- Home
- About Parliament
- Members
- Committees
- Publications
- Speaker's Rulings
- Communication from the Speaker
- Order Paper
- Debates and Proceedings
- Votes and Proceedings
- Budget
- Presidential Speeches
- Laws of Zambia
- Ministerial Statements
- Library E-Resources
- Government Agreements
- Framework
- Members Handbook
- Parliamentary Budget Office
- Research Products
- Sessional Reports
Debates- Wednesday, 7th October, 2009
DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE FOURTH SESSION OF THE TENTH ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 7th October, 2009
The House met at 1430 hours
[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]
NATIONAL ANTHEM
PRAYER
______________
QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER
NUMBER OF CHINESE AND ZAMBIAN NATIONALS TO BE EMPLOYED BY LUANSHYA COPPER MINE
111. Mr Kambwili (Roan) asked the Minister of Labour and Social Security how many Chinese and Zambian nationals would be employed by the new owners of the Luanshya Copper Mine.
The Minister of Labour and Social Security (Mr Liato): Mr Speaker, a total of 2,500 Zambian nationals and 100 Chinese nationals will be employed at the Baluba Mine operations whereas between 1,500 and 1,700 Zambian nationals and thirty to forty Chinese nationals will be employed at the Mulyashi Project by the new Luanshya Copper Mine owners.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, in the spirit of creating employment for our local Zambians, why have we allowed 100 Chinese to be employed at Luanshya Copper Mine? What specific qualifications do they have that the Zambians do not have?
Mr Liato: Mr Speaker, I think this question has been answered by the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development before. The new owners are in the process of settling down. Definitely, there are a lot of teething issues that they need to take care of. We hope that, as they settle down, more Zambians and less Chinese will be employed.
I thank you, Sir.
PROVISION OF SOLAR POWER AT CHASEFU RURAL HEALTH CENTRE
112. Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC., (Chasefu) asked the Minister of Health when Chasefu Rural Health Centre in Chasefu Parliamentary Constituency would be provided with solar power.
The Minister of Health (Mr Simbao): Mr Speaker, this year, the Ministry of Health procured solar equipment for 584 rural health centres countrywide, as part of its rural retention strategy. Chasefu Rural Health Centre in Mambwe District was targeted to benefit from this procurement. However, we have not been able to acquire this equipment due to the withdrawal of funding to the health sector by some co-operating partners who had earlier committed to supporting this procurement under the Health Worker Retention Scheme. Unfortunately, this has derailed the project momentarily.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Mr Speaker, does the hon. Minister know that Chasefu Rural Health Centre is in Chasefu Parliamentary Constituency and not in Mambwe, as given in his answer?
Mr Simbao: Mr Speaker, no, and I am grateful for that information.
I thank you, Sir.
Ms Kapata (Mandevu): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister mentioned that there are many solar panels which the Government is buying for rural health centres. What plans does the ministry have for urban clinics which also experience a lot of blackouts due to the Zambia Electricity Supply Company power cuts? Is the ministry going to buy generators for urban clinics?
Mr Simbao: Mr Speaker, it is a fact that we have experienced some blackouts. What we have done, in most clinics, is introduce rechargeable power lights because that is a cheaper alternative. We intend to continue with this alternative rather than go for generators that are expensive.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Hachipuka (Mbabala): Mr Speaker, the issue of solar panels has caused a lot of problems in health centres and schools. What security arrangements is the Ministry of Health going to put in place to secure these panels?
Mr Simbao: Mr Speaker, we have made an application to the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning to see if they can bridge the gap that has arisen because of this problem. We hope that the Ministry of Finance and National Planning will support this procurement.
I thank you, Sir.
Dr Machungwa (Luapula): Mr Speaker, there are a number of problems with solar units in rural health centres. Bulbs stop working and sometimes batteries are no longer rechargeable. Is there a programme of maintenance to ensure that these units continue to work once they have been installed?
Mr Simbao: Mr Speaker, normally when we install solar panels and power at a clinic, basic maintenance is taught to the people who are to use them. Three years ago or so, I experienced power failure at one of my clinics because two batteries failed to work. The actual maintenance such as purchasing is supposed to be done by the district. In this particular case, I took it up and had to buy two batteries for them. Basically, maintenance works are taught to one of the employees who is supposed to take care of the equipment at the health centre.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Sichamba (Isoka West): Mr Speaker, are there any immediate plans to ensure that all the health posts are provided with solar panels countrywide?
Mr Simbao: Mr Speaker, the plan is to ensure that all health facilities have some form of power either solar generated, from a generator or the Zambia Electricity Supply Company Grid. There is a programme for all health facilities to be empowered. In fact, in all health posts, provision of solar power has been incorporated.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Beene (Itezhi-tezhi): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister of Health has said that he has failed to buy solar panels due to the withdrawal of donor support. What is he doing to convince the donors to continue funding health institutions in this country? What is he doing to ensure that those who are attacking donors change their position?
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Simbao: Mr Speaker, this issue is slightly different from the way the hon. Member has put it. There is a Governance Committee which comprises the Government and donors. This committee has drawn up three tranches which, once met, a certain step is taken. The first tranche has, already, been achieved. However, the donors decided to move one item from the second tranche to the first tranche and that is the item which is being discussed. These meetings have been going on very well and everybody is sticking to their commitments, except for that one diversion.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Muntanga (Kalomo): Mr Speaker, solar panels are prone to theft. What security measures is the ministry considering to prevent theft? One such measure could be marking them with an emblem of the Ministry of Health so that even when they are stolen, they can be easily recovered.
Mr Simbao: Mr Speaker, I have heard of theft of solar panels from schools. Obviously if thefts can occur at schools, they can occur at health posts. This, therefore, is a very big concern. We have to ensure that they are installed in such a way that it would be hard to get to them. That would be the best way to secure the solar panels. Theft of solar panels is common even in my constituency.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
REHABILITATION OF THE MONGU KALABO ROAD
114. Mr Mooya (Moomba) (on behalf of Ms Limata) (Luampa) asked the Minister of Works and Supply:
(a) when rehabilitation works on Mongu-Kalabo road would resume;
(b) who the contractor engaged to do the works at (a) above was;
(c) what the total estimated cost of the rehabilitation works at (a) was.
The Deputy Minister of Works and Supply (Mr Ndalamei): Mr Speaker, the revised detailed engineering design and preparation of the tender document of contraction of the remaining 35 km of the Mongu-Kalabo Road has been completed.
The tender for the contraction of the remaining section of the road was advertised and two bids were received. However, both bids were very high. One bid was K700 billion and the other K1.1 trillion.
The Ministry is not able to commence the project, given the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) because funds are not adequate. However, the ministry is currently looking for other funding arrangements such as concessionary loans or pre-financing by interested road contractors.
The tendered works will only start when funds are mobilised and secured.
Mr Speaker, Messrs. Consolidated Contractors Company of Kuwait was originally engaged to carry out the construction of the Mongu-Kalabo Road.
The estimated cost for the Mongu-Kalabo Road is US$45 million.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mooya: Mr Speaker, the bids were high. However, did the ministry try to negotiate for a reduction?
The Minister of Works and Supply (Mr Mulongoti): Mr Speaker, everything possible was done to ensure that we bring the cost to acceptable levels. Like I said, the challenge is there as the contractors become very difficult. However, we are pursuing other avenues and the nation will be informed about them in due course.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Milupi (Luena): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister stated that the estimated cost was US$45 million, and yet the lowest bid was K700 billion which is a lot more than US$45 million. Has the Government considered the possibility of locating this road to other sites which might be a lot cheaper than K1.1 trillion? I know that one of the constraints on this particular site is that there is too much water. If you have made this consideration, what are the alternative sites and what are the costs?
Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, all options were considered from the beginning. However, there were a lot of politics involved in this project. As a Government, we settled for one that was agreeable to the majority of those who were arguing over it. I am not able to give costs for the alternative sites because those were dropped when we settled for this option.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Imenda (Lukulu East): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that Kuwait was responsible for the funding of this project. This was a loan which we will pay for a road which does not exist. I would like to find out who is currently responsible for the funding of this project.
Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member knows that the road is much longer than the current stretch that is left. The Kuwait Fund worked up to a certain point until the challenge became difficult and they could not proceed and left. As a Government, we are worried about doing the last 35 km as this is where the biggest challenge is. We will not depend on them and we are trying other alternatives to ensure we complete the 35km that are left.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, for the past three years, we have been hearing stories about this Mongu-Kalabo Road. Is the hon. Minister not considering putting other projects in the Western Province on hold in order to concentrate on this road for just one year so that it is completed?
Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, I welcome that proposal and wish it could have the support of the majority of the hon. Members of the House. The hon. Member knows that such a proposal would receive so much resistance that its contemplation is inconceivable.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Kambwili: Yakwa Kaleya Mateo.
Dr Machungwa: Mr Speaker, initially, US$45 million was estimated as the cost for the project. Would the hon. Minister be in a position to tell us how much of that money has been spent, so far, since this project has been going on for several years now?
Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, I do not know whether we said US$45 million was the initial cost. We are saying that the cost of the remaining stretch of 35 km is estimated at US$45 million. I know it will cost a little more because of the delays and the change in the contractors. The House will be informed of the actual cost later.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Lubinda (Kabwata): Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister indicate to this House what the specific challenges on the remaining 32 kilometres of the road are? If these challenges are not technical it is only because the underground of this area is so liquid that it cannot hold any kind of foundation and, therefore, there is no solution insight, can he indicate to us what he is referring to as the challenge?
Mr Mulongoti: The hon. Member originates from there and he knows what these challenges are.
Laughter
Mr Lubinda: Iwe, yanka!
Mr Mulongoti: However, science has challenged everything on earth and there are contractors with capacity except that the impediment is the cost. There are companies that are able to deep pile to the levels where they can cement the foundation. Therefore, we are not saying it cannot be done, but that the initial contractor underestimated the challenge. However, the new contractor will be warned about why their colleagues left.
I thank you, Sir.
REHABILITATION OF DAMS IN CHASEFU
115. Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC. asked the Minister of Energy and Water Development:
(a) when the following dams in Chasefu Parliamentary Constituency would be rehabilitated:
(i) Chaboli;
(ii) Kaimbonye; and
(iii) Luwerezi; and
(b) whether there were any plans to construct more dams in Chasefu Parliamentary Constituency.
The Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Development (Ms Lundwe): Mr Speaker, you may wish to know that a similar question was asked some time in February this year. However, I am glad to report that part of the funds for the rehabilitation of the dams has been released and that activities leading to the rehabilitation of the dams such as the preliminary surveys have started.
Mr Speaker, priority in the area has been the rehabilitation and maintenance of existing dams and ensuring the efficient and effective use of the available water in order to support agriculture, tourism, environment and other uses. Therefore, there are no plans, at the moment, to construct more dams in Chasefu Parliamentary Constituency.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr C. K. B. Banda, SC.: Mr Speaker, to clear the doubt and assure the people of Chasefu Constituency, may the hon. Minister tell the House when the works will begin because preliminary surveys can take donkey years? May he kindly give assure the people of Chasefu?
The Minister of Works and Supply (Mr Mulongoti) (on behalf of the Minister of Energy and Water Development (Mr Konga)): Mr Speaker, funds thereto will be released and, at the moment, people are on the way to begin the works.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, this Government has been preaching about diversifying into agriculture. How do you hope to diversify into agriculture if you do not have immediate plans to make more dams across the country?
Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, the current assessment is that the dams that are available are adequate. In fact, they are under utilised.
Mr Kambwili: Question!
Mr Mulongoti: It would be pointless for us to construct new ones when the ones that exist are adequate. The position of the Government is that we will apply resources, where it is necessary, to rehabilitate the existing dams and, if new ones will be a necessity, we will proceed to do that.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Simuusa (Nchanga): Mr Speaker, with respect to water rights for all Zambians, there have been growing conflicts in areas where dams have been constructed. People downstream have gone to court to prevent dams from being created because they are deprived of water down the stream. Can the hon. Minister assure the people of Chasefu and this House that there are no such conflicts where these dams have been constructed in Chasefu?
Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, I hope the hon. Member of Parliament heard our answer. The dams in question are existing dams. I do not know whether we are going to start conflicts over existing dams. When we construct new dams, the stakeholders will be consulted and it is only upon their agreement that we will proceed to construct new dams.
I thank you, Sir.
________{mospagebreak}
MOTION
MOTION OF THANKS
(Resumption of Debate)
Mr Speaker: When business was interrupted yesterday, Tuesday, 6th October, 2009, the House was considering the Motion moved by the hon. Member for Kalabo Central that the thanks of this Assembly be recorded for the exposition of public policy contained in His Excellency, the President’s Address and the hon. Member for Ndola Central was speaking.
Before he resumes his debate, I alerted the Executive, yesterday, that they had up to Thursday to reply to the concerns that were contained in the debates of the hon. Members who are not part of the Executive.
May the hon. Member for Ndola Central, continue.
Mr Mushili (Ndola Central): Mr Speaker, before we adjourned yesterday, I had joined the voices of the other speakers in sending my condolences the families of the two brothers, Hon. Hamir and Hon. Tetamashimba.
Mr Speaker, it is forty-five years since Zambia gained its independence. It is very heart-wrenching to note that the President’s speeches that are being given by the MMD Government have failed to provide inspiration and hope on which concrete economic growth can be built in this nation.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mushili: The MMD is close to twenty years in office today, but it has failed to provide leadership which the people of Zambia have been yearning for since 1974.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mushili: Mr Speaker, the people of Zambia need change. It is not just change of presidents in the MMD, but practical change that would give hope to the Zambian people. That is what we are talking about.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mushili: It is the tragedy of our time that the President’s Speech does not show a concrete roadmap to deliver on the promise. I will illustrate this in the following debate.
Mr Speaker, today, I will confine my debate to the issues of governance, the Constitution and decentralisation. I have said before that Zambia is one of the countries in which studies never cease. Last year, when I was debating, I said that much research had been conducted, but documents just pile up and gather dust in ministers’ offices.
Mr Speaker, good recommendations have been shelved and lack of implementation thereof has cost the Government a lot of resources. It is tragic also that the MMD Government shelved such important documents on studies and consultative meetings.
Sir, early this year, the MMD Government called for a National Indaba and many individuals and organisations made progressive recommendations which have been shelved. This is evidenced by the President’s Speech, for example, with regard to the windfall tax.
Sir, kindly allow me to drive my point and put my debate into context by taking a brief historical perspective. For seventeen years, the Zambian governance systems were based on one party participatory democracy which I call dictatorship, predominantly because it only qualified one man into State House. Under the United National Independence Party (UNIP) dictatorship, power was centralised. Suffice it to state that centralisation belongs to dictatorships.
Sir, in 1990, the people of Zambia demanded change. The UNIP Government bowed to the pressure and an Act of the Constitution of Zambia was amended to revert to multi-party democracy. In 1991, when the MMD Government took over power from UNIP, they inherited a one party dictatorship governance structure. An opportunity to change the Constitution came in 1996 and this introduced a governance system which supported a multi-party democracy drastically. The Chiluba Administration was caught up in the pettiness and smallness of our politics and maintained all the archaic systems of governance and concentrated on the process to bar Dr Kenneth Kaunda from running for presidency.
Mr Lubinda: The smallness of MMD!
Mr Mushili: Mr Speaker, silencing of political dissent became an objective for ushering in a new constitutional order. The Chiluba/Levy MMD Government totally misguided the whole nation and suddenly huge amounts to enact a constitution that targeted individuals were spent.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mushili: Mr Speaker, when the late Dr Mwanawasa, SC, took over power, he too embarked on the making of another Constitution which the current administration has gladly embraced. I am afraid to submit that while the need for a durable constitution has been long over due, our nation is trapped in the smallness and pettiness of our politics.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mushili: Mr Speaker, the outcome of the current Constitution-making process is already known because, again, a few individuals have been targeted.
Mr Mwangala: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Mwangala: Mr Speaker, it is rare for me to interrupt the good proceedings of the House. Is the very intelligent and honest-speaking young man, hon. Member of Parliament for Ndola Central, in order to read like me, a Deputy Minister?
Laughter
Mr Speaker: Order!
The hon. Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources, in raising that point of order on the debate by the hon. Member for Ndola Central is quite envious of the flow of thought and he wants to protect his status as one that belongs to the category of those who are allowed to read their speeches.
I have been listening attentively and watching the hon. Member for Ndola Central and I think the hon. Member is referring to his copious notes.
May he continue, please.
Laughter
Mr Mushili: Mr Speaker, thank you for your protection.
These constitutional processes, which are aimed at individuals, must come to an end. The terrible culture must change. We need to embrace a broad-based agenda. We are not short of leaders. What we are lacking is leadership in the MMD Government and I am going to demonstrate this.
Sir, last week, the People’s Republic of China celebrated its 60th Anniversary with something to show to their people, in terms of infrastructure and technological advancement. Forty-five years is close to sixty years. What can the MMD Government talk about?
Mr Lubinda: Nothing, niba Mulongoti chabe!
Mr Mushili: What has the MMD done that they can talk about? There is nothing. That is what we mean by lack of leadership.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mushili: Sir, the time has come for the current leadership to invest in new institutions of governance in order to deliver change. We have an opportunity to rise above the pettiness of our politics and face our people with reality. Let me emphasise that the need to unite is not debatable. The United Party for National Development (UNDP) and Patriotic Front (PF) have decided to concretise the motto of “One Zambia, One Nation” …
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mushili: … and stop the regional thinking, of some people, particularly the ones on your right hand side.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mushili: Mr Speaker, can people in a right frame of mind argue that it is wrong for these two parties to come together and fight the animals called tribalism and regionalism? That is what we have done here. Why does it become an issue to you? Are you afraid of unity? Let them weigh their conscience.
I heard one debater, on your right, saying that we should reduce the procession of presidency to a regional rotational system such that as long as it is the turn of a particular region, it must provide a leader. We cannot reduce our Zambia to that level.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mushili: Mr Speaker, let the presidency be achieved on merit and not be rotational. We want a person who will qualify to be there on merit. Let the best man or woman, as elected by the people, rule. What we must address our minds to is having a constitutional order that does not concentrate power in the presidency. That is what we should be talking about. The President must be able to undertake Executive orders, but not to the extent that the entire nation is held to ransom.
Mr Speaker, the MMD has been talking about decentralisation for more than five years now and no practical action has been seen. What are they afraid of? The lip service that the MMD continues to give to the people is unacceptable. In simplest terms, leadership means leading. We want to see leadership in you.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mushili: Let us not keep on politicking on decentralisation of power. We have provincial administrators in all the areas across the country. Since you now have the road maintenance equipment, why can you not hand it over to the local councils?
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mushili: These are people who know how to use this equipment. They already have the capacity. It is only when the capacity is lacking that the Government can move in and build it. Let us not waste time. How long are we going to wait to be shown how this equipment is supposed to work? The people of Zambia, and especially the people of Ndola, are looking forward to using this equipment. We are able to do it. For how long will the MMD Government continue talking about decentralisation? It is not those who call upon the name of the Lord who will enter the kingdom of God, but those who do the will of God.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Hon. Opposition Member: Amen!
Mr Mushili: Mr Speaker, it is not those who preach decentralisation who will be elected into office in 2011, but those who implement decentralisation.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mushili: Mr Speaker, it is absolutely clear that the MMD party will not be elected into office in the year 2011.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mushili: They know it.
Hon. Government Member: Wenye wako!
Mr Mushili: Their specialisation now is talking and not delivering services to the people. The MMD has failed to provide leadership on how to utilise this equipment which they brought.
Mr Speaker, I would, now, like to talk about Ndola Central Constituency. In 2007, the people of Ndola initiated a project now known as the Ndola Development Trust. This is a community-driven project, whose intentions are to augment the developmental efforts of the Central Government, the local government and the provincial administration.
This project was based on the principle of the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) concept. The people of Ndola had that foresight long before the PPP was actually enacted in this House. Its main objectives, in principle, were to just help this Government which has failed to provide leadership to provide the services. The people of Ndola spent more than K500 million on consultations to come up with what is called the Ndola Development Strategic Plan.
They saw a lot of hope and inspiration in this document. This is the document that was going to be used to mobilise resources from the Government and donors so that the people of Ndola could do things themselves and help you with your shortcomings. In principle, that is what the trust stands for.
Mr Speaker, now that the PPP is law, I have not seen this administration, in particular the Provincial Minister, coming forward to say Hon. Mushili and the people of Ndola, you can go ahead with the project. The hon. Minister has kept quiet.
Sir, would you help me? I am asking the relevant ministries to help the hon. Minister for the Copperbelt to understand what the PPP means so that the people of Ndola can implement the project with its objectives which are intended purely to help the Government, local government and the provincial administration.
Mr Speaker, what is happening currently is disheartening. This is why the pact …
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mushili: …will come in and embrace such initiatives from the grassroots who are the people who will put us in power. The people of Ndola want this pact because they know that they will work with it. Why should you block it?
Hon. Government Member: What?
Mr Mushili: I am talking about what is contained in this brochure.
Hon. Opposition Member: Lay it on the Table.
Mr Mushili: We spent a lot of money on this brochure and I am ready to lay it on the Table.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Hon. Opposition Member: Tom and Jerry cannot read it.
Laughter
Mr Mushili: Mr Speaker, it is unthinkable that our roads are in a deplorable state and the MMD continues to mismanage the meager resources that we have. Ndola District is a typical example of a city destroyed by the hands of the MMD. Factories, roads, water reticulation systems, houses, markets, clinics and hospitals, among many other socio-economic infrastructure look like glorified refugee camps. Sadly, this is what this Government decided to do to the people of Ndola and they are very bitter.
The people of Ndola have died and continue to die because of lack of employment.
Hon. Opposition Members: Shame!
Mr Mushili: Companies have folded because of the decisions taken by the MMD Government.
Mr Lubinda: Professor Phiri.
Mr Mushili: Now they have come up with the so-called Ndola Industrial Park of which they have no idea how to implement. They have not even explained how they will implement the project to the people of Ndola. Do not keep on abusing the people of Ndola. They want to eat. Many of the people have migrated to more economically active areas because there is no employment in Ndola.
Mr Speaker, now is the time to rise above our small and petty politics and embrace a broad-based development agenda for all the people to benefit.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mushili: We have one Zambia and one people. The Patriotic Front (PF) and United Party for National Development (UPND) shall remain united under the pact.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mushili: May God bless the people of Ndola and may the people bless the UPND and PF.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
The Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr M. B. Mwale): Mr Speaker, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the Motion moved by the hon. Member for Kalabo Central.
Mr Speaker, I would like to join my colleagues who have debated before me to express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the late Hon. Tetamashimba and Hon. Hamir.
Mr Speaker, late Hon. Tetamashimba was a man who stood by the ideals he believed in. He was a hardworking man, who fully committed himself to the cause he stood for and it all showed in his ability to deliver. He set out to achieve what he believed in. His three words were performance, performance and performance. Teta, as we fondly called him, said things as they were for the common good. As for late Hon. Hamir, he was full of constructive suggestions for the party he dearly loved, the MMD. He was quick to engender ideas and suggestions on good governance. He was a colleague, indeed. May Their Souls Rest in Eternal Peace.
Mr Speaker, the President’s Speech was inspiring and thought-provoking to those of us who know what national governance is all about.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr M. B. Mwale: As for me, I saw the positive side in the debates of those who debated negatively on His Excellency’s the Presidents Speech. It is their way of recognising that the MMD is in power under the firm leadership of His Excellency, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr M. B. Mwale: Furthermore, they were confirming before the Floor of this House that they are still in a state of denial of the fact that they have failed to assume the leadership of this country.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr M. B. Mwale: Mr Speaker, my humble appeal to them is to ask them to wait for 2011 to face another defeat.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr M. B. Mwale: Mr Speaker, in 2011, there will not only be denial, but also a gravitation into depression and its dire consequences.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr M. B. Mwale: Once thing for sure is that you will not get kadansa type of leadership from the MMD because we discuss issues and we have no time to entertain.
Sir, the President’s Speech covered issues affecting the extractive industry in broader terms. In their debates, some hon. Members alluded to protectionism in view of the loss of market for locally produced coal and the removal of the windfall tax. To those hon. Members, I have a simple message that we are, now, in an era of de-regulation and removal of barriers to trade. We are in an era of common external trade policy adoption; mobility for factors of production between countries in regional groupings; and common currencies, tax rates harmonisation and common monetary and fiscal policies.
Mr Speaker, we are in an era where economies are migrating to political unionism. Oh! Yes, protectionism is not of this age, but of the baby boom generation. I pray that Hon. Dr Scott and Hon. Marjory Mwape have been brought on board in this era.
Mr Speaker, as regards the removal of Windfall Tax, it is surprising that some people were of the view that it should have remained in our statutes. May I remind the House that we are part of the global village which is competing for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the same market. Needless to state the obvious that the FDI flows to countries with minimal costs of political, legal and trade risks. Windfall Tax is an impediment to the flow of the FDI as it adds to the cost of doing business.
Mr Speaker, Hon. Simuusa of Nchanga debated that miners on the Copperbelt are in the mood of despair. He further argued that despite the Copperbelt being endowed with mineral resources, it was not doing well in particular, Chingola. Hon. Simuusa also raised a concern that KCM was out sourcing a number of operations in open pits, concentrators and engineering, thereby raising the anxieties of job insecurity for our people.
Sir, sub-contracting operations, in itself, is not bad as long as it increases efficiency and productivity whilst not denying our people jobs. This Government of President Rupiah Banda is cognizant of the fact that it can alleviate poverty and better the lives of its people through job creation. May I give advice to our mining companies that whenever they are introducing new systems, it is important that there are wider consultations with other stakeholders, particularly employees, to prevent unnecessary suspicions and resistance to change which may impact negatively on industrial relations and, in turn, productivity.
Sir, the hon. Member for Nchanga will agree with me that the denominator for mining costs is the level of production which has a direct bearing on the profitability of the operations. In other words, in the business of mining, an investor has to take advantage of the economies of scale for operations to be viable due to the huge fixed costs. It is an undeniable fact that KCM has had a lot of production problems and we hope that the bringing on of streams of Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP) would turn around the business fortunes for KCM.
Mr Speaker, allow me to give a brief comment on the mining industry for the benefit of the House, and in particular for Hon. Simuusa. Zambia attained the highest level of copper production in 1973 at 759,000 tonnes and dropped to a low of 257,000 tonnes in the year 2000. Needless to state that large-scale mining operations which were private-sector led commenced in the 1990s. The industry was nationalised in 1972, following the country’s attainment of independence and the adoption of socialist ideals as was the trend then for most of the new African Governments. In 1982, all mining activities were vested in one giant company, the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Limited (ZCCM).
Mr Speaker, what followed? Due to various reasons, the performance of our mining industry was mainly on the downward trend. The mining assets deteriorated and required substantial recapitalisation. It led our Government to decide on privatising the sector and this commenced in 1997. The benefits of this economic decision are there for all to see. Copper production has increased to over 500,000 tonnes, new technologies have been adopted in industries such as solvent extraction and electro-winning of oxide copper ores, recapitalisation of the mines through FDI and, more importantly, creation of jobs for our people and increased revenues for the Treasury. Two new smelters employing latest technology have been constructed in Chingola and Chambeshi. These smelters are environmentally friendly as they capture the sulphur dioxide gases used in the production of sulphuric acid.
Sir, the projected copper production for 2009 is 650,000 tonnes and could have been higher had Luanshya Copper Mine(LCM) not been placed under care and maintenance. The figure is expected to rise to 1,000,000 tonnes by 2011 with the coming on stream of KDMP. Contrary to Hon. Simuusa’s assertions of despair, the statistics should inspire optimism and hope for a future for the people. Our mining industry will continue to be vibrant with exceptions in areas where the ore resources are near exhaustion. We have to come to terms with the fact that some ore bodies will be depleted and we have to see our communities beyond mining.
Mr Speaker, Cornwall was known for its tin mines and most of the countries in the United Kingdom were famous for their collieries, but alas, those activities are no more and life continues in those former mining areas.
Mr Speaker, concerns have been raised because large-scale operations in Luapula have not been opened. Some sections are, therefore, insinuating that the Government is not concerned about the economic life of that province in view of the declining fishing industry. May I set the record straight that it is due to some historical reasons as no detailed geological work to ascertain the size and grades of any mineral deposit had been carried out in the province.
Sir, the House may wish to know that even the basic work of geological mapping was only finalised last year. What has compounded the situation in Luapula is the non- availability of free areas for any would-be large operator to acquire mining rights. Our people with mining rights are encouraged to partner with credible investors rather than holding on to mining rights as if they are title deeds. This Government is committed to empowering Zambians, but it will not be at the expense of the common good of the people of Luapula and the nation at large. We need to move on the path of finding credible partners for our people. There is the constraint of power which will require a substantial financial outlay for electricity to be tapped from the Copperbelt.
Mr Speaker, Luapula is endowed with a lot of mineral deposits such as copper and manganese which are amenable to small-scale operations. Unfortunately, these outcropping deposits have given rise to a scenario which can be equated to the
Great Trek or the Gold Rush.
Mr Speaker, the question that begs an answer is: are Zambians not able to exploit these deposits on their own rather than having them exploited by some immigrants from the great south? Oh yes, Zambians can. This Government will not allow some commodity traders to exploit our people in Luapula and thus, this Government needs the support of all the political leaders from the area.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr M. B. Mwale: Mr Speaker, a number of concerns have been raised on the poor performance of the gemstone sector. Hon. Members of this House think that the sector is not significantly contributing to the economic well being of the nation and it is understandably so. The point to note is that the gemstone industry, world over, is problematic and is led by warlords and gangsters. We are blessed in that our situation is different. The sector is private-sector led and needs close monitoring to ensure that we benefit a bit more from the sector.
Again, Mr Speaker, a number of mining rights are owned by Zambians who are encouraged to partner with those with capital to ensure meaningful development of the industry. It is sad to note that Zambians have resorted to outright sales of productive mines to foreigners, thereby denying the locals of participation in this industry.
Sir, Hon. Kakoma debated in this House about the continuation of our late President’s legacy, but his argument seemed to suggest that the legacy was only for the people of the North-Western Province. That was misconceived, as our beloved President was for all of us, Zambians, and he presided over the people of the Eastern Province, including Malambo Constituency.
Hon. Kakoma’s debate on His Excellency the President, Mr Rupiah Banda’s announcement of providing K200 billion for the upgrading of the Chipata/Mfuwe Road was quite misleading as it seemed to suggest that he was not part of the late President’s legacy. I am fully aware that, in the Western Province, the late President wanted the Mongu/Kalabo Road constructed. I am also aware that in the Eastern Province, he was desirous of having the Chipata/Mfuwe Road upgraded.
Mr Speaker, I would like to inform this House that at three separate public rallies, the late President assured the people of Malambo that the Chipata/Mfuwe Road would be tarred. The last pronouncement was made during his last Christmas/New Year holiday of 2007/8 at Chiutika Basic School and the Cabinet Ministers who were present at that rally are as follows:
(i) Hon. Ng’andu Magande;
(ii) Hon. Sylvia Masebo;
(iii) Hon. Kapembwa Simbao, who was then Minister of Works and Supply;
(iv) Hon. Dr Brian Chituwo; and
(v) Hon. Michael Kaingu.
The mentioned Members of Parliament can attest thereto.
Mr Mubika: Hear, hear!
Mr M. B. Mwale: The People of Malambo have waited for the tarring of that road for so long.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr M. B. Mwale: The Chipata/Mfuwe Road is an economic road which, once tarred, would spur tourism and other economic activities in the area. My appeal to Hon. Kakoma is to debate from a position of facts and not the usual Opposition debate of ruining Government successes and plans.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr M. B. Mwale: In any case, Hon. Kakoma should come to terms with the fact that President Rupiah Banda is entitled to leaving his own legacy at the end of his two terms.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr M. B. Mwale: In conclusion, Mr Speaker, I would like to add my voice to that of others on the debate about the pact. I would like to commend the Patriotic Front (PF) and the United Party for National Development (UPND) for the ‘packet, packet’, indeed.
Laughter
Mr M. B. Mwale: However, I would like to inform them that alliances are historical and biblical. It is recorded in 2 Chronicles Chapter 20 that three nations, namely; the children of Moab, Ammon and Seir …
Mr Beene: Where?
Ms Changwe: In the Bible!
Mr Beene: Which Bible?
Interruptions
Mr Beene: You should be reading the Bible in here!
Mr M. B. Mwale: … formed an alliance to go to battle against the children of Judah.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr M. B. Mwale: It is recorded, Mr Speaker, that the members of that alliance fought against each other to destruction …
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr M. B. Mwale: … without the children of Judah lifting a finger.
Laughter
Mr M. B. Mwale: The only work the children of Judah did was collect the spoils of treasure from the dead Ammonites, Moabites and Seirites.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr M. B. Mwale: That alliance which was formed with ill-intentions failed.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr M. B. Mwale: Equally, Mr Speaker, alliances which are sponsored by those who also sponsor organisations such as LEGATRA, are bound to fail because they are unholy.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr M. B. Mwale: Sir, Members on your left are on record as having informed this House that the pact will come to power in 2011. Well, …
Mr Muntanga: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Laughter
Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, you have often advised us …
Hon. Government Members: On what?
Mr Muntanga: … in this House that the Bible shall not be quoted …
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}
Mr Muntanga: … as we debate. If one quotes anything from the Bible in his/her debate, the context will be different from what he/she is saying. Is the hon. Member debating on the Floor in order to continuously quote from the Bible and yet he is not a Reverend? I need your serious ruling.
Laughter
Ms Cifire: Pact yalala!
Mr Speaker: Indeed, with reference to the point of order raised by the hon. Member of Parliament for Kalomo, the Chair has regularly guided hon. Members to avoid quoting the Constitution out of context as well as religious books for the same reason. In this particular case, without misunderstanding the guidance I am going to give, the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development is apparently aware that there are two parts to the Bible, the spiritual part and the historical part of the Bible.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Speaker: The hon. Minister has avoided the spiritual part of the Bible …
Laughter
Mr Speaker: … and is dealing with the historical part of the Bible.
May he continue, please?
Laughter
Mr M. B. Mwale: Sir, the Members on your left are on record as having informed this House that the pact will come to power in 2011.
Mr Beene: Yes!
Mr M. B. Mwale: Well, nobody ever stopped them from dreaming as that is their natural right.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr M. B. Mwale: If I may make further observations about the pact, the chilingalinga, wilisi or blind snake, Mr Speaker, is a marriage of convenience with the sole objective of getting into State House at all costs.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr M. B. Mwale: What makes you think you will wrestle power from us so easily? You are headed for another defeat in 2011.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr M. B. Mwale: This time around, a resounding one.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr M. B. Mwale: The chilingalinga is harmless and can only scare little ones, but not to us, the big men.
Laughter
Mr M. B. Mwale: With the two heads, Mr Speaker, it will not know which direction to take …
Laughter
Mr M. B. Mwale: … and will take more time procrastinating on which direction to go, …
Laughter
Mr M. B. Mwale: … rendering it vulnerable to the little children playing in muddy waters.
One head for sure, Mr Speaker, will be rendered impotent.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mubika: Wamvela, Mwila! Mwila!
The Minister of Works and Supply (Mr Mulongoti): Mr Speaker, …
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: Order! Order!
Hon. Opposition Members: The lawyer!
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: … I am grateful for being allowed to make my contribution on the statement by His Excellency the President, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda.
Sir, let me join my colleagues in also paying tribute to our two fallen hon. Members of Parliament. Hon. Hamir was a perfect gentleman at his …
Mr Mubika: Quality!
Mr Mulongoti: No! … at his insistence on being courteous. He made one feel so embarrassed that one even wonted to avoid him.
Hon. Government Member: Yes!
Mr Mulongoti: At any time, he called one, “hon. Sir”. He was such a wonderful gentleman.
Hon. Tetamashimba was a very brave man. He went about his politics like a free man. He was no respecter of persons.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: He was also a very kind man. Those who interacted with him at a personal level will agree with me that he was a very kind man.
Mr Hachipuka: Yes! You are right!
Mr Mulongoti: However, when you crossed his path, he did not spare you.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: There are many, both from the left and right side, who can attest to that in this House.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, over the last few days, we have been subjected to discourses on leadership. We have been told about tragedies of failure of leadership and so on.
Mr Muntanga: Poverty!
Mr Mulongoti: We have been told about poverty of leadership or whatever they are calling it. Interestingly, we are in the same ship. I do not want to call it a boat because it has been abused.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: We are in the same ship. Whether we like it or not, we are the leaders of this country.
Ms Lundwe: Yes!
Mr Mulongoti: I feel sad that hon. Members can stand up and make statements that are not truthful.
For instance, the hon. Member for Ndola Central (Mr Mushili), who has just been debating, is saying there is no development taking place. Currently, in Chisokone, Ndola Central, the Government is constructing a brand new market. I do not know whether he lives in Ndola or he is using selective – anyway I will forgive him because as the hon. Mr Speaker said yesterday, his role is to undo what we are doing. I do hope that he can benefit from a bit of sincerity to himself and all of us.
Mr Speaker, in leadership, there is a need for us to ask ourselves very tough questions because we are all leaders. One of the questions we should ask ourselves is: Am I keeping my priorities right? If your priority is just to take over the State House, I do not know whether you can call that a right priority. You must fight to go in there in order to deliver service to the people of Zambia.
Interruptions
Mr Mulongoti: As a leader, are you asking yourself the right questions? Are you accountable to someone in authority? In this case, the authority is us.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: Ask yourself if you are ever concerned with building your image. If that is your concern, then it is unfortunate. Can I put more stock in events rather than processes? Am I a loner in my leadership and personal life? Am I aware and honest about my weaknesses because even those of you who have no discernable leadership still insist that you want to rule us?
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: Now, there are lessons in leadership. Leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand. I would like Hon. Kakoma to listen. The role of a leader is to equip people to use their gifts and not to continuously condemn them. Authority must always accompany responsibility. Leaders raise the bar and call followers to a high standard. Leaders celebrate diversity while they work for unity.
Professor Phiri: Niye ma lawyer, aya!
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, leaders understand that belief precedes behaviour. A person’s influence must flow from his or her identity and so if you do not have a correct identity, it is difficult for you to have influence. Leaders avoid living in denial, but define reality and so, please, accept that you are not yet near the opportunity to rule this country. That is a reality.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, I have been hearing about a pact for a very long time and I have my own views on this pact. This pact is equivalent to two people from separate marriages …
Mr Muntanga: Why are you talking about it?
Interruptions
Mr Mulongoti: … where they had difficulties.
Laughter
Mr Speaker: Order!
Will the hon. Minister continue? I am ordering them to give you a chance to debate.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: It is equivalent to two people who were in two separate marriages before and who unite and are both looking for twins. One of them is past the child-bearing age ...
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: … and the other is a very youthful bull. When you are invited to a wedding of that kind, either as a neighbour, friend or family member, you can only go there as a sympathiser.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: I do not think it would be polite for you to tell them that what they are doing is a fruitless endeavour.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: You simply take your gift there and humbly say, “Congratulations!”.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, the attempt we saw after their consummation was in Chitambo where they came out not even with a still-born ...
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: … but both of them, because of infidelity, produced children from their previous relationships.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: So, they have been celebrating these children from previous relationships – these are the councillors because we have the wards. However, from their consummation, there was no result in Chitambo.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, you can see the futility of this exercise. When I went to the Eastern Province, I learnt about a beetle called nyanse. When it is angry, it cuts and eats its limbs and when it sobers up, it later it dies. What we are seeing happening in this relationship are these two people who are very intolerant. In the previous marriage, one chased his Vice-President and Secretary-General while the other one also did the same. Of late, one child from one of these marriages who is very brave stood up and said, “Daddy, you are in a futile marriage”, and he got kicked out …
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: … for telling his father the truth that he was wasting his youth in this relationship.
Laughter
Mr Muntanga: On a point of order, Sir.
Interruptions
Mr Beene: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Speaker: Order!
The rule is, you cannot raise more than one point of order on the same speech. However, I saw an hon. Member over there attempting to raise a point of order.
A point of order is raised.
Mr Beene: Mr Speaker, it is not my intention to disrupt the speech by the hon. Minister of Works and Supply who is debating in a provocative manner. Is the hon. Minister in order to just debate issues of marriage about who divorced who, and who married who without telling us how the roads will be tarred in this country and why the road in my constituency, Itezhi-tezhi, is being graded instead of being resurfaced?
Mr Speaker: The hon. Minister of Works and Supply may continue, please.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, we had twenty days of listening very carefully to some of our colleagues who do not even appreciate the gift of science. They have amplified equipment here, but when they scheme matters, it is like they are outside the Chamber. We have been listening very carefully and we are grateful. I was outside Zambia for a week and I had relief from the insults and abuse I get on a daily basis, but I am back, and happily so. In my absence, one hon. Member stood up and accused me of all kinds of indignities. As usual, each time I stand to speak, he vanishes from the House. I sent him a note that, please, do not go away because I have things to say. But since he decided to go away, I am honourable enough not to say anything except to appeal that when you think you are subtracting from we, on this side, in your debates, you are subtracting from yourselves because you are leaders as well.
Mr Speaker, when we stand on a matter of principle and say that we are defending this, do not see dishonesty in us.
People have stood in this House to say that we are neglecting the legacy of the late President, Mwanawasa. However, let me say this. Those of us who were faithful and loyal to him in his lifetime have continued to do so in his death.
Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!
Mr Mulongoti: Those who were unfaithful and dishonest to him when he was alive are pretending, today, …
Hon. Government Members: Yes.
Mr Mulongoti: … that they are protecting his legacy.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mulongoti: They pushed him to his grave in their continuous attacks, …
Hon. Government Members: Yes.
Mr Mulongoti: … and, today, they want to claim that they are protecting his legacy. Please, have some morals. The legacy of the man is too big to be destroyed by simple statements. He worked, as a lawyer, in this country and served so many people. He worked, as a Solicitor General and Vice-President, and defended people. He stood up and fought corruption. He appointed people to office, created institutions, and gained a reputation and built bridges. Is it possible that one mischievous character can stand up and say a thing to destroy that kind of legacy?
Hon. Government Member: It is not possible.
Mr Mulongoti: What legacy are you talking about?
Mr Speaker: Order! The hon. Minister will withdraw the phrase “mischievous character.”
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: Thank you, Mr Speaker, I was talking about …
Hon. Opposition Member: Withdraw it.
Mr Mulongoti: I withdraw the phrase, Mr Speaker. I was talking about people who stand up to make irresponsible statements, at times, against the late President and expect us, who were very close to him, to retaliate and fight anybody who says anything against the late President. We respected him in his lifetime and we will still respect him in death.
Hon. Opposition Member: Aah!
Mr Mulongoti: Those of you who are pretending to defend his legacy by organising riots at the university …
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: … should stop cheating yourselves because the late President Mwanawasa was for education.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: He supported that institution.
Mrs Phiri: Question!
Mr Mulongoti: He never organised riots at that institution.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: Therefore, support his good works by your conduct. I would like to advise that for a man who did so much, it is only fair that we recognise his efforts and not try to impute anything wrong in those of us who agonise silently while some of you scream that you respected him and are protecting his legacy. Our agony is so deep. We will not wake up in the middle of the night to chase those who say things against him. We will pray that God, in His own time, will place him at the level that we want him to be. Therefore, I would like to assure the hon. Members, here, that there is no betrayal at all. The current President we are serving was appointed by the late President.
Hon. Government Member: Yes.
Mr Mulongoti: It is his legacy that is continuing. At what point do we subtract from him because his appointee is now the President? Are you trying to find political capital from your political graves?
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: From a man’s death?
Mr Speaker, unfortunately, when I grew up with Dr Machungwa, if you were called Guy, it was not something to celebrate.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: However, I am saying this, Mr Speaker, to remind the hon. Member that debate is supposed to be orderly.
Mr Mukanga: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, I rise on a serious point of order. Is the hon. Member, who is debating so badly, in order to continue debating outside the President’s Speech?
Mr Speaker: The hon. Minister of Works and Supply is in order …
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Speaker: … because I have heard, while presiding, here, the things he is referring to being debated in this House. He may continue.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear! Long live Chair!
Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, the former Vice-President of the United States of America once said that the accumulation of knowledge with a bit of luck culminates into wisdom. I find it extremely strange that the people who have been to school, giving education a bad name, would stand up and claim to see nothing in the President’s Speech. President’s speeches are intended to give policy guidelines and any reasonable hon. Member would be expected to study them and see the direction things in the country are taking. You might think that when you stand to condemn a speech, you are showing leadership, but ones leadership is denoted by the manner in which one highlights what he or she thinks is wrong without necessarily condemning everything.
Mr Speaker, at the end of the day, hon. Members on your right stand on the Floor of this House to seek assistance from us, but when we render it to them, they claim that nothing is happening in the areas they are representing.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: Now, you know …
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: Order!
Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, when you show ingratitude, we are human like all of you. We want to work with you, but every time we do something, you say we have done nothing. Do you want to prove that we are incapable of not doing anything?
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: You can safely do that.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: Those of you, who go on challenging and questioning what the Government does every time develop high blood pressure at the sight of a police officer.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: You develop high blood pressure.
Laughter
Mrs Phiri: Question!
Mr Mulongoti: If you think you are brave, Hon. Mangani is a very good Minister of Home Affairs.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: As a Government, we are very democratic and we will protect your democratic rights. However, as soon as you become part of, what is called public nuisance in law, …
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: … you get picked up and kept away to protect the innocent citizens.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, I have great friends like that hon. man who is twice my size.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: When he stands up to debate, sometimes, he says the right things, but except it is the manner in which he makes his presentations that makes it seem that he is trying to pick a fight with the hon. Members on this side of the House. Now, in the process, you disturb our ability to get our decibels organised. Do not scream matters. The other gentleman who is not here does not know that there are microphones in here. When he stands to speak, he screams all the time. I know at school, they teach you to be audible, but they do not say shout.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: It is because they adhere to what they are taught at school that they come to scream out the matters they present before the House.
Mr Speaker, I wanted to comfort my colleagues by letting them know that we are a very responsible and listening Government …
Mrs Phiri: Question!
Mr Mulongoti: … and we are encouraging hon. Members from that side, who want to work with us, to step forward because we are more than ready and willing to work with them. However, those who want to tempt fate and dare us, we shall see them in hospitals as they feign sickness.
Laughter
Mrs Phiri: Question!
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, I must thank you for your continued guidance on how we must show tolerance and patience towards each other. I know we cherish these virtues. I would like to thank your guidance and those hon. Members who are very understanding.
Hon. Kakoma, start going to your constituency.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: Do not spend all your time in Lusaka.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: I go to your constituency more often than you do.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: It is very unfortunate.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, I used to have a lot of respect for the bitter ones you see here, including those who are screaming for …
Hon. Opposition Member: Mpombo.
Mr Mulongoti: … anyway, let me reserve my comment ...
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: … because I might earn a tongue-lashing from a big bushman here.
Laughter
Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, I thank you very much.
The Minister of Health (Mr Simbao): Thank you, Mr Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to, also, contribute to the speech given by His Excellency the President, Mr Rupiah Banda. From the outset, I would like to join those who have paid tribute to you and your team for the sound management you have provided to Parliament and the nation.
It is said that experience coupled with the right knowledge is a sure way of expertise and, indeed, you possess both.
I would, also, like to join the many who have mourned the death of Hon. Hamir and Hon. Tetamashimba. We are, once again, robbed of strong men. Hon. Hamir’s positive heckling quality in the House was unparalleled, but we seem not to have that voice in here anymore. As for Hon. Tetamashimba, it is shocking and difficult to believe that he is no longer here. What a loss!
I remember working with Hon. Tetamashimba as my hon. Deputy Minister for one and a half years before he was moved to the Ministry of Local Government and Housing. He was a delight to work with. He loved assignments, especially tough ones. He loved challenges, especially where the truth was painful and where others feared to go. He would quickly take up the challenge and champion it. He was always convinced of what he pronounced, whether true or not. He never said anything he was not sure of, either by later revealing his source of information, if cornered, or just sticking to his words if the information was by his own knowledge. Hon. Tetamashimba held no secrets on wrongs and when the need arose to reveal the wrong, he did it gladly. It is because of these strong principles that there were many people who were not comfortable with him. Indeed, he was a man who had strong principles. Like I said, I worked with him as my hon. Deputy Minister and when he was moved, I missed him as much as I do now.
Mr Speaker, let me now address the speech delivered to this House by His Excellency the President, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda. Knowing that Hon. Akakandelwa addressed most of the health issues, as raised by the President, I will try to stay away from his line of argument and will instead lean more towards technical issues.
The President indicated his resolve to improve medical care in the country and I would like to confirm that in concordance with this directive, we have started the conversion of five clinics into first level hospitals in Lusaka. These clinics are Kanyama, where progress is quite noticeable, at the moment; Matero Reference Centre; Chipata and Chilenje clinics, where a contractor is on site, at the moment, and work is going on. The works at Chawama Clinic have delayed because there was a problem of land. However, the council has resolved to give us some land. We hope to start work on this site very soon.
Mr Speaker, we have, equally, allocated money to Lubuto Clinic in Ndola to upgrade it to a first level hospital. It is amazing that the hon. Member for Ndola Central has no idea about this. At the end of this project, Ndola will have three hospitals which will be very good for the town.
Mr Speaker, the President announced that Lusaka General Hospital will be constructed this year. I remember a lot of people heckling when he said this. This indicated that they insinuated that this would not happen. However, true to his word, the construction of the Lusaka General Hospital will begin this month.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Simbao: Everything is in place. The site has been handed over to the contractor and all the basic issues are being attended to. We are trying to connect water, electricity and an access road to the site because the contractor has advised against using the Great East Road entrance as it is too busy.
Mr Speaker, we have resolved to finish all the uncompleted structures that we have in many provinces this year. These uncompleted structures have been a source of concern as they have badly affected the people’s mood. Most of them are big referral health centres and once completed, the provision in these areas will greatly improve. We have resolved to follow the President’s directive by giving Zambians these long-awaited health facilities.
Mr Speaker, the President gave reference to mobile hospital services. Hon. Akakandelwa talked about this issue at length and, as I said, I will try to stick more to technical issues. Many people have since commented, both negatively and positively, on this issue. I would like to start by stating that we do not have enough hospitals in the country. If it were possible, we would have a hospital in every constituency and, in future, people will see that this is what is normal. To quickly create that environment, we will fill the gap with mobile hospitals …
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Simbao: … and try to see how this vision can be achieved.
Mr Speaker, I have heard many people ask why we cannot just improve the existing facilities. It is true that the existing facilities are in a deplorable state and need upgrading. However, the issue is not of availability, but applicability. The existing facilities are very few and, at the moment, are not sufficient for the whole country. A mobile hospital has a general hospital status. I would like to explain this so that hon. Members can appreciate the use of mobile hospitals. The first level hospital is a basic hospital. It does not have consultants, but only general practitioners. That is the present situation in this county as regards first level hospitals.
Later, when the number of doctors is increased, there will be more consultants and some will be assigned to first level hospitals. At the moment, there are no consultants at first level hospitals. Therefore, when a mobile hospital goes to a district, it will be just as good as moving a general hospital which we cannot afford now on a permanent basis because of lack of consultants. The mobile hospitals will have the consultants needed for the medical problems in the districts. The doctors at the district hospitals will put together an accumulated number of cases to be attended to. Instead of moving the sick people to Lusaka, the mobile hospitals will move to the locality where these cases are.
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Hear, hear!
Mr Simbao: All districts will have a general hospital from time-to-time. There has been a misunderstanding on this matter. It is not that the mobile hospitals will go to villages. I would like hon. Members to listen to me attentively so that they are able to argue constructively. The doctors at the district hospitals will diagnose the cases that they cannot handle and require a consultant. At, that point, the doctor will compile a list and indicate the kind of cases that would require a consultant. The mobile hospital will then take a consultant to treat the people in that district. That is how the mobile hospitals will work.
Interruptions
Mr Simbao: I know it is a little difficult to understand. Now we have equipment which cannot be found at certain health centres. For example, the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) cannot be bought for all the hospitals in the country because it is very expensive. If we attempted to do this, some of the Government’s commercial activities that we are so proud of would collapse. Even in developed countries some hospitals do not have certain equipment and that is why there is a referral system the world over.
Mr Speaker, the services of a second level hospital provided by the mobile hospitals will, now, be enjoyed as close to one’s home as possible.
Mr Speaker, permit me to respond to some of the comments by the hon. Members. Hon. Yamfya Mukanga said UTH was ill-equipped and asked the Government why UTH cannot be brought to the standards of the Morning Side Clinic.
Mr Speaker, I would like to confirm that UTH, together with the Cancer Disease Centre, now have very advanced equipment and by the end of the year, we will have the latest equipment found anywhere in the world. For instance, the equipment that makes us send most of our people to South Africa, which is an MRI, has been bought. I am urging hon. Members to go to the Cancer Disease Centre and find the building in which this equipment is housed. We were told to build a separate room for it as it could not fit into any of the rooms because it has multiple specifications. We were, also, told that this is not equipment that can be kept without being used. Therefore, immediately it arrives, it has to be used. And so, immediately we finish building where it is to be positioned, the MRI machine will be shipped.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Simbao: Mr Speaker, the machine has been purchased and at the end of this year, it will be installed alongside the Cancer Disease Centre. This means that a lot of cases we refer outside the country will be diagnosed locally at the Cancer Disease Centre. This time, if you are sent outside, it will not be because we do not have the equipment, but it might be that after diagnosing your problem, we may not have the skill.
Mr Speaker, we have, also, bought another CT scanner. We only have two scanners, one in Kitwe and one here in Lusaka. The one here in Lusaka has been giving us problems, but it is, now, working. We have bought a new one now which will come in at the same time as the MRI although I am not pretty sure about this.
Mr Speaker, we have resolved to fully equip the Ophthalmology Department at UTH. We have pumped in enough money to buy state of the art equipment for this department and we have put money aside to send two doctors for training in how to use the new equipment that will come. The department recommended that only two doctors are sent for this training. By the end of this year, UTH will have one of the latest eye equipments in the world.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Simbao: Again, at UTH, there is the latest ultrasound machine which is called the 4D (Dimension) machine. With this equipment, any part of the body can be seen. If your wife is pregnant and you want to see the face of your baby, you can see it clearly, unlike with the 3D-machine that does not show clearly. This particular machine will show as clearly as a true picture of a baby. It is very easy now at UTH to inspect the part of the body that you suspect is malfunctioning.
Hon. Opposition Members interjected.
Mr Simbao: Mr Speaker, the 3-D can do that too.
Mr Speaker, the list of advanced equipment at both UTH and the Cancer Disease Centre is very long and I would encourage that hon. Members find time to visit the UTH or the Cancer Disease Centre. Both managing directors are willing to take you round and explain to you what we are, now, able to do in the country. Of course, there is still need to be done such as the management of dialysis. We have the equipment, but …
Mr Speaker: Order!
Business was suspended from 1615 hours until 1630 hours.{mospagebreak}
[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]
Mr Speaker: The House will recall that, sometime last week, the hon. Members did not form a quorum in time and we lost two minutes of the people’s precious time. I said if we multiply two minutes by the 158 hon. Members of Parliament here, we would lose what I then called money minutes. We have since calculated how much time was lost on that day. We found that it was 5 hours and 30 minutes. It has happened again. Five hours and 30 minutes have been lost today. This is not fair to the taxpayer …
Mr Kambwili entered the Assembly Chamber.
Mr Speaker: … and you are walking in as if nothing has happened.
Hon. Government Members: Kambwili!
Mr Speaker: This is unacceptable.
Mr Kambwili: I was calling hon. Members to come into the Chamber.
Hon. Government Members: Ah!
Mr Speaker: I will continue to speak on this matter and, one day, I shall shut this Chamber and you will go home because you are not willing to be punctual and work for the people. Now, it is 3 minutes after which is even longer.
Mr Speaker: I understand the quorum is now formed.
May the hon. minister continue.
Mr Simbao: Mr Speaker, on the issue of drugs, I have heard hon. Members saying that there are no drugs in the country. This is not true and hon. Members should be very fair in their comments. Twice I have requested them to come with me, firstly, to the Medical Stores Limited and secondly to the ministry headquarters so that, together, we can view the stocks of drugs, but none of them turned up. The situation on the availability of drugs in the country is very sound. We have all the drugs that we need in this country at the moment.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Simbao: I would also like to comment on the issue of delivering outside the hospital. It is very sad for anyone to deliver outside the hospital. However, I must say that this is very common and it is not only common here in Zambia, but also in developed countries …
Hon. Opposition Members: Where?
Mr Simbao: If you go to the British website, you will learn that 6,000 babies in 2008 were delivered outside the hospital.
I would like people to understand that, at times, delivering a child outside the hospital happens because of miscalculation or the mother not knowing exactly when this will happen. In this country, we advise that a mother should continuously attend ante-natal clinics at a clinic so that she can be properly advised on how the baby is progressing and when she will deliver. When it is close to the delivery date, the mother should shift and live somewhere close to a health facility.
One common problem is that of couples miscalculating. By the time they realise that the baby is due, it is late. At times, this baby will be delivered at home, on the way or upon arrival at a health facility. I gave an example, here, of a female worker in South Africa who was delivered by a fellow worker because she was not sure of her date. She felt something, but she was not sure. At the time it became obvious she was in labour, it was too late and a fellow lady delivered her. In the United Kingdom (UK), 6,000 babies were delivered outside the hospital. While it is not to be encouraged, it happens everywhere. It happens whether there is a strike or not.
Mr Speaker, I also would like to talk about some reference by one hon. Member that the Government did not react quickly to the strike that took place. I would like to assure you and the people of Zambia that the Government was engaged immediately it was informed about the sit-in through the hon. Minister of Labour and Social Security who met with the unions immediately. He comes from that fraternity and so he knew what to do with the unions because he knows how to handle a strike which is illegal.
Mr Speaker, I also would like to comment on the complaint that what the Government is doing is a drop in the ocean. I cannot believe what the hon. Member said. We are building fifteen first level hospitals which will cater for 3,000 million people. How can a person say that this is a drop in the ocean? One first level hospital is meant to cater for 200,000 people. Hon. Kambwili must go and calculate that.
Mr Speaker, I have run out of time, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
The Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development (Mr Chipungu): Mr Speaker, I wish to thank you most sincerely for affording me this opportunity to contribute to the speech of His Excellency the President, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, at the Official Opening of the Fourth Session of the Tenth National Assembly.
Mr Speaker, allow me to join the previous speakers in expressing my deep sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the families of the late Hon. Benny Tetamashimba and Hon. Hamir. May Their Souls Rest in Eternal Peace.
Mr Speaker, the late Mr Tetamashimba, in particular, was a very courageous, very vibrant, pragmatic and instrumental person in our Government. We shall sadly miss him. I personally worked so well with him in the North-Western Province and I was, indeed, very happy with his approach to issues.
Mr Speaker, I wish to congratulate Hon. Dr Solomon Musonda on winning the Chitambo By-election. This is a sign that the MMD party is actually growing stronger.
Mr Kambwili: Question.
Mr Chipungu: I welcome Hon. Musonda to this august House.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Chipungu: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank His Excellency the President, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda for his elaborate, sober and non-antagonistic speech delivered on 18th September, 2009 to this august House. It is, indeed, gratifying to note that His Excellency has given us a vision and direction for the year 2010. It is like some hon. Members, especially those on your left do not seem to know and understand His Excellency the President, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda. There are a few attributes for those who have doubts about him. He is humble, polite, courteous, non-antagonistic, and mature, and he does not insult people and is very experienced.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Chipungu: Mr Speaker, the President’s Speech touched on a number of critical issues. It is unfortunate that there have been insinuations by some of our colleagues that the country has lost direction. To the contrary, this is totally untrue as the speech by His Excellency has given us direction, inspiration and added impetus. We would all do well to follow that vision.
Mr Speaker, indeed, as the President rightly observed, the national economy has been under pressure as a result of the global economic crisis. The effect of our economy has been a reduction in internal revenue collection and funding from our co-operating partners, thereby directly and negatively affecting the implementation of the programmes and projects in all the ministries.
Mr Speaker, the change in the Budget Cycle is a very important development to the nation as this will give ministries, provinces and other spending agencies enough time to implement programmes. I would like to thank all hon. Members of this august House for supporting this change.
Education, Mr Speaker, is the key to national development. A well educated workforce is necessary for wealth creation. In this regard, therefore, the Government’s efforts in the education sector, as stated by the President, are a serious indication of the importance the Government attaches to the education sector. My ministry will work very closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure that sports becomes an examinable course. We believe this will contribute to the improvement of sports development in Zambia.
On health, this is critical to the development of our nation. A healthy nation is a pre-requisite for economic prosperity. In this regard, therefore, I would like to commend the President for all the efforts the Government is making to improve the health service delivery to the people. It is gratifying to note that the Government is exploring the feasibility of developing more mobile health services.
Mr Kambwili: Question.
Mr Chipungu: I do not understand why there are objections from some quarters, but I am personally convinced that the people in my constituency will stand to benefit a lot from mobile hospitals.
Mr Speaker, let me now talk about the Ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development. The significance of this sector need not be over emphasised. As clearly outlined in the speech by His Excellency the President, the majority of Zambia’s population consists of young people of thirty years and below. They make up about 68 per cent of the population.
Mr Speaker, due to their large numbers, the problems associated with this group are also many. These include the lack of education opportunities and unemployment, child abuse cases, HIV/AIDS, orphanhood and poverty in general, just to mention a few.
In this regard, therefore, the role of my ministry is key and critical. It entails taking care of the majority of the population who are not only future leaders, but also a potential workforce capable of contributing to the economic and social transformation of our great nation.
Our goal, as a ministry, is to empower people with various skills that are demand driven and also prepare them for self-employment. The President made this very clear.
Mr Speaker, let me give the House some idea of the skills that we offer to the children. We have carpentry, metal fabrication and tailoring and designing. Others are food production, auto mechanics, computer skills and brick laying.
Mr Speaker, the idea is to equip them with the survival skills to either enable them to get employed or create their own employment. It is unlike what Hon. Sing’ombe talked about. We do not train the youth for sophisticated jobs such the ones in oil companies. These are basic skills meant to equip the youth to either get employed or create their own employment where possible.
Mr Speaker, currently, my ministry is offering various skills in sixteen youth centres across the country. In view of the enormous challenges, my ministry has realised that we need more centres to cater for the young people, hence the plans to construct more centres with, at least, one in each district.
Mr Speaker, I wish to invite my colleagues to support my ministry in order to achieve this goal. The objective can only be achieved with the support of this august House and all other relevant stakeholders.
Mr Speaker, in addition, some former refugee camps such as Nangweshi, Mayukwayukwa and Kara have been earmarked for conversion into youth skills training centres in order to provide opportunities for school leavers, vulnerable and unemployed young people.
Mr Speaker, the ministry will do whatever it takes to improve the lives of young men and women and ensure their participation in economic and social development.
Mr Speaker, the President talked about the construction of a new Independence Stadium in Lusaka. As a ministry, we have learnt a lesson from the demolition of the Dag Hammerskjoeld Stadium in Ndola. We will not raze the Independence Stadium. Instead, we would rather have a new one constructed next to the old stadium.
Mr Speaker, we all know that sport is not only critical to economic development, but also to human and social development. As a business, sport can significantly contribute to economic growth through foreign exchange generation. Sport is also entertainment. It removes barriers and brings together people from different social strata. It also promotes healthy living by keeping sportsmen and women fit, stimulates mental alertness and elongates the life expectancy of individuals. In a nutshell, sport is not only a social activity, but also a business.
Mr Speaker, I would like to encourage hon. Members to take sport seriously in their daily lives. They should not only drink and sleep as this may deform their appearance.
Mr Speaker, I urge hon. Members to take a leaf from His Excellency the President and continue to support my ministry and have concern for the situation of children and the youth in the country.
Mr Speaker, before I conclude, allow me to react to some of the insinuations made by the hon. Members on your left.
One hon. Member mentioned that there was a vacuum of leadership on your right. This is not true. I am sure that we all know that this House has men and women of integrity on both sides. We also have educated men and women on both sides of the House.
Mr Speaker, we have a Cabinet that is hardworking, morally upright and so friendly that hon. Members from your left visit their offices and none of them has ever been snubbed.
Mr Kambwili: Ine nshisako.
Mr Chipungu: Mr Speaker, they are all mature in their approach.
Mr Speaker, the question of unemployment cannot be fought by the Government alone. I agree with Hon. Sinyangwe that there are many youths in her constituency who are not doing anything. My appeal to her and all hon. Members is that they must help my ministry to encourage these boys and girls to go back to school. The problem is that even when there is an opportunity to go back to school at no cost, most of the children will simply neglect it and decide to engage in other activities such as drinking.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, the Clerk of the National Assembly and the entire management of the National Assembly for selecting Rufunsa Constituency as the first recipient of a Constituency Office.
Mr Speaker, I have been mandated by Rufunsa constituents to come here and say thank you for coming to Rufunsa to officiate at that very important function in person. The people of Rufunsa had a rare opportunity and privilege to meet and mingle with the distinguished Mr Speaker and his delegation.
May the good Lord bless you, Mr Speaker, and the entire management.
I thank you, Sir.
The Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services (Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha): Mr Speaker, I thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity to also debate this very important Motion moved by the hon. Member of Parliament for Kalabo Constituency and seconded by the hon. Member of Parliament for Mufulira, Hon. Marjorie Mambwe Mwape.
Mr Speaker, I would like to place on record our appreciation and thanks to God for what he is doing through you, Mr Speaker, the able Clerk of the National Assembly and all the National Assembly staff.
Sir, for example, we now have a very good elevator which even the male hon. Members of Parliament may be forced to enter in with make-up kits.
Laughter
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, there are many other wonderful activities that are being undertaken by the National Assembly that ensure care for our comfort and for these, we would like to say thank you to you and all your staff. We appreciate your efforts, Sir.
Mr Speaker, let me also thank the President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, for the speech that is a masterpiece.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Sir, I call it a masterpiece because it is so simple to understand thereby making the message to the people of Zambia very clear and, in turn, the people of Zambia, all over the country, now know where we are coming from, where we are, where we are going and how we will get where we are going.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, above all, every Zambian should know what to do for Mother Zambia. The speech is a masterpiece because it brings out the truth. It is a masterpiece because the President has shown great leadership in uniting the people of Zambia.
Mr Speaker, I join the President of the Republic of Zambia in paying tribute to the great sons of Zambia, the late Hon. Benny Tetamashimba and Hon. Nasim-ul-Gani A. Hamir. We will continue to remember these great MMD giants for their selflessness in the service of the people of Zambia and, in particular, the people of Solwezi Central and Chitambo constituencies.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, my humble and passionate call on the people of Solwezi Central is that they must remember Benny Tetamashimba with honour by giving a big vote to the MMD candidate who will be adopted in Solwezi Central.
Mr Kambwili: Question!
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, I commend the people of Chitambo Constituency for the great honour they have given to their late hon. Member of Parliament, Hon. Hamir, by giving a big vote to Dr Solomon Musonda in the just-ended Chitambo By-elections. This is the example that the people of Solwezi Central must also follow. I congratulate Dr Solomon Musonda on a wonderful and landslide victory.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, in the same vein, I would like to remind the wonderful people of Kasama Central that Zambia has no place for people who champion the cause of tribalism. I, therefore, appeal to the wonderful people of Kasama Central to reject tribalists and elect the MMD candidate.
Hon. Opposition Members: Mwailasha!
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, the MMD Party is not tribal. The other parties in that by-election are tribal.
Mr Kambwili: Mubepele fye!
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, in his speech, spoke at large about the multi-sectoral developments in education, health, road infrastructure, skills development, agriculture, livestock and fisheries, tourism, mines and minerals development and many others in the country. In all these areas, the President gave a very clear vision to the people of Zambia on the most important aspects of human endeavour.
Mr Speaker, therefore, it was very disappointing, for me and many hon. Members of Parliament on your right, to listen to Hon. Simuusa and many others on your left misinform the nation that the Government is distributing resources to MMD controlled areas only. It was saddening to hear hon. Members on your left also talk about imaginary Government failures and about leadership poverty.
Mr Speaker, I just would like to show you, Sir, that such statements from hon. Members of Parliament from the Opposition are not only untrue, but are also a figment. There is no leadership poverty in the MMD Government and in the party. However, we are aware that the people of Zambia are, also, aware that there is, indeed, leadership poverty in the Opposition.
Mr Kambwili: Question!
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, this is the very reason there is the pact, the so-called chilingalinga, the snake with two heads.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, it is because of the poverty of leadership that it is there.
Mr Kambwili: Question!
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, I would like to give an example of how great and wonderful this party, the MMD, is and how it has worked. I will give an example of the Southern Province only because I may not have the time to speak about all the other provinces.
Mr Speaker, the MMD Government did not win any seat in the Southern Province. All the seats in Parliament from the Southern Province were won by UPND except for Livingstone Central.
The MMD Government has gone beyond party, tribe, political division and poured into the Southern Province colossal sums of money for multi-sectoral development such that the men and women of integrity are saying thank you to the MMD for their policies not only in the Southern Province, but also all over the country.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, this is a working Government and no one can argue with what they are seeing on the ground. No one can argue with what they can see with their own eyes.
For example, we have changed the face of Kasama and many other towns in Zambia. We are now still changing the entire Zambian landscape.
Mr Speaker, let me go back to the Southern Province. In every constituency in the Southern Province, there are development projects brought by this Government of the people by the people, for the people, and every hon. Member on your left, especially those from the Southern Province, can see these developments. They are amazed at what this Government has done.
Mr Kambwili: Question!
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, where there were no roads in the Southern Province, the MMD Government has constructed roads.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, where there were no district hospitals, the MMD Government has constructed district hospitals.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, where there were no health centres, the MMD Government has constructed health centres.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, where there were no basic schools, the MMD Government has constructed basic schools.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, where there were no high schools, the MMD Government has constructed high schools.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, each one of those hon. Members on your left can attest to the great work that is being done by this Government.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, let me deliberate on the development in the Southern Province a little more. The Southern Province is not MMD controlled, but Opposition controlled. This is the scenario in the Southern Province.
In the health sector in the Southern Province, there are more than 129 major infrastructure projects. These include construction of district hospitals, health centres, clinic rehabilitation of infrastructure and, indeed, lifting up of the entire infrastructure in the Southern Province. These are multi-billion kwacha projects. Therefore, how can anyone say that there is no leadership or there is leadership poverty with such development coming to you and to your people?
Mr Speaker, I thank Hon. Major Chizhyuka for saying thank you to the people and the Government of Zambia on the Floor of this House.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Kambwili: Nimwe mumutumfya!
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, most of them are, here, castigating the working Government or indirectly asking for more without saying thank you. Yes, more will come, but, at least, encourage us by saying, “thank you”. More will come, but let us work together.
Mr Speaker, in the Southern Province, more than 383 nurses, medical personnel and medical assistants have been filtered into these institutions to provide good health for the people in the Southern Province. The MMD is not a Government that is looking at the political scenario, but rather how it can look after the people. We are people-sensitive.
Mr Speaker, let me talk a little, also, about the education sector. In the Southern Province, there are great developments that are going on and hon. Members on your left know what is happening, and yet they come here and discredit this Government.
Mr Speaker, one hundred basic schools have been constructed in Southern Province by this Government and not one of these hon. Opposition Members has thanked the Government for that. They only come here to castigate this Government. This is not the only development. Seventy-five additional classroom blocks have been constructed in nearly every constituency in the Southern Province.
Mr Speaker, 160 new extensions of classrooms have been erected in the Southern Province. How can the people on your left say that there is poverty of leadership and yet we are providing leadership for our people? Let me add that 280 new homes for teachers have been constructed in the Southern Province.
Hon. Opposition Members: Where?
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Sir, I have facts and I can lay a document bearing this information on the Table.
Mr Speaker, five new high schools are being constructed in the Southern Province. As we are talking, the programme is ongoing. That is not the only development. About 71,000 school desks have been given to schools in the Southern Province, and yet we are being castigated by the people on your left. It is not okay for them to do that. At least, they must ensure that they are in a position to thank us for a job well done.
Sir, let me talk a bit about a wonderful thing that happened when I was a little boy. I had a wonderful auntie, May Her Soul Rest in Peace. During a time of very harsh economic conditions, she taught me that I could only put butter on one side of a slice of bread without putting anything on the other slice. When I ate the bread, it tasted like both the slices had been buttered. That gave me a lot of joy. The principle was that only one slice was buttered and the butter would rub onto the other slice. Therefore, to put two pieces of bread together that are both without butter does not give you joy. It is very important for the people on your left to understand that two slices of bread put together with only one of the slices buttered equals joy.
Mr Speaker, this MMD Government has brought joy to the Southern Province. Alas, it is not the same with the men and women on your left. There is no butter on both sides, and yet they have decided to form a pact. Where is the joy? Is it not the MMD that has brought joy and pride to the people of the Southern Province? We are not panicking. We are talking to the people so that they understand that they should not be misled by these two heads of a snake.
Sir, if the people of the Southern Province were asked who they would partner with, obviously they will say, the side that is putting butter on the bread, which is the MMD.
Interruptions
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, it is only that the wonderful people of the Southern Province have not been consulted. Instead, the leaders and ambassadors have gone ahead to make deals without consulting their people. In the 2006 Presidential Election, when one presidential candidate was leading in the vote count, there was sorrow in the whole of Zambia, including the Southern Province. Some people in the House can attest to that fact. As soon as the late President Mwanawasa took over, there was a spontaneous sigh of relief in the nation. The people are wondering why a particular political party has decided to partner with a pain bearer, who was making them sorrowful in the presidential elections. How can the chilingalinga now be your partner?
Mr Speaker, in the time that is left, let me also talk briefly about my ministry. My ministry has acquired antennas for shortwave transmission in the rural areas countrywide. Currently, both Radio 1 and Radio 2 have shortwave broadcasting services. I am aware that the signal now is reaching many other districts which were unable to receive it previously. In the next few months, my ministry is considering to undertake the following:
(a) appointing an Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Board;
(b) bringing to this House a number of bills, including the Freedom of Information Bill in order to assist our people to understand where this Government is taking them;
(c) decentralise the printing places and allow for provinces to produce newspapers so that the people can read them instantly wherever they are; and
(d) opening Channel 2 on the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) television which should enhance learning. We are currently doing test transmissions which are going on very well.
Mr Speaker, I thought I should let you and the people of Zambia know that everything that the Opposition should be saying should be about how Hon. Kapembwa Simbao has shown how much this Government is doing in the health sector; how much Hon. Mulongoti is doing to improve the lives of our people on roads and how much Hon. Dr Chituwo is doing in agriculture. Our people are appreciating all the work that the Government is doing. Therefore, there is no need for the hon. Members on your left to start manufacturing fabrications and yet, in actual fact, they should commend this Government for the efforts it is making. They should allow this Government to achieve even more for the people of Zambia. Anywhere today there is some form of a project going on, be it a hospital, school, road or a clinic being built. Not only that, we have, also, been increasing the number of teachers in the schools every year. We also are increasing the number of nurses in the hospitals. This is a Government that is working.
Sir, let me talk a bit about the mobile hospitals. It is surprising to see how ignorant the people on your left are about mobile hospitals. The mobile hospitals are the in-thing because they reach out to more people. In the UK and America, …
Interruptions
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: … they have mobile hospitals to the extent that now, this initiative is being replicated on aeroplanes in order to give people the first hand treatment that they need. Why is the Opposition and its leaders condemning mobile hospitals? It is because of ignorance. These people must come to us so that we can help them to understand the vision that President Rupiah Banda brought to this House in order to move the nation forward.
Mr Speaker, in conclusion, we are happy that we have a leader with vision a and sight, President Rupiah Bwezani Banda, …
Interruptions
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: …who has allowed people, even young leaders in this country, to insult him. They have no respect for the elderly leaders. They stand up to insult him, but he has let them be in order to unite the nation and, indeed, develop the country.
Mr Speaker, I thank you very much.
The Minister of Labour and Social Security (Mr Liato): Mr Speaker, I wish to thank you for giving me this opportunity to contribute on this very important Motion on the Floor. May I start by joining many of my dear colleagues who have passed messages of condolences to the families of our departed brothers whom we were with in this House. These are the late Hon. Hamir and Hon. Tetamashimba. For late Hon. Tetamashimba, I would say that he was a very good and close friend of mine. He was, indeed, a brother. Politically, the late Hon. Tetamashimba and I had come a long way. We were actually fired from the UPND on the same day.
Interruptions
Mr Liato: Sir, I will perhaps comment on that later. We were afterwards, re-elected back to Parliament and appointed to positions of Hon. Deputy Ministers in 2003 on the same day by the late President, Levy Mwanawasa, SC. We were, also, elevated to position of full Hon. Cabinet Minister on the same day. Therefore, we shared a lot in common with the late Hon. Tetamashimba.
Mr Speaker, I would like to start by thanking His Excellency, the President, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, for having given us what I will call a very inspiring speech in this House.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Liato: Mr Speaker, that speech was very inspiring in that in a lot of areas, he has set a pace for us to do our work in this House, a pace which will lead us to a lot of achievements in the coming year. He made it clear that this Government came into power after the 2008 Presidential elections, against the background of a global economic crunch. However, even with the credit crunch, this Government has achieved a lot. It has scored a lot of successes. We have scored in areas of agriculture, tourism, health, education and even in mining at a very difficult time, when everyone thought that many mines would close down.
Mr Speaker, in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, we also scored a lot of success in terms of job creation. Listening to the people debating in this House, one would get the impression that all is not well, that we have lost a lot of jobs and that this Government recorded failure in terms of job creation, which is not true.
Mr Mushili: It is true.
Mr Liato: Mr Speaker, whilst some jobs were lost, which was expected, it was not only Zambians who lost jobs in the formal sector. People lost jobs, the world over, in the formal sector. This is a fact unless one does not want to be realistic about it because even in America, Britain and Germany, jobs were lost.
Mr Speaker, during the whole period of the credit crunch, people lost jobs in all countries. To make it look like it was only in Zambia where people lost jobs is to run away from reality. It is obviously a deliberate act meant to mislead and misguide the Zambian people.
Mr Speaker, while this was happening, we created more jobs in many other areas. We created over 1,000 jobs at the Chambeshi Copper Smelter during the time of the economic credit crunch.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Liato: We also created over 1,000 jobs at Lumwana Mine where a new mine formally opened during the time of the economic crunch. As we are pulling out of the economic credit crunch, in places like Luanshya, where we had lost companies, new investors have been found and the employment opportunities are coming back. At the moment, over 1,000 jobs have been created in Luanshya and another 1,500 are expected at Baluba Mine. This is line with the question I answered this morning from Hon. Kambwili. More employment opportunities will, also, be created at the Milyashi Mine.
Currently, as companies such as Kafue Steel Factory are under construction, more jobs are being created. I have said in this House before that when that steel factory is fully operational, over 6,000 jobs are expected to be created in Kafue in one industry alone.
Mr Speaker, during the time of the credit crunch, we have scored successes in certain areas of agriculture. More jobs have been created in agriculture and tourism. Statistics at the Zambia Privatisation Agency (ZPA) indicate that the investors who came in the period January, 2008 to the second quarter of this year have been recorded as having pledged to create over 42,000. These are real statistics you can get from the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA). Therefore, please, do not argue without statistics and figures. Go and get these figures for yourselves and they will speak for themselves.
Mr Speaker, yesterday, I heard one hon. Member of Parliament talking about the tragedy of leadership. He kept on saying that there is a tragedy of leadership in this country. I would like to say to him that there is a tragedy of the desperation for power in this country.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Liato: Mr Speaker, people are desperate to get into power. You can see it in several of their actions. At the moment, this country is very calm with very peaceful citizens.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Liato: Zambians are peaceful people, but every time leaders of political parties want to take advantage of every little crisis to fuel trouble and create a crisis for the country. I must say this that collective bargaining is a continuous annual process. Every year, trade unions are expected to collectively bargain with the Government or any other employer. It is not for political parties to rush into fanning trouble whenever there is a small disagreement between the employer and the employees. Leaders of political parties have been running to nurses to speak to them when they hear that nurses want to go on strike.
Hon. Government Member: Lubinda.
Mr Liato: They want to run to miners and speak to them. They want to run to the teaching fraternity and infiltrate it. This is not the way to run the affairs of the country.
Ms Lundwe: Warm them!
Mr Liato: Leave trade union matters to trade unions and employers to handle. Leave industrial matters to the players in that respective field.
Mr Speaker, to date, we have very capable leaders, among the employers, trade unions and Government. I would like to inform you, dear colleagues who are active political players of this nation, both in and outside the House, that the process of negotiations will soon begin and the Government, which is pro-active, has appointed a competent team of negotiators who will be handling the negotiations. It is our hope that with our changed calendar in this House, things will go smoothly and that the process of negotiations will be completed within time. Only if we can agree not to infiltrate the trade unions and turn them into wings of political parties, will the process go smoothly.
Mr Speaker, the situation in the medical and teaching fraternity and in the mines will be handled properly, but we want you to avoid going to students’ unions and engage them in political activities. This has been happening, in the past, and it is a clear case of what I would refer to as a tragedy of desperation for power.
Mr Speaker, another hon. Member, as I listened yesterday, talked about levels of intolerance. Intolerance does not exist on this side of the House, as portrayed by that hon. Member. Intolerance is more on the left side of the House. I have been a victim of this intolerance, like I said, with the late Hon. Tetamashimba. We were fired from UPND for accepting to be members of the Mung’omba Constitution Review Commission.
Ms Cifire: Tell them!
Mr Liato: This earned us the boot, together with Mr. Shepande, who is now out of the country. We tried to reason with our colleagues, but they did not listen. The level of intolerance in the Opposition is very high.
Sir, I know that twenty-six hon. Members of Parliament were fired by the Patriotic Front (PF) for accepting to serve on the National Constitution Conference (NCC). This is similar to what happened to us when we were in the United Party for National Development (UPND). Therefore, hon. Members of the Opposition should not be quick to stand up and point at the Ruling Party and say that we are intolerant because the level of intolerance in the Opposition is very high. Therefore, we want to you to democratise your parties.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Liato: Mr Speaker, if members of the Opposition want to come and join this Government, they should, first of all, learn how to be tolerant from where they are.
Mr Speaker, I want to salute my cousin, Hon. Major Chizhyuka, and urge him to continue being firm.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Liato: Hon. Chizhyuka knows that the two parties have nothing in common. It is like mixing water with oil.
Laughter
Mr Liato: It is impossible! Even if you put oil and water in the same container, the separation line will still show.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Liato: This is how that pact is.
Mr Speaker, when we talk about the pact, we are talking about it because we love our country, Zambia. Therefore, we do not want people to have marriages of convenience.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Liato: Mr Speaker, the pact points at one theme: The tragedy of desperation for power.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Liato: It only points to how desperate people in the Opposition are to get into State House. I do not see how two leaders who, not long ago, were calling each other names can come together. One young leader in the Opposition called the older leader names. He said, “This man is old and useless. We cannot leave a country with finished politicians”. He called him so many other names.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Liato: At the same time, the old leader told the young politician that he was immature and that he still smelled of milk and so on.
Laughter
Mr Liato: Do you think, today, the two people can form a pact?
Hon. Government Members: No!
Mr Liato: Mr Speaker, this whole thing smells of a rat. It is desperation for power.
Sir, what makes you think that MMD will just sit with its hands tied, waiting for you to take over power in 2011? It is surprising to think that somebody with power would allow you to walk in and take over power just like that while we have time to deliver.
Mr Speaker, this Government is not sitting idle. As Opposition, you said you were going to take over power in 2001. It did not work. In 2006, you said that you were going to take over power, but, again, it did not work. Yet again, in the Presidential By-election last year, you said that you were going to take over power, did it work?
Hon. Government Members: No!
Mr Liato: Therefore, we will not stop you from continuously singing your slogan. If I was at a market, I would have called you a popular and common customer who always comes to my stand to buy one particular item.
Laughter
Mr Liato: We know what you are going to say and how you are going to try to scare those who do not understand the game. The MMD is full of experienced and seasoned leaders …
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Liato:…who are ready to deliver to their people and are working with them in their constituencies.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Liato: Mr Speaker, this is not a party which is going to be scared by these pacts which are founded on very weak grounds.
Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!
Mr Liato: Mr Speaker, let me say that I am proud to belong to the MMD because this is a party which has a national character.
Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Liato: This is the only party, in this nation, which has seats in all provinces. You cannot belong to parties which are marooned in one area and think that it can lead the whole of Zambia. You cannot do that. You must learn to grow parties to cover the entire Zambia. Then, you can represent Zambians. This party has seats in all the nine provinces of this country. From hon. Members of Parliament to councillors, this is a party that qualifies to speak on behalf of Zambians.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Liato: This is a party which is popular because it is not by word of mouth. Dear colleagues, your popularity is by word of mouth. You do not exist elsewhere. You only exist in small areas that you will be confined to. Therefore, the MMD will still rule because it has got a national character and represents the whole nation.
Mr Speaker, the pact is bound to fail and we shall hit it with a final blow. We are waiting for you, as our common customers, and we shall hit you, again.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear! {mospagebreak}
The Deputy Minister for Eastern Province (Mr I. Banda): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank you fro giving me a chance to add the voice of the Eastern Province to the President’s Speech.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr I. Banda: Mr Speaker, let me start by joining the President and all hon. Members of Parliament who have expressed sadness over the deaths of the two hon. Members of Parliament, namely; Hon. Hamir of Chitambo Constituency and Hon. Benny Tetamashimba of Solwezi Central Constituency. May Their Souls Rest in Eternal Peace.
On the same note, let me express my happiness in welcoming Hon. Dr Solomon Musonda who won the Chitambo Parliamentary election with a landslide victory.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr I. Banda: The people of Chitambo have, once again, shown their full support to this ever hard-working Government since it started in 1991.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr I. Banda: Mr Speaker, let me start by highlighting some of what this Government has done since 1991 under some subheadings that the President referred to in his quantitative and quality speech.
Parliamentary Affairs
Mr I. Banda: Mr Speaker, under this sub-heading, let me quote what the President said in the first paragraph on page 6. It reads:
“Mr Speaker, during the last session, the House dealt with matters important for the welfare of our people. Hon. Members of this august House, again, debated serious and, at times, delicate issues of importance to the nation in a way which upheld transparency, accountability and democracy.”
Mr Speaker, let me dwell on three key words from this paragraph and these are: transparency, accountability and democracy. Let me mention just two of the many activities that this Government has to show transparency.
Mr Speaker, it is a known fact that the budget for the most sensitive ministries such as the Ministry of Defence and Office of the President are openly discussed, here, to show transparency. The citizens of this country are free to debate on many issues that are questionable for the Government to answer. This Government has, from time-to-time, called people who have contentious issues of national interest, whether from the civil society, political parties or the Church to come to a round table and find a solution for the betterment of our country. Despite this, what we see is that people who are die-hard opponents of this Government deliberately choose to talk through the media but not face to face talk. They choose to talk through demonstrations but not through the round table. Why do these die-hard opponents do that, Mr Speaker? It is a simple fact of trying to draw international and national political attention or simply to draw wrong political sympathy after failing to go to State House through the ballot box.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr I. Banda: Mr Speaker, this Government will not tolerate that because we believe in democracy and respect what the people have chosen through the ballot box and not otherwise.
Accountability
Mr Speaker, on accountability, this Government has put up the Auditor-General’s Office in almost all provinces to make sure that transparency and accountability are there in all Government undertakings. This Government makes sure that, through this Parliament, all queries on financial mismanagements are answered by the Executive and their officers either through the Public Accounts Committee or the full Session of Parliament.
Mr Speaker, this Government draws full strength from democracy so that it prevails in every corner of this nation through the name of its party, the MMD. Those hon. Members on your left are seated as Opposition Members of Parliament because of our nobility of introducing multi-partyism in this country in 1991.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mukanga: You were not there!
Mr I. Banda: Those hon. Members on your left should learn to be accommodating in a multi-party democracy and give a chance to the winner to work for the people for the mandated five years without disturbance.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr I. Banda: Mr Speaker, the development that takes place in a five-year term of office was going to double up if all of us, as citizens, worked together after the campaign politics. Alas! The people on your left have continued the campaign politics from the time they lost the General Elections in 2006 to date, thereby taking away from the needed development of this country. They are more uncomfortable to be seated here where they can make policies and develop the country than going out to mobilise people for strikes and demonstrations against their own Government in which they are Legislators. Sir, through you, let me tell them that they should stop politics of disturbances so that the development pace of our country can be increased if they really love our people.
Sir, to increase and encourage participatory democracy, this Government, through your office, has brought Parliament closer to the people through constituency offices and Parliament Radio which the President mentioned on pages 8 and 9. He said:
“Mr Speaker, I wish to commend Parliament for continuing to actively implement the Parliamentary Reforms Programme to improve the efficiency and effectiveness and make it more representative and accessible. Some of the successes scored under this programme include:
(i) expansion of Parliament Radio coverage to Kasama, Mansa and Solwezi. By the end of 2009, Parliament Radio coverage will have been extended to Mongu and Chipata;
(ii) purchase of fifty motor bikes for constituency offices; and
(iii) construction of constituency offices at Rufunsa, Mwembeshi and Chasefu. Construction of offices is on-going until all the constituencies are covered.”
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mbulakulima: Tell them!
Mr I. Banda: This, Mr Speaker, is no mean achievement. It is an enormous amount of work because it calls for more resources and effective political will which this Government has shown.
Mr Mbulakulima: Tell them!
Mr I. Banda: Sir, let me now explain some of the programmes that this Government has put in place in the Eastern Province in relation to what the President said. I shall start with agriculture.
Under agriculture, there is the Farm Input Support Programme. As you very well know, Mr Speaker, the mainstay of the people of the Eastern Province is agriculture. We have an estimated number of 364,000 farming households scattered across the province. Under FSP, this Government supported 36,624 households with farming inputs during the 2008/09 season. This Government has widened the receivership base of farm inputs from 36,624 households to 52,000 households for the 2009/10 farming season. I am happy to report to you, Mr Speaker, that this Government, led by His Excellency the President, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, has already delivered all farm inputs in all the eight districts of the Eastern Province in readiness for the farming season.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr I. Banda: The total tonnage of fertiliser this year is 10,400 metric tonnes of both D-Compound and Urea and 1,040 metric tonnes of seed which we expect to cover a total of 20,800 hectares.
Through you, Mr Speaker, let me appeal to my fellow hon. Ministers in the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives that the Eastern Province, next year, will require proper marketing arrangements of all crops. It should not be maize and rice alone, but also sunflower which, this year, yielded 10,888 metric tonnes. As for groundnuts, we harvested 21,259 metric tonnes; 8,969 metric tonnes of soya beans, cotton, which has outgrower companies taking care of it, yielded more than 70,000 metric tonnes; and tobacco, 6,287 metric tonnes. I, therefore, ask private companies that have economic muscle to invest in the Eastern Province in the agro processing industry and add value to our commodities before they are exported for the country to earn more foreign exchange. This is especially so in the field of tobacco processing so that we lessen the dependence of selling unprocessed tobacco to Malawi.
Through you, Mr Speaker, let me also tell the private buyers of all farm produce that in as far as we have a policy of a liberalised market, they should bear in mind that farmers need to be encouraged to produce more in the next season by giving them better prices for their crops than is the case now where maize is bought below the Governments floor price of K65,000.
Education
Mr Speaker, let me tell you that this Government, in its quest to improve education infrastructure, built 202 classrooms, fourteen staff houses and five district board office blocks in about five districts from the 2008 budget. Two new boarding high schools in Kacholola and Chama South were started and the works will be completed by the end of this year.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Rural Roads Network
Mr I. Banda: Mr Speaker, through you, let me commend this Government for sending, to all provinces, the earth moving machines to work on the rural road network throughout the country. In my province, these machines have done great wonders in only a period of less than a year. The roads that we have rehabilitated, had they been contracted to the construction companies, were going to cost a lot of billions of kwacha as opposed to the millions we have spent on fuel since we started. Let me, at this point, thank hon. Members of Parliament who allocated part of their Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to beef up the fuel reserves for those machines.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr I. Banda: Mr Speaker, presently, we have worked on more than twenty-seven rural roads throughout the province. At the moment, the machines are busy as they are scattered across the province and these are some of the roads that have been worked on and some that are still being rehabilitated.
Sir, the roads that we have rehabilitated are as follows:
(i) the Chama/Matumbo Road with a total length of 144 kilometres has thirty kilometres worked on;
(ii) the Chipata/Vubwi Road with a distance of forty-five kilometres, thirty-seven kilometres worked on;
(iii) the Katete/Msoro Road which is about sixty kilometres, already has more than twenty kilometres worked on;
(iv) the Petauke/Nyamphande Road which is about thirty-one kilometres is almost completed
(v) the Petauke/Mwanjabanthu Road is twenty-three kilometres long and all of it has been rehabilitated;
(vi) the T4 Kalonga/Gawa Undi Palace is four kilometres long and all of it has benn repaired;
(vii) the Chisengu/Mfuwe Road has a total of forty-two kilometres and thirty-four kilometres has, so far, been completed;
(viii) on the Nyimba Township roads adding up to eighteen kilometres - we are on course and the machines are busy now;
(ix) using funds from the National Roads Fund Agency, the Chipata Township is upgrading selected roads under Phase II with a target of 26.3 kilometres, costing K46 billion;
(x) the Government has engaged a contractor, at a total cost of K11 billion, to reconstruct selected priority river crossings. The scope of work involves repair, reconstruction and new construction of a total of eight-three culverts spread across the whole Eastern Province. The contractor engaged Messrs Mundial Contractor who commenced work on 14th April, 2009; and
(xi) the Road Development Agency also facilitated the reconstruction of washed-away structures along the Great East Road during the 2008/09 rainy season. The scope of works involved demolition of the damaged structures and reconstruction of new ones at a cost of K14 billion. So far, more than 90 per cent of the works have been completed.
In addition, Mr Speaker, to works being undertaken by the Rural Roads Unit, the Government has facilitated the rehabilitation of agricultural feeder roads in Katete, Lundazi and Chipata. A total of 640 kilometres are being rehabilitated at a cost of K78 billion. The project is expected to continue until 2014. So far, more than 20 per cent of the works have been completed.
The work progress on the ninety-kilometre stretch of the Chipata/Lundazi Road has been almost completed. Lot 2 of the remaining road is at the design stage and works are expected to commence in 2010;
Progress on the Mtenguleni/Mwami Border Road under the periodic maintenance programme is going on well and the scope of work includes resealing the carriageway, shoulder and drainage reconstruction. The same works are on-going on the Nyimba-Sinda part of the Great East Road.
The Government is, also, going to rehabilitate and upgrade the Chipata/Mfuwe Road from gravel to bituminous standard just like my able-bodied hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development explained. Works are at a tender stage and the successful bidder will be announced soon.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Banda: Mr Speaker, the Chipata/Mchinji Railway project is on-going and we are positive it will be completed this year. The construction of turnouts at the Chipata Station has commenced and the Government has released K10 billion to complete all the work and by the end of this year, the railway line will be commissioned.
Mr Speaker, under infrastructure in the health sector, the province constructed ten staff houses throughout the province by August, 2008. Six health posts have been completed and ten more are still under construction. The construction of the Phase II of Chadiza District Hospital is almost completed. The construction of Phase 1 of Chama District Hospital is also at the completion stage. A total of thirteen health facilities are also either being expanded or rehabilitated and they are expected to be completed before the end of this year. Chipata General Hospital will soon receive an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and later on St Francis Mission Hospital will also receive one.
Mr Speaker, on social welfare, I just would like to refer and carefully explain the progress of what my friend in the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services said yesterday. Under social welfare, in response to the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP), the Government has been running the Social Cash Transfer Scheme in Chipata and Katete and, so far, the scheme has reached out to 4,470 older persons and 1,158 households in Katete and Chipata. Since inception, a total of K6.5 billion has been spent on the two schemes in the province. This has been made possible with the financial and technical support from co-operating partners. No doubt, broad-based comprehensive social cash transfers reduce poverty and inequality. They also create growth, support social and political stability and directly promote achievement of a range of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) indicators.
In conclusion, Mr Speaker, the country is on course in its quest for development. This has been made possible through the good governance of His Excellency the President, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, and his administration.
Mr Kambwili: Question!
Mr Banda: Mr Speaker, with these few remarks, I thank you.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Musosha): Mr Speaker, I thank you very much for the chance you have accorded me to contribute to the debate on the Motion of Thanks.
Mr Speaker, this is a very important Motion in that the speech by the President covers all areas, political parties and every Zambian. Like the children of Israel were worried when Moses died, I was equally worried, just like other peace-loving Zambians, when the dark cloud of the loss of our late President hovered over Zambia. My worry was about who would be the next President. However, when we were privileged to receive the body of the late President and pay the last respects, I said to myself that time had come for Zambia to join hands in prayers so that we could request the Almighty God to give us a Joshua to take over the leadership of Zambia.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Musosha: Mr Speaker, certainly all political parties and all Zambians decided to vote for a President by the name of Rupiah Bwezani Banda, who is serving Zambia, today, as the new Joshua. Certainly, the late President Mwanawasa SC. is somebody who everybody has been referring to as one who fought a good fight. Certainly, the late President did that to bring Zambia to where we are today, May His Soul Rest in Peace.
Mr Speaker, through you, on behalf of the people of Mansa Central Constituency who brought me to this House and the great people of Luapula whom I represent as the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) Provincial Chairperson …
Mr Speaker: Order! You should debate as an hon. Member of the Executive.
Continue, please.
Mr Musosha: Mr Speaker, I thank you for your guidance. I would like to thank the Zambian people for allowing His Excellency the President, Mr Rupiah Banda, who is a humble man, to be the leader of this great nation.
Mr Speaker, President Banda’s humility has taught me and others to be humble and accommodating. His keeping quiet and respecting others, even when he is attacked, has taught me to accept criticism and to provide leadership with a difference.
Recently, we lost our brother and Minister in the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, Mr Tetamashimba, and Hon. Hamir, May Their Souls Rest in Peace. The people of Mansa Central joined their brothers and sisters in the North-Western Province and Chitambo, together with the staff at the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, to mourn the two departed brothers. Today, the Lord in Heaven, using the people of Chitambo, has heard the prayers of the Zambians by giving us another leader, Hon. Dr Solomon Musonda. My brother, I wish to welcome you to this House where you have come to pursue the development issues for the people of Chitambo. You should be courageous and help the people of Chitambo to develop.
Mr Speaker, I would like to praise progressive President Rupiah Bwezani Banda for taking this country to the National Marketing Board (NAMBOARD) days of abundance of fertiliser and maize constantly. I also would like to commend him, for I am sure he is the first President ever who has promised to reduce the price of fuel and give an equal salary increment to civil servants and constitutional offices and has done it. For sure, President Banda promises and lives to fulfil his promises. This man needs the support of all of us.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Kambwili: Akusunga inchito bakupela.
Mr Musosha: Mr Speaker, I now want to talk about the crop levy. Those of us representing rural constituencies will confirm that when people go to their farms, the kind of clothing they put on is a sad situation. The money they get is hard-earned and, therefore, does not make sense for anybody to walk to them in a tie and suit to ask for a crop levy. I would like to appreciate the initiative by the President to order the Ministry of Local Government and Housing to abolish this levy. It is a plus to the people in the rural setting.
Certainly, it has a great impact in as far as cushioning the lives of the people in rural setting is concerned. We, both Members from the Opposition as well as those of us in the Executive collectively, must just be patient and start thinking of how we can help this Government and our local authorities to find other ways and means of finding money.
Mr Kambwili: Eminista ulelenda efyo? icalo na chonaika.
Mr Musosha: Mr Speaker, fertiliser for 2009 and 2010 is already in our depots. Therefore, it will help our people grow more food …
Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!
Mr Musosha: … and certainly this is a plus, again, on the side of our President.
Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!
Mr Musosha: Mr Speaker, I also would like to talk about the issue of drainages. Not too long ago, I visited Kanyama Constituency with the area hon. Member of Parliament and we inspected the whole constituency and proved that, indeed, Kanyama Constituency is a sorry situation and the problems surrounding those people are not political. We just need to help them.
Mr Speaker, so far, this Government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, has apportioned some amount of money for drainages to be constructed in this constituency and very soon a contractor is going to be identified so that the construction works can be commenced before the onset of the rainy season. In the same way, allow me to request the hon. Members of Parliament who are here to make themselves available when the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is taken to various constituencies so that, together, we can discuss how we can use it.
With these few words, Mr Speaker, I wish to thank you.
Mr Kambwili: Aah! General Musosha.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives (Mr Mulonga): Mr Speaker, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to contribute to the President’s Speech, a speech which was very inspiring and economically hopeful.
Mr Kambwili: What?
Mr Mulonga: Mr Speaker, may I join many of my colleagues who have paid tribute to the late Hon. Hamir and Hon. Tetamashimba. May Their Souls Rest in Internal Peace.
Mr Speaker, I do not intend to take long because the President’s speeches are not about itemising which projects will be undertaken in which branch, ward, constituency, district or province. The President’s speeches are there to guide policy makers as well as implementers on their vision for the socio-economic and political directions, among others. His Excellency the President, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda’s Speech was delivered in that light and that is why I call it a very inspiring speech. Therefore, if one is looking for what is to be done in their ward, they cannot find it in the President’s Speech.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mulonga: You cannot find what is supposed to be done in your constituency in the President’s Speech because the speech is a policy guide on how the nation is to be directed and that is how His Excellency the President, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda’s Speech was formatted.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mulonga: Mr Speaker, it is now up to each one of us, as leaders, to decide which part or section of the President’s Speech best suits or touches our needs, desires and promises and those of the people we are representing here. These are the directions which we, as leaders, are supposed to adopt and adapt and in so doing ensure that we work in concordance with the President.
Mr Speaker, let me now come to agriculture. The Government of His Excellency the President, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, has been hard for agriculture because his vision is to develop Zambia economically through agricultural activities and production. That is why my ministry is encouraging irrigation schemes to take centre stage in not only producing maize, but also in food diversification such as crop production. The nation would like to know that, as I am speaking, the people of Mbala can export tomato and bananas, not only to the Copperbelt, but also to the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC) through the Chinenke Irrigation Scheme.
Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!
Mr Mulonga: Mr Speaker, to see to it that more money is put in the pockets of the people, we have to embrace the vision of our President.
Mr Kambwili: Question!
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mulonga: Mr Speaker, not only have the people of Kasama Central been empowered with an irrigation scheme but also this year alone my Government, your Government, the Government of the people of Zambia and the Government of the Opposition in this House and outside has released about K663 million to revamp the Lukulu North Irrigation Scheme so that the people of Kasama, especially Kasama Central, who are really looking for development, are able to farm using the irrigation system.
Mr Kambwili: Mwachuleni ku Kasama.
Mr Mulonga: Therefore, you can see, Mr Speaker, that diversification is, really, being taken care of. It is evident that the people of Zambia, the people of Luanshya, the Southern and Northern provinces and, indeed, those of Kasama Central are taken care of through His Excellency the President.
Mr Kambwili: Uuh, Mulonga.
Mr Mulonga: Mr Speaker, His Excellency the President, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, was the Vice-President when with the late President, May His Soul Rest in Peace, Mr Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, SC., the creation of the new ministry now called the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development was discussed.
Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!
Mr Mulonga: This ministry is now a reality to show that this is a very hard-working Government. His Excellency, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, …
Mr Kambwili: Twanaka ukumfwa ifyo.
Mr Mulonga: … wants the development of the fish industry in this country. At the moment, we have already released K80 million to electrify Mwenda Fish Farm so that the people of Luapula Province and Mwense District can engage in fish farming, export fish and have more money in their pockets.
Mr Kambwili: Fya ba PF ifyo wamba.
Mr Mulonga: Mr Speaker, presently, K45 million, has also been given out to electrify Kanchele Fish Farm in Kalomo District. Therefore, you can see that this Government is not selective. This Government is all-inclusive. We, as a Government, are working from the North, South, East, West and Central, hence the diversified approach towards agriculture development in the provinces.
Mr Kambwili: Efyo alelanda na Kaunda ifyo ulelanda.
Mr Mulonga: Mr Speaker, as I promised not to take long, let me conclude by saying that we have been directed by His Excellency the President that this new ministry must make sure that the country starts exporting livestock products.
Mr Kambwili: Shiteni ama famu mulelima.
Mr Mulonga: Mr Speaker, we are creating the livestock disease-free zone in the provinces that are suitable for this exercise so that the people in these provinces can be enabled to export livestock products. However, this year, alone, we are starting with only three provinces namely; the Copperbelt, Central and Lusaka provinces. However, there have been complaints, especially from the left side of this House, that if the Southern and Western provinces were included in the programme, the country would export more livestock because the two provinces have a high cattle population.
Mr Kambwili interjected.
Mr Mulonga: Mr Speaker, for any country to start exporting its livestock products from areas where the foot and mouth disease has been pronounced, it has to take seven years of close monitoring by the International Organisation for Animal Health. Therefore, if we had included the Southern and Western provinces in the first stage, it was going to take this country seven years from now for Zambia to be allowed to export livestock products. This would have derailed the vision of His Excellency to have livestock exporting understood as soon as possible.
Mr Kambwili: Finally.
Mr Mulonga: Mr Speaker, I would, therefore, urge our colleagues from the provinces which have not been included in the livestock disease-free zone to be patient. We are going stage by stage.
Mr Speaker, we want to develop, among others, the Northern Province, especially in Kasama and Luwingu, so that people are provided with irrigation schemes and animal breeding. This will be possible when the road which we are working on is completed. We have created the Mbesuma Ranch, where we are going to put fifty cows and two bulls so that the breeding of animals can start in the Northern Province. This will ensure that not only the Southern and Western provinces can export livestock in future, but also Luapula, Northern and other provinces.
Mr Speaker, with these few words, I thank you.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Milupi (Luena): Mr Speaker, first of all, let me take this opportunity, like everybody else, to express my sincere condolences to the families of our two departed colleagues. I think all of us have had something to say about these two gentlemen. The reason for that is that each and every one of us can relate to them vis-à-vis when they were still with us. Hon. Hamir called me uncle and I called him nephew all the time. Hon. Tetamashimba is probably one of the very few hon. Ministers whom I had the opportunity to visit both at the office and at his house. Therefore, they were known to me and we are sorry that they have left us.
Mr Speaker, on the President’s Speech, there are some positive things we must accept, not only in the speech, but including a number of things that have happened since the last President’s Speech. Among them, I can count the Budget Cycle. I think that is positive. I also recognise the added stature that has been given to Parliament, especially with the bringing of the President’s funeral to Parliament. I think that has enhanced the stature of Parliament. There is also the swearing-in of the President, which, for the first time, took place here at Parliament.
Mr Speaker, we must remind ourselves that the purpose of the President’s Address is that it is one of the very few occasions when the whole Parliament comes together. As we all know, Parliament is the National Assembly plus the President. Therefore, the President, as the Head of State, uses this occasion to give direction on what the Government will be focused on in the process of serving the people.
Mr Speaker, the President uses this occasion to reassure the nation that in spite of all the adversities, the statecraft of the nation is on course. Therefore, the speech must bring comfort to the vulnerable, encourage the able and generally uplift the national mood. It is against this background that the President’s Speech must be judged. The President’s Address to this House provides us, hon. Members of Parliament, with an opportunity to not only comment on the speech, but also comment on topical issues affecting our nation.
Mr Speaker, a cloud hangs over this nation as far as governance is concerned. In the world, there are many moral stories. Let us remind ourselves of the little moral story of the king without clothes. I think all of us know that story. This a story of a king who walked around without clothes, but all of his indunas would say that he had worn beautiful clothes. Let us remind ourselves of what happened in this story. A small child is the one who said, “Your Majesty, you are naked.”
Mr Speaker, let us compare that to what happens in Government. The Government also has advisers and hon. Ministers. Let us take these advisers to be the indunas who told the king that he had worn beautiful clothes. We should ask ourselves why they were saying that. Were they not able to see that the emperor was naked? Of course, they were able to see it, but they were, also, aware of the serious consequences of differing with the emperor had they told him that he was naked. Therefore, they had to pretend that all was well.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Milupi: Mr Speaker, does it mean that this child was wise or brave for him to tell the king that he had no clothes? Of course not. The child was naïve and not aware of the consequences. Therefore, when we also look at the issues that affect this nation, we should ask ourselves why the advisers are quiet. Why are they saying everything is okay and yet on the ground, anyone can see things are not as well as they should be.
Dr Katema: They are also naked.
Laughter
Mr Milupi: Mr Speaker, that child served a useful purpose because the king was able to come to his senses and realise that, indeed, his was naked. When this happened, were the indunas not shameful and sorry that they had pretended that all was well?
Mr Kambwili: Abena Mufalali, muleumfwa?
Mr Milupi: Mr Speaker, this is a moral story that we must relate to when we discuss the issues affecting our nation. So much is wrong in the country, but what are the hon. Ministers saying? For those who want to argue to the contrary, first of all, let me say that we need to understand the democracy that we are in. The reason this side is called the Opposition is so that we can state the things that, perhaps, the Executive has not done and that we want it to do for the sake of delivering services to the people.
Interruptions
Mr Milupi: Mr Speaker, the Gross Domestic Produce (GDP) of this country at K900 compared to that of Botswana which is at K6,000 is shameful for all of us in this nation. At independence, Botswana had one tenth the GDP per capita of Zambia. Now it has six times the GDP of Zambia. This means that there is something Botswana has done right and something that we have failed to do. As I have said before on the Floor of this House, I have a lot of respect for the hon. Minister of Mines and Mineral Development with whom we used to cook semolina nshima in my little flat in Cardiff in our early days. However, I would like to remind him that the issue …
Mr Speaker: Order!
Business was suspended from 1815 hours until 1830 hours.
[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]
Mr Speaker: I commend you all for coming in early.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Speaker: The hon. Member for Luena was on the Floor. He may continue.
Mr Milupi: Mr Speaker, on windfall tax …
Mr Kambwili: Mangani fye ewachelwa!
Mr Milupi: … I wish to say that this is not an academic exercise. If we seem to be differing with you, hon. Minister, or, indeed, with that side of the House, it is for the simple reason that you have shifted from your original position. We, on this side of the House (Opposition), have not done so. Is it not us who supported you to bring the windfall tax? Therefore, you have shifted, but we have not.
Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister who spoke before me talked about the livestock disease -free zones. Sometimes when we seek to develop, we should, also, seek to use our nation’s competitive advantage and on cattle and livestock, the Western and Southern provinces have the natural competitive advantage.
Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Milupi: When we say this is where the disease-free zone should have started, we understand the explanation when you say it takes seven years to monitor the zone before livestock can be exported. The mere fact that we have not designated them as livestock disease-free zones means at the time that you will do so, seven years from now, there will be another seven years before these two areas can export cattle.
Mr Speaker, on the issue of fertiliser, which is landed, here, at prices of K250,000.00, I wish to say that this is retarding development in agriculture and yet it is agriculture that is the mainstay in the provision of employment and livelihood to our people. We must make fertiliser available, even to those who are not on the Fertiliser Support Programme (FSP), at prices that allow the importers to make reasonable profits and not the margins that they are claiming.
Mr Speaker, regarding advising our leaders, it is disheartening to continuously talk about the Vision 2030 that will come to an end in 2030. Do we understand what the Vision 2030 is or, indeed, when we say the end of the Vision 2030 is to turn Zambia into a medium-income country? Do we understand what the term medium-income countries means? Why do we make our leaders, the President and so on, continuously talk about something that we know we cannot achieve?
Mr Speaker, medium-income status is a mathematical statement. The World Bank defines currently make present value of the medium-income status as Gross Domestic Product per capita of US$6,000.00. This country is currently at US$900.00 and it is a function of population because it is GDP per capita. Our population is not static, by 2030 at a population growth of 3 per cent per annum, Zambia will have twenty-three million people. If you apply the dollar inflation on US$6,000 which is the threshold, by 2030, the medium-income trigger point will be US$10,000. This means, for us to qualify as a medium-income country by 2030, we will have to have US$10,000 X 23,000,000.00 which is US$230 billion. The challenge therefore, is to grow our current GDP which is about US$11billion to US$230 billion. Therefore, the growth figures that we are factoring into an equation which, all things being equal, are well at 7 per cent which we are not achieving, cannot get us to US$230 billion. In fact, in order for us to get US$230 billion, we need a growth percentage of 12 per cent or 13 per cent straight.
Ms Lundwe: Finally!
Mr Milupi: The politics of intolerance continues to amaze us. Many of our people name children meaningful names. The Eastern Province is where you get names such as Gunduzani, Temwani and so on.
Dr Katema: Bwezani.
Mr Milupi: And these names have certain meanings such that when you look at the individual, if it is Temwani, you will expect to see someone who is loving.
Dr Katema: Yes, Bwezani!
Mr Milupi: Therefore, when we name our political parties, let us be careful that we live according to the names of those parties. I am speaking to all parties. If in your party there is a name called “Development”, please, expound the issues of development. If there is the word “patriotic”, show that you are patriotic and if there is “democracy”, show that that democracy starts with you.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Milupi: It is in this line that coming from the Western Province, I commend the people of the Western Province, specifically the MMD Provincial Committee for the stance that they have taken to ensure that there is intra-party democracy.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Milupi: Mr Speaker, when the people want to express themselves, it is the rule of politics in the governance of nations that we provide a safety valve for them to express themselves. Non-violence, as a means of expressing people’s opinions, is a long-recognised method. Have we not heard of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Kenneth Kaunda? These are the proponents of non-violence as a means of expressing one’s views.
Mr Kambwili: Mangani, uleumfwa?
Mr Milupi: Mr Speaker, people expressing their opinion by way of honking, in my view, should be allowed. When you arrest people like that, you will fill your prisons with people whom you cannot charge.
Mr Speaker, Member of Parliament is a very respected position throughout the world. You do not arrest a Member of Parliament unless things are very serious.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}
Mr Milupi: These actions we are taking are making headlines elsewhere and this is not doing this country any favour.
Mr Speaker, let me speak about accountability issues and on this, I am referring to the condemnation of donors. It is the mismanagement of this country, and I am talking about collective management throughout all the administrations and not just the one that is there, that has confined this country to the state of abject poverty and to being categorised as a Least Development Country (LDC). It is this state of abject poverty that makes this nation depend on donor aid in spite of the fact that we have our own resources. Nobody on both sides of this House wishes that this country continues depending on aid. If therefore, we do not want aid, it is up to us, collectively, as a nation, and led by the Government, to ensure that, through our Government, we create conditions that will create a situation where we do not need aid. Aid must be finite, but as long as we continue to stretch our hands out to donors and these donors give us their taxpayers’ money, they will continue demanding accountability in the way we use their taxpayers’ money. That is straightforward.
Mr Speaker, even as we receive their aid, we can prevent their comments. If we find their comments painful, we can prevent them by ensuring that our accountability systems are functioning and giving confidence to all those who give us resources. This includes not only donors, but all taxpayers who are all of us.
Hon. Member: Hear, hear!
Mr Milupi: If we do not do this, we must avoid unnecessary acrimony with donors. Let me remind this House of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe was a lot more structured in terms of economic facilities because it had a well-balanced economy. One third of the economy was provided by mining and agriculture while the other third was manufacturing. It had stability. However, we have seen to what level the donors have driven Zimbabwe. This country is in a much weaker position in terms of the balance of our economy and, therefore, unnecessary quarrels with the donor community will be tantamount to creating problems for ourselves.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Milupi: That I must say, because it is not us in this House who will be affected, but the poor people out there.
Mr Speaker, we can avoid donor aid by the way we extract revenue from our resources. When we talk about windfall tax and so on and so forth, the reason we have problems is that even though copper is our premier product, the Government statistics show that this country returns only 5 per cent of the profits that come from copper.
Two months ago, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning announced that in terms of the tax revenue, only 2 per cent arises from the mining sector. By comparison, Botswana, which is a medium-income country, has accelerated ahead of us because of what they have done in their diamond mining sector. This country is, now, retaining 65 per cent of the profits from the diamond mining sector while we only accrue 5 per cent. This is an indication of what we can do, as a country, to ensure that we move away from donor dependency and bring accelerated development into our country. This is the only way we can embark on a process that will deliver us to medium-income status by the year 2030. If we do not do this and continue on this path, 100 years from now, we shall still be holding the begging bowl to donors.
With these remarks, I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Dr Musonda (Chitambo): Thank you, Mr Speaker, first of all, I wish to thank you most sincerely for giving me this opportunity to deliver my maiden speech in this august House.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Dr Musonda: Mr Speaker, I wish to thank the people of Chitambo Parliamentary Constituency for having voted for me. Their vote was, indeed, an expression of the hope and trust that the people of Chitambo have in the MMD Administration.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Dr Musonda: Sir, special thanks and appreciation go to His Excellency the President, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, and His Honour the Vice-President, Mr George Kunda, SC., for not only spearheading the campaign with total commitment, but also for being meritorious in the actual campaign. I have no words to sum up the intensity of the support rendered to my campaign by His Excellency the President and His Honour the Vice-President. I can only thank them most sincerely.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Dr Musonda: Mr Speaker, my gratitude also goes to the entire National Executive Committee (NEC) for having adopted me as a candidate on the MMD ticket out of the seven credible members of the MMD at the recent Chitambo Parliamentary Constituency By-election and for the full support rendered to me throughout the campaign period.
Mr Speaker, the driving force for any campaign is usually in the hands of a campaign manager. In this regard, I wish to sincerely thank the Hon. Minister of Defence, Dr T. K. Mwansa, MP, who was my campaign manager. He, indeed, did a commendable job. He possesses extraordinary leadership skills.
My thanks also go to the Hon. Minister for Central Province, Ackimson Banda, MP, as well as several other hon. Ministers, hon. Deputy Ministers, hon. MMD Members of Parliament and other party officials at the national, provincial, district, constituency, ward and branch levels. They are too many to mention by name.
Some of the MMD party officials came from other parts of Zambia and collectively worked tirelessly to ensure that the MMD retained its seat. In fact, Mr Speaker, there were several MMD party leaders who wanted to participate in the campaign exercise, but due to logistical problems, they were politely turned away by my campaign manager. Nevertheless, I thank them all.
Mr Speaker, I also wish to take this opportunity to thank friends, relatives and well wishers both within and outside the country, including my classmates at Cape Town University in South Africa, who supported me during the campaign, both morally and spiritually.
Special thanks also go to Mr Crawford Mukando, son of the former Minister of Agriculture in the UNIP Government, who played an outstanding role in the campaign as an election agent despite not being adopted as a candidate himself.
Mr Speaker, as the saying goes, “behind every man’s success is a woman”. I, therefore, wish to thank my wife, Carol, who not only supported me actively, but also participated in the actual campaign.
Finally, Mr Speaker, I wish to thank all the candidates from the opposition parties for putting up a spirited fight. It was, indeed, a reflection that democracy is gaining maturity in the Republic. It is my sincere hope that even the Kasama By-election next week will be free and fair.
Mr Speaker, may I now turn to the main theme of this presentation, namely: Building on the Promise for the Development of Chitambo.
Mr Speaker, Chitambo is a rural constituency located in Serenje District and shares part of its borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a whole, Chitambo is sparsely populated with vast undeveloped land.
Mr Speaker, the Constituency has only two chiefs. These are Chief Kafinda IV and Chief Muchinka. The environment itself has a fair share of deforestation mainly due to demand for wood used as fuel and timber and clearance for agriculture.
Mr Speaker, the people mainly earn their living from agricultural activities through growing of maize, cassava, groundnuts and vegetables. They also keep cattle, goats, pigs and chickens for both domestic consumption and for sale.
Mr Speaker, like in most rural constituencies in the country, the infrastructure needs to be attended to, especially feeder roads, bridges, safer water supply, electricity as well as health and educational facilities.
Mr Speaker, allow me to highlight my roadmap to development for the people of Chitambo. As an energetic youth, I will endeavor to improve the lives of the people in Chitambo over the next two years. I will concentrate on the improvement of the following areas in particular:
(i) agriculture;
(ii) safe water supply;
(iii) provision of quality health service delivery;
(iv) the standard of education;
(v) communication infrastructure; and
(vi) recreation facilities.
Mr Speaker, the question is how will I manage this? This is a simple question because much has already been done by the MMD Government led by His Excellency the President, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda.
Mr Speaker, 873 farmers benefited from the Fertiliser Support Programme (FSP) during the 2008/2009 season through thirty-nine co-operatives. It is projected, in liaison with the Serenje District Agriculture Co-ordinating Officer (DACO), that fifty-six co-operatives will benefit from the programme this coming season, translating into about 1,253 farmers. This is a great improvement. Therefore, I will continue to sensitise the people of Chitambo to continue to form as many farmer groups as possible in order to continue to access inputs from the Farm Input Support Programme (FISP).
Mr Speaker, starting from last year, the people of Chitambo were empowered with animals through the livestock restocking programme. Last year, twelve cattle were given to three co-operatives in Chitambo. I will soon be in Chitambo to witness the handover of fifteen more cattle to three co-operatives that are beneficiaries.
Mr Speaker, I will continue to support and promote the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) on the commercialisation of cassava. The introduction of improved cassava varieties, trainings in production, processing of cassava into various by-products such as cassava chips, cassava meal and cassava confectionery is very welcome. This cassava, for the people of Chitambo, has identified itself as an alternative cash crop. It is also an alternative to maize in terms of providing food security in view of its advantages of low input requirements, less labour intensive, easier storage and more tolerant to adverse weather conditions.
Mr Speaker, Chitambo Constituency has abundant arable land that can be used to promote the development of small holding farms ranging from 10 to 30 hectares. The newly-acquired earthmoving machines are in Chitambo, improving on the feeder roads so that it can look more like a resettlement area.
Mr Speaker, Chitambo Constituency has one health facility in each of the six wards except Luombwa Ward, popularly known a Reuben Island. This might sound good, but the distances to these health facilities could be challenging in many instances. I will ensure that the three more clinics under construction are completed before my mandate ends, of course, beyond 2011.
Mr V. Mwale: Do not worry, we will work on that.
Dr Musonda: More importantly is the resumption of the Chitambo Nursing School which, as I speak, has already been partially funded by the Ministry of Health through the Serenje Health Management Team and the tender processes are almost complete. The reopening of this nursing school will not only improve the staffing levels at Chitambo Hospital, but also in the whole country. I intend to hastily start the process of constructing a health facility at Reuben Island.
Mr Speaker, there is a great improvement in the education sector in Chitambo, ranging from infrastructure to staffing levels. At the moment, a second high school is being built in Serenje District and Chitambo Constituency in particular and six out of twelve classrooms have already been completed, eight out of twenty-four teachers’ houses are completed and 9 x 1 three classroom blocks are being constructed in various schools in the constituency. My task is simple. It is to lobby for more staff and ensure that the projects are completed on time.
Mr Speaker, this year, twenty-two schools have benefited from the 1,290 desks which have been distributed from Mpepetwe Development Company. I am supposed to get more to reach the targeted 2,000 before the end of the year. This is development in the right direction by the MMD Government.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Dr Musonda: My appeal to the Ministry of Education is that it should immediately sign a contract with Mpepetwe Development Company to supply more desks not only to schools in the Central Province, but also the whole country including constituencies for Opposition hon. Members of Parliament.
Mr Kambwili: Naiwe, wayamba, uli wanyu ka!
Dr Musonda: Mr Speaker, Chitambo is cut in half in terms of cell-phone connectivity with one chiefdom namely; Muchinka having connectivity while the others does not. Plans to start the erection of towers are underway and feasibility studies have already been done. It is my sincere hope that the people of Chitambo will have cell-phone connectivity before the end of my mandate.
Mr Speaker, the radio and television reception in Chitambo Constituency is extremely poor. I am aware that the Ministry of Communications and Transport has released information that US$15,000 has been set aside for the improvement of the radio reception transmitter at Chitambo Mission in 2009. I will vigorously continue to make follow-ups regarding this project.
Mr Speaker, Reuben Island which is in Luombwa Ward, is cut off from Zambia primarily because of its location. Luombwa River is on the west and Kasanka National Park is on the north. The only access is through the west by crossing the river which is currently being serviced by a banana boat that is supported by Constituency Development Fund (CDF). I guess Hon. Dr Scott would actually confirm this beacuse he had problems crossing that river.
Mr Speaker, a pontoon was sourced by the late hon. Member of Parliament, Mr Hamir. Therefore, my task is to quickly utilise the K40 million which was set aside from the CDF to buy other accessories and make sure that it functions. My aim is to have the pontoon functional before the end of the year.
Mr Speaker, as a youth and former school of medicine soccer team kingpin and last year’s top scorer for the Chingola District Health Management Team (DMHT) Football Club, I will continue to support my people in their sporting activities.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Dr Musonda: Mr Speaker, as I speak, the people of Chitambo are having a series of preliminary football and netball matches for the Hon. Musonda Independence Cup Final to be held every year on Independence Day, starting this year.
Mr Speaker, given the above developmental activities in my constituency, I am of the view that the commitment of the MMD Administration led by His Excellency, Mr Rupiah Banda to foster Development even in rural areas is real. The commitment I have seen is well articulated both in the Vision 2030 and Fifth National Development Plan, which I am hopeful, will soon be revised for the purpose of formulating the Sixth National Development Plan.
Mr Speaker, my speech would not be complete if I did not talk about the political situation in Zambia because I am working within this environment.
Sir, not to spoil the broth, allow me to convey, through you, this special message to His Excellency the President, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, which I have quoted from His Excellency, the late President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, SC., May His Soul Rest in Peace. In his speech to the 5th MMD National Convention held in Kabwe on 13th July, 2005, the late President said:
“Ladies and gentlemen, the Opposition may be in a mess today. They are talking of mergers, alliances and loose working arrangements. Nothing appears to be in sight regarding their future as political players. Their policies are undefined, but are these simply statements from the gut which suit particular occasions. You can see no clear direction from them, but they have a strategy not to gain power by the front door, but by the back door. They want to tell the whole world that Zambia is hopeless that the economy and all social services are dysfunctional. They want to spatter cynicism and disillusionment all over the country. They want to get the whole world to believe that Zambia is on fire. They want to stop foreign investment and create despondence amongst the workers. They want to vilify, defame, slander and discredit the President for any little excuse and create malicious newspaper headlines. Impeaching the President is always on their minds and lips. This is their strategy.”.
Sir, those are words which came from one of Zambia’s greatest leaders who is now even praised by the same Opposition. It is my belief and hope that His Excellency the President, Mr Rupiah Banda will continue to lead this nation, taking into consideration my humble quote from the former Head of State, he worked closely with.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
The Minister of Gender and Women in Development (Ms Sayifwanda): Mr Speaker, let me thank you for giving me an opportunity to contribute on His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda’s speech delivered at the official opening of the Fourth Session of the Tenth National Assembly on Friday, 18th September, 2009.
Mr Speaker, before I go further, I would like to pay tribute to our departed colleagues, the late Hon. Tetamashimba and Hon. Hamir. Hon. Hamir was a true nephew to me. Each time he met me, he called me “auntie”. He could even run to greet me. In Hon. Teta, we have lost a brother in the North-Western Province. We know that this gap will be hard to fill.
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: Order!
Ms Sayifwanda: There were twelve hon. Members from the North-Western Province, but now we are only eleven. Our only prayer is that next time we hold elections, the MMD gets that seat.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Ms Sayifwanda: May His Soul Rest in Peace.
Mr Speaker, I wish to congratulate His Excellency, the President for his inspiring speech to this House and the nation. His Excellency provided the way forward for our beloved country in the year 2010.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Ms Sayifwanda: I believe that this august House will work towards implementing what His Excellency spoke about on that day.
Mr Speaker, I wish to take note of the re-alignment of the National Budget Cycle. As A Cabinet Minister in-charge of Gender, I am aware of the difficulties that were associated with the previous Budget Cycle. Some of the programmes and projects were not completed just because of the time factor, leaving our beloved women in suspense.
Mr Speaker, I, therefore, wish to congratulate His Excellency and his Cabinet for putting such a measure in place. I am confident that the new National Budget Cycle will contribute to the improvement of programme implementation at all levels, especially at the community level and, in turn, improve the well-being of our people.
To my colleagues in the Executive, I say well done. Remember that you are the disciples of His Excellency the Presidnet.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Ms Sayifwanda: Continue with your good works. You will have your crown in thirty years, for serving the Zambian people. The United National Independence Party (UNIP) ruled for twenty-seven years. The MMD will serve for more than thirty years.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Ms Sayifwanda: There is no doubt.
Mr Speaker, I would like to admit the fact that economically, the beginning of 2009 was a very difficult time for Zambia because of the financial melt-down that was experienced the world over. It is befitting, therefore, for me to congratulate His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zambia for exercising leadership. As I speak, the Kwacha is appreciating against the dollar.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Ms Sayifwanda: Inflation is not out of control and investors are flooding Zambia. This means there will be more employment for our citizens. I, therefore, wish to take this opportunity to congratulate the Zambian people on their resilience and on believing in their Government, the MMD.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Ms Sayifwanda: This Government, under the able leadership of His Excellency the President, Mr Banda, will continue to listen and deliver.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Kambwili: Question!
Ms Sayifwanda: Mr Speaker, the President demonstrated the Government’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for women and men to do in business. Therefore, I applaud the Government’s initiatives aimed at reducing the cost of doing business in Zambia.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Ms Sayifwanda: These measures coupled with skills development for economic empowerment and poverty reduction as rightly pointed out in the President’s Speech will go a long way in supporting the transformation and development of businesses for both women and men. This will enhance wealth creation in the nation.
Mr Speaker, I would like to sincerely thank His Excellency the President for his commitment to addressing the issues of gender, equity and equality that has been demonstrated in the provision of a Budget allocation to my office.
Mr Speaker, I would like to assure this House that my office will operate more effectively and deliver its mandate of mainstreaming gender into the national development process. Let me also inform this august House and all women that you now have a shoulder to lean on. My office has been rendering capacity building programmes to the Zambian community and, so far, the Eastern and Central provinces have already benefitted. We are yet to extend them to the remaining provinces of this nation.
Mr Speaker, I would, therefore, like to take this opportunity to encourage Zambian women to utilise these resources provided by their MMD Government. These resources are simply meant to equip them with knowledge and skills.
Furthermore, the mandate of my office is to co-ordinate. So far, in education, the girl child retention has done very well. You will agree with me that even women who are above forty or fifty years old are interested in education just because of that good policy.
Mr Speaker, as regards to land, the 30 per cent policy of allocation of land to women is also doing very well. May I also take this opportunity to warn my fellow women that when they acquire land through this opportunity, they should never sell this land, but utilise it for their future use.
Mr Speaker, I can go on and on. Health is just the same, but you can see that the MMD Government policies are working.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Ms Sayifwanda: Mr Speaker, I also would like to pay tribute to His Excellency, the President for his commitment to increasing women’s representation in decision-making positions as demonstrated by his appointment of qualified women to various positions. Indeed, the appointment of women should not be arbitrary, but should be based on merit.
Mr Speaker, history has it that when Esther made a request to the King, she never went out naked in the presence of the King, but was smartly dressed. What we are seeing from our Zambian women is that whenever they are aggrieved, they decide to go to the streets naked. A women’s body is respected.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Ms Sayifwanda: Therefore, I am appealing to all women to stop being used and not to resort to going to the streets naked. If you want to lobby for something, it is better to be decently dressed and the listening Government will listen, unlike when you go to the streets naked.
Laughter
Ms Sayifwanda: In this regard, I wish to encourage women to work hard and ensure that when they are appointed to decision-making positions, they deliver.
Sir, I am happy with the group of women, especially the hon. Members of Parliament who are in this House, because everyone is hard working. I would, also, like to encourage other women to, also, come and join us in 2011.
Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that my office has and is still collecting the data base of women qualified in various fields to facilitate their appointments and recommendations to regional and international organisations.
Mr Speaker, let me take this opportunity to inform and encourage hon. Members of Parliament that the deserving and qualified women in the constituencies should bring their curriculum vitae to my office so that they can be included to that list.
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Hear, hear! Except for chilingalingas!
Ms Sayifwanda: Sir, on leadership in this august House, I wish to say that it is really shameful to learn that people on your left could point a finger to the right side. Meanwhile, if I could borrow Hon. Mulongoti’s words that we are doing the same job. We are all leaders in this House and we are supposed to work in harmony to develop Mother Zambia. We only have one Zambia and we shall never have another country. Zambia is our sweet home which we are supposed to cherish.
Mr Mubika: Hear, hear!
Ms Sayifwanda: It is very unfortunate for some hon. Members to agitate for things that are not there. Mr Speaker, Zambia is our own nation and we shall never leave it. All we have to do is work hand-in-hand. I have always said that one finger can never pick a louse. Therefore, the Opposition and Executive have to work together to develop this nation.
With these few words, Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Sikazwe (Chimbamilonga): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank you for allowing me to add my voice to the Motion of Thanks that is on the Floor.
Firstly, I wish to apologise for the hoarse voice I have.
Laughter
Interruptions
Mr Sikazwe: Sir, I recall that since the day I came to this House, …
Mr Speaker: Order! I would like to follow the debate.
Mr Sikazwe: … you have been guiding me not to listen to hecklers.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Sikazwe: I also remember my father telling me that the longer you stay in a marriage, the more stable it becomes.
Laughter
Mr Sikazwe: Today, I can confirm that the duration of my stay in this House has made me tougher and I have become accustomed to not responding to hecklers.
Mr Kambwili: Nga Chimbamilonga?
Mr Sikazwe: Mr Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to Reverend Shikapwasha …
Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!
Mr Sikazwe: … the man who bought me the book I will quote from today. It is entitled the Maxwell Leadership Bible.
Laughter
Mr Sikazwe: I am not going to quote any verse from this book, but quote meaningful and supportive information for leaders from either side of this House.
Mr Kambwili: Walapena nga Shikapwasha, iwe!
Laughter
Mr Sikazwe: The first quotation which is cardinal to all of us says:
“We must lead ourselves before we lead others.”
Interruptions
Mr Mwenya: Where are you quoting from?
Mr Sikazwe: I am quoting from the Bible.
Interruptions
Hon. Opposition Members: Aah! No!
Mr Sikazwe: Do not worry!
Interruptions
Mr Sikazwe: Mr Speaker, I would like to challenge the hon. Members of Parliament, today, not stoop so low as to fall prey to manoeuvres by others. We should not forget that we are national leaders.
Mr Sichamba: Hammer, Chimbamilonga, mwana! Hammer!
Mr Sikazwe: For this reason, my quotation must not be taken lightly.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Sikazwe: We pretend to be good leaders, and yet we mislead the people in this country.
Mr Speaker, I wish to quote from the same book on Page 224 and it reads:
“Good leaders provide security and confidence for their followers”.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Sikazwe: Who amongst us, as leaders, is providing security and confidence to our followers? Is it by misleading them that there is chaos in Zambia? Is it by pretending to have been voted for when we were not duly elected?
Mr Malama: Question!
Laughter
Mr Sikazwe: Mr Speaker, the people of Zambia will continue surviving these hardships because they believe that there is a terrific tomorrow which they will get to.
Sir, the President’s Speech has been received with mixed feelings. In Swahili we say, “Kina ndege namulilo wapi”.
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: Order!
Mr Kambwili: Uluwakwishilya!
Mr Speaker: Order!
(Debate adjourned)
__________
The House adjourned at 1915 hours until 1430 hours on Thursday, 8th October, 2009.