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Debates- Friday, 24th July, 2009
DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE THIRD SESSION OF THE TENTH ASSEMBLY
Friday, 24th July, 2009
The House met at 0900 hours
[MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]
NATIONAL ANTHEM
PRAYER
____________
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice (Mr G. Kunda): Madam Speaker, I rise to give the House some idea of the Business it will consider next week.
On Tuesday, 28th July, 2009, the Business of the House will begin with Questions, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will consider the second reading stage of the following Bills:
The Local Government (Amendment) Bill, 2009;
The Service Commissions (Amendment) Bill, 2009;
The Legal Practitioner’s (Amendment) Bill, 2009;
The Zambia Law Development Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2009; and
The Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (Amendment) Bill, 2009.
On Wednesday, 29th July, 2009, the Business of the House will commence with Questions, if there will be any. After that, there will be the presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. This will be followed by Private Member’s Motions, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will consider the committee stage of the Bills debated on Tuesday.
On Thursday, 30th July, 2009, the Business of the House will start with Questions, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will consider the second reading stage of the Public Private Partnership Bill, 2009.
On Friday, 31st July, 2009, the Business of the House will begin with His Honour the Vice-President’s Question Time. This will be followed by Questions, if there will be any. Thereafter, there will be presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. After that, the House will consider the second reading stage of the following Bills:
The Electronic Communications and Transactions Bill, 2009;
The Information and Communication Technologies Bill, 2009;
The Postal Services Bill, 2009; and
The Zambia/Tanzania Pipelines (Amendment) Bill, 2009.
The House will then consider any other Business that may have been presented to it earlier in the week.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
_______
HIS HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT’S QUESTION TIME
Mr Kasongo (Bangweulu): Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from His Honour the Vice-President when the Government is going to reduce the cost of cement in order to allow ordinary Zambians to put up houses.
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice (Mr G Kunda): Madam Speaker, if you have been following trends in the price of cement, at one time the price had gone up to, about K80,000, but now it has come down to between K55,000 to K60,000. This is because production has been increased. However, the answer lies in us investing in cement production. In this august House, we approved the Mines and Minerals (Amendment) Bill so that we could open up the mining of industrial minerals such as lime so that we could have more players in the cement manufacturing industry.
Madam Speaker, in the last sitting of the House, this progressive amendment found a lot of opposition from some of our colleagues. These are the measures we are taking to improve on the production of cement. Recently, I travelled to some parts of Zambia and it is amazing to see the level of construction. Construction is everywhere…
Mr Mubika: Even in Shangombo!
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Yes, even in Shangombo. I was there recently. Massive buildings are coming up. In Solwezi, it is amazing to see the miracles in construction…
Laughter
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: It is a miracle to see the kind of construction going on there.
This entails that our policies are conductive to the development of this country.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: We have good policies for developing this country and this also shows that the economy is doing well. Construction is a measure of how well the economy is doing.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mrs Musokotwane (Katombola): Madam Speaker, I want to find out from the Vice-President when the Government is going to refurbish the VIP arrival lounge. The carpet is filthy and the chairs are broken. I know he is aware of this because he also uses the same lounge. What is the Government doing about this?
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Madam Speaker, indeed, there is need to bring our arrival lounge or any part of the airport to high standards. Preparations are on and for us to begin the work we are just waiting for tendering process.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Lubinda (Kabwata): Madam Speaker, in March, 2008, the Road Development Agency (RDA) entered into a contract with Road Worx to resurface six roads in Kabwata Constituency. The work did not commence until March, 2009. That contract was for K32.4 billion. Since March, 2009, to date, work to a value of more than K1 billion has been undertaken and now Road Worx RDA says there is no more money for the contract to continue. Can His Honour the Vice-President indicate to this House and nation at large, who will be responsible for the more than K1 billion that has been invested, so far, on a road which is not going to be completed and which is, again, falling into pieces and requires a total overhaul when money is secured. Who shall reimburse the more than K1.2 billion that has been spent so far?
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Madam Speaker, I would like to counsel hon. Members to bring important issues like this one through correct channels.
Let them write and let us engage …
Mr Kambwili: You are not answering the question.
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: You are taking me by surprise. If you want me to give you a meaningful answer …
Mr Sichilima: Hear, hear!
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: … let us learn to engage and you should give us the facts. Otherwise, what I would like to say is that I have taken note of the very important issues which you have raised although you have taken me by surprise. We have taken note and we shall look into that matter so that we can determine whether, in fact, what you are saying is factual.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr V. Mwale (Chipangali): Madam Speaker, there is a perception in this country that this Government is not very committed …
Hon. Opposition Members: It is true.
Mr V. Mwale: … to fighting corruption. Can His Honour the Vice-President tell this House and the nation at large, what this Government is doing in fighting corruption in this country.
Mr Lubinda: There is nothing they are doing.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! The hon. Members must know that you have, totally, no responsibility, if anything it is an infringement on the right of an individual to speak freely. Whoever asked a question let them ask. If there is need for guidance, the Chair will guide. If the hon. Minister or His Honour the Vice-President have a response, they will respond or indicate whether they may not be able to do so. Can we stop this, almost, harassing each other.
His Honour the Vice-President, may continue, please.
The Vice-President and Minster of Justice: That question which has been asked is very important.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: The fight against corruption is not a recent development. We have been fighting corruption since time immemorial. If you look at the penal code, these offences have been in existence for a while. Now, we have taken certain measures to intensify the fight against corruption. One of these measures is the adoption of the National Anti-Corruption Policy and we are strengthening the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). We are also creating a Financial Intelligence Unit and we will create specialised departments in the ACC. Of course, there are some people who are trying to paint a wrong picture about our Government …
Mr Kambwili: Question!
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: … by trying to liken this country to other countries on which there is no basis, at all, for comparison. There are many examples on what we have achieved in the fight against corruption.
Dr Mwansa: Hear, hear!
Mr Kunda: Madam Speaker, let me also say …
Mr Kambwili: Nafifula.
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: … that as we fight corruption we should not stigmatise wealth. By that I mean, if people have legitimately earned their income or amassed wealth, we should not treat such wealth as proceeds of crime. If we have evidence, let us go to the ACC. Otherwise, amassing wealth is something which should be encouraged. After all, who is going to develop this country? It is only ourselves who can develop this country.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: What is happening now is that we are busy fighting among ourselves and pointing fingers at each other instead of encouraging each other.
Hon. Opposition Members: Mulongoti.
Mrs Masebo: Teta!
Interruptions
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: It is a good thing if somebody has acquired wealth. It should not be thought of negatively all the time. I think this kind of mindset owes to our colonial legacy. Perhaps, it is because we went through some period of socialist and communist thinking that is why we still believe that everything should be owned by the Government and not individuals. So, let us erase some of these perceptions. Madam Speaker, yes, we shall fight corruption, but let us not discourage those people who can acquire wealth legitimately.
Interruptions
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: There are some people in Zambia …
Hon. Opposition Members: Fyafula.
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: … who have turned the fight against corruption into a business venture.
Laughter
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Madam Speaker, those people who are fighting corruption have made very quick progress in terms of acquiring wealth.
Laughter
Mr Milupi: Kapoko.
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: They buy houses and raze them to build mansions on the same plots.
Hon. Opposition Member: Ah! fyafula.
Laughter
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Let us fight corruption legitimately and genuinely and not as a way of earning money.
Further, …
Hon. Members: Aaah! Fyafula.
Interruptions
Hon. Government Member: Hammer!
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: … Madam Speaker, we should not only talk about fighting corruption, but we should also talk about fighting crime generally. There is a lot of crime which we are neglecting. The penal code has a lot of crime. There is money laundering even…
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr Munaile (Malole): Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from His Honour the Vice-President when his Government is going to advertise for the rehabilitation of Samora Machel Airport in Mbala. This is because there is K11 billion allocated to that airport and the northern circuit in Northern Province. The promotion of tourism is now revolving around Nsumbu area and this airport is cardinal if tourism is to be promoted in that area. So, when will this Government ensure that Samora Machel Airport in Mbala is brought to international standards?
The Vice-President and Minster of Justice: Madam Speaker, we are committed to the creation of tourism zones as a way of diversifying the economy. This way, we can grow the economy and earn more revenue to develop our country. Therefore, if that particular activity has been budgeted for and it is in the budget, definitely, it will be done. As to when, I do not have the exact details on how far they have gone, if at all there is any tendering process. All I can say is that we are committed to implementing activities which are in the national budget and tourism is a very important activity to this country.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Syakalima (Siavonga): Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from His Honour the Vice-President whether he believes this Question Session is any different from what we used to call His Honour the Vice-President’s waffling time during his predcessor’s time. Does he think it is different today?
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Madam Speaker, it is up to the hon. Members to judge my performance.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Sichilima: Quality!
Mrs Masebo (Chongwe): Madam Speaker, Zambia has been honoured with a number of visits by presidents from the Southern Africa region. I would like to find out from His Honour the Vice-President what concrete agreements have come out of these presidential visits to our country in terms of benefits to Zambia.
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Madam Speaker, there are a lot of bilateral issues …
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! We have business to conduct here and if hon. Members are not taking it seriously, then we may as well say that this is not necessary. Can hon. Members listen to the responses to the questions that are being posed?
The Vice-President, may continue, please.
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Madam Speaker, the reciprocal visits between Zambia and her neighbouring countries are very beneficial to Zambia and the countries involved in these visits. We discuss various bilateral issues relating to development and security depending on the neighbouring country in question. For example, if the country concerned is Namibia, we talk about building common bridges, for example, on the Kazungula border post. We also discuss matters of energy such as electricity, the movement of our people and security concerns. Therefore, generally, these visits have been very beneficial.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Ms Chitika (Kawambwa): Madam Speaker, this February, the bridge on the Chibalashi River on the Mansa-Kawambwa Road was completely washed away. The district leadership immediately informed the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) of this through the normal process. It is now five months since that disaster occurred. On behalf of the friendly people of Kawambwa, I would like to find out from His Honour the Vice-President why this disaster has not been addressed.
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Madam Speaker, the last heavy rains had some devastating effects on various bridges across the country. We now have the mammoth task of repairing this infrastructure. However, we have put in place disaster management structures at national, provincial and district levels. As regards this particular problem, we will go through our records to find the position. Of course, we have all the details on the infrastructure which was damaged, but we also have limited resources. Nonetheless, those are matters which are in our work plan as well as that of the Road Development Agency (RDA). Therefore, if this problem is the responsibility of the RDA, it will be attended to, resources permitting. So, I have taken note of that.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Sichamba (Isoka West): Madam Speaker, could His Honour the Vice-President confirm whether this Government is committed to buying all the maize in the country, particularly from the farmers in Isoka who are spending sleepless nights at selling points?
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Madam Speaker, this question was covered comprehensively by the hon. Minister who delivered a ministerial statement yesterday. In addition, hon. Members asked several questions on the matter after the statement was presented. The main player in the purchase of maize is the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), but the private sector should also come in because the Government cannot purchase all the maize. We are running a liberalised economy and, therefore, the private sector can also participate in the purchasing of crops. Therefore, we shall try our best, within our means, to purchase as much maize as possible. Of course, we have limitations and the private sector can always assist.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Dr Chishya (Pambashe): Madam Speaker, could His Honour the Vice-President tell the nation why there is so much lawlessness on the roads by both motorised and non-motorised road users.
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Madam Speaker, because of so much activity in the Zambian economy, there are so many motor vehicles which have come into the country and, therefore, there is increased traffic on our roads. All I can say is that the relevant road traffic authorities such as the police will take care of that concern so that we protect lives.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Major Chizhyuka (Namwala): Madam Speaker, I have a very specific question on the function of the Vice-President of the Republic of Zambia. The Vice-President gave this Parliament an action taken report which reflects the Government’s position on a specific matter. However, a hon. Government Minister came here to make a statement contrary to the Vice-President’s action taken report and that action resulted in the displacement of 8,500 people. What does that say about the functionality of the Vice-President of the Republic of Zambia if an action taken report which was presented to the Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia can be contradicted by a hon. Minister, at the expense of the poor Zambians who put the Vice-President in office? Of course, I am talking about the issue of Sichifulo.
Laughter
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Madam Speaker, indeed, under the Constitution, the Executive has collective responsibility and in Government, of course, we should speak with one voice. However, as regards the issue the hon. Member has raised, I would like to study the matter further. I urge him to bring the specific details of what he is talking about to us so that we can see whether what he is saying is correct. I have not read the reports which he has referred to and will need to look at them. If there are any shortcomings, we will look into them.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Milupi (Luena): Madam Speaker, during this week and last week, a number of questions were presented to this House regarding the roads in Western Province. The answer from the hon. Minister of Works and Supply, whom I have no intention of calling exotic names, today, …
Laughter
Mr Milupi: … was always that Western Province is sandy and, therefore, the ministry was unable to get contractors. Taking into account the massive vote you got from Western Province in 2008, could His Honour the Vice-President, please, confirm to this House and the whole nation that as long as your party remains in Government, the people of Western Province should not expect any development in terms of roads because after all, you did not ask them to vote for you?
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Nowadays, the hon. Member of Parliament for Luena has developed a propensity for negativity.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Madam Speaker, I have been to …
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! Can we listen.
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: …Western Province physically and I saw roads there. The issue regarding whether roads can be made is a technical one. Indeed, I have seen that there is a lot of sand there. For your information, my children come from Western Province, so we know what is there.
Laughter
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: For example, the Mongu/Senanga Road has been completed. Therefore, it is not true that we will not make roads in Western Province. We are committed to road construction in Western Province and that is why there is an allocation for this in the Budget. Therefore, we shall continue to develop roads in the province.
I thank you, Madam.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Sikota (Livingstone): Madam Speaker, a few weeks ago, His Honour the Vice-President undertook a tour of Shang’ombo and Senanga following the floods which had occurred there and promised the people that they would receive relief food. About a week ago, the Permanent Secretary for Western Province was touring those areas and our national broadcaster, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), showed that the people in those areas were still in a great deal of distress. Could His Honour the Vice-President give us an update on what was supplied to the people in those areas and the current situation?
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Madam Speaker, we have statistics and have done an assessment and surveys of the food requirements in Western Province, including in one of the United Liberal Party’s (ULP) strongholds in Lukulu.
Laughter
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: We have the statistics and we are working on this issue continuously. That particular issue was noted and has already gone through the District Management Committee. Therefore, we are attending to these issues.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Beene (Itezhi tezhi): Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from His Honour the Vice-President whether the Government is going to carry out a nationwide audit of infrastructure that has come up in the country to confirm whether or not the money used to construct such infrastructure was obtained corruptly.
Madam Deputy Speaker: The Chair did not get the question. The next question, please.
Mr Chimbaka (Bahati): Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from His Honour the Vice-President what programme the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has put in place to develop mining in Luapula Province.
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice: Madam Speaker, I think, there was a question yesterday on the issue of licences. There are certain licences which have been reserved for Zambians. In Luapula province, mapping and surveys have been conducted to see the mineral occurrence in the province and we shall continue with that.
I thank you, Madam.
____________
QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER
REMITTANCE OF WORKERS’ PENSION
331. Mr Chisala (Chilubi) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing why most local authorities were failing to remit workers’ pension contributions to the Local Authorities Superannuation Fund (LASF).
The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Dr Puma): Madam Speaker, it is true that most councils are failing to remit workers’ contributions and the Government is concerned about this state of affairs. The main reason for the failure of councils to remit workers’ contributions is inadequate resources.
Madam Speaker, in 1992, the Government put in place a policy that required all council staff that had worked for more that twenty-two years to be retired. This meant that LASF and the councils had to find money to pay all the workers that had been retired prematurely and at a short notice. This had a negative effect on the financial position of both the councils and LASF. It is against this background that the Government decided to assist councils to clear their outstanding debt with LASF. Thus, the Government, through my ministry, has, since 2005, paid out more than K30 billion to LASF on behalf of all the councils.
Madam Speaker, as a result of this, all the fifty-four district councils that were affected, in terms of contributions to LASF, were up to date as of January, 2008.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Chisala: Madam Speaker, from the hon. Minister’s answer, one can easily tell that there is a high degree of injustice in this arrangement. How soon does the Government of the Republic of Zambia intend to arrest this situation?
Dr Puma: Madam Speaker, as I indicated, as a ministry, we are concerned about this because the councils seem to have inadequate resources and, as a result, a number of them are in arrears in terms of salaries and contributions to LASF. As a Government, we are taking measures to deal with this issue. For instance, very soon we hope to bring a Bill on the Local Government Commission to this House that will assist in resolving this problem. This is because the members of staff of the councils will fall directly under the ministry. I am appealing to the hon. Member to ensure that he supports this Bill vigorously.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka): Madam Speaker, could the hon. Minister confirm that part of the reason councils are failing to meet their statutory obligations is the immunity that they enjoy against any court judgment which has made them fail to engage in any meaningful commercial activities.
Dr Puma: Madam Speaker, there are various reasons councils are facing difficulties. For instance, some councils, particularly those in rural areas, are not able to raise funds because they do not have an adequate resource base. Thus, they have difficulties finding money for salaries, contributions to LASF and routine operations. Therefore, it all depends on the specific council and the situation at a point in time.
I thank you Madam.
Mr Kambwili (Roan): Madam Speaker, it is evident that most of the rural councils are failing to meet their obligations such as the pension’s fund. Is the hon. Minister thinking of amalgamating some councils in order for them to have a larger financial base?
Dr Puma: Madam Speaker, the ministry has no intentions of amalgamating councils, but we have tried to support them through grants so that they are able to meet their obligations. The hon. Member should note that even big councils like Lusaka, Ndola and Kitwe started small and so no matter how small a council is, we have to assist it to expand until such a point when it is able to sustain its operations.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mrs Masebo (Chongwe): Madam Speaker, there is a programme meant to ensure that councils update their statutory obligations to various institutions. This year, how much of the budgeted money for grants to councils has gone to gone to them to help them continuously liquidate these outstanding statutory obligations so that they do not get back to where they were many years ago when they had such huge outstanding balances? I am aware that the balances had, tremendously, reduced by 2007.
Dr Puma: Madam Speaker, the Government has been talking about the effects of the credit crunch which has affected its operations and reduced its revenue. My ministry is one of those that have been heavily affected to the extent that it has not been able to receive grants to be able to send adequate funds to the local councils. I am hopeful that in the near future, if the situation improves, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning will be able to assist our ministry so that it is able to send adequate grants to the councils.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
HIGH SCHOOL IN MIRUNDU
332. Mr Mukanga (Kantanshi) asked the Minister of Education:
(a) when a high school would be built in Mirundu in Mufulira District; and
(b) what criteria was used for a community to qualify for a high school.
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! The consultations are a little bit too loud.
The Deputy Minister of Education (Mr Sinyinda): Madam Speaker, at the moment, the ministry has no plans of building a high school in Mirundu in Mufulira District. However, the ministry is constructing four new high schools on the Copperbelt Province which will be completed in 2010, namely:
Name of school Amount of construction
Masaiti Boarding High School K24 billion
Lufwanyama Boarding High School K27 billion
Mpongwe West Boarding High School K23 billion
Kamfinsa Day High School K14 billion
As regards (b), the following criteria are used when considering a community for a high school:
(i) progression rate from Grades 9 to 10;
(ii) at least nine catchment basic or junior high schools;
(iii) walking distance from the villages of pupils should be minimised to 10 kilometres for day high schools;
(iv) availability of, at least, 13 hectares in urban areas or 25 hectares in rural areas;
(v) enrolments at the existing nearby high schools to determine whether the schools are over or under enrolled; and
(vi) ownership of land either by chiefs or the Government.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Mukanga: Madam Speaker, since there are no plans, what assistance is the Government going to render to more than 2,000 impoverished children whose parents are not able to even provide transport money to enable them access education from the nearest high school which is 10 kilometres from Mirundu area?
Mr Sinyinda: Madam Speaker, the policy of the Government is to build as many high schools as possible to reduce the distance between schools and homes. I would like to inform the House that because the Government is serious, it is currently building forty-five high schools in the whole country. As funds are available, that place will be considered.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Chanda (Kankoyo): Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that if this school was given due consideration, it would even assist people in Kankoyo Constituency to lessen the distance between their homes and the nearest high school?
Mr Sinyinda: Madam Speaker, like I have already pointed out, we, as a Government, are committed to this programme and as funds are available, we will consider that place.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
PLANTING SEASONS IN NORTH-WESTERN PROVINCE
333. Mr Katuka (Mwinilunga East) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives whether the ministry had any plans to introduce two planting seasons in the North-Western Province to enhance food security considering that the province is a high rainfall area whose season ranges from October to April.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives (Mr Kalenga): Madam Speaker, the introduction of the two planting seasons in the North-Western Province may not be possible for most crops currently grown, except for common beans which has a short growing period. The first crop is planted in November and is ready for harvesting in January and February while the second crop is planted in January and February and is ready for harvest in April. The ministry encourages irrigation so that agriculture can be an all-year-round activity.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.{mospagebreak}
MARKETS IN LUAPULA PROVINCE
334. Mr D. Mwila (Chipili) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:
(a) which areas would benefit from the construction of markets in Luapula Province according to the 2009 Annual Work Plan;
(b) how much money the above project would cost;
(c) when VIP toilets would be constructed in all markets in the province; and
(d) whether the activity at (c) would be funded by the Government.
Dr. Puma: Madam Speaker, there are no areas in Luapula Province that benefited from the construction of markets in accordance with the 2009 Annual Work Plan. However, this year, the Mansa Municipal Council and Mwense District Council received K90 million and K30 million respectively for the market construction works which were carried forward from the 2008 Annual Work Plan.
As regards part (b), the costing for market construction is done by councils themselves. The ministry has not received any project proposal from the councils in Luapula Province and as such is unable to state the cost of the project being referred to.
With regard to (c), I would like to humbly remind hon. Members to take a leading role in ensuring that developmental concerns in their constituencies are captured in both council budgets and annual work plans for them to be implemented. This is the surest way of seeing projects being implemented. The construction of VIP toilets is a demand driven and locally generated programme. The Government can only provide supplementary funds when a shortfall is experienced. However, a request has to be made by the council during the implementation process.
As indicated in part (c), the Government can only provide supplementary funds when a council fails to accomplish a programme from its own resources. The council should, therefore, provide the ministry with the council budget and an annual work plan, clearly, showing the budget provision for the programme and the short fall therein. This will assist the ministry to source for funds for such programmes.
Further, Madam Speaker, small projects like the construction of VIP latrines can easily be implemented even through the use of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). I would encourage the hon. Member to ensure that this year’s CDF, if this is a priority, is used on this project.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mr D. Mwila: Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister when the Government will start constructing modern markets in Luapula Province which does not have any. For example, like the ones in Kitwe, Lusaka and Ndola.
Dr Puma: Madam Speaker, the Government, as he has already mentioned, started constructing modern markets in areas that he has mentioned. However, as funds are made available, we shall extend to other provinces apart from the Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Sikota: Madam Speaker, could the hon. Minister confirm that his ministry is going to discourage the future development of VIP latrines, but instead encourage councils to be building modern waterborne toilets as we seek to upgrade our markets.
Dr Puma: Madam Speaker, I would like to confirm that in areas where there is a well-developed water system, we do not encourage VIP latrines. However, we advise the construction of VIP latrines in rural areas where there is no well organised water reticulation system.
Therefore, in councils where there is a good water system and the CDF is sufficient, do not construct VIP latrines, but waterborne toilets.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Lubinda (Kabwata): Madam Speaker, could the hon. Minister state whether they will come up with a policy that will guide all local authorities rather than just advising them so that all councils are guided by a policy against putting up VIP latrines in areas where there is a good water reticulation system.
Dr Puma: Madam Speaker, our officers in councils are already aware of this fact. I am not aware of a place which has a very good water reticulation system where the council has put up a VIP latrine. The practice of putting up VIP latrines where there is a good water reticulation system must be discouraged. Hon. Members must take special interest in this because it is unacceptable, especially that the cost of a VIP latrine would almost be the same as putting up a waterborne toilet where a water reticulation system is nearby.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Chimbaka (Bahati): Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing whether because of inadequate marketing facilities, the Government is contemplating allowing persons or co-operatives to make markets where people can sell their goods in order to decongest the streets all over Zambia.
Dr Puma: Madam Speaker, with the private public partnership programme being discussed very seriously, in future, that may be considered.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
FARM BLOCKS UNDER THE ZAMBIA AGENCY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
335. Mr D. Mwila (Chipili) asked the Minister of Community Development and Social Services:
(a) how many farm blocks under the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) were earmarked for rehabilitation in 2009;
(b) how much money would be spent on the exercise above; and
(c) when the infrastructure above was last rehabilitated.
The Deputy Minister of Community Development and Social Services (Mr Malwa): Madam Speaker, ZAPD has one farm centre earmarked for rehabilitation in the 2009 ZAPD Annual Work Plan. This is the Fisenge Farm Block in Luanshya District on the Copperbelt Province.
The budgeted figure for the above rehabilitation works in 2009, is K480 million. These funds will be used for rehabilitating the carpentry workshop and procurement of carpentry tools and equipment. The infrastructure at the centre has not seen any rehabilitation works for the past fifteen years.
However, hon. Members of this august House may wish to know that the responsibility of the Government is to provide funds to ZAPD and, in turn, the oraganisation decides which programmes to implement.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr D. Mwila: Madam Speaker, persons with disabilities have nowhere to go, but depend on these farming blocks. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what the long-term plan for the development of farming blocks countrywide is.
Mr Malwa: Madam Speaker, it is not right to state that people with disabilities have nowhere to go because they have places where they can go. In fact, some of them are being kept by their relatives, others by the Government and some are at the farms under ZAPD. So far, countrywide, we have big farms under ZAPD like Witikutu in Solwezi, …
Laughter
Mr Malwa: … Linda Farm in Livingstone, Fisenge Farm in Luanshya, Mutongolo Farm in Masaiti and Lutubwe Farm in Chipata.
Madam Speaker, in all these farms that I have mentioned, we have people with disabilities living there. Therefore, they have places to go to. Nevertheless, when ZAPD is faced with problems which it cannot handle, usually, it comes to our ministry.
In addition, hon. Members may wish to know that ZAPD was created by an Act of Parliament in 1996 to empower the disabled people and regulate their vulnerability with the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services. That is why they receive a monthly grant of between K450 to K500 million per month depending on the availability of funds from the Ministry of Finance and National Planning. Hence, they are at liberty to spend these funds on projects as per their priority list, including rehabilitation of farms and keeping people with disabilities.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Ms Kapata (Mandevu): Madam Speaker, in Mandevu, I have a group of disabled people who formed a co-operative called Buyantanshi. May I know if the K1 million that was given to the disabled can also be extended to this special group which has no working capital?
Mr Malwa: Madam Speaker, they should be thankful that, at least, we gave them K1 million each. Depending on how many they are, if that money is put together, it is a colossal amount of money. This money is meant to empower them to go into business ventures so that they can start generating funds to reduce their poverty levels. However, if they have more problems and they need to be assisted, they can be registered with ZAPD and their problems will be looked into.
Mr Mukanga (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, when will this Government sign and domesticate the United Nations Convention for People Living with disabilities? This will compel this Government to provide the necessary facilities such as farm blocks for the people with disabilities because there are no facilities at some of the farm blocks they are talking about. I have been there.
Mr Malwa: Madam Speaker, the signing of the United Nations Convention for People Living with disabilities is on going. We have meetings once per month and it is quite enormous because it involves a number of countries.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Lubinda: Madam Speaker, on the list of farm blocks that the hon. Minister read out, I did not hear him mention Luminu Farm Block. I wonder whether that farm still belongs to people with disabilities or not.
Madam Speaker, in addition, with your permission, may I say that the figure of K450 million to K500 million per month translates to K6 billion per year as an allocation to people with disabilities. That is a colossal amount of money. For the hon. Members of the House to be put in the right perspective, can the hon. Minister indicate how much has been released, this year, so far, and when the last release to ZAPD was made to support people with disabilities?
Mr Malwa: Madam Speaker, Luminu Farm is a property for ZAPD. Therefore, on the issue of the funds, I think, we need to compile the figures and come up with an appropriate answer.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
POWER PROVISION IN ZAMBEZI WEST
336. Mr Kakoma (Zambezi West) asked the Minister of Energy and Water Development when electric power would be provided to the following places in Zambezi West Parliamentary Constituency to open them up to development:
(a) Chinyingi;
(b) Kucheka; and
(c) Chinyama Litapi.
The Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Development (Mr Mbewe): Mr Speaker, Chinyingi falls under the project package ranked No. 5 in North-Western Province in the Rural Electrification Master Plan (REMP). Chinyingi is one of the four rural growth centres (RGCs) under the project package earmarked for electrification through a grid extension in 2021 at an estimated total cost of K27 billion and the others being Liyovu, Kashona and Kakoto.
Madam Speaker, Lukunyi Rural Growth Centre, which also falls under this Project Package No. 5 will be electrified through solar home systems at an estimated cost of K2 billion. Preparation for implementing this project will be subject to the annual budget available to the Rural Electrification Authority (REA).
Madam Speaker, the other RGCs covered by the question namely, Kucheka and Chinyama Litapi do not appear under any of the project packages in the master plan. However, an assessment of the energy needs of these RGCs will be carried out and we will advise accordingly on the proposed electrification method, estimated project cost and implementation timeframe by the end of 2009.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Kakoma: Madam Speaker, it is a well established theory in development economics that you cannot develop an area without electricity. Given that this Government is telling the people of Zambezi West that the nearest project for electrification will only be undertaken in 2021,…
Laughter
Mr Kakoma: …how does the Government expect Zambezi West to develop between now and 2021?
Laughter
The Minister of Energy and Water Development (Mr Konga): Madam Speaker, the project package that will be developed in 2021 is the one ranked No. 5 in North-Western Province. I am sure we shall inform the hon. Member about other project packages earlier than Project Package No. 5 in his constituency, which will be developed earlier than 2021.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
GOVERNMENT POLICY ON SENIOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL
337. Mr Katuka (Mwinilunga East) asked the Minister of Defence what the current Government policy on senior defence personnel serving on contract was.
The Deputy Minister of Defence (Dr Kazonga): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that the Defence Act, CAP. 106 of the Laws of Zambia, Defence Force Regulation 9 (3), states that a permanent service officer who has continued to serve in the regular force shall retire from his employment in the regular force on attaining the age of fifty-five.
Regulation 9 (4) further allows the officer to continue serving in the public interest for another period not exceeding twelve months at a time until he or she attains the age of sixty.
Madam Speaker, the contracts are given to address technical gaps in the system.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Katuka: Madam Speaker, how many of the members of the senior staff are serving on contract for more than one year?
Dr Kazonga: Madam Speaker, in the Zambia Army, and in the period that the hon. Member requested for, we have a number of senior personnel serving on contract. At the level of Brigadier-General, we have seven officers, inclusive of the period 2007 and 2008. At the level of Colonel, we have ten officers, at the level of Lieutenant-Colonel, we have two officers and at the level of Major, we have three officers.
Madam Speaker, in the Zambia Air Force (ZAF), we have two Brigadier-Generals serving their second contracts, two Brigadier-Generals serving their third contracts and two more serving their fourth contracts. Therefore, as far as the question is concerned, these are the senior defence personnel that are serving on contract for the period requested for.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mrs Phiri (Munali): Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from this Government why they continue to keep old people in service at the expense of inhibiting young ones from rising to the top. We do not have a shortage of manpower in this area.
Dr Kazonga: Madam Speaker, the last part of my response indicated that these contracts also take into consideration the skills gap. Some of these people that are being targeted for retirement are so skilled that we do not have appropriate young ones to take over. Within the established legal framework, these contracts are given. We are aware that the young ones complain that they are being blocked. However, in the interest of that expertise, it is until we get other young ones to take over from them that we can retire these people. We are, however, making sure that we are within the legal framework established as I indicated.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mrs Musokotwane (Katombola): Madam Speaker, why are the contracts for a duration of one year when you could have made them a little longer? Why award them four or five contracts when you can increase the number of years for these contracts so that they only have, maybe, two or three before they completely retire?
Dr Kazonga: Madam Speaker, this Government respects laws. According to the legal framework that I referred to earlier, it establishes that we can only give a contract for twelve months at most. This is why we give the contracts in phases. We cannot go beyond thirteen months at a goal. That is the law.
I thank you, Madam.
Ms Kapata: Madam Speaker, instead of giving these people contracts, I would like the hon. Minister to tell us when his ministry will recruit new officers.
Dr Kazonga: Madam Speaker, regarding recruitments, I would like to make use of the question to indicate that, according to our budget, it is indicated which of the defence services will be recruiting. Unfortunately, the issue of senior personnel in the defence forces, which is the major thrust of this question, cannot be solved through recruitment. It is a long-term plan. However, as a short answer to her question, I will simply say that we shall recruit in accordance with what we have planned this year. When you check in the budget, you will note that the Zambia National Service (ZNS) and ZAF will recruit.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
MONTHLY GRANTS TO BASIC SCHOOLS
339. Mr D. Mwila (Chipili) (on behalf of Mr Kambwili) (Roan) asked the Minister of Education how much money, in monthly grants, was given to basic schools in the following districts in 2007:
(a) Lusaka;
(b) Kabwe;
(c) Kitwe; and
(d) Luanshya.
The Deputy Minister of Education (Mr Sinyinda): Madam Speaker, a total of K1,679,606,000 was given to basic schools in the districts above in 2007. The breakdown is as follows:
District Amount (ZMK)
Kabwe 231,865,000
Lusaka 769,004,000
Kitwe 454,898,000
Luanshya 223,839,000
Total 1,679,606,000
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mr D. Mwila: Madam Speaker, if you divide K223 million, the amount given to Luanshya for the whole year, by twelve months, you get K10 million per month. This is very little money. Are there any plans by the ministry to increase the grant?
The Minister of Education (Ms Siliya): Madam Speaker, the whole Copperbelt Province has about 898 basic schools. Therefore, you can imagine the pressure on the treasury to give support to these basic schools. We do remain committed to providing free education to primary schools. Therefore, as and when funds are available, we will try to increase the support for educational materials that we give to the schools.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Mukanga: Madam Speaker, considering the amounts of money being given as grants, how do you intend to provide quality basic education?
Ms Siliya: Madam Speaker, the provision of quality basic education is not just dependant on funds. It is dependant on a number of other issues such as well-trained teachers and a good curriculum because the core business for these schools is to impart knowledge to students. We do appreciate the limitations in terms of budgetary support. However, as the country moves forward and the economy expands, we hope that we will be able to allocate more resources to education. The first step, to commit the nation to basic education, has already been taken. Currently, we are concentrating on building as many educational infrastructures as possible. However, at the same time, this must be matched by well-trained teachers and, most of all, a good curriculum.
Therefore, Madam Speaker, while we struggle in the initial stages, it does not mean that we have lost our commitment to providing quality basic education.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Lubinda: Madam Speaker, in arriving at this answer, the hon. Minister, obviously, had to add up figures. Could I benefit from that process by being told how much, on average, was given to the schools in Lusaka in 2007?
Ms Siliya: Madam Speaker, in our response we indicated that we gave Lusaka Province about K769 million. The total number of schools in the district is about 554. If you do the computations, you will be able to come up with the figure.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
ROAD WORKS IN LUSAKA
340. Ms Kapata asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:
(a) how many roads would be worked on in Lusaka in 2009;
(b) when the works above would commence;
(c) how many of the roads in (a) above were in Mandevu Parliamentary Constituency; and
(d) how many bridges would be constructed across Ngwerere Stream in Mandevu Parliamentary Constituency.
The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Dr Puma): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform this House that eighteen roads are being worked on in Lusaka, this year, and these are: Kasama/Lilayi, Yotamu Muleya to water works, Nationalist Extension, Chibwa/ZIPAS, Mosi-O-Tunya Extension, Buluwe, Off Buluwe, Shantumbu, Ibex Hill Main, Twin Palm Extension, Ibex Hill/Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe/Tina School, Ibex Hill/Chainda/ Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, Mwingwi, Zingalume/Twikatane, Kasupe, Njolwe, Airport and Kasisi. The works are currently in progress.
Madam Speaker, there are no roads being worked on in Mandevu Parliamentary Constituency. However, Kabanana/Chazanga Road is pending tender processing.
Madam, drainage works, using disaster management funds, are being carried out in Chazanga, Garden and Luangwa compounds at the cost of K52,560,000. On going works in Mandevu Parliamentary Constituency include the construction of four culvets in Chipata main, construction of five footbridges across Ngwerere Stream in Garden Willy Kit and Ng’ombe at the cost of K533,546,640 and construction of three foot bridges in Kabanana and Chazanga at the cost of K670,384,880. Therefore, a total of eight footbridges will be constructed in Mandevu Parliamentary Constituency with five bridges being specifically constructed on Ngwerere Stream.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Ms Kapata: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for mentioning that some of my roads are now going through the tender procedure. However, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister, because I have spent K1.2 billion from my Constituency Development Fund (CDF), to construct the mentioned bridges.
Interruptions
Ms Kapata: Yes! I can explain…
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! Hon. Member, do not start responding. Ask your follow up question.
Ms Kapata: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank you for that protection.
Laughter
Ms Kapata: I have, so far, spent K1.2 billion and out of twenty-seven bridges, I have only managed to work on five bridges. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what this Government is going to do to assist me to work on the other five bridges across Ngwerere Stream since I have made an effort and I have already spent last year’s CDF and this year’s.
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Dr Puma: Madam Speaker, it should be noted that, actually, CDF is money from the Government.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Dr Puma: My ministry released that money to be used in Mandevu Parliamentary Constituency. Therefore, it should not be interpreted as if the area hon. Member of Parliament got that money from her pocket because that is Government money. If the money was allocated to bridges, it is a good thing and we should continue that way.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Ntundu: Madam Speaker, I have noticed a bit of works going on the gravel road from Woodlands to Chalala housing. I would like to find out whether the hon. Minister deliberately did not want to mention the road or, maybe, it is a private person who is working on it.
Dr Puma: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member has just attested to the fact that this Government is, actually, doing a lot of projects that are on going.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Dr Puma: On of those is the one he is talking about. In fact, the list that I have mentioned is not exhaustive because there are many other roads that we are working on.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mrs Phiri (Munali): Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Local Government and Housing is aware that Lusaka has run out of burial sites. There has been a request made, through the RDA and the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, to have the road leading to the cemetery in Chamba Valley worked on. These grave sites are going to be given to our poor people who cannot afford the private burial sites of K5 million per grave. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister why that road has not been viewed as a priority because we are now burying anyhow.
Dr Puma: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member who has just asked this question is a councillor under Lusaka City Council. This road is expected to be done through the budgets done by Lusaka City Council. Therefore, if the hon. Member looks at this road as number one priority, she should implore and ensure that other councillors view it as a priority and put it in the plan so that it can be worked on.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Lubinda: Madam Speaker, Kasama Road, Yotamu Muleya Extension, Nationalist Road, Musi-O-Tunya Extension, Shantumbu Road and ZIPAS Road are all in Kabwata Parliamentary Constituency. These are roads for which K32.4 billion was allocated in 2008. When responding to a similar question, last week, the hon. Minister spoke about the rate at which revenue is being collected by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) as affecting the execution of roads such as these that I have mentioned.
Madam Speaker, this morning, I raised a question to His Honour the Vice-President who wanted to me to and speak to him about these roads.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Ask your question.
Mr Lubinda: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has indicated that work on these roads is on going. In view of that fact that the hon. Minister responsible for ensuring that these roads are supervised, would he like to clarify whether, indeed, work is on going on these six roads in Kabwata Constituency and why he has not informed His Honour the Vice-President…
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr Lubinda:…so that the Vice-President is aware that there is no work taking place on these six roads of the noble people of Kabwata.
Dr Puma: Madam Speaker, I would like to encourage the hon. Member to come to the office so that we give him more details of what is going on pertaining to these roads. You cannot get detail just by asking on the Floor of the House. If you want more detail on specific roads that have been planned to be worked on and that are being worked on, come to the office so that we can have a discussion. Thereafter, you are going to have information that is relevant to your situation.
I thank You, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}
CONTROL OF HIGH COST OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN ZAMBIA
341. Mr Mwango (Kanchibiya) asked the Minister of Communications and Transport what plans the Government had for controlling the high cost of public transport in Zambia.
The Deputy Minister of Communications and Transport (Mr Mubika): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that in line with the policy objective for road transport as enshrined in the 2002 Transport Policy for the Republic of Zambia, the Ministry of Communications and Transport (MCT), through the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), ensures that the road transport pricing system is determined by market forces.
In order for market forces to have an impact, my ministry, through RTSA, endeavours to create an enabling environment that will attract both local and foreign private investment aimed at developing the road transport industry. As a result, my ministry, through RTSA, encourages investors to provide value added services in the road transport industry which will encourage differentiation among operators. These strategies discourage collusion among the many players in the sector.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Mwenya: Madam Speaker, transport in this country has become very expensive, especially after the numerous job losses resulting into high levels of unemployment. What is the Government doing to provide an alternative cheaper mode of transport for our people?
Mr Mubika: Madam Speaker, the transport system in our country is liberalised. That is why we are encouraging the private investors, both local and foreign, to come on board and invest. This is what is going to determine the price factor.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
KAMWENDO SCHOOL IN MFUWE
342. Mr D. Mwila (Chipili) (on behalf of Mr Malama (Mfuwe) asked the Minister of Education:
(a) how often educational authorities visited Kamwendo School in Mfuwe Parliamentary Constituency;
(b) when classroom blocks and teachers’ houses would be constructed at this school;
(c) what the total establishment of teachers at the school above was; and
(d) of the total establishment, how many positions had been vacant as of 31st January, 2009.
The Deputy Minister of Education (Mr Sinyinda): Madam Speaker, normally, education authorities visit Kamwendo School, at least, once per year. However, the visits may be more depending on the circumstances prevailing.
Classroom blocks and teachers’ houses will be constructed when funds are made available.
The school establishment is twelve teachers, but the school has seven teachers and the number of vacant positions as at 31st January, 2009 was five.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr D. Mwila: Madam Speaker, in 2008, there were funds that were allocated to Mfuwe Constituency to construct teachers’ houses, but were under funded. As a result, the houses have not been completed. When is the ministry going to send the money so that these houses are completed?
Mr Sinyinda: Madam Speaker, usually, plans come from the school or the district. However, I wish to inform the hon. Member that we have just released K86 billion to all the districts in the country. Therefore, it is up to the district to ensure that the houses are completed looking at the money that is available in the district.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Kapeya (Mpika Central): Madam Speaker, currently, most basic schools have been rehabilitated countrywide. What has been the problem with Kamwendo School? Why has it been left out?
Mr Sinyinda: Madam Speaker, as I have already stated, usually, it is the district that plans for any rehabilitation projects. Therefore, the school should submit its plans to the district which will submit to the province and there after to the national headquarters. It is up to the district to ensure that this school is completed.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
EXTENSION OF PROJECT PROPOSAL WRITING SKILLS
343. Mrs Musokotwane (Katombola) asked the Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development when the training in project proposal writing skills would be extended to the youths in rural areas.
The Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development (Dr Kalila): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that my ministry has not conducted any exclusive project proposal writing skills training for the youths.
However, my ministry operates sixteen youth resource centres where courses in entrepreneurship skills tailored to the demands of the local communities are taught. In these centres, basic skills in project proposal formulation are taught to students in order to enable them acquire knowledge on how to source financial resources or look for partnerships. This will, thereby, enable them to engage in sustainable and gainful employment within and outside their communities.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
PROGRAMMES IMPLEMENTED AFTER THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR INVESTMENT PROGRAMME
344. Mr Kasongo (Bangweulu) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives:
(a) what agricultural programmes had been implemented after the Agricultural Sector Investment Programme (ASIP);
(b) what rural finance institutions existed to support disadvantaged farmers; and
(c) what appropriate agricultural credit schemes for crops other than maize existed with the support of the Ministry.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives (Mr Kalenga): Madam Speaker, after the Agricultural Sector Investment Programme (ASIP), the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives (MACO) has been implementing prioritised programmes for the agricultural sector within the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP) and we have nine programmes as shown below:
S/No Programmes Objectives
1 Irrigation development and Support To promote a well-regulated and profitable sub-sector that is attracted to both the public and private sectors.
2. Agricultural Infrastructure and Land To enhance the improvement of
Development agricultural infrastructure and land for sustainable production and productivity.
3. Livestock Development To improve the productivity efficiency of the livestock sector in a sustainable manner and support the marketing of both livestock and livestock products and contribute to food security and increased income.
4. Agricultural Services and To provide appropriate, efficient
Technology Development and effective technology development and transfer services in order to assist farmers increase agricultural production and productivity.
5. Fisheries Development To increase fish production and promote sustainable utilisation of fisheries resources thereby contributing to the economy through the generation of employment, income and improved availability of fish.
6. Policy Coordination and management To formulate and implement appropriate, gender sensitive strategies through multi-sectoral and co-ordinated interventions with a focus on increased food security and economic growth
7. Agricultural Marketing, Trade
and Agribusiness Development To promote the development of a competitive, efficient and transparent public and private sector driven marketing system for agricultural commodities and inputs.
8. Co-operatives Development To create an enabling environment for the development co-operatives and other farmer organisations that will contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction.
9. Human Resource Development To provide skilled human resource for the agricultural sector through capacity building, and addressing issues of HIV and AIDS and gender, in order to increase the sector’s production and productivity.
Besides the above, the Ministry of Agriculture and co-operatives has also been implementing specific donor-funded programmes. The list is lengthy and I wish to lay it on the Table.
Madam, there is a rural finance programme under the Ministry of Finance and National Planning funded by the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) which is assisting to support disadvantaged farmers in the country under the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives.
Under the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives, there are revolving funds run as outgrower schemes, offering agricultural credit for the following crops:
(i) tobacco (managed by the Tobacco Board of Zambia);
(ii) cotton (managed by the Cotton Development Trust); and
(iii) coffee (managed by the Coffee Board).
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Kalenga laid the paper on the Table.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Kasongo: Madam Speaker, previously, the Rural Investment Fund (RIF) used to assist small-scale farmers in our country to produce more food. Is the ministry intending to revive this important fund so that the peasant farmers will be able to access finance in order to increase their food production?
Dr Chituwo: Madam Speaker, I wish to acknowledge that, indeed, the RIF was very useful to the small-scale farmers. We intend to revive it and, in fact, on the 5th of August, 2009, there will be a launch using the Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) to focus on rural investment financing.
Madam, one of the challenges that we still face concerns the poor repayment culture in the country. We hope this can be improved so that these programmes can be sustainable.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
SINKING OF BOREHOLES IN ZAMBEZI WEST
345. Mr Kakoma (Zambezi West) asked the Minister of Energy and Water Development:
(a) whether the Government had any plans to sink boreholes in Zambezi West Parliamentary Constituency;
(b) what the total number of boreholes required to provide adequate safe and clean drinking water in the constituency was;
(c) what the total cost of providing this number of boreholes was; and
(d) why the number of boreholes in the constituency was low.
The Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Development (Ms Lundwe): Madam Speaker, the Government has plans, through my ministry, to construct two water points at Chief Kucheka and Chinyama’s palaces in Zambezi West Bank this year. Further, it also has plans to rehabilitate five water points at Kazimana …
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Business was suspended from 1045 hours until 1100 hours.
[MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]
Ms Lundwe: Madam Speaker, when business was suspended, I was saying that the Government has plans, through my ministry, to construct two water points at Chief Kucheka and Chinyama’s palaces in Zambezi West Bank this year. Further, the ministry also has plans to rehabilitate five water points at Kazimana Village, Mwakanga Village, Mize Rural Health Centre, Mize Guest House and Kashona Basic School.
A total number of 170 boreholes are required to provide adequate, safe and clean drinking water in the constituency. The total cost of providing 170 boreholes is estimated at K5.1 billion.
The number of boreholes in the constituency is low because of the difficulties in accessing various areas due to poor bridges which cannot handle the heavy duty loads from the drilling rigs and compressors. In addition, the soil in the area requires the use of heavy duty 4x4 trucks.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Kakoma: Madam Speaker, my question was very specific. I was asking about boreholes, but the hon. Minister is talking about water points which could be shallow wells. I do not need shallow wells. What plans does the Government have to sink boreholes in Zambezi West Constituency? Given that they are also saying that there are no bridges and the …
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! You have asked your follow-up question.
Ms Lundwe: Madam Speaker, I stated that we are encountering problems accessing certain areas in his constituency because of the poor bridges there. I, also, said that the soils is not ideal for heavy duty vehicles such us drilling rigs and compressors. That is why we are concentrating on constructing water wells.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu (Monze): Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister confirming that they will not drill any boreholes in Zambezi West as long as the terrain is bad and there are no bridges and roads and that the people of Zambezi West will continue suffering under this Government?
Ms Lundwe: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Monze must bear with the ministry. It is not our fault because we have problems getting into those areas. The drilling rigs are heavy duty equipment which cannot enter those areas. As a result, we are trying our best by providing them alternative water facilities.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Sing’ombe: Madam Speaker, could the hon. Minister confirm that it is the Ministry of Works and Supply which is responsible for the failure to access Zambezi West in order to sink boreholes there.
Ms Lundwe: Madam Speaker, I cannot confirm that because, as a Government, we are trying our level best. However, in future, when resources are available, the Ministry of Works and Supply will work on the roads. As at now, we have difficulties accessing the areas in question.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
TARRING OF UMUTOMBOKO CEREMONY ARENA
346. Mr D. Mwila asked the Minister of Works and Supply:
(a) when the Government would tar the Umutomboko Ceremony Arena in Mwansabombwe; and
(b) how much money was required for this exercise.
Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, the tarring of the Umutomboko Ceremony Arena is the responsibility of the Kawambwa District Council, which has been appointed as the road authority for the feeder roads in the district.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Ndalamei: The road authority will decide, according to its priorities, when the tarring of the Umutomboko Ceremony Arena should be included in the budget subject to the availability of funds.
However, Madam Speaker, the estimated cost for carrying out and completing the tarring of the Umutomboko Ceremony Arena is K1.6 billion.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Lubinda: Madam Speaker, Kabwata Constituency also has people who observe the Umutomboko Ceremony and are interested in this question.
Madam, is the hon. Minister aware that the cultural policy of the Government states very clearly that ceremonies such as the Umutomboko and the facilities that go with them are the responsibility of the Central Government and not local authorities? If he is, could he, please, state when the Central Government will provide a suitable and sustainable arena for the Umutomboko Ceremony?
Mr Mulongoti: Madam Speaker, for the benefit of this Kabwata resident, …
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: … I wish to state that we have made it easier for people to travel to the Umutomboko Ceremony by grading the Pedicle Road and building a bridge on the Luapula River.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mulongoti: We have also proceeded to repair the road from Mansa to Mbereshi on the way to Kashikishi. Therefore, those who are going there will have very little difficulties as they travel. We have also been working very closely with Mwata Kazembe in grading the roads in that area. If the hon. Member who asked this question is travelling, he will be amazed to see what we have done to prepare the area for the Umutomboko Ceremony. I hope you will find time to travel there, honourable, and carry this gentleman with you so that he can benefit from our …
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! He has already finished.
Laughter
Dr Machungwa: Madam Speaker, arising from the hon. Minister’s reply …
Mr Lubinda: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.
Madam Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Lubinda: Madam Speaker, I apologise to Hon. Dr Machungwa for disturbing his question.
Madam, it is only, last week, that you made a ruling that nobody must be referred to as ‘gentleman’ in this House.
Laughter
Mr Lubinda: Is that hon. Minister there, who has been referred to by his friend in many forms, in order to ignore the ruling that the Chair, very graciously, made last week for the information of all of those here, who have ears to hear? Is he in order, Madam Speaker, to refer to me as, ‘that gentleman’?
Laughter
Hon. Government Member: Chakubaba.
Madam Deputy Speaker: My very serious ruling is that, indeed, we only have hon. Members who do not point fingers in the House.
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: Take that into consideration.
May the hon. Member for Luapula continue, please.
Dr Machungwa: Madam Speaker, before the point of order was raised, I was asking a question based on what the hon. Minister had said about the Government having repaired the road infrastructure going towards the Umutomboko Ceremony Arena, which is important for encouraging local and international tourism. However, when is he going to come here and tell us when he will begin tarring the Pedicle Road?
Mr Mulongoti: Madam Speaker, we are a working Government. The consultations that we had with our sister republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, were that we can proceed to tar the road. After we have done that, we can put toll gates on the road in order to recover the cost. As far as they are concerned, this road is not a priority for them. We are committed to tarring that road for the simple reason that it will make it faster for people in that area to travel. We would like people to travel from Lusaka through the Copperbelt through the Pedicle Road to Mansa on the way to Ilunga/Kasama. Hopefully, we are also going to tar the road from Mbala to Nakonde. Therefore, we are seriously considering undertaking that project.
In any case, we are also enticing the private sector so that the road can be tarred using a public private partnership (PPP). In fact, yesterday afternoon, I was discussing the matter with an investor who came to see me here at Parliament Buildings. We are grateful for the private sector’s response to the Government’s request that we partner together and work on the roads. Therefore, I can assure the hon. Member that we are anxious to do the Pedicle Road because we cannot build such a beautiful bridge and not tar the road. Definitely, we are going to tar it at an appropriate time.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Mukanga: Madam Speaker, year after year, a lot of money is spent trying to bring the arena to acceptable standards. The Umutomboko Ceremony is not just a traditional ceremony, but also attracts a lot of international tourists. Therefore, I would like to find out what this Government is doing to ensure that the structures around the arena are made permanent.
Mr Mulongoti: Madam Speaker, I do not know his origin, …
Laughter
Hon. Government Members: Mu Congolee.
Mr Mulongoti: … but, as a Zambian, …
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! Yes, he is a Zambian.
Mr Mulongoti: … I know that traditional ceremonies are promoted by the local people who must take pride in them. Therefore, the Government moves in to supplement the efforts of the locals. If you want to build permanent structures in the arena where your ceremony takes place, surely, we would encourage you to do that unless you do not belong there.
Hon. Mukanga was talking.
Mr Mulongoti: Hon. Mukanga, can you, please, listen.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: That is why I have doubts about why you asked that question. I do not think you are one of us.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! The hon. Minster is straying into other areas.
Laughter
MULONGA WATER AND SEWERAGE COMPANY
347. Dr Katema (Chingola) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing when the Government would assist Mulonga Water and Sewerage Company secure a loan at a concessional rate from the African Development Bank (ADB) to enable the Company overhaul the water reticulation system in Chingola.
Dr Puma remained seated.
Madam Deputy Speaker: The hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing.
Mr Lubinda: Dr Puma.
Laughter
Dr Puma: Madam Speaker, the Government has not yet approached ADB for possible support in this area. However, the Government, through my ministry, has initiated the development of the National Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Programme (NUWSSP) which is envisaged to be operated on a basket funding mechanism which will be supported by various donor agencies, including ADB. It is hoped that urban water and sanitation interventions in the country, through the basket funding mechanism, will also consider Chingola as one of the towns to be helped when funds are available.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Dr Katema: Madam Speaker, I would like to find out if the hon. Minister is aware that under the arrangement of basket funding which he has talked about, only three wards are benefiting. The whole sewerage system in the district has collapsed. When is money going to be available in order to overhaul the whole system?
Dr Puma: Madam Speaker, it is good that the hon. member has attested to the fact that there is some work being done and when money is available, the Government will consider extending the programme to the areas mentioned.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Lubinda: Madam Speaker, I wonder whether the hon. Minister is aware that some Government departments in Chingola owe Mulonga Water and Sewerage Company huge amounts of money. When will his ministry encourage the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to liquidate those debts so that the water and sewerage company can have some money to undertake the work of overhauling its water reticulation system?
Dr Puma: Madam Speaker, as a ministry, we have always been appealing to Government institutions to ensure that they settle their water bills on time. For the water utility companies to operate efficiently, they need this revenue. We encourage local authorities to pursue Government institutions that receive funding directly from the Government in form of grants to make sure that they pay their bills. As for institutions that receive funding from the central Government, like police camps and so on and so forth, we encourage the local authorities to bring the issues concerning the bills to our attention so that we can take up these issues with the Ministry of Finance and National Planning in order to ensure that this money is paid.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.{mospagebreak}
ELECTRIFICATION OF KABUSHI TOWNSHIP
349. Mr Msichili (Kabushi) asked the Minister of Energy and Water Development when the electrification of Kabushi township which stalled after the 2006 general elections would be completed.
The Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Development (Mr Mbewe): Madam Speaker, the electrification of Kaushi …
Hon. Members: It is Kabushi.
Mr Mbewe: It depends where you come from.
Laughter
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
Mr Mbewe: Madam Speaker, the electrification of Kabushi township is part of the programme in the Copperbelt region under the Increased Access to Electricity Services (IAES) project funded by the World Bank. The other projects that will be implemented in the Copperbelt Province under this programme include Chipulukusu, Chibolya and New Kawama at a total cost of K21 billion. The Government of the Republic of Zambia signed a financing agreement with the World Bank for implementing these projects on 21st October, 2008 and the credit became effective on 19th February, 2009. The implementing agent for Kabushi township, Chipulukusu, Chibolya and New Kawama projects is the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO). Procurement activities following World Bank guidelines started, this year, and the works are expected to be completed by 2012
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Msichili: Madam Speaker, the last time I went to the Ministry of Energy and Water Development, I was told that the project to electrify Kabushi had stalled because it was under the Rural Electrification Programme and Kabushi is not a rural area. Now, why was Kabushi identified as a rural area, in the first place, when it is not and what action has been taken against the people who made this identification?
Mr Mbewe: Madam Speaker, I think, my answer very clearly explained that the World Bank has taken up this project. I have not said that the electrification of Kabushi is under the Rural Electrification Programme. There is no evidence that what the hon. Member is telling us is valid.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Mukanga (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, Kabushi has been in existence from the 1950s because I know that Hon. Mulongoti and Hon. Machungwa came from there. I would like to find out why it has taken very long for this Government to think of electrifying Kabushi when Lubuto which came into existence in the 1970s has electricity.
Mr Mbewe: Madam Speaker, ours is a working Government and I am very happy that the hon. Member appreciates the fact that we have now started electrifying Kabushi which has been without electricity for a long time. I appreciate that the hon. Member is appreciating our services.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Interruptions
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!
THEFT OF FERTILISER
350. Mr Tembo (Nyimba) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives:
(a) how many cases of theft of fertiliser were reported during the 2008/2009 Planting Season countrywide;
(b) how many districts were affected by the thefts at (a); and
(c) how much money was involved in the theft cases above.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives (Mr Kalenga): Madam Speaker, during the 2008/2009 Planting Season, eleven cases of theft of fertiliser were reported countrywide. These are broken down as follows:
Province Number of theft cases
Southern 4
Copperbelt 1
Central 1
Eastern 2
North-Western 1
Western 1
Northern 1
Lusaka 0
As regards (b), eleven districts were affected by the thefts mentioned in (a).
S/N DISTRICT
1 Mazabuka
2 Kalomo
2 Choma
3 Monze
4 Chililabombwe
5 Mkushi
6 Nyimba
7 Mambwe
8 Solwezi
9 Kaoma
10 Luwingu
As regards (c), an estimated K659,033,550 was involved in the above cases as broken down below:
District amount involved (K)
Mazabuka 13,890,000
Kalomo 33,000,000
Choma 4,476,000
Monze 32,800,000
Chililabombwe Amount not known since it was handled by Nyiombo Investments and involved the courts.
Mkushi 2,450,000
Nyimba 21,477,400
Mambwe 431,333,350
Solwezi 41,200,000
Kaoma 68,406,800
Luwingu 10,000,000
Mr F. R. Tembo: Madam Speaker, looking at the rampant theft of fertiliser in the districts, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister the security measures he has put in place to stop the increase in the theft of fertiliser in the next coming season?
Mr Kalenga: Madam Speaker, at the moment, we have a committee of ministers which is trying to review the composition of district agricultural committees so that they can be strengthened and the loopholes in the delivery of fertiliser to the farmers can be sealed.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Hachipuka: Madam Speaker, are the figures that have been tabulated by the hon. Minister based on subsidised rates or the actual cost of a bag of fertiliser in a shop?
Dr Machungwa: On a point of order, Madam!
Madam Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Dr Machungwa: Madam Speaker, I rise on a very serious point of order. I will refer to the Post newspaper in my point of order. Is the Government and, particularly, Hon. Dr Katele Kalumba, National Secretary for the Ruling Party and his counterpart Hon. Mabenga in order to allow one of their members to state that and I wish to quote:
“Professor Chirwa said ministerial positions were being given to people who could not read, write or even carry out comprehensive debates in Parliament and to the outside world.”
Is it, really, in order for this man who is a party cadre in his party to bring the dignity of this House down when, in fact, hon. ministers can read ministerial statements in here and debate ably? Are they in order not to take disciplinary action against one of their members who is bringing the reputation of this House down? I beg for your serious ruling and I wish to lay this paper on the Table.
Dr Machungwa laid the paper on the Table.
Madam Deputy Speaker: The point of order that has been raised based on a newspaper article does, indeed, refer to hon. Ministers. The hon. Member has brought the issue to the attention of the authority. It is dangerous for anybody outside this House to lower the dignity of this House in as far as reference to the debates in the House is concerned. This House has elected hon. Members who are seen as leaders who are very capable of debating in the House.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Madam Deputy Speaker: Therefore, as much as the party referred to may choose not to take action, this House will not take kindly to people that bring the membership of this House into question because its members are elected. It is not in order and must not be allowed. Any member of the public who may also desire to come here should not start by destroying the House. I make it clear that this House is full of hon. Members capable of reading and debating.
For now, we will leave him with his politics because he is an outsider.
May the hon. Member for Mbabala continue.
Mr Hachipuka: I think I delivered my question. What value is the hon. Minister referring to? Is it the subsidised or the open market value of fertiliser that he referred to when talking about the thefts in various districts and depots?
Mr Kalenga: Madam Speaker, the values that I am quoting are costs of subsidised fertiliser by the Government.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Singombe: Madam Speaker, out of the eleven cases that the hon. Minister has mentioned, how many of those were taken to court?
Mr Kalenga: Madam Speaker, there are eleven cases of Sefuti, but I cannot confirm, …
Hon. Opposition Members: Sefuti!
Laughter
Mr Kalenga: … pronunciation depends on which school you went to.
Laughter
Mr Kalenga: I cannot confirm how many of those theft cases were taken to court. I need to check the records at the ministry.
I thank you, Madam.
_____
MOTION
ADJOURNMENT
The Vice-President and Minister of Justice (Mr Kunda): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.
Question put and agreed to.
___________
The House adjourned at 1133 hours until 1430 on Tuesday, 28th July, 2009
_______
WRITTEN REPLIES TO QUESTIONS
BILATERAL AND MULTILATERAL LENDING INSTITUTIONS
338. Mr Chisala (Chilubi) asked the Minister of Finance and National Planning:
(a) from which bilateral and multilateral lending institutions the country had most frequently been borrowing since 2002; and
(b) what the current external debt stock of the country was.
The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane): Madam Speaker, the Government of Zambia borrows from bilateral and multilateral lending institutions. During the period January 2002 to June 2009, the most frequent bilateral lending institutions from which the Government borrowed were the Export-Import Bank of China and the Kuwait Fund for Africa Economic Development. In the case of the multilateral lending institutions, the Government borrowed from the African Development Bank/Fund, International Development Association of the World Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa.
Madam Speaker, Zambia’s external debt stock as at 30th June, 2009 was US$1,153,169,590 equivalent to K5,881,164,910,683 at the exchange rate of K5,100 per US dollar. This position represents a stock reduction of US$65,578,244 from the ended December, 2008 position.
PROVISION OF A GRINDING MILL TO KAMWENDO VILLAGE
348. Mr Malama (Mfuwe) asked the Minister of Community Development and Social Services when the Ministry would provide a grinding mill to Kamwendo Village so as to lessen the suffering of the villagers in that respect.
The Minister of Community Development and Social Services (Mr Kaingu): Madam Speaker, the ministry does not have money in this year’s budget to procure hammer mills for vulnerable people countrywide. In future, if funding permits, a programme in this regard will be introduced at a later time. However, the ministry has a number of programmes being implemented in Mpika District that can assist the people of Kamwendo village under the department of community development such as:
(a) Food Security Pack Programme;
(b) Women Development Programme;
(c) Community Self-help Programme; and
(d) Ichengelo Mission Home-craft Training Centre
I thank you, Madam Speaker.