance.
Mr Mulongoti: Madam Speaker, thank you very much, I was just driving a point that …
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! Hon. Minister, the ruling has been made.
Mr Mulongoti: Yes, Madam Speaker. I was inviting him to come to discuss Kabwata Roads. That is what I was about to say, ...
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: … but because one of the qualifications he holds is from a factory he used to work in, …
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: … I know he was worried that I was going to refer to that.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: However, I am only inviting him to come and see me so that we can discuss the roads in Kabwata. Hon. Sakwiba Sikota, I am indebted to you. You are my senior in the profession.
I am looking forward to us working together very happily …
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mulongoti: … in helping provide education and good governance.
I am also indebted to my colleagues in the Government. We have done very well despite the criticism as we are a working Government.
Mr Kambwili: Question!
Mr Mulongoti: I would like hon. Members, during the recess period, to visit the road network in their constituencies so that when we come here to discuss, they will all be knowledgeable about the progress that we are making. The Government wants the participation of all hon. Members because on our own we will not know the difficulties that they are facing. The equipment that we have sent to various constituencies is intended to be supervised by hon. Members as the roads are done in their areas.
It is my hope that when we reconvene, hon. Members will give us more accolades than questions, for the wonderful job that we have done.
Mr Kambwili: Question!
Mr Mulongoti: As for Hon. Kambwili, there are a few roads in his area that I would like the two of us to discuss except he is so uncompromising that I have difficulties on seeing how he and I can seat down. He might strangle me.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: The spirit of strangling is not allowed in the House. I will allow one more hon. Member who must use very few minutes and that will be the hon. Member for Roan.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}
Mr Kambwili (Roan): Madam Speaker, like you have said, I will be brief. I rise to support the Motion on the Floor and in doing so, I wish to raise a few things that I feel are cardinal in helping this Government perform.
Mr Shawa: Question!
Laughter
Mr Kambwili: The first thing I would like to talk about is the way the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) is being run. Hon. Ministers must realise that ZNBC is a public institution and, therefore, it must ensure that all political parties and stakeholders in the country are afforded an opportunity to be aired on ZNBC. We are just coming from the Chitambo by-election and the only clips that we saw were those involving the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) campaigns when in actual fact, even the Opposition like the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) and the United Party National Development-Patriotic Front (UPND-PF) pact, were also involved in the campaigns, but not even one picture of the Opposition campaigns was shown on ZNBC. This, indeed, is retrogressive.
Secondly, I would like to talk about the issue of teachers, vis-à-vis, deducting money from their salaries for the period they were on strike. We must have a heart for the people. We know that the teachers had gone on an illegal strike, but at the same time we must realise that they were only fighting for what belongs to them. It will be immoral for this Government to deduct money from teachers when some of our wives have been on the payroll for over three years without working.
Mr D. Mwila: Hear, hear!
Mr Kambwili: Therefore, we must exercise …
Lieutenant General Shikapwasha: On a point of order, Madam.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! A point of order is raised.
Lieutenant General Shikapwasha: Is the hon. Member of Parliament for Roan, who is debating, in order to insinuate that people must be paid for not working in this nation. Is it not corruption if people are paid without working? I need your serious ruling, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! The hon. Member may consider that as he debates.
You may continue, please.
Mr Kambwili: Madam Speaker, that is what I am saying. One particular individual has been drawing a salary for three years without working for it. That is corruption of the worst kind and I thank the hon. Minister for coming in to help me on that one.
Mr Lubinda: Hear, hear!
Laughter
Mr Kambwili: Let me also talk about the issue of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). Yesterday, on the Floor of this House, there was a division on the ratification of a nominee. Again, I am pleading with Hon. Government Members, from the bottom of my heart, not to use the arrogance of numbers on sensitive national issues. How do the hon. Members, on your right, Madam Speaker, expect the Opposition to co-operate with the ECZ when hon. Members of the UPND-PF pact, who are the major stakeholders in the elections of this country, rejected to ratify the Government’s nominee for commissioner to ECZ, but because of their arrogance of numbers, they defeated us?
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! Order! Hon. Member, that issue goes with the same …
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! The issue you are raising is against the guidance I have given. We do not reopen debate on issues that we have gone over. In fact, you debated on that issue yesterday. Hon. Member, can we leave what we have already looked at alone.
Mr Kambwili: Madam Speaker, I am much obliged. On the same issue of the ECZ, may we please make sure that there is continuous voter registration. We should not choose which areas we should send the mobile registration team to because doing so is the beginning of rigging elections. We need to make sure that all areas are covered in this regard.
Interruptions
Mr Kambwili: We have been experiencing a situation whereby every election is questionable. We want to have the 2011 elections under free and fair circumstances and it can only start by making sure that the continuous voter registration is adhered to.
Madam Speaker, I would also like to comment on the beating of journalists. Let me state that it does not pay for people to always be defensive when a mistake is being made. The hon. Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services must bear in mind that uwima nomwelu, afwa ku mwelu.
Interruptions
Mr Kambwili: The one defending the wrongs, at the present moment, must know that one day that wrong will be done to him or her.
Madam Deputy Speaker: What is the meaning of that vernacular phrase?
Mr Kambwili: Madam Speaker, in short, it means that he who plays with a gun will be killed by a gun.
Interruptions
Mr Kambwili: The hon. Minister must rethink his stance on defending cadres over the beating of journalists. What we expected was for him to come to this House and clearly state that the beating of journalists or any other person, indeed, is not allowed in this country other than going to talk about the innocent Catholic Church which has done nothing …
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr Kambwili: … wrong in this country.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! Order!
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! The hon. Member was here and, therefore, what he is saying is not correct. There is no time for anybody to start debating that matter and if you choose to put your understanding foward, the hon. Minister will have no time to clarify it. We have addressed those issues. It is one of the rules of this House that we do not reopen debate on issues that we have gone through in the manner that you are doing.
Hon. Member, can you conclude.
Mr Kambwili: Madam Speaker, much obliged. Let me also tackle the issue of Luanshya Copper Mines. When this mine was being sold, I stood on the Floor of this House and stated that one of the reasons that the people of Luanshya would not appreciate the Chinese taking over this mine was because they employee people on contract basis. What we have seen is that the Chinese have come to Luanshya and employed people on contracts when this Government was assuring us that it would make sure that the Chinese would employ people on permanent and pensionable conditions.
Today, the Chinese have employed people on six-month contracts and the Government is very quiet. I am appealing to the hon. Minister of Mines and Mineral Development to do everything possible to ensure that the Luanshya miners are treated as human beings and not as anything else.
Madam Speaker, in conclusion, let me also tackle the issue of the Zambia Telecommunications Company (ZAMTEL). Indeed, everybody wants to support the privatisation of ZAMTEL, but giving away 75 per cent to one organisation, I think, is not a good idea. The Government must rethink its decision and ensure that even ordinary Zambians and employees also have shares in ZAMTEL other then giving the whole 75 per cent to one foreign investor.
Finally, let me appeal to the hon. Minister in-charge of the Copperbelt Province, Hon. Mwansa Mbulakulima, regarding the road equipment that has been sent to the province. We have seen a trend whereby this equipment is only being used in areas with MMD hon. Members of Parliament, in the name of starting with rural areas. We also have peri-urban areas in our constituencies and it would only be fair that this equipment is given to all constituencies fairly.
Madam Speaker, with these few words, I support the Motion and thank you.
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr Mangani: Madam Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank all those that have spoken in support of this Motion. We appreciate the concerns that they have raised.
For example, we do appreciate Hon. Hamududu’s concern on the marketing system. We will definitely have to look at that. The issue of CDF is, indeed, a matter of serious concern and we will see how best we can speed up the process releasing it.
Madam Speaker, we are also investigating the issue of tujilijili and all those that are selling this product. If we discover that it is harmful to human beings, we are going to ban it. We have instructed councils to make sure that they check and see what is happening on the market. However, I want to encourage all hon. Members of Parliament to take advantage of this break to go to their respective constituencies and spend time there other than spending time in Lusaka and participating in every march that is being organised in Lusaka.
I thank you, Madam.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Question put and agreed to.
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RULING BY THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER ON A POINT OF ORDER RAISED BY HON. MEMBER FOR NKANA PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY, MR M. L. MWENYA, MP, AGAINST THE HON. DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION, HON. C. W. SINYINDA, MP, ON THURSDAY, 13TH AUGUST, 2009
Madam Deputy Speaker: Before we move on, hon. Members of the House will recall that yesterday, Thursday, 13th August, 2009,when the House was considering Question for Oral Answer No. 467 and Mr Zulu, MP was on the Floor asking a supplementary question, the hon. Member for Nkana Parliamentary Constituency, Mr M. L. Mwenya, MP, raised a point of order alleging that the hon. Minister in the Ministry of Education Hon. C. W. Sinyinda, MP, gave incorrect information to the House in response to Question No. 408, the hon. Member had asked on 4th August, 2009.
The point of order read in part as follows:
“From this answer, the hon. Minister was categorical that there was no progression exercise carried out after the first semester of 2008 and that all University of Zambia (UNZA) students in 2008 progressed to the next semester. In addition, again, contrary to the hon. Minister’s response that all students progressed to the second semester, the results of the School of Natural Sciences clearly show that a number of students were excluded in the progression exercise due to poor performance and about forty students were excluded in the first semester. As though that was not enough, my research into this matter reviewed that contrary to the hon. Minister’s assertion that UNZA was conducting a trial of eliminating the progression exercise and moving away from the semester system to a yearly system, such a trial does not exist and the Senate has never discussed such a change.”
In my immediate ruling I stated in part as follows:
“In order to respond to the point of order raised, the Chair will not say there was misinformation. I will give an opportunity to the hon. Minister to quickly verify the information that has come in relation to the answers that were provided. Let the verification be brought to the House tomorrow.”
In accordance with my directive, this morning, the hon. Minister of Education brought the verification on the said point of order as follows:
“Madam Speaker, at the end of the first semester of the 2008 Academic Year, progression rules were not applied in the other schools except only to the first year students in the School of Natural Sciences as these students were requested to be streamed into the life science programme and physical science programme. However, at the end of the second semester, progression rules were applied to all students at the following rate:
(i) from 2008 first semester to 2009 second semester, 93.3 per cent; and
(ii) from 2008 second semester to 2009 first semester, 88 per cent.
“For the first year students in the 2009 academic year, progression rules were applied only to the first year students in the School of Natural Sciences at the end of the first semester as students were required to be streamed into the life science programme and physical science programme. In this regard, fifty-nine students in the School of Natural Sciences were excluded from the University of Zambia at the end of the first semester in the 2008 academic year.”
Hon. Members I have studied the point of order raised by Mr M. L. Mwenya, MP and both the statements of the hon. Minister and Deputy Minister of Education and the following is my ruling:
Hon. Members, the contents of the statements of the hon. Minister and Deputy Minster of Education show discrepancies on the issue of progression rates at the University of Zambia. The Chair considers the latest information submitted to the House this morning by the hon. Minister of Education to be the accurate information on the issue. This means that the hon. Deputy Minister’s earlier answer to the House on the issue was inaccurate and, therefore, out of order.
Hon. Members, once more, let me guide the House that where hon. Members enjoy the privileges of freedom of speech in the House, this freedom is circumscribed by the rules which guard against them making unwarranted, untrue or incorrect statements in the House. There is a duty placed on every hon. Member to thoroughly investigate information before presenting it to the House and, through this House, to the nation. Erskine May an authority on Parliamentary Practice has this to say in his book, Parliamentary Practice, 21st Edition on page 119 and I quote:
“The House may treat the making of the deliberate misleading statement as contempt. In 1963 the House resolved that in making a personal statement which contained words he later admitted not to be true, a former member had been guilty of a grave contempt.”
Further, Members may wish to note that section 28 of the National Assembly Powers and Privileges Act, Cap. 12 of the Laws of Zambia gives power to the Assembly to reprimand or suspend a member who is guilty of contempt of the House. Subsection 1 of section 28 of the Act provides that and I quote:
“Where any member commits any contempt of the Assembly whether specific in section 19 or otherwise, the Assembly may by resolution either direct the Speaker to reprimand such member or suspend him from the service of the Assembly for such period as it may determine.”
Hon. Members, it is clear from the foregoing authorities that under Parliamentary Procedure and Practice giving a deliberate misleading statement amounts to grave contempt of the House, an offence punishable by the Assembly. I consider that the hon. Deputy Minister did not deliberately mislead this House. This is evidenced by the clarification presented by the hon. Minister this morning. It is hopped that in future, the ministry and any other ministry will take time to research and bring accurate answers to this House.
I, however, take this opportunity to guide the House, once again, that hon. Members should always be factual in their debates or else they risk being punished by the House. I, therefore, urge all hon. Members of this august House to take this as a timely warning.
I thank you.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
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BILLS
REPORT STAGE
The Non-Governmental Organisations Bill, 2009
Report adopted.
Third Reading today.
THIRD READING
The following Bill was read the third time and passed:
The Non-Governmental Organisations Bill, 2009
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MOTION
ADJOURNMENT SINE DIE
The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Mangani): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the House do adjourn sine die.
Question put and agreed to.
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The House adjourned accordingly at 1256 hours on Friday, 7th August, 2006, sine die.
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WRITTEN REPLIES TO QUESTIONS
INDISCRIMINATE SALE AND CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL
481. Mrs Masebo (Chongwe) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:
(a) what measures the Government had taken to stop the indiscriminate sale and consumption of alcohol which is packaged in sachets of 60 millilitres and had alcohol content of about 45 per cent, popularly known as tujilijili;
(b) whether the Government was aware of the popularity of this alcohol which was sold cheaply at K1,000 among minors, taxi and minibus drivers, and had so far claimed lives in Chongwe, Kafue and Lusaka;
(c) whether the production and sale of this alcohol had been sanctioned by the Government; and
(d) whether Government was considering banning this alcohol in Zambia to save the lives of young people and indeed the passengers who use public transport as these were the most vulnerable.
The Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Tetamashimba): Madam Speaker, the ministry is worried about the situation as outlined by the hon. Member for Chongwe on the sale of this type of alcohol on the streets of Lusaka, Chongwe, Kafue and, indeed, across the country.
Madam Speaker, looking at the seriousness of the issue, the Government has immediately directed all councils to investigate where this alcohol is sold so as to stop its sale. The councils have also been directed to work with the Zambia Police to stop the sale of the alcohol known as tujilijili in streets, buses, markets and any other undesignated areas. Further, the council has also been directed to remove all vendors that are involved in the sale of this alcohol.
Madam Speaker, the Government was not aware of the extent of this scourge. However, upon receipt of this question, my ministry has carried out investigations and it has been truly proved that the alcohol is popular among youths, bus and taxi drivers.
Madam Speaker, my ministry will investigate the matter of production of this alcohol and will come back to this House to indicate whether its manufacturers have Government approval.
Madam Speaker, my ministry will surely ban the sale of this alcohol once it is proved that its production is illegal and is being sold in undesignated areas to persons both underage and adults.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
PINE WOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL IN MANDEVU
482. Ms Kapata (Mandevu) asked the Minister of Education when Pine Wood Primary School in Mandevu Parliamentary Constituency would become an examination centre.
The Minister of Education (Ms Siliya): Madam Speaker, this school will become an examination centre when it meets the minimum requirements for an examination centre which are as follows:
(i) secure strong room with concrete roof;
(ii) double door secured with burglar bars;
(iii) steel twines with strong locks;
(iv) steel cabinets with strong locks;
(v) wooden cabinets with strong locks;
(vi) number of classrooms available for examination purposes;
(vii) number and type of desks available for examination purposes;
(viii) science laboratories, home economics and industrial art facilities;
(ix) names of teaching staff and their qualifications; and
(x) the curriculum.
Madam Speaker, the procedure is that schools have to submit their applications through the District Education Board Secretary’s (DEBS) office which, in turn, submits to the provisional education office which submits to the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) for approval. The school has not been approved as an examination centre because the ECZ has not received the application for approval.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
HEALTH PROJECTS IN KANCHIBIYA PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY
483. Mr Mwango (Kanchibiya) asked the Minister of Health what health projects would be carried out in 2009 in Kanchibiya Parliamentary Constituency.
The Minister of Health (Mr Simbao): Madam Speaker, there are no health projects earmarked for Kanchibiya Constituency in 2009 because the constituency benefited immensely in 2008. Last year, five rural health centres, namely: Mbati; Kabinga; Chiundaponde; Kopa and Muwele funded under the Service Delivery Improvement Fund were rehabilitated. In addition, a health post was constructed at Chinkobo under the Poverty Reduction Project Fund and a rural health centre was constructed by World Vision at Mapoma.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
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