DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE THIRD SESSION OF THE TENTH ASSEMBLY

Friday, 17th July, 2009

The House met at 0900 hours

[MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

_______

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

The Minister of Defence (Dr Mwansa): Madam Speaker, I rise to give the House some idea of the business it will consider next week.

On Tuesday, 21st 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 may consider any other business that may have been presented before it.

On Wednesday, 22nd July, 2009, the Business of the House will commence with Questions, if there will be any. After that, there will be Presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. This will be followed by a Private Member’s Motion to be moved by the Hon. Member for Kasama Central, Dr Chishimba, MP, on Development of National Policy to Promote Indigenous Scientific Knowledge.

Madam Speaker, on Thursday, 23rd 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 any other business that may have been presented before it previously.

On Friday, 24th 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. The House will then consider any other business that may have been presented to it the previous week.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

__________

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

CONNECTION OF CHASEFU CONSTITUENCY TO THE MALAWIAN GRID

 255. Mr C. K. B. Banda (Chasefu) asked the Minister of Energy and Water Development when the following growth centres in Chasefu Parliamentary Constituency would be connected to the Malawian electricity grid:

(a) Emusa;

(b) Munyukwa;

(c) Chasefu;

(d) Mwata; and

(e) Egichikeni.

The Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Development (Mr Mbewe): Madam Speaker, the Rural Growth Centres (RGCs) mentioned above are included in the following project packages in the Rural Electrification Master Plan (REMP). There are twenty-five packages for Eastern Province.

Madam Speaker, Emusa, Egichikeni and Munyukwa are in the project package ranked  seventeen and are earmarked for implementation through grid extension in 2016 at an estimated cost of K42 billion.

Madam Speaker, Chasefu is in a project package ranked fourteen and earmarked for implementation through the grid extension in 2014 at an estimated cost of K14 billion.

Mwata is in a project package ranked six while the other RGCs in this package are Mwase and Sikatengwa. This project package is one of the thirteen project packages selected for REMP to be funded by the Government of Japan at a total cost of K14 billion. The procurement procedures, in accordance with Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA) guidelines, to engage consultants and contractors to implement these projects have started and it is expected that they could be completed by 2014.

Madam, the above cost estimates are based on both the extension of the grid from Lundazi Substation to the project area and provision of solar home systems. We shall continue to determine whether connection of these RGCs to the Malawian grid would be a more cost effective alternative considering that the RGCs are near the Malawian Border.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr C. K. B. Banda: Madam Speaker, may the hon. Minister explain to the House the reasons that compelled the by passing of Chasefu Constituency which is between Chama South Constituency and Lundazi Central Constituency which have electricity. Chasefu Constituency is the only constituency which has not been connected and is it very close to the point in Malawi where power that has connected Chama and Mwase has been sourced.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister of Energy and Water Development (Mr Konga): Madam Speaker, there are two major determinants of how these projects are packaged. These are the Economic Rate of Return (ERR) and the Internal Rate of Return (IRR).

Mr Kambwili interrupted.

Mr Konga: Madam, going by the determination of the consultants on these two factors, these projects are packaged and when electricity to these areas will be connected is determined. Therefore, I would like to assure the hon. Member that this notwithstanding, effort is being undertaken to quickly connect all remaining areas to either the Zambian Grid itself and, where possible, to neighbouring grids in the region.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka): Madam Speaker, could the hon. Minister tell us, exactly, what economic factors exist in Lundazi as well as in Chama that do not exist in Chasefu that have compelled them to by pass Chasefu. This way we can understand, exactly, what he is talking about.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Konga: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for that follow up question.

I would like to inform the hon. Member that while Chasefu is a constituency, both Chama and Lundazi constituencies have district Status. Therefore, their economic rate of return is higher than Chasefu.

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Mwamba (Lukashya): Madam Speaker, I would like to find out why this Government likes implementing such important projects selectively.

Mr Konga: Madam Speaker, it is not that the Government implements these projects selectively.

Interruptions

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!

Mr Konga: This country has only got access source of electrification of about 25 per cent. As for the rural areas, it is as low as 3 per cent. Geographically, Zambia is also an expansively wide country. The grid runs from the South to the Copperbelt. Most of the outlying areas are far off the grid. To expect to electrify the remaining 75 per cent at the same time, will not be realistic. Therefore, to avoid haphazard connection of electrification projects, the Government, through the Rural Electrification Authority (REA), came up with this plan which was distributed to all hon. Members of Parliament in 2007 for them to consult with their electorates and other stakeholders in their constituencies. This was to see how projects in those various constituencies could be electrified. Based on the information which hon. Members submitted, that is how these projects are lined up for implementation right now. As we have said, we cannot do all these projects in one year. The financial resources are insufficient because Parliament is the one which proposes these resources. Therefore, to achieve this, there must some system which must be followed and that is the system which we have to explain in this House every time.

 Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muyanda (Sinazongwe): Madam Speaker, I remember very well in the 9th Session when the former hon. Member of Parliament, General Zulu, used to sit exactly where I am seated. There was a Government assurance that Chasefu Parliamentary Constituency would be electrified. This assurance was extended to Chief Mwanya’s palace and village. Why are you disappointing Chief Mwanya? May I know.

Laughter

Mr Konga: Madam Speaker, it is still the intention of the Government to electrify Chasefu Constituency and Chief Mwanya’s Palace.

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr D. Mwila (Chipili): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has to be truthful. The hon. Minister has just informed this House that Lundazi and Chama have been electrified because they are districts. Since Lumezi is not a Boma, but it has been electrified, can the hon. Minister tell us why Chasefu has been left out?

Mr C. K. B. Banda. SC: Hear, hear!

Mr Konga: Madam Speaker, I think I have already answered that question.

Hon. Members: No!

Mr Konga: The basis for electrification is the economic rate of return and the internal rate of return. There are different packages throughout the country. I would just like to appeal to hon. Members that it is not attainable to electrify all the constituencies at one time. Every year and month, programmes that have been agreed upon with hon. Members, according to the information submitted by them, is how REMP has been compiled.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kambwili: Question!

NUMBER OF RETIRED HEALTH WORKERS BETWEEN 2005 TO 2008

256. Mr Chisala (Chilubi) asked the Minister of Health how many health workers retired from the ministry from 2005 to 2008 in the following categories:

(a) medical practitioners;

(b) clinical officers;

(c) environmental health technicians; and

(d) registered nurses.

The Deputy Minister of Health (Mr Akakandelwa): Madam Speaker, I would like to inform the House as follows:

 Category    Number

 Medical Practioners   09
 
Clinical Officers   62
 
Environmental Health Technicians  22
 
Registered Nurses   307

 I thank you Madam Speaker.

Mr Chisala: Madam Speaker, in January, this year, nineteen untrained staff were laid off from the Ministry of Health in Chilubi District to the extent that most of the health institutions were left paralysed. How does the Government intend to save the lives of the people of Chilubi?

Mr Akakandelwa: Madam Speaker, the health workers the hon. Member is referring to were, indeed, classified daily employees. There is since a programme to re-instate them because we are aware that the health workforce is at almost 50 per cent. Therefore, the reinstatement issue has been considered. In fact, these workers have been reinstated in a number of provinces. Beyond that, the ministry is on a training programme for nurses, midwives and other health workers because we realise the need to equip all these medical facilities in terms of human resource.

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chongo (Mwense): Madam Speaker, we have been told, in this House and out side, by this Government that the Ministry of Health is unable to recruit a sufficient number of personnel because they do not have trained people out there. Is there a plan by which the ministry can consider extending the contracts of those that are retiring so that there is no inadequacy in our hospitals and clinics.

Madam Speaker: Order! Before the hon. Minister answers, can we have some order in my left hand corner? It is not easy for the Chair to follow the proceedings of the debate of other hon. Members if you choose to freely and loudly consult.

The Minister of Health (Mr Simbao): I would like to thank the hon. Member for that constructive question.

Madam Speaker, contracts are being offered even now. In most cases, most of the people that are retiring do not want to take up the contracts, maybe, because they feel that they are tired. We do not know the reason behind this. However, the offer still stands as when we made last time to those who have retired and want to be re-engaged. So, contracts are still being offered.

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mwansa (Chifunabuli): One of the ways of ensuring that we have adequate manpower in the health sector is to train as much staff as we can in the country. What programme is the Government putting in place to ensure that we produce more than we require in terms of manpower for our health sector?

Mr Simbao: Madam Speaker, at the moment, we are considering starting a medical school at the Ndola Central Hospital and this has reached quite an advanced stage. There are people who are willing to assist us with consultancy which they think is very possible. We hope that this school can be initiated by 2011.

We also want to start a nursing school at Chitambo Hospital. There used to be a nursing school before and so it is not a new situation. It was closed along the way, but we are considering reopening it. We are looking at all places where we can reinitiate training.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Zulu (Bwana Mkubwa): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister, in his answer, mentioned that some retired medical officers and nurses do not want to work on contract. I would like to find who is supposed to pay these nurses and medical officers when they go back to work on contract? Is it the hospitals or do you put them back on the payroll? This is because some nurses who have come back on contract at the Ndola Central Hospital are not paid by the Government.

Mr Simbao: Madam Speaker, this depends on who contracts the nurses. As a Government, we have extended a hand of welcome to all those who want to be reengaged. We are going to contract the nurses and so they have to be paid by the Government. However, in the past, hospitals like the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) have been contracting nurses on their own. This means that these nurses have been paid by the hospital’s generated income from the fee-paying system. Therefore, there are two types of contracts here. The nurses that are contracted by the Government have to be paid by the Government and the ones that are contracted by the hospitals are paid by the hospitals.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Simuusa (Nchanga): Madam Speaker, looking at the numbers that have been given, which are quite high and I am sure there are other attritions which have not been given, may I know from the hon. Minister, what the status in the country is in terms of employment between establishment and the actual percentage in health institutions?

Mr Simbao: Madam Speaker, we have always said that we are at 50 per cent. That is where we are at the moment.

Mr Kambwili: Question!

Mr Simbao: We have 26,000 employees, and yet there are supposed to be 52,000. Therefore, we are operating at 50 per cent.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mukanga (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, in his answer, the hon. Minister said that some nurses would not want to be on contract after they have retired. May I find out what the Government is doing to improve the conditions of the nurses’ contracts so that they become more attractive to lure a number of them back into the profession?

Mr Simbao: Madam Speaker, we are also, seriously, concerned about the present conditions of service for our health personnel. It is not a secret that we have now set up a committee in our ministry that is meeting with some of the organisations in the health sector so that we look at what they want and see how we can meet all or some of it. So far, discussions are still going on and when they are concluded, a presentation will be made. We are equally concerned about the conditions of services of the health personnel. We hope that there will be a big improvement after we have concluded the discussions.

Mr Kambwili (Roan): Madam Speaker, arising from the answer given by the hon. Minister with regards to the establishment percentages, during the night shift, in most hospitals in the country, there is one nurse per ward. Does it mean the establishment per ward is two nurses if we are at 50 per cent?

Mr Simbao: Madam Speaker, as the hon. Member has mentioned, it is possible, for instance, in some hospitals to have some wards being supported by one nurse. However, he must also understand that the present manning of a ward is about three nurses per ward. The one that he claims could mean one third. In our experience, and in most cases, we have two or three nurses per ward. Obviously, this is not in all hospitals. When we take a head count, we have half the number of the people that we need. The hon. Member must understand that nurses are not just assigned to wards. They are also in other departments too. Therefore, when we say 26,000, we mean the total number of nurses wherever they are operating from.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Shakafuswa (Katuba): Madam Speaker, in his answer, the hon. Minister of Health said that his ministry had formed a committee to look into ways of improving the conditions of service for medical practitioners who are retiring for greener pastures. Earlier on this week, we talked about quasi-government institutions which were paid more than the Civil Service like the Road Development Agency (RDA) which the hon. Minister of Works and Supply talked about and it is doing very well to improve the conditions of service for engineers who take five years study at the university. Why can we not do the same for doctors who take seven years to study at the university?

Mr Simbao: Madam Speaker, in the world, today, there is what is called the Public-Private Partnership Initiative (PPPI) that is now getting into the health sector. In this case, the private sector can partner with the private sector and it has happened in some countries like South Africa and it is about to happen in Lesotho. It is one area that we are seriously looking into. Once we understand it, probably, we can go that route. However, at the moment, the Government has to run the bigger part of the health sector. Nevertheless, we are looking at that option.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.{mospagebreak}

KANTANSHI BOREHOLES

257. Mr Mukanga (Kantanshi) asked the Minister of Energy and Water Development:

(a) how many boreholes had been drilled in the following areas in Kantashi Parliamentary Constituency since independence:

(i) Minambe Settlement;
(ii) Kasombo;
(iii) Mokambo;
(iv) Mupena;
(v) Chiwece; and
(vi) Sosala;

(b) of the boreholes above, how many were operational; and

(c) whether there were any plans to drill more boreholes in the areas at (a) above and, if so, when.

The Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Development (Ms Lundwe): Madam Speaker, the following boreholes have been drilled in Kantashi Parliamentary Constituency:

               Area                Number of Boreholes  
  
(i) Minambe Settlement              2 boreholes

(ii) Kasombo                              1 borehole (Community School)

 (iii) Mokambo                            4 (in places such as customs, police,
                                                     basic school and Zambia compound)

 (iv) Mupena                            2 boreholes (Basic school, rural health centre)   

 (v) Chiweche                         The area is not known. My officers were not able
                                                 to trace the existence of this area. 

 (vi) Sosala                              1 borehole (Village)

Madam Speaker, in part (b) of the question, the following boreholes are operational:

 Area                  Number of boreholes

 (i) Minambe                        1 

 (ii) Mokambo                      3

 (iii) Kasombo                     1

 (iv) Sosala                        1

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mukanga: Madam Speaker, I am surprised that the last question has not been answered. Does the Government intend to drill more boreholes and if so, when?

Ms Lundwe: Madam Speaker, the exercise in this area is on going.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Dr Machungwa: Madam Speaker, the ministry has sunk many boreholes in one district and one province. In one district, two thousand boreholes were drilled, and yet there are some constituencies and even districts where there are no boreholes. What is the ministry now doing to ensure that they redress this so that not only a few silver spooned constituencies will be getting these boreholes?

Mr Konga: Madam Speaker, it is the intention of the Government to provide clean drinking water to its citizens through the provision of boreholes. Often times, the Government undertakes these projects throughout the country and it is complemented in this effort by other stakeholders in order, among other things, to meet the millennium development goals (MDGs) regarding clean drinking water. It might appear that certain parts of the country have had more boreholes drilled, but this is because this is not done directly by the Government, but through other co-operating partners as was the case, for instance, in Luapula Province where 400 boreholes were drilled last year.

Madam Speaker, nevertheless, the Government has committed itself to drilling boreholes through the Department of Water Affairs and hon. Members are welcome to my office when there is a dire need so that the Government can quickly intervene.

Mr D. Mwila: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has told this House that this is an on-going programme. If it is so, it is important to know when these boreholes will be drilled in Kantanshi. We would also like to know how many will be sank and how much will be spent.

Mr Konga: Madam Speaker, as we have indicated, the drilling of boreholes throughout the country is an on-going exercise and the objective of the Government is, initially, to target public institutions like rural health centres, health institutions and public schools. These are the areas which were initially targeted, but if there are other areas where the hon. Member would like the Government to go to, he is welcome to come to us for discussions.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Ms Kapata: Madam Speaker, forty-five years after Independence, is the hon. Minister comfortable with seven boreholes supplied for 20,000 people in the peri-urban area of Kantanshi.

Mr Konga: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member must be aware that Kantanshi’s water supply is not only supplied by boreholes because it has piped water and so this is just complementary.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kambwili: You should be serious!

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!

 Let the hon. Minister respond, please.

Mr Kambwili: Aleba serious!

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!

Mr Konga: It is you who is not serious because you just like shouting. I do not just talk.

Interruptions

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!

The purpose of asking, and I am giving this as a warning which may not be repeated because, then, we will have to take the right measures, is to solicit answers from the hon. Ministers. Therefore, when a question is being asked, we expect people to listen when the response is being given. Everybody must listen. Otherwise, there is no need for what we are doing at all. You are aware that making running commentaries is not allowed and now you can see where it leads to. That kind of behaviour is not acceptable. Whoever wants to speak has the freedom to speak through the Chair. Can we do so because self control is necessary if you are to be rightfully called honourable.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Madam Speaker, experience has shown that in most cases the Government comes up with very good projects such as drilling of boreholes throughout the country. May I know from the hon. Minister whether his ministry has planned to have mobile teams which should be entrusted with the task of carrying out repair and rehabilitation of boreholes, most of which are currently not working in many parts of the country.

Mr Konga: Madam Speaker, my ministry, through the department of water affairs, set up a task force, last year, which is going around the country to repair those boreholes that have been damaged and those that are silted. Many spare parts for the Indian Mark 2 pumps are being replaced throughout the country. So, there exists a task force which is supposed to undertake this project.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Deputy Speaker: Next question, the hon…

Mr Kambwili: Aah! Standing Orders!

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!

Mr Kambwili, I ask you to leave the Chamber for the rest of the day.

Mr Kambwili left the Chamber.

GENDER VIOLENCE AND CHILD ABUSE RELATED ARRESTS FROM 2001 TO 2008

258. Mr Mukanga asked the Minister of Home Affairs how many citizens were arrested for offences relating to gender violence and child abuse from 2001 to 2008.

Mr Bonshe: Madam Speaker, a total of 39,152 cases relating to gender violence and child abuse were reported from 2001 to 2008 and 15,552 arrests were made.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mukanga: Madam Speaker, looking at those figures that we have been given, gender based violence is widespread and deeply engraved in the community. What support or help is rendered to the women and children living with violence in rural and peri-urban areas after the perpetuators are arrested?

Mr Mangani: Madam Speaker, cases of this nature are handled by the Victim Support Unit (VSU) in the Police Service. If people have been affected, usually the police have to help the victims. So, in most cases they are being assisted by the VSU.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Sikota (Livingstone): Madam Speaker, the figure given of 39,152 is certainly a very large number. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether he has the figure for 2001 for us to compare it with 2008 so that we can see whether it is a growing trend or whether this problem is being brought under control and what measures have been taken in this regard.

Mr Mangani: Madam Speaker, apparently, the question was relating to a period of time, but I can confirm that there has been a steady progression in terms of gender violence. Well, some of the cases that have emerged involve even men being abused in certain cases. These are some of the cases which have come on the scene, but I can confirm that there has been a stable progression in terms of gender violence.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

Mrs Mwamba (Lukashya): Madam Speaker, how are we involving the education sector in reducing the offshoot of gender based violence such as trauma and stigmatisation. Further, what is the Government doing to promote the primary prevention of gender violence?

Mr Mangani: Madam Speaker, right now in schools, there are a number of clubs and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which are very active in helping our children learn about gender violence. It is very helpful that these clubs and NGOs should be proactive in helping us curb gender violence.

Mr Nsanda (Chimwemwe): Madam Speaker, what is the Government doing to stop gender violence by chiefs coming from the east, who are fond of marrying young children?

Laughter

Mr Mangani: Madam Speaker, that sounds like a new question.

Laughter

Mr Mangani: It may not, necessarily, be only chiefs from the Eastern Province, but there are also indications that chiefs from the Northern Province are becoming very active.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Laughter

Ms Kapata: Madam Speaker, I just want to find out from the hon. Minister when the Government will bring a Bill to this House on defilement cases or cases of abuse, especially to children, so that the offenders are given non-bailable charges because some of them defile many children before they are sentenced.

Mr Mangani: Madam Speaker, the issue of gender violence or child abuse is a serious matter and the Government is taking serious steps. Indeed, a Bill will come to this House so that we look at how best we can stop this scourge.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chimbaka (Bahati): Madam Speaker, violence by either gender is a result of failure to settle differences reasonably. May I find out from the hon. Minister which gender is in the forefront of propagating gender violence?

Mr Mangani: Madam Speaker, I have said that the male gender is more dominant in propagating gender violence, but I did indicate that now even the women are very active. So, it is both sides, as we have indicated. It is a question of failing to reason in certain cases.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Madam Speaker, now that our ladies are more actively involved in gender violence against the male folk, what is the hon. Minister intending to do to reduce the incidence of gender violence perpetrated by ladies against men.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Do you intend to work in-conjunction with the Ministry of Gender and Women in Development which is manned by ladies?

Madam Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member may remember that we do not solicit for personal opinions of hon. Ministers. However, you may answer as a hon. Minister not as a man.

Laughter

Mr Mangani: Madam Speaker, the law does not discriminate whether it is a male or female victim, but what is important is that the male victims should be courageous enough to report these cases to the police. That will help us quite a lot.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

VEHICLES DAMAGED BY UNZA STUDENTS FROM 2008 TO 2009

259. Dr Machungwa asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

(a) how many motor vehicles belonging to members of the public were damaged by University of Zambia students along the Great East Road during student riots from January, 2008 to January, 2009;

(b) what plans the Government had to protect motor vehicles of members of the public from such damage; and

(c) whether there were any plans to compel the students to pay for the damage they caused to motor vehicles of members of the public.

Mr Bonshe: Madam Speaker, a total of seventeen motor vehicles belonging to members of the public were officially reported to the police as having been damaged by UNZA students on the Great East Road during student riots from January, 2008 to January, 2009.

Madam Speaker, the erection of the fence around the university is one measure that has been taken so that students do not come to the road when they are protesting. A gate has also been constructed at the main entrance of the university. This will enable our police officers to effectively police the disturbances. The police will continue to be proactive by deploying officers in advance when there is information on the likelihood of riots.

Madam Speaker, there are no immediate plans to compel the students to pay for the damage they cause to motor vehicles belonging to members of the public. However, students found to have damaged motor vehicles will be prosecuted for malicious damage to property.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Dr Machungwa: Madam Speaker, seventeen vehicles were damaged from January 2008 to 2009 and during previous incidents, more vehicles have been damaged. The hon. Minister has stated that there are no plans to compel students to pay for the damaged vehicles. Is there any mechanism that the ministry is establishing to try and identify the students that damage vehicles of innocent people that have nothing to do with the riots and strikes at the university so as to ensure that this kind of behaviour is brought to an end?

Mr Bonshe: Madam Speaker, when vehicles are damaged during riots, the police carry out investigations and if culprits are identified, they are arrested and prosecuted. As for the aspect of compensation, it is for the courts to decide. As we have already indicated, measures have been taken to prevent vehicles from being damaged in future by erecting a fence around the institution and we believe that this will help to address the situation. 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mrs Phiri (Munali): Madam Speaker, in his earlier response, the hon. Minister mentioned that one of the measures that the Government is going to take is to deploy police officers when there is suspicion of students planning to riot. In view of the fact that police officers have been deployed at UNZA, this week, does the Government have any information on students’ intentions to riot? As far as I know, the students are calm and nobody is rioting. Who is going to riot for those police officers to be deployed at the university? Is it the lecturers or students?

 Mr Mangani: Madam Speaker, one of the causes of riots is the possible failure by lecturers to teach students. If students stay idle for a long time, they may be tempted to riot. So, the mere fact that they have not been attending lessons has led us to decide to take precautions by putting police officers there.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Sejani (Mapatizya): Madam Speaker, could the hon. Minister comment on fears that the erection of a high fence at UNZA could turn the institution into a maximum security prison.

Laughter

Mr Mangani: Madam Speaker, the erection of that fence should not be perceived that way. In fact, the fence is low and well decorated.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kapeya (Mpika Central): Madam Speaker, why is it that this awkward situation is always at UNZA East Road campus and not at other institutions like the Copperbelt University?

Mr Mangani: Madam Speaker, it is, indeed, unfortunate that the Great East Road campus is a centre of controversy. The best that can be done is to avoid using the university as a political playground. We will then avoid most of these disturbances.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Interjections

Mr Mukanga (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, I would like to find out what assistance has been rendered by the UNZA administration to help repair the seventeen vehicles that were damaged in the period mentioned?

Mr Mangani: Madam Speaker, I think that the hon. Deputy Minister indicated that the issue of compensation is one meant to be addressed by the courts. So, the owners of the vehicles that were damaged can either sue the university or report the matter to the police.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Lubinda (Kabwata): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister proposed that people should stop using the university as a political field. The times that there have been riots at UNZA, they have been associated with bad conditions for either students or lecturers and investigations have been conducted by the police under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Could the hon. Minister indicate the number of times that these investigations have pointed to politics at the university and how many political players have been arrested for provoking the situation at UNZA instead of him making wild uncalled for statements like that?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mangani: Madam Speaker, I wish to warn politicians who will be seen running around the university and, particularly, playing around with the university radio station. One of the things that we have noticed in the past is that the university radio station has been abused …

Hon. Opposition Members: No!

Mr Mangani: … and we will seriously deal with those who will want to use it to incite rioting.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Interruptions

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!{mospagebreak}

VENDING AT LUSAKA’S SOWETO MARKET

260. Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:

(a) How much revenue was collected daily at the Lusaka’s Soweto Market from vendors dealing in farm produce; and

(b) Whether the ministry had any plans to control the vending of farm produce at the market above.

Interruptions

Madam Deputy Speaker: As it can be seen, nobody even heard the hon. Member ask the question.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Dr Puma): Madam Speaker, Lusaka City Council does not collect any revenue from vendors at Lusaka’s Soweto Market dealing in farm produce. This is because the Government issued instructions to Lusaka City Council to stop collecting revenue from Soweto Market until the new market and board is put in place.

As regards part (b) of the question, the ministry, through Lusaka City Council, has already put in place measures to control vending of farm produce at the market. This is contained in the guidelines on how to run the new Soweto market whose stands have been given to the marketeers and will be opened soon.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chimbaka (Bahati): Madam Speaker, vending of farm products has extended to places outside Soweto Market. May I find out from the hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing as to whether, by law, those trading in places close to Soweto Market such as along the roads are permitted to do so. If not, what is the local council doing to try and regulate such illegal vending?

Madam Deputy Speaker: You are introducing a new question.

Mrs Phiri: Madam Speaker, in his response, the hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing stated that the Government stopped the Lusaka City Council from collecting revenue from Soweto Market until a board is put in place. However, we now have a situation whereby cadres have taken over the running of Soweto Market, and yet the Lusaka City Council is in dire need of money to develop Lusaka city. How is the hon. Minister going to help the Lusaka City Council remove those cadres from the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) from this market?

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Puma: Madam Speaker, the information at our disposal is that the Ministry of Local Government and Housing instructed the council to stop collecting funds because there are no services that the local authority is providing in that area and people are trading at will.

However, as soon as the new market is opened, we shall be providing properly co-ordinated services and that is the time when the charging will start. We are not aware that there are cadres that are collecting revenue.

I thank you, Madam.

Mrs Phiri: Aah!

Mr Mwansa: Madam Speaker, the vending of farm produce has extended to the streets of Lusaka namely: Lumumba, Freedom Way, Cha Cha Cha and a bit of Cairo Road. What measures is the Government taking to ensure that food is sold in safer environments other than on the streets of Lusaka City?

Dr Puma: Madam Speaker, as a ministry, we are trying to move as fast as possible in completing stalls at Soweto Market. As soon as we do that, we have serious plans underway to make sure that all those that are vending on the streets are removed. This is why we want to ensure that alternative places are available and allocated because it will be inhuman to remove everybody from the streets without giving them proper alternative places.

I thank you, Madam.

Mr Mukanga: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister stated that the Lusaka City Council has been stopped from collecting revenue. Are we not losing revenue, as a Government, by not collecting anything from the marketers? Furthermore, who, then, has allowed Zambia Marketers Association (ZANAMA) to be collecting revenue from the marketers who are trading at that place?

Dr Puma: Madam Speaker, I have mentioned that when we open the new market which is legal and well co-ordinated, that will be the right time to ask people to pay revenue. Asking people who are trading in illegal places to pay will be like legalising what is illegal. We want to make sure that when we give them a legalised place to trade then they can start paying revenue.

I thank you, Madam.

Dr Machungwa: Madam Speaker, at all these markets, there are middle men who buy from the farmers, inflate prices and sell to the retailers, thereby pushing up the prices of farm produce. Does the hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing intend to do something about this to curb the prices of farm produce so as to enable farmers benefit more than the middle men?

Dr Puma: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member is aware that, as a Government, we are running a liberalised economy where people are free to trade at a price that they feel is appropriate according to the situation. We have no intentions of controlling the cost of vegetables and tomatoes, but farmers, themselves, will note the market situation and assess whether they are able to earn what they put in.

I thank you, Madam.

MANDEVU CONSTITUENCY

261. Ms Kapata (Mandevu) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing when the following compounds in Mandevu Parliamentary Constituency would be upgraded and legalised:

(i) Garden Site 3;

(ii) Gabon; and

(iii) Mazyopa.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Musosha): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that there is no budget provision in this year’s budget to facilitate the upgrading of the named compounds above.

Madam Speaker, since the service provision is demand driven, my ministry requested all councils countrywide to submit details of unplanned settlements that needed to be upgraded and legalised. The response from Lusaka City Council indicated that their priority area which needed a service was Old Kanyama which is prone to flooding and not upgrading of some compounds in Lusaka. As a result, my ministry has set aside K500 million to be used to deal with the flooding problem in Kanyama.

I thank you, Madam.

Ms Kapata: Madam Speaker, in Garden Site 3, I have about 1,000 households, in Gabon Compound I also have 1,000 plus households while in Mazyopa Compound, I have 500 plus households. I have written many letters to the Ministry of Local Government and Housing and Lands asking it when it is going to look at the issue of legalising these compounds. Since houses have already been built in these compounds, when are you going to legalise them?

Mr Musosha: Madam Speaker, the first thing that the hon. Member is supposed to do, as a councillor in the Lusaka City Council, is to refer her complaint to the Town Clerk and not the ministry.

I thank you, Madam.

Mr D. Mwila: Madam Speaker, this problem concerns all of us. We have watched people on television being treated as though they are not Zambians. I think the hon. Minister should state the position …

Madam Deputy Speaker: Ask your question!

Mr D. Mwila: This is the question, through you, Madam, would the hon. Minister state the position as to when these people will have their problems sorted out?

Hon. Government Members: You have already answered your question.

Mr D. Mwila: Wila angala iwe!

Mr Musosha: Madam Speaker, like I have hinted, the hon. Members of Parliament, who are councillors in their respective councils, are supposed to generate this requirement through the Town Clerk or the Council Secretary …

Mr Kasongo: To where?

Mr Musosha: … to the local authority. Let there be a resolution which will, in turn, end up at the ministry. It should not come directly to the ministry.

I thank you, Madam.

Mr Shakafuswa: Madam Speaker, this issue of illegal settlements within the city should be looked at with concern. Of late, the City of Lusaka has spilled into Katuba Constituency. Part of Katuba has been designated as a new Lusaka Town.

Madam Speaker, why can the Ministry of Local Government and Housing not think of a plan like that obtaining in Uganda? In Uganda, through a facility from the World Bank …

Madam Deputy Speaker: You are debating hon. Member. Ask your question.

Mr Shakafuswa: Madam Speaker, is the ministry considering a facility like the one in Uganda where the World Bank gave a facility to relocate people who were within the slums of the town to create space for development? This is where you relocate people by way of giving them land. Have you thought of that instead of coming to Katuba because we will not give you the land?

Mr Musosha: Madam Speaker, we have such plans and many co-operating partners have approached the ministry to propose that modern housing units be constructed using the local authorities as well as the Ministry of Local Government and Housing.

I thank you, Madam.

Mr Mwenya (Nkana): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister, in his response, mentioned that the ministry has set aside K500,000 to mitigate the floods in Kanyama. I would like him to specify when they intend to commence the opening up of drainages in Kanyama so that we do not experience floods, again, during the rainy season.

Mr Musosha: Madam Speaker, I did not say K500,000. I said K500 million. In addition to that, another K10 billion has been set aside so that the K10.5 billion can be used on the drainage system in the whole of Kanyama this year. At the moment, the procurement stage has already been reached.

I thank you, Madam.

Mr Mooya (Moomba): Madam Speaker, I feel that K1.5 billion is not enough. It is just a drop in the ocean.

Laughter

Madam Deputy Speaker: That is a comment.

Mrs Phiri: Madam Speaker, most of these illegal settlements in Lusaka have ome up because of lack of political will from our colleagues in the Executive who are encouraging their cadres to allocate land in our city.

Hon. Government Members: No!

Mrs Phiri: I will be very specific on this issue.

Madam Deputy Speaker: Ask your question! It is not time for debate.

Mrs Phiri: What is the Government doing to stop the cadres in Mtendere East where the MMD Chairperson is allocating land illegally? This man has been reported to the police and records are there. When are they going to arrest him so that this can come to a stop?

Mr Musosha: Madam Speaker, for the benefit of the hon. Member of Parliament for Moomba, it is not K1.5 billion. It is K10.5 billion.

With regard to the question that has been asked by Hon. Mumbi Phiri, I do know at what stage she reported that issue to the local authority where she belongs, as a councillor, for a resolution to be reached so that the Town Clerk and his management can correct this problem. I think that is where this problem is supposed to be handled.

Thank you, Madam.

Madam Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Chingola.

Hon. Members: He is not in the House.

Madam Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member for Chingola is not in the House and Question 262 lapses.

MAGOYE FARMERS WITH TITLE DEEDS

263. Mr Mweemba (Magoye) asked the Minister of Lands how many farmers were issued with title deeds in Magoye Parliamentary Constituency in the following farming blocks:

(a) Ngwezi; and 
(b) Manyana.

The Deputy Minister of Lands (Mr Mabenga): Madam Speaker, there are sixty-six farmers in Ngwezi Settlement Scheme who hold title. However, of the sixty-six farmers stated above, eleven farmers have a valid ninety-nine-year title deed and the remaining fifty-five farmers are still holding on to the fourteen-year title deeds which have since expired.

There are eleven farmers in the Manyana Farming Area and all of them have title deeds.

I thank you, Madam.

Mr Mweemba: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister stated, clearly, that eleven farmers have a ninety-nine title lease and fifty-five have expired title deeds. I would like to find out from him regarding the fifty-five farmers who do not have title deeds because they were not sensitised to surrender the fourteen-year lease. When is the hon. Minister going to send his men to go and sensitise these farmers because, at the moment, there are bogus surveyors who are cheating these fifty-five farmers. These surveyors are not even registered.

Mr Mabenga: Madam Speaker, one of the roles of hon. Members of Parliament is to ensure that they take information to their electorates. This is one of the responsibilities that the hon. Member for Magoye should take up. He must go and tell these people that it is not right to for them to remain without going to the relevant authorities to renew their titles so that they get the ninety-nine-year title deeds.

I thank you, Madam.

Mr Ntundu (Gwembe): Madam Speaker, the Ngwezi Resettlement Scheme in Magoye came as a result of the initiative by the Government to empower Zambians with resettlement schemes. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister how the ministry intends to help the farmers that do not have title deeds. What is the policy?

Mr Mabenga: The policy is very clear. If any one gets land, there must be a title for it. I will repeat that the hon. Member of Parliament will do himself and the community he is representing here, good by sensitising them to get titles for their land. The policy is very clear that title must be taken on land that is owned by anyone.

I thank you, Madam.

Mr Shakafuswa: Madam Speaker, we have sensitised the people in our constituencies on the values of getting title deeds, especially with the Government’s empowerment policy. Would the hon. Minister assure this House that the issuance period between the application and issuance of title is going to be minimised because it is taking people about five years to get title? It is very costly because you also have to greet people at the ministry for you to get a title.

Laughter

Madam Deputy Minister: The hon. Minister of Lands can respond if he understands the reference of the greeting.

Mr Mabenga: I do not understand that greeting, Madam Speaker.

Laughter

Mr Magande: But you greeted me!

Mr Mabenga: If it is saying, “Good morning,” there are many people that you can greet that way.

Laughter

Mr Mabenga: I do not know what he means by that greeting. He has to substantiate that.

However, it is important that the time limit for the issuance of these titles is minimised so that we do not have too many people queuing up. We are looking at that and soon you will see a big change in this regard.

I thank you, Madam.

Mr Chisala (Chilubi): Could the hon. Minister explain why it takes too long for the title deeds to be processed?

Laughter

Mr Mabenga: Madam Speaker, I have said that we are making efforts to ensure that the time is minimised.

I thank you, Madam.

Dr Machungwa: Madam Speaker, it is difficult for a lot of our people in these resettlement schemes to get title deeds because the cost of cadastral surveys which are needed to be done before titles can be processed cost a lot of money. Is there a scheme in the ministry which can assist some of these people, somewhat, so that they contribute something and, maybe, the Government assists them so that they get these surveys done and the titles issued?

Mr Mabenga: Madam Speaker, that is already in place. What is required is that if the hon. Member wants more information, he should come to the ministry. He can even start from the councils themselves. They would be able to give him this information. Thereafter, you can get even more information from our lands officers anywhere in the country.

Thank you, Madam.

REHABILITATION OF NATIONAL SILOS

264. Mr Kakusa (Kabwe Central) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives when the rehabilitation of national silos and other storage facilities countrywide would begin.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives (Mr Kalenga): Madam Speaker, rehabilitation of silos commenced with Lusaka Grain Silos and is scheduled for completion in March, 2009. The rehabilitation of the other five grain silos in Monze, Chisamba, Kabwe, Ndola and Kitwe will begin as soon as funds are available. Currently, the total cost of the rehabilitation is US$12 million (US$2.4 million per silo). The rehabilitation and maintenance of storage facilities is an on-going activity.

 Construction of additional storage sheds of capacity 97,000 metric tonnes is scheduled to commence in June, 2009, under Phase 1 of the US$11.6 million Chinese Concessional Loan Fund. Phase 2 of the Chinese Concessional Loan Fund as submitted by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) is under consideration by the ministry.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mushili (Ndola Central): Madam Speaker, I do not know how the hon. Minister arrived at the cost of US$2.4 million to maintain one silo. Can he, therefore, tell us the cost of building a new silo.

The Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives (Dr Chituwo): Madam Speaker, we do not have the figure as regards the cost of building a new Silo, but US$2.4 million is the amount of money that has, recently, been spent on the Silo which is off Mungwi Road in Lusaka.

Madam Speaker, the cost of rehabilitation of the level of dilapidation in these Silos is astronomical.  One almost, completely, has to do the civic work, the electrification and putting in the pullies and motors that are required to move the grain and maintain the circulation that is required in these Silos. Really, from our past experience, this money was justifiable.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kapeya (Mpika Central): Madam Speaker, indeed, most of these grain storages, especially those constructed under the United National Independence Party (UNIP) Government, are in very poor conditions. Could the Government think of auctioning these storage facilities to intending parties?

Dr Chituwo: Madam Speaker, in fact, the Government is bringing the Private Public Partnership Bill to Parliament and one quicker way of rehabilitating these Silos is along that line. The issue of auctioning, certainly, has not been considered because we believe if we went into public private partnership, we would still maintain the necessary participation in the strategic food reserve that we require in the country.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Ntundu: Madam Speaker, it seems the hon. Minister is now beginning to summersault on the issue of the…

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! What summersaulting?

Laughter

Madam Deputy Speaker: Use the correct terminology.

Mr Ntundu: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister is quite aware that during the 2004 Official Opening of Parliament, the Late President Mwanawasa mentioned that it was the Government’s priority to rehabilitate these Silos and by 2006, the exercise would have been completed. Therefore, is this Government following President Mwanawasa’s legacy or they are playing gymnastics?

Laughter

Dr Chituwo: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament for Gwembe is exercising the use of vocabulary in a wrong place. The late President Mwanawasa’s legacy continues.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Chituwo: It continues in the sense that the issues that he prioritised remain the priorities of this Government. Rehabilitation and improving on our capacity to store grain for a much longer time is still the way to ensure our independence and that through food security, the nation is secure. The mere fact that we have not been able to achieve the target set does not, in any way, imply that the Late President’s legacy is now set aside.

Madam Speaker, we are all aware of the difficulties we have encountered in funding. This Government, as earlier alluded to, decided that in order to shorten the period, it cannot, on its own, raise the required funds to quickly rehabilitate these Silos in order to have the necessary capacity for food security. This is why, in addition to these major Silos, in the Phase 2 we are considering, we plan to have sheds dotted through out the country so that we do not depend only on silos along the line of rail. The legacy continues.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mukanga: Madam Speaker, is the project the hon. Minister is talking about a Zambian or foreign driven because he is quoting in dollars. I thought it was said on the Floor of this House that no contracts should be quoted in dollars.

Dr Chituwo: Madam Speaker, the contracts were entered into in dollar. It is just a question of converting. The companies engaged are foreign and if it is an international tender, really, the tendering is quoted in dollars.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mooya: Madam Speaker, US$2.4 million per silo is a lot of money. May I know what the life span for these Silos will be? Will it, really, be worth that money?

Dr Chituwo: Madam Speaker, the current Silos were built in the early UNIP era and they served us for many years. I am not a mechanical or civil engineer, but looking at the works that have been done in the silo off Mungwi Road and, hopefully the same standard of works will follow the others, I would like to believe that the life of span of these Silos will outlive our lives in this House, including the hon. Member of Parliament for Moomba.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Laughter

Mrs Phiri: Madam Speaker, following the events which have been going on in our country concerning tender procurements, there are a lot of questions which are on people’s minds. With regards to the US$2.4 million on the rehabilitation of each silo, would the hon. Minister tell us how much it would cost to build new Silos so that these suspicions could come to an end.

Dr Chituwo: Madam Speaker, since we do not intend to build new silos, this question of how much a new silo would cost is academic. May I invite hon. Members of Parliament to visit the silo off Mungwi Road, then, you will appreciate what I am talking about. I do not know how many, except for Hon. Mooya and perhaps the hon. Member for Mapatizya, have a clew. You just see these concrete things and think that is all that is required.

Laughter

Dr Chituwo: You are re-invited hon. Members then, you will appreciate the cost that goes into those silos to be put to a level where there are. Actually, you can store grain for as much as ten years. Really, that is the kind of security that we need in our country.

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

TEACHING SERVICE COMMISSION APPOINTMENT DELAYS

265. Mr Chisanga (Mkushi South) asked the Minister of Education why the Teaching Service Commission delays in appointing teachers to higher positions.

The Minister of Education (Ms Siliya): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Teaching Service Commission takes the following into consideration when appointing teachers to higher positions:

(a) promotions are made when vacancies occur after taking into account the performance of all eligible officers;

(b) promotions are made based on recommendations originating from supervising officers such as Headquarters, Principals of colleges or District education Board Secretaries; and
(c) when the recommendation reaches the Teaching Service Commission, the commission does not take time to process the case and the decision is conveyed to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education. Therefore, the Permanent Secretary conveys the decision to the teacher concerned through the existing channel of communication.

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.{mospagebreak}

IRISH AID BOREHOLE FUNDING IN CHILUBI

266. Mr Chisala (Chilubi) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:

(a) how much money was provided by the Irish Aid, through the Chambeshi Water and Sewerage Company, for borehole drilling and equipping and a water reticulation system at Muchinshi in Chilubi District in 2006 and 2007 respectively; and

(b) when an audit was last conducted and what the findings were.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Musosha): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that K4,341,421,547 was provided by the Irish Aid, through the Chambeshi Water and Sewerage Company, for borehole drilling and equipment for water reticulation system covering the whole Chilubi District for the 2006 and 2007 period.

Madam Speaker, a review audit of operations of the company for the Financial Year ended 31st December, 2007 was done in 2009 and the findings were as follows:

(a) the company contracted to drill boreholes made losses in 2005 to 2008 amounting to K2 billion;
(b) the net current assets increased from K365 million in 2005 to K5.6 billion in 2008;

(c) trade and other receivables increased from K2.5 billion in 2005  to K3.6 billion in 2008; and

(d) the audit also showed that the company owed ZESCO a total of K2 billion in electricity bills.

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chisala: Madam Speaker, there have been very serious reports of financial mismanagement by some members of staff from the local authority. Has the Government ever taken any stern action against these erring officers?

Mr Musosha: Madam Speaker, I am convinced that once these irregularities are reported to the appropriate authorities, measures shall be taken and corrections shall be made.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr D. Mwila: Madam Speaker, owing to some reported financial irregularities the Irish Government wants to stop funding the same institution. Will the hon. Minister confirm to this House whether the Irish Government has continued funding or have they stopped?

Mr Musosha: Madam Speaker, we do not have information on that question.

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

KARIBA HYDRO POWER STATION GENERATORS

267. Mr Mwenya (Nkana) asked the Minister of Energy and Water Development:

(a) how many hydro-electricity generators were installed at the Kariba Hydro Power station and when they were installed;

(b) what the life span of the generators above was; and

(c) whether new generators had been installed to replace the old ones to conform to new technologies in this type of energy sector.

The Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Development (Mr Mbewe): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform this House that four generators were installed at Kariba North Bank Power Station and power plant was commissioned in 1976.

Madam Speaker, the life span of the generator is between twenty-five to thirty-years.  No new generators have been installed to replace the old ones. However, only new generators parts have been installed to replace the old parts. Due to the improvement in technology, the rehabilitated generators have increased their generating capacity by 30 mega watts from 150 to 180 mega watts.

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mwenya: Madam Speaker, I believe the purpose of investing in hydro generation is for the benefit of all Zambians. What effort is being made to make electricity affordable for all in Zambia?

Mr Konga: Madam Speaker, a lot of effort is being made to make electricity affordable for the majority of Zambians. Last year, the Government reduced duty on many electrical appliances so that the cost to Zambians could be reduced and that they could benefit from electricity.

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chanda: Madam Speaker, rehabilitation of machines at both Kafue and Kariba North is almost coming to an end, but we still experience load shedding. When are we going to put things in order so that people can benefit from the rehabilitations that were taking place?

Mr Konga: Madam Speaker, it is true that rehabilitation works at Kafue Gorge were completed and by the end of this year, the rehabilitation works at Kariba will also be completed. This notwithstanding, there is still load shedding being experienced in various parts of the country because of the various economic activities which Zambians have embarked upon. To mitigate the load shedding, the Government is going to rehabilitate and construct new power plants. For instance, the Musonda Falls in Luapula, Chishimba Falls and Lunzuywa in the Northern Province as well as the Lusiwasi Falls in the Central Province, so that we can have more energy and reduce the impact of load shedding.

Beyond this, the Government is, also, later this year, going to advertise to the local and foreign investors for them to participate in the development of the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydro Power Station so that there can be more energy available for use by Zambians. Therefore, a lot of efforts are being made by the Government in trying to address load shedding.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mukanga: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has just alluded to the fact that the machines have reached their lifespan and rehabilitation would improve the efficiency. What is the Government doing to gradually replace these machines? One day they will reach a stage where their efficiency will still not improve even after rehabilitation. May I find out what the Government’s plan is.

Mr Konga: Madam Speaker, it is true that from the response given, the lifespan of these machines is up to thirty-five years. While that is true, it is also true that we do not necessarily have to replace everything at once in order to improve the lifespan of the machines. Most of the moving parts like the turbines, rotors and starters, which have experienced wear and tear, are the ones that have been replaced with new ones. This has increased the lifespan of the overall units for producing electricity. The parts whose lifespan has reduced will be replaced subsequently so that the overall unit for generating the lifespan will be increased. However, we shall not completely replace a turbine or a generator. This is because some of the parts still have life in them such that if replaced, the parts which are worn out, I think overall, the lifespan of the generating units will be increased. That is the strategy that the Government is going to adopt.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

MISAKA ELECTRIFICATION

268. Mr Nyirenda (Kamfinsa) asked the Minister of Energy and Water Development:

(a) when the Government would electrify Misaka area in Kamfinsa Parliamentary Constituency under the Rural Electrification Programme (REP) as planned for in 2007; and

(b) whether there was provision under REP for the supply of electricity generator sets to sensitive Government institutions, such as hospitals, clinics and prisons, so as to ease the effects and load shedding.

The Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Development (Mr Mbewe): Madam Speaker, …

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1045 hours until 1100 hours.

[MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Mbewe: Madam Speaker, when business was suspended, I was saying that Misaka area falls under a Project Package ranked  No. 11 for the Copperbelt Province in the Rural Electrification Master Plan (REMP).

The area is one of the eight Rural Growth Centres (RGCs) in this project package and is earmarked for electrification through grid extension in 2019 at an estimated total cost of K45 billion. Others being, Chifubu, Maposa, Kafubu, Kafue GRZ, Kakolo, Chinindo and Kapupulu.

Salati also falls under this project package, but this RGC will be electrified through solar home systems at an estimated cost of K200 million. Preparation for implementing this project will be subject to the annual budget available to the Rural Electrification Authority (REA).

Madam Speaker, the REA has no provision under the Rural Electrification Programme (REP) to provide diesel generator sets to Government institutions as standby facilities to ease the effects of load shedding. However, we are aware that there are some Government institutions that provide standby generating capacity at their own cost.

Madam, in a broader context, the hon. Member of Parliament may wish to know that the Government is currently undertaking a number of measures to ease the effects of load shedding. Among the measures being implemented include conducting of sensitisation programmes on energy conservation. For instance, my ministry hosted an Energy Conservation Week from 21st to 27th June, 2009 in Lusaka and Kitwe to raise public awareness on energy efficiency and energy conserving products available on the market. The momentum of the Power Rehabilitation Program (PRP) by the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (Zesco) Limited has been enhanced with Kafue Gorge completed in March, 2009 with an upgraded capacity of 990MW. In addition, the Government has removed import duty and zero-rated for Value Added Tax (VAT) the importation of generator sets, energy efficient bulbs, solar energy equipment and related appliances.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

REDESIGNING OF POLICE TRAINING CURRICULUM

269. Mr Kasongo (Bangweulu) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

(a) when the training curriculum for the police would be redesigned in order to equip police officers with modern law enforcement skills; and

(b) what further added value was anticipated in fulfilment of the above exercise.

Mr Bonshe: Madam Speaker, the advent of plural politics in the early nineties entailed a corresponding change in policing techniques. Policing had to be executed in a manner that was consistent with norms of a democratic dispensation, thereby enhancing democracy and good governance. As such, ever since 1995, the curriculum at our three training schools has been taking new topics on board. For instance, community policing was reintroduced in the curriculum. Community policing is a concept whereby the community and police strengthen ties in preventing and fighting crime.

Madam Speaker, in addition, the issue of human rights of the citizens has greatly been emphasised in the curriculum. Observance of inalienable human rights of suspects when effecting arrests and whilst in police custody as well as of firing firearms on human beings has been part of the curriculum to be given prominence to recruits and officers undergoing refresher courses.

Madam Speaker, advanced investigative skills, more especially in relation to sexual and gender based offences, trafficking in human beings and terrorism offences have also been brought on board. I should emphasise the point that updating of training curriculum for use at our three police training schools is an ongoing process so that police training can match with innovations in technology, new developments in political, social and economic spheres.

Madam Speaker, interaction between the police and the community is enhanced. The operation is facilitated by formation of community organisations like community crime prevention unit and neighbourhood watch associations. Inalienable human rights of citizens who come in conflict with the law are respected by police officers. Thus, democracy and good governance are enhanced.

Sexual and gender based offences like defilements, rape, spouse battery and property grabbing are investigated effectively and culprits brought to justice expediently. Cases of trafficking in human beings are detected early, foiled on time and culprits brought to book. Terroristic threats are identified early and foiled while perpetrators are nabbed and prosecuted.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Member: Hear, hear!

Mrs Phiri: Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister why we have not seen any improvements in the way the police work despite all the programmes being put in place to help them improve in their operations. We have not seen much improvement, especially where upholding of human rights is concerned. We have continued seeing police beating suspects at the police stations. We have seen police officers …

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! You are debating. Hon. Phiri, learn to just ask a follow-up question.

Mrs Phiri: The question is, how do we see the improvement of respecting human rights by the police.

Mr Bonshe: Madam Speaker, if you have been observing, the police have completely transformed from a force to a service. They are now able to mix with members of the public. We no longer search houses without search warrants and the beating of people on the streets has completely stopped. The handcuffing of suspects on the streets is no longer there. From this, you can see that there is a great change. We are now friendlier and that is why people are now coming to give us information.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

RECONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGES IN ZAMBEZI WEST

270. Mr Kakoma asked the Minister of Works and Supply:

(a) when the reconstruction of washed away bridges at the following places in Zambezi West Parliamentary Constituency would begin:

(i) Muyembe on Kashiji River;

(ii) Litapi on Litapi River;

(iii) Kucheka on Kashiji River; and

(iv) Lukolwe on Lukolwe River; and

(b) what had caused the delays in the reconstruction of the bridges.

Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, the reconstruction of the washed away bridges at the named places in Zambezi West Parliamentary Constituency, has been included under the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) repair programmes. Works will only begin when money is made available for the works.

Madam Speaker, delays in reconstructing the bridges have been caused by lack of funds.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kakoma: Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that his ministry awarded a contract to a company called Roads Constructor Company (RCC) to construct those bridges three years ago. This company went on to dismantle the wooden bridges there, but to date, it has not gone back to reconstruct them.

Madam Speaker, is he aware and is he eeh…is he…

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!

You have already asked your question. He will respond.

Laughter

Mr Mulongoti: Madam Speaker, I am grateful to the hon. Member, who is an absentee hon. Member of Parliament, …

Laughter

Mr Mulongoti: …for that question. If he has been aware for the last three years that a contractor abandoned the bridges and he is only talking about it in the House now, it is extremely unfortunate.

Laughter

Mr Mulongoti: I would like to invite the hon. Member who lives in Lusaka to come to our offices so that we can work together. The programmes are for all of us and so do not sit and wait to come and ask in Parliament when we are available to you. I know you have so much time because we live together in Lusaka.

Laughter

Mr Mulongoti: The hon. Member should not avoid our offices, we want you to come. I can assure him that everything possible is being done and we have no wish to disadvantage him knowing he wants to come back very seriously.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Laughter

Mr Hamududu (Bweengwa): Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister why they are using RCC, a foreign company, to do simple bridges in the rural areas instead of empowering their own local companies.

Mr Mulongoti: Madam Speaker, tenders are advertised in the press and contractors are invited to participate. During the evaluation process, if in the opinion of the evaluators, a contractor who comes appears capable, there is nothing wrong as long as they have participated in an open and transparent tender. I do not want to apportion any blame on this particular contractor until details have been ascertained because doing so will be prejudicing the reasons things could have failed.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kasongo (Bangweulu): Madam Speaker, the issue of governance is about signing a social contract between the Government and the people. Is the hon. Minister saying that the Government has abandoned the social contract that it signed with the people such that he can even accuse the hon. Member of Parliament of having done nothing and just being a spectator, …

Laughter

Mr Kasongo: … and yet the social contract is between the Government in power and people of Zambia?

Hon. Opposition Member interjected.

Laughter

Mr Mulongoti: Madam Speaker, at a macro level the hon. Member signed the first social contract.

Laughter

Mr Mulongoti: I do not think I distanced myself from our social contract with the people of Zambezi West. All I am saying is that when he chooses to be an absentee hon. Member of Parliament, he causes problems for the people he represents and ...

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mulongoti: … more so that in his own statement he said …

Mr Kakoma: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Laughter

Madam Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised because the hon. Minister has said something regarding the hon. Member.

Mr Kakoma: I thank you, Madam Speaker, for according me a point of order. Is the hon. Minister in order to continue misleading the nation that the hon. Member for Zambezi West is an absentee hon. Member of Parliament, when in fact, he has just come from his constituency, where he inspected the bridges on the Kashiji River. However, I found out that this Government was so irresponsible by awarding a contract to Roads RCC of Namibia …

Hon. Opposition Members: Yes.

Mr Kakoma: … a situation which even himself is not aware of. RCC has dismantled the bridges in the constituency which the Government has failed to reconstruct. Is he in order to accuse the hon. Member of Parliament that he is an absentee hon. Member of Parliament, when in fact, himself is an absentee hon. Minister.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: The point of order has come out as an explanation. So, there is no request for a ruling from the Chair.

The hon. Minister may continue.

Mr Mulongoti: Madam Speaker, my response was based on the information that he voluntarily gave this House, that when a contract was awarded he discovered three years later that the contractor had abandoned the project. Now, surely, if it is a matter of responsibility to stay away from inspecting bridges for three years and then you go there, all of a sudden after you wake up, and start claiming  that your social contract is better than ours, Hon. Member of Parliament, …

Madam Deputy Speaker: Address the Chair.

Mr Mulongoti: Hon. Member of Parliament, through the Chair, you assured the people of Zambezi West that you were going to represent them and taking development there was your commitment, but I always see you in Lusaka.

Laughter

Mr Mulongoti: I never see you in your constituency. I am only hearing about this strange visit.

Laughter

Mr Mulongoti: I would like to encourage you that time is running out.

Laughter

Mr Mulongoti: Unless, you can work with us, I will not see you in the House again.

Laughter

Mr Mulongoti: I want to plead with you that our offices are open to you and more so that we have a lot of interest in that province. We would be happy to take back that seat.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Laughter

Dr Machungwa: Madam Speaker, talking about the issue of the social contract between the Government and the people of Zambezi West and East. When is the hon. Minister considering replacing the swinging or suspended bridge at Inyingi with a bridge that people and vehicles can, actually, use?

Madam Speaker: That does not seem to fall in the category of the bridges in question , but if the hon. Minister so wishes, he may talk of the Inyingi swinging bridge.

Mr Mulongoti: Madam Speaker, besides using a bridge for purposes of people crossing a river, it can also be used for promoting tourism. So, when people use such a bridge, it is leaves them with lasting memories of the place. Therefore, I do not think we have had any complaints at all from the residents of the area because it could also be bringing in some income to them.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muyanda: Madam Speaker, is this Government serious about its development policies by having dismantled the Zambia Engineering and Construction Company (ZECO) which was a parastatal and inviting RCC of Namibia which is also a parastatal. May I know the rationale this Government is employing were at home they have dismantled a parastatal and go to a small state, Namibia which was born yesterday, to hire a small parastatal which  I had difficulties to supervise when it was working on the bottom road from Sinazeze up to Chiyabi. May we get a clear position of the Government policy on that?

Mr Mulongoti: Madam Speaker, the policy of Government has been to move away from running businesses and this is why we have appreciated the fact that the private sector is the engine for economic growth. We have, in Zambia, so many private contractors, who are growing and we are encouraging them to grow so that through our empowerment programmes they can be the engine for economic growth. So, ZECO is not an issue because it is a Government policy to move away from running businesses. However, we are also pan-africanists. We have building blocks like the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and we believe that Namibia is a good neighbour. We are going towards a united Africa, therefore, we see nothing wrong with companies in the neighbouring states which are part of SADC participating in our economic activities as our people are also free to go to other countries and participate. I do not think that the issue of one contract should be the basis on which you are going to judge us. If you had difficulties supervising this contractor, I do not know in what capacity you were supervising the contractor because as a hon. Member of Parliament …

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Mr Mulongoti: … you know there are agencies who are given the mandate to do that, …

Mr Muyanda: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Interruptions

Mr Mulongoti: … no wonder they resisted your supervision as hon. Member of Parliament because you have no mandate at all. We would have expected you to go through the appropriate road authorities who are the council, provincial road engineer and even the consultants.

Interruptions

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! The Chair does not hear real controversy in what he is saying regarding the role of the hon. Member of Parliament. I think that we can listen to this.

Hon. Minister, you may continue. Try not to be controversial as you bring up issues.

Mr Mulongoti: Madam Speaker, when hon. Members seek for information we are trying to be as helpful as possible. I was just questioning in what capacity he was trying to supervise a contractor. As a hon. Member of Parliament, he belongs to a local authority which is appointed officially as a road authority. So, if he has any difficulties, we expect him to go through that road authority. At the provincial level, there is a road engineer, who is also available to the hon. Member. This is why I was saying that no wonder he had difficulties supervising the contractor because he was not party to the contract. He was an outsider. I do not know how the contractor would have addressed him.

Madam Speaker, I am, therefore, grateful that he has brought the issue of that contractor to us …

Mr Muyanda: On a point of order, Madam.

Madam Deputy Speaker: A point of order has again been raised on the hon. Minister. Can we hear the point of order.

Mr Muyanda: Madam Speaker, before the late President passed away, a notice was circulated in this august House urging each hon. Member of Parliament to be in charge of all Government projects that were taking place in his or her constituency. Why should, today, that hon. Minister (pointing at Mr Mulongoti) with vast experience, ignore the legacy of the late President Mwanawasa? 

Madam Speaker, as I stand today, I still hold myself responsible for all Government projects that are taking place in my constituency. Is he in order to ignore the directive of the late President which has not been abrogated in writing by the current President? Has this Government lost direction through that hon. Minister who is now misguiding himself? I need your serious ruling

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Deputy Speaker: The guidance from the Chair is that the hon. Minister will take that and all previous debates by him in the House into consideration.

Mr Mulongoti: Madam Speaker, it will be an abuse of a legacy to encourage hon. Members to ignore the fact that the late President was a lawyer. He had a legal mind and I speak here with a legal mind.

Laughter

Mr Mulongoti: Therefore, the context in which he gave the directive to hon. Members to have interest in contracts did not extend to them supervising the contracts outside the contractual terms. Now, if hon. Members are assuming that after a contract has been signed to which they are not party, they can walk in and begin giving instructions, that is lawlessness and I speak with a legal mind.

Laughter

Mr Mulongoti: Therefore, I would like to appeal to hon. Members to respect the rule of law. This means that all the terms of the contract must be respected. So, the hon. Member should not cause us difficulties by interfering in contracts to which he is not party.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Ms Kapata: Madam Speaker, I would just like to find out from the hon. Minister the role of the regional engineer in North-Western Province. Who is supposed to communicate to the hon. Minister over these bridges which were not constructed since the hon. Minister has shown ignorance over them?

Mr Mulongoti: Madam Speaker, I would be the last person to show ignorance in this House. The provincial road engineer has his or her reporting channels. He or she does not report to me, but to the chief engineering officer (CEO), the Permanent Secretary or my hon. Deputy Minister.  Therefore, hon. Members can see that we are very organised. This is why I was appealing to the hon. Member for Zambezi West to take interest in identifying where we operate from because he seems not to know where we are.

Laughter

Mr Mulongoti: If he did, he would have visited us a long time.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Laughter

Mr Bwalya: Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister if there are any intentions to put up improvised or mobile bridges on these rivers so that the people of Zambezi West Parliamentary Constituency are relieved.

Mr Mulongoti: Madam Speaker, the procedure for doing all of these things is very clear. It starts with the district authority making recommendations. When that is done, we shall include it in our annual work plan. We do not include dreams in our annual work plans, but actual requests that come from appropriate authorities. So, as soon as the hon. Member, who is also a councilor in Zambezi District, organises himself with information on this particular request, we shall be very happy to help him. However, as long as he stays away, we will have difficulties on where to begin from.

Therefore, the hon. Member for Chifubu should help his colleague to organise information for us so that we can help him.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mooya: Madam Speaker, the contract for the construction of these bridges was entered into three years ago and the contractor at the moment is idle. Has this contractor made any claims? Who pays for the time the contractor is idle?

Mr Mulongoti: Madam Speaker, to the best of my knowledge, I have not seen any claim from this particular contractor that the hon. Member is talking about. After leaving this House, I will go and check the records because three years ago is a long time.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

HUMAN-ANIMAL CONFLICTS IN GAME AREAS

271. Mr Tembo (Nyimba) asked the Minister of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources what measures had been taken to resolve the human-animal conflict in Game Management Areas countrywide.

Mr Mwangala stood up.

Hon. Opposition Members: Quality

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!

The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Environment, and Natural Resources (Mr Mwangala): Madam Speaker, the ministry has taken the following measures to address these human-animal conflicts:

(a) in hotspot areas, the ministry has put in place rapid deployment teams (Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) officers) that quickly respond to problem animals by either shooting to kill them or blasting to scare them away. Furthermore, ZAWA field officers have been trained to assess the situation and take appropriate action on the problem animals in order to save human lives, crops and property;

(b) the ministry is encouraging communities in the game management areas (GMAs) to use chilly fencing around their crop fields or houses. Elephants avoid chilly smeared fences, hence protecting human beings;

(c) the ministry encourages community resource boards to erect solar electric fences around crop fields and villages using their revenue from safari hunting. Solar electric fences are the most effective measure of keeping dangerous animals away from humans, crops and property in GMAs;

(d) formulation of land use plans or general management plans in GMAs is another measure that is assisting in reducing human-animal conflicts. These plans provide for zones for different land uses such as human settlements and their crops fields; safari hunting and photographic tourism. The human-animal encounters are reduced because people restrict their activities to their respective zones; and

(e) last, but not the least, the ministry has put in place sensitisation programmes for people in GMAs on how to avoid encounters with dangerous animals. This is done through ZAWA Extension Officers who are always interacting with communities.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Tembo: Madam Speaker, the issue of human-animal conflict is quite serious countrywide, and in Nyimba Constituency, in particular, where, last year, a councillor was killed by a lion. Again, last year, one villager was killed by an elephant. This year, it has happened for the third time in the same place, Chieftainess Mwape’s area. Mr Sopo Zulu was killed by an elephant.

Interruptions

Mr Tembo: Madam Speaker, having witnessed the worst conditions that are happening in Nyimba which have prompted people to start migrating from my constituency to Msanzala, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister as to …

Madam Deputy Speaker: Ask your question now you are debating.

Mr Tembo: … what measures the ministry has put in place to protect the innocent lives of the people, especially in Chieftainess Mwape’s area. From the measures that have been put in place by the ministry, nothing has happened to curb the problem.

Mr Munaile: Nomba uyo Boom, bamulile shani?

Ms Namugala: Madam Speaker, on average from the report that we have, about 284 people have been attacked by wild animals, annually, in the last three years. Out of these, we lose about three lives, especially in Eastern Province. So, this is a serious problem.

The case that the hon. Member was talking about, of a councillor, had to do with lions. Normally, when lions taste human flesh, they become a problem and we do not know why but, apparently, after they taste human flesh they continue to …

Hon. Opposition Members: It is salty!

Ms Namugala: Those who have eaten human flesh are saying it is salty. I do know about that.

Laughter

Ms Namugala: Anyhow, we encourage communities to report cases of that nature to ZAWA. As I have said, if a lion tastes human flesh, the only thing you can do is to destroy it. The other reason is that of poaching in the sense that when the usual prey has been decimated, the lion will look for domestic animals like cattle, goats, sheep and even dogs. In addition to what the hon. Deputy Minister has said, as a Government, we are doing our best to ensure that every GMA has game management plans that are able to guide the communities where the animal parks are and where they can safely cross.

In terms of crocodiles, most incidences are quite fatal and we try as much as possible to deploy ZAWA officers to destroy such animals. However, we are concerned, also, as a Government, that the communities are not careful. Hon. Members of Parliament are encouraged to sensitise them so that they are aware of where to cross and where not to cross.

I thank you, Madam.

Dr Scott (Lusaka Central): Madam I would like to ask a question that extends to the question of the creation of animal-human conflict as opposed merely to its control. In the Kasanka National Park, the area has recently been invaded by poachers who have been driven out of the Tuta Road area because the land has been given to a certain Chinese investor. These displaced people have found no other option, but to poach as an alternative to fishing. Would I, please, have an answer as to what the ministry is doing about that?

Mr Musosha: On a point of order, Madam.

Madam Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Musosha: Madam Speaker, is the hon. Member, who has just asked a very misleading question, in order to mislead this nation and the House that a Chinese firm has been given the plain in the Tuta area when he cannot even point at that Chinese firm? I need your serious ruling.

Madam Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member on the Floor will have to substantiate or withdraw that statement if no such investor has been given the Luapula Plain.

Dr Scott: Madam Speaker, I have not come with a dossier on the subject. I am only asking about the ministry’s policy in relation to the question of moving people from one area and obliging them to come into conflict with animals. If she can answer that in the general terms, I will be very happy.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Deputy Speaker: We will allow the hon. Minister to answer that, but hon. Members, when …

Interruptions

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!

This is not a quarrelling place. When you make a claim, you have to stand by it or it may be misleading and that is not acceptable in the House. The hon. Member talked of an investor and it is recorded. So, it is up to the hon. Member to either ask to have it removed or substantiate that there is an investor who was given the land and has caused people to move. Is that the state of affairs, honourable?

Dr Scott: Madam Speaker, that is the information I have. I cannot substantiate it in detail because I do not have the details. I have made it clear that I am asking the question in the general terms on how the movement of people has led to them coming into conflict with animals and how it could be prevented.

Ms Namugala: Madam Speaker, whatever the Government does, it does for the good of the people it serves.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Namugala: The Government does not and cannot expose the people of Zambia to attacks by wildlife.

Interruptions

Mr Kasongo: On a point of order, Madam.

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!

The point of order is on the person speaking. Is that what you are doing now?

Mr Kasongo: It is a question of procedure, Madam.

Madam Deputy Speaker: Go ahead.

Mr Kasongo: Madam Speaker, it has been a standard procedure in this House that when a Member of Parliament makes a serious allegation which cannot be substantiated, he should withdraw it. Is it in order for the hon. Member of Parliament for Lusaka Central to get away with his allegation without withdrawing it? I need your serious ruling.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Deputy Speaker: It is, indeed, in order for an hon. Member to withdraw a statement when need arises. As of now, on the Floor and in the records, there will be a Chinese investor in Tuta Flood Plain. I think that is what I heard. It becomes dangerous if we keep leaving records that are not cleared. Therefore, if the hon. Member had no issue, he could have just withdrawn that so that it could have been expunged from the record and that was what the Chair guided. Nevertheless, the hon. Member chose to interpret it in his own way, saying that the question was asked on, generally, displaced people.

You may continue, hon. Minister.

Ms Namugala: Madam Speaker, I was saying that, as a Government, we are responsible enough …

Mr Lubinda quarrelled with Hon. Kasongo.

Mr Kasongo: I have the right to express myself because I am an hon. Member of Parliament.

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!

Interruptions

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members. Hon. Minister, you may take your seat.

Mr Kasongo: I am a Member of Parliament and I have the right to debate.

Mr Lubinda continued talking.

Madam Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Kabwata, Order! Do you realise, in this House, that everybody has the protection of the House? Everybody has the liberty to debate, but guided by the Chair. If you see anything wrong, bring it to the attention of the Chair. Do not start talking to each other on things that have come to the Floor. Do not reduce this House into a social gathering. It is a business entity and a national gathering where real issues are debated. Do not infringe on the rights of each other. Each one has the right to question what is going on. I do not expect this counter reaction. It has happened twice today. Attacks on one another will not be tolerated. If you see something wrong, hon. Members, stand and bring it to the attention of the Chair. Do not take it upon yourself to talk directly to the hon. Member who has raised any issue. The hon. Minister has been interrupted more than once. Otherwise, hon. Members are not interested in the answers that you are giving and we may be forced to move on to the next question. I think we move on.{mospagebreak}

TELEVISION AND RADIO SIGNALS IN PEMBA AND SENKOBO

272. Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi) asked the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services when the television and radio signals at Pemba and Senkobo would be expanded and improved upon so as to reach a wider coverage.

The Deputy Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services (Mr Muchima): Madam Speaker, the poor reception at Pemba and Senkobo is caused by the old age of transmitters. At Pemba, the problem is compounded by the constant power failures. The Zambian National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) power generator is too old and often breaks down. At the moment, improvements at Pemba are tied to the availability of funds as the project cannot be executed within the normal ZNBC income or ministerial allocation. Replacing the transmitters will cost about US$1 million.

At Senkobo, ZNBC is currently installing a 1 kilowatt transmitter in Livingstone which will greatly improve reception in Livingstone Town. The ultimate improvement of reception in the area covered by the Senkobo transmitter is also tied to the availability of funds.

Regarding the radio reception, that is Radio 1 and 2, at the two sites, the situation should improve greatly when the frequency modulation (FM) transmitters are installed as is the situation under the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP). The two areas will be covered by the end of the plan.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Ntundu: Madam Speaker, that is the reason I say that hon. Minister, sometimes, somersault in the manner they give their answers.

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!

Mr Ntundu: Now, how …

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! Hon. Members should not get used to speaking over the Chair. Can you use the correct word and not somersaulting? How do you see the somersault?

Laughter

Madam Deputy Speaker: Use formal language.

Mr Ntundu: Madam Speaker, I would like to find out what has happened to the programme that the former hon. Minister told this House that ZNBC was installing transmitters at the base to ensure that we receive the television signals countrywide? What has happened to that programme?

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, yes, in November, last year, we promised that the reception for both radio and television would improve and a contractor was on site. Yes, works have been going on and they have been tested, but in certain places it has not been possible because of a certain component that requires about US$122,000 which was not captured in the budget. It is hoped that in this coming budget, the Government will include it so that a retuning is done to the transmitters and that will improve both television and radio reception.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Muyanda: Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services when the funds will be available to boost Senkobo and Pemba so that the entire Southern Province can have conventional reception of ZNBC television and radio rather than allowing some criminals to walk away with K8 billion from the Government institutions.

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order, ask the question!

Mr Muyanda: May we know why you are letting thieves steal so much money?

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! Now, you are going off track. Can you withdraw that statement?

Mr Muyanda: Madam Speaker, much obliged. My question is totally withdrawn.

Laughter

Madam Deputy Speaker: The whole question has been withdrawn. That is all right.

Mr Chisala (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, when Hon. V. J. Mwaanga was Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, he assured …

Ms Namugala: On a point of order, Madam.

Madam Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Ms Namugala: Madam Speaker, I have been a Member of this House for the last eight years and I rarely rise on points of order. However, is it in order for this House, as honourable as it and should be, to continue to conduct itself in a manner that reduces its dignity? Should the House conduct itself in a manner that does not just embarrass some of the hon. Members, but especially that, normally, in the galleries, we have children who come to see what we do and learn from us, and yet we know the major culprits of this embarrassment? Is it in order for you, Madam Speaker …

Interruptions

Ms Namugala: I am not raising a point of order on Madam Speaker, but on the procedure of the House.

Is it in order to merely ask them to leave the House, withdraw or to simply apologise? Madam Speaker, should not something more serious be done so that the dignity of the House can be restored?

Hon. Government Members: hear, hear!

Ms Namugala: I seek your serious ruling.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order!

The hon. Minister may have to raise that question in the right manner because, truly, it sounds like a point of order on the Chair. The guidance that is given here is appropriate according to the Chair. Therefore, if there is any issue, the hon. Minister may have to raise it in a very different manner, according to the provisions laid. The Chair tries to guide according to the procedure of the House.

The hon. Member for Chilubi may continue.

Mr Chisala: Madam Speaker, when hon. V. J. Mwaanga was Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, he assured this House that the television signals would be expanded to all rural parts of Zambia and that the radio reception would be improved. Therefore, why has this not been effected?

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, it was assured and the truth is that the programme has been going on. I was not a hon. Member of Parliament then, but I can testify. In Mwinilunga, the province I know better, we did not have a television reception, but it is there today. Before hon. Mbewe joined, he assured us that there was an improvement. As I speak, today, works on transmitters are on-going. As we go on, funds being available, that will be an issue of the past. This Government is committed to ensuring that every corner of Zambia accesses television reception.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

HIGH SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION IN LUAPULA

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

(a) how many high schools were scheduled for construction in Luapula Province in 2009, district by district; and

(b) how much money was expected to be spent to the projects above under the 2009 Annual Work Plan.

The Minister of Education (Ms Siliya): Madam Speaker, let me begin by thanking the hon. Member of Parliament for his continued interest in education projects in his constituency and Luapula Province, in general. He never fails to make an effort to come to our offices to discuss issues with us.

Madam Speaker, the schools scheduled for construction in Luapula Province in 2009 are as follows:

District            High School                                   Amount (K)                     Contract Cost (K)

Mwense           Lukwesa High School                      4,450,166,790                    23,054,991,519

Mwense           Lukwesa Boarding High School       7,200,000,000

Mwense           Luapula Girls Technical School          4,450,166,790                  25,421,366,000

Chienge            Ponde High School                             4,450,166,790                  13,378,217,103

Milenge             Milenge High School                           4,450,166,790                  25,554,653,600

 
I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr D. Mwila: Madam Speaker, when will the upgrading of upper basic schools start?

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order! That is another question.

LUBWE SKILLS TRAINING CENTRE IN CHIFUNABULI

274. Mr E. C. Mwansa asked the Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development whether there were any plans to assist Lubwe Skills Training Centre in Chifunabuli Parliamentary Constituency complete the construction of the skills training centre which was initiated by the community.

The Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development (Ms Cifire): Madam Speaker, the current Government policy on skills training centres is to establish, at least, one youth skills resource (training) centre in each district. In Samfya District of Luapula Province, there are already two youth skills training centres. These are Samfya and Chisangwa Youth Resource centres which were established by the Government to cater for the whole district.

Madam Speaker, two years ago, Samfya Youth Resource Centre was relocated to a new site where there is enough land to accommodate a lot of facilities such as hostels to house youths coming from out-laying areas like Chifunabuli. This initiative was to give Samfya Youth Resource Centre the full status of a district youth resource centre with boarding facilities to accommodate youths from Lubwe and other areas. Under this agreement, places such as Lubwe, Kasaba, Chishi and Mbabala islands would serve as satellite centres for settlements or placement of skilled youth graduating from the district youth resource centre as is the case with Chisangwa Centre in Chief Kalasa Mukoso area. Chisangwa Youth Resource Centre was recently transformed to such status following a request from the Samfya district community through the District Commissioner.

Concerning construction works at the Lubwe Skills Training Centre, my ministry gets involved only upon receiving a request for assistance from the local community directly or through the Provincial Youth Development Officer. In such cases, the question of ownership and utilisation of both the land and facilities is determined and documented in a memorandum of understanding signed between my ministry and the community. As of now, my ministry has not received such request in respect of Lubwe Skills Training Centre.

Given the limited financial resources allocated to the ministry for the purpose of developing youth infrastructure, I wish to urge the hon. Member, for now, to use the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) for continuation.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr E. C. Mwansa: Madam Speaker, actually, the CDF has played a major role in doing this job and the intention of the question was what the hon. Minister’s ministry could do to complement the work that is already being carried out by the community itself. I think doing anything as they relegate skills centre which has received the Government equipment to the background and ignoring the fact that, already, the Government has spent money on equipment on the same project.

The Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development (Mr Chipungu): Madam Speaker, I wish to advise my colleague that if he has concerns similar to the one that he is just raising, it is important that he approaches our office so that we can work together. Otherwise, bringing questions to the House in this manner, may not help at all.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

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MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

The Minister of Defence (Dr Mwansa): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

Question put and agreed to.

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The House adjourned at 1205 hours until 1430 hours on Tuesday, 21st July, 2009.

 

WRITTEN REPLY TO QUESTION

BOARDING HIGH SCHOOL IN MUTENDA/MUCHINSHI AREA

262. Dr Katema (Chingola) asked the Minister of Education when a boarding high school would be built in the Mutenda/Muchinshi area of Chingola Parliamentary Constituency to cater for the growing population of the peri-urban and rural areas along Chingola/Solwezi Road.

The Minister of Education (Ms Siliya): Madam Speaker, currently, the ministry has no plans of building a boarding high school in the Mutenda/Muchinshi area. It is up to the district to plan for the schools as they come up with the District Infrastructure Plan.

I thank you, Madam.