Debates- Thursday, 19th July, 2007

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PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE FIRST SESSION OF THE TEN ASSEMBLY

Thursday, 19th July, 2007

The House met at 1430 hours

[Mr SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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ANNOUNCEMENT BY MR SPEAKER

WORKSHOP FOR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT ON THE OPERATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENTS OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND MITIGATION UNIT AND RESETTLEMENT TO BE HELD AT PARLAIMENT BUILDINGS

Mr Speaker: I wish to inform you that I have approved a workshop for hon. Members of Parliament on the operations of the Departments of the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit and Resettlement to be held in the Amphitheatre here at Parliament Buildings on Saturday, 21st and Sunday 22nd July, 2007. The workshop will start at 0800 hours.

The workshop will serve as a forum for sharing relevant information pertaining to your roles and responsibilities in relation to the District Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit Structure as well as to provide you with the necessary information related to land resettlement.

His Honour the Vice-President will officially open the workshop. I, therefore, request all hon. Members to be present and participate. The programme for the workshop will be made available to you through your pigeon holes.

I thank you.

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MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

FUEL SUPPLY SITUATION OBTAINING IN THE COUNTRY

The Minister of Energy and Water Development (Mr Konga): Thank you, Mr Speaker, for allowing me to make a ministerial statement on the fuel supply situation obtaining in the country.

Mr Speaker, it is with great honour that I take this opportunity to brief the nation on the status of the petroleum sub-sector through this august House. I will commence by reiterating what my predecessors have said, and I quote:

“Energy is to the nation like blood is to the body. Without it, we cannot speak or there can be no development.”

Therefore, as we strive to reduce poverty and promote economic growth, it is essential that the energy sector plays its strategic role in steering the economy to prosperity.

As the hon. Members are aware, the Government recently dissolved the boards of both the Zambia Electricity Supply Company (ZESCO) and the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) in order to improve their governance. It is important that these very key institutions meet the challenges of the energy sector by being proactive and innovative. Although I have spoken both about the electricity and petroleum sub-sectors, I will restrict myself to the latter and will issue a statement on the electricity sub-sector at a later date.

Having dissolved the Energy Regulation Board, there are critical issues that need to be considered in reconstituting it for the betterment of the petroleum sub-sector and the energy sector at large. The following are some of the issues the need to be considered:

(i) the board members should have a comprehensive understanding of the energy policy and should be able to effectively implement it;

(ii)  the board should ensure compliance to the rules and regulations that govern the energy sector. For example, we expect the board to ensure that all players in the petroleum sub-sector adhere to the statutory requirement to maintain operational fuel stocks and not what is currently obtaining in the country; and

(iii) the board should ensure that they provide the necessary leadership that will assist the institution to effectively execute its mandate.

Mr Speaker, allow me to outline what we are doing and what we plan to do in the petroleum sub-sector to ensure that fuel supply remains stable and affordable. Hon. Members will recall that my ministry announced that the country has low stocks of diesel, partly due to the following factors:

(i) the inability or unwillingness by the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to keep the statutory fifteen-day fuel reserve stocks. As hon. Members may be aware, on 2nd December, 2005, my predecessor issued a Statutory Instrument compelling all OMCs to keep at least fifteen days fuel stock in accordance with their market share. This was done to ensure that should there be any disruption in the fuel supply chain, each OMC would have sufficient stocks for fifteen days;

(ii) the delay in offloading the last shipment of crude oil due to leakages in the offloading facilities in Dar-es-Salaam;

(iii) the unpredicted high consumption of diesel, particularly in the mining sector, which translates to an increase of about 50 per cent above normal. Whereas the nation has been consuming 1 million litres a day, which has been sufficient all along to satisfy daily national needs in the past, the current demand estimates per day are now at 1.5 million litres. This has only been applicable to diesel as the demands for other products such as petrol, kerosene and Jet-A1 for planes has not changed significantly.

Mr Speaker, in order to address the situation, my ministry, through the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has requested OMCs to import diesel to cover the shortfall that is obtaining. With these imports, it is expected that by 20th July, 2007, there will be 10 million litres which will increase to 14 million litres by 27th July, 2007.

These levels will be more than adequate for the daily requirements of 1.5 million litres of diesel consumed per day. The aim, however, is to have, at least, 15 million litres of diesel strategic reserves in the country. The projection is that we will reach this level by the end of July this year. It is also at this point that the ERB will impose very severe sanctions on any OMC that will not have the required stocks as stipulated by law. Those that will default will not be allowed to operate in Zambia.

As indicated earlier, the stocks for all other petroleum products are sufficient and stand as follows:

 Fuel Type No. of Days

(a) Leaded Petrol  25 
(b) Unleaded Petrol 21 
(c) Kerosene  38 
(d) Jet Fuel  31

These stocks will last until INDENI resumes refining fuel, that is, towards the end of July this year. As a long-term measure to stabilise fuel supply, my ministry, through the Zambia National Tender Board (ZNTB), has issued a tender for the supply of crude feedstock. I will come back to this august House to make a more detailed statement on this matter at a later date.

Hon. Members may also wish to know that the rehabilitation programme for the refinery is proceeding well. Already, positive results are being recorded. For instance, losses within the refinery have reduced from16 per cent to about 8.4 per cent. The aim is to further reduce losses to about 7 per cent.

With the remarkable progress being made in the refinery rehabilitation, my ministry is now confident that INDENI will be able to produce unleaded fuel to fully meet the Zambian market requirements. I, therefore, wish to announce to the nation, through this august House, that Zambia will achieve a complete changeover to unleaded petrol during the first quarter of 2008. All actors in the petroleum sector should, therefore, take note of this development and work towards achieving it without fail.

As hon. Members are aware, the Government has, also, asked the ERB to review the fuel pricing framework. Recently, a stakeholder’s forum was held to get public inputs in the review process. The nation will, during this month of August, 2007, be informed of the outcome of this review process.

Allow me to also inform the nation that the INDENI Refinery will, again, be shut down in October, 2007 to facilitate the rehabilitation of critical components that cannot be worked on while the refinery is operating. Fuel supply within the shutdown period is guaranteed and is part of the plan I have outlined above.

Mr Speaker, these measures will ensure the stabilisation of fuel supply to this country. I will, for now, not discuss the long-term measures until such a time that my ministry plans to do so. However, I wish to mention that my ministry is working on a national energy strategy covering a twenty-two-year period from 2008 to 2030. This strategy will define the path which the petroleum sector will take to ensure it provides the oil that will continue to turn the wheels of the economy.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, Hear!

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members may now ask questions on points of clarification on the ministerial statement that has been issued by the hon. Minister of Energy and Water Development.

Mr Hachipuka (Mbabala): Mr Speaker, I would like to know what assistance the Government has given to each Oil Marketing Company regarding cash flow for the delegated legislative directive to keep fifteen days’ fuel stocks each, as this requires an investment.

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, the Government has not given any assistance to any of the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in the form of cash or cash flow support for them to keep the fifteen days’ statutory reserves.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Milupi (Luena): Mr Speaker, in his statement, the hon. Minister stated that the policy of the Government was to keep strategic reserves for fifteen days. He further said that the consumption for diesel on a daily basis was 1.5 million litres. Why then, is the hon. Minister targeting to accumulate only 15 million litres by the end of July when this is only ten days’ supply.

Further, when is the hon. Minister going to come to this House to announce the policy on uniform pricing for petroleum products like he has done for electricity?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, it is true I mentioned that the Government was targeting to implement fifteen days’ strategic reserves policy by the end of July, 2007. This is just historical, because previously, this country used to consume about 1,000,000 litres per day, if you heard me correctly in my statement today.

However, now that the daily consumption has increased from 1,000,000 to 1.5 million litres, the ministry is trying to revise the figures from fifteen days strategic reserves to 22.5 days, which will be enough to cover the same period.

As regards the uniform pricing of fuel, I mentioned that we were looking at the overall policy relating to the petroleum sub-sector, and if need arises, for uniform pricing to be considered. At an appropriate time, the House will be informed. However, at the moment, we are still looking at the policy in general to ensure that we have enough fuel reserves to drive our economy.

I thank you, Sir.

Mrs Musokotwane (Katombola): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that, at the moment, the leakage is 8 per cent, but they are targeting 7 per cent. Is 7 per cent the normal percentage for the industry or is there a possibility that one day, we can have no leakage?

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, I mentioned that as a result of the works that have been going on at Indeni, losses have reduced from 16 per cent to 8.4 per cent. Of course, we are striving to reduce this to as low as 7 per cent, which, we understand, is like standard in the industry, because there are a lot of losses arising from evaporation. Therefore, 7 per cent is closer to the standard in the industry.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mushili (Ndola Central): Mr Speaker, I still need more clarification on the answer the hon. Minister has given to the question raised by the hon. Member for Luena. In his ministerial statement, the hon. Minister stated that all Oil Marketing Companies should still keep fifteen days’ stock. Further, he said that the consumption of fuel had increased by 50 per cent due to the increased mining activities, especially on the Copperbelt. In view of this increase, I do not know what mathematics he is going to use, especially that the storage facilities in this country have not changed. How is he going to balance this equation?

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, actually, the 15 per cent fuel strategic reserves is the market share of each Oil Marketing Company. I hope the hon. Members are getting me well. This is a technical figure and each Oil Marketing Company has a certain percentage of the control of prices on the market. This is why the Government has requested them to keep 15 per cent of their market. That, of course, translates into a need for them to invest in facilities such as storage tanks for them to do this.

I hope that I have answered the question adequately.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Silavwe (Nakonde): Mr Speaker, we have seen that for almost five years now, Indeni Oil Refinery could not operate for more than three months without disruption. I believe the institution has been in operation for so many years, but it creates a crisis in Zambia. It appears that Indeni Oil Refinery is not given enough time to rehabilitate their machinery to bring this problem to an end. When are we going to have a permanent solution to the problem of fuel shortages so that it does not recur?

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, I would like to assure the nation, as I said in my ministerial statement, that there is no problem and there is no crisis at Indeni that is beyond redress.

The issues that have arisen are operational. The Government has provided resources to carry out the rehabilitation at Indeni. I am sure even the hon. Member who has asked the question, regularly takes his car for service because if he does not do so, it will eventually breakdown.

The programme that is coming in October is scheduled maintenance for Indeni to carry out the work that cannot be done when the station is operational.

I can assure the nation that, it is true there are some operational problems that have to be addressed, but they are not beyond redress. As such, it is not a crisis as has been alluded to. A solution will be found once we carry out the major rehabilitation.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Beene (Itezhi-tezhi): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister mentioned in his statement the dissolution of the Energy Regulation and Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) boards. I would like to find out if he is satisfied with the performance of the ZESCO management because we have been hearing a lot of problems of blackouts, shut downs and people’s equipment getting damaged.

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, in my ministerial statement, I said I would come and inform the nation, through this august House, about ZESCO at a later date. I would like to reiterate that statement. For the moment, I shall talk about Indeni and answer questions related to the petroleum sub-sector.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Chimbaka (Bahati): Mr Speaker, from the ministerial statement, I am very concerned because I know oil to industry is like blood and water to a human being. Immediately a person begins to have a heart surgery, there is cause for him or her to worry, because that person may collapse due to heart failure. In the same vein, as the industry grows, I see, one of these days, …

Mr Speaker: Order! You have given sufficient introduction to your question. Can you ask your question now?

Mr Chimbaka: Mr Speaker, all I am asking is what problem the Government has in setting up a new oil refinery instead of trying to maintain something that has outlived its usefulness?

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, I will take an analogy from what the hon. Member has said. I do not know whether every time your heart is pumping, you have to remove it and get a new heart. I think it is important that we realise that the Government has invested tax payers’ money in these facilities. It is prudent that these facilities are managed and maintained at a minimum cost for the benefit of the tax payer as opposed to throwing them away every time we have a little operational problem and then tax the citizen, again, for new equipment. Therefore, the Government thinks it is prudent that we carry out the maintenance works for the moment because this facility at Indeni can still refine fuel for this economy for many years. The Government is not thinking of replacing it at the moment.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

Mr Mooya (Moomba):  Mr Speaker, regarding the new board that will be constituted, I would like to know if there will be no political interference so as to get the right members?

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, in constituting boards that run institutions on behalf of the Government, I can confirm that there is absolutely no political interference. There is no political involvement. Members of the boards are appointed on merit and equity and gender is considered, but definitely, not political affiliation. Therefore, I can assure the hon. Member that no political consideration will be taken into account when re-constituting these boards.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Laughter

Mr Chimumbwa (Nchanga): Mr Speaker, on the lateral economic scale, the economic managers or planners are supposed to know that when they press button A, it is going to trigger button C, D and E. Therefore, before they press that button, they are supposed to know the effect of the buttons that are going to be triggered by button A.

Coming to the hon. Minister’s statement, he said that the shortage of fuel was a result of the unpredicted - that underlined - high demand of fuel, how can there be unpredicted fuel shortage or high demand of fuel by the mines when the economic managers sat down and went to entice the investors to come into this country? They knew very well that when the investors come, they will need a lot of fuel. Are they telling us that the economic managers of our wonderful Government went to sleep and did not realise this?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, I am actually grateful that the hon. Member has observed the wonderful work that this Government has done in improving the economy.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, this is testimony of the good policies of the Government that are working.

Interruptions

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, whereas, previously, the economy had a downward trend, this economy is showing not an upward trend, but an exponential trend. If you drive along the Kafue Road everyday, you will see the equipment coming into this country. Therefore, this economic growth is attributable to the good policies of this Government.

Interruptions

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, our planners are working hard day and night. The economic growth is not only in mining, but also other sectors. Maybe for a short period, we overlooked that, but now we are aware that we need to plan for much more energy than we did in the past.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Mwamba (Lukashya): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister if the Government has any plans to reduce fuel levy because it contributes to the high cost of fuel in this country.

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, the purpose of the fuel levy is to complement other Government resources in maintaining infrastructure in the country. As all the members of this House are aware, we have just recently acquired good 4 x 4 vehicles which I think need to be driven on good roads.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Konga: The vehicles will not last for five years, without the input of fuel levy in road maintenance. Therefore, the Government, in an effort to improve infrastructure such as roads, will maintain the fuel levy.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

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QUESTIONS

MOTOR VEHICLES AND UNIFORMS FOR IMMIGRATION OFFICERS COUNTRYWIDE

520. Mr Singombe (Dundumwezi) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

(a) when immigration officers were last issued with combat uniforms; and

(b) how many motor vehicles were distributed to each immigration station countrywide from 2000 to 2006.

The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Ms Njapau): Mr Speaker, the immigration officers were last issued with combat uniforms in 1996. However, the process of purchasing a fresh consignment for distribution this year is well underway. Meanwhile, the Immigration Department has already applied for tender authority to ensure that the supply of combat uniforms becomes a more regular process, as is the case with other uniforms.

A total of twenty-seven motor vehicles were distributed to various Immigration stations countrywide from the year 2000 to 2006. The breakdown of the distribution is as follows:

Station No. of Vehicles 

Immigration Headquarters  9
Ndola Regional Office  2
Kasumbalesa Border Control 1
Lusaka Regional Office  3
Livingstone Regional Office 2
Kasama Regional Office  2
Chipata Regional Office  2
Solwezi Regional Office  2
Mongu Regional Office  1
Kabwe Regional Office   2
Mansa Regional Office   1

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Singombe: Mr Speaker, it is clear that there is a problem in the way the Immigration Department is being handled.

Hon. Opposition Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Singombe: The hon. Minister stood in this House and told the nation that the Immigration Department has to work extra hard. I would like to find out how they expect this department to perform to the expectation of this nation with only twenty-seven vehicles distributed in regional offices in a period of six years.

Secondly, are they aware that for this department to carry out effective operations, they need combat uniforms? What is the ministry doing to ensure that hard-working men and women in this department are equally given combat uniforms so that they can carry out their services effectively to this nation?

The Minister of Home Affairs (Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha): Mr Speaker, there is no problem in the Immigration Department and in the way we are administering this department. First and foremost, we are in the process of procuring combat uniforms. As soon as authority is given, since there is a budgetary allocation to that particular item, the uniforms will be procured. Therefore, we are doing something about it.

Sir, in the same vein, the vehicles are also being sourced for the Immigration Department to have sufficient vehicles. There will be a recruitment of more people into the department to allow for this very important organ of Government to perform well. The hon. Member of Parliament may be aware that there is a very big development in the Immigration Department that is going to allow for the Immigration Office to perform better. The offices in most border posts are going to be revamped and we are starting with Chirundu. It is going to be the state of the art for the immigration officers to work well. This will include accommodation as well.  Not only that, even other border posts such as Kasumbalesa are going to be dealt with.

Sir, only yesterday, I launched the Core Values for the Immigration Department to ensure that it is more professional and stick to the core values that will help them become more efficient. I thought I should explain this.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mukanga (Kantanshi): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out what went wrong at the Immigration Department for them to get the combat uniforms after ten years.

Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, the Immigration Department has other uniforms and nothing went wrong.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kambwili (Roan): Mr Speaker, when is the hon. Minister going to send a vehicle to the Immigration Department in Luanshya and has he any plans, in view of the cost of motor vehicles, to introduce motorbikes for immigration officers?

Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, the Luanshya Immigration District Office is among those that are going to receive vehicles. The hon. Member of Parliament may know that I have just completed a tour of his constituency, including the Immigration Office in Luanshya. Therefore, we are very current with the situation that is there and are going to help the office to operate more efficiently.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kanyanyamina (Kanchibiya): Mr Speaker, does the hon. Minister realise that Mpika, where the road goes up to Mpulungu and Nakonde, there are a lot of foreigners? What have they done to empower the officers at this station who do not even have bicycles? Will they getting any form of transport for them this year?

Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, these people are going to get some form of transport.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

SINKING OF BOREHOLES IN MILANZI PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY

521. Dr Njobvu (Milanzi) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:

(a) how many boreholes were sunk in Milanzi Parliamentary Constituency from 2001 to 2005; and

(b) whether there were any plans to sink more boreholes between 2007 and 2011 and, if so, how many.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Kazonga): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this August House that:

(a) forty-eight boreholes were sunk in nine wards in Milanzi Constituency from 2001 to 2005;

(b) the Katete District Water Supply and Sanitation Plan that has been submitted to my ministry indicates that 101 boreholes will be sunk in Milanzi Constituency between 2007 and 2011.

I thank you, Sir.

ERADICATION OF CONTAGIOUS DISEASES IN URBAN SHANTY COMPOUNDS

522. Mr Mwapela (Kalabo Central) asked the hon. Minister of Health what measures the ministry had taken to eradicate the spread of contagious diseases in crowded urban shanty compounds.

The Deputy Minister of Health (Dr Puma): Mr Speaker, the Government of the Republic of Zambia has adopted a preventive, rather than a reactive approach towards the control of infectious diseases. Further, the Government has realised that prevention of diseases is not a responsibility of the Ministry of Health alone. Therefore, collaboration with line ministries and the co-operating partners is necessary.

The following interventions have been put in place:

Organisation and Administration

The Government has a National Epidemic Preparedness Committee that meets fortnightly, and is co-chaired by the hon. Ministers of Health and Local Government and Housing.

The membership is composed of line ministries such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education. Co-operating partners such as the United Nations, University of Zambia, Water and Sewerage companies are key members. The representation by senior members of staff on this high-powered team enables the Government to make policy decisions and formulate viable action points.

Provincial and District Epidemics Preparedness Committees are in place, and the surveillance of diseases is routinely done countrywide.

Keep Zambia Clean Campaign

Mr Speaker, allow me to draw the House’s attention to the newly-launched Keep Zambia Clean and Healthy Campaign, a product of the Epidemic Preparedness Committee chaired by the hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing. The campaign shall supplement the efforts made by the respective district councils and their waste management units.

Rapid Responses to Disasters

The Ministry of Health responds rapidly and appropriately to national disasters such as floods and epidemics. This prevents the further spread of diseases.

Further, through the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, the Government has taken a decision to remove street vendors and ban the unauthorised issuing of land, which often leads to proliferation of unplanned settlements. All these measures are aimed at reducing the transmission of diarrhoeal diseases such as cholera and dysentery.

Immunisation and Food Fortification

The Ministry of Health conducts countrywide routine and mass immunisation campaigns aimed at administering vaccines that enable our bodies fight infections.

Further, Vitamin A supplements are given to children, as this Vitamin is known to improve the body’s immunity. The Government has gone a step further by making it mandatory that all sugar in Zambia is fortified with Vitamin A.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr L. J. Mulenga (Kwacha): Mr Speaker, taking into account the measures that they have put in place, will the hon. Minister assure this House that come rainy season, there will be no cases of cholera in our shanty compounds?

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister of Health (Dr Chituwo): Mr Speaker, it is not possible to give an assurance in this House regarding the outbreak of cholera when the rainy season comes. The reason is that the provision of preventive measures is to be embarked on by several stakeholders.

Sir, as long as people continue settling where it is not planned, we will continue to have these problems. However, because these are Zambians, as has been stated, we will, in conjunction with the Ministry Local Government and Housing and the councils, continue working on these preventive measures.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Scott (Lusaka Central): Mr Speaker, it is now 154 years since the closure of the Broad Street Pump in Soho, London, which put an end to cholera in Western Europe. Six months ago, the Lusaka City Council tried to close shallow wells in George Compound and other areas. We were advised by the Ministry of Health that closing shallow wells would lead to an outbreak of scabies since people would not bath. Can he confirm that it is the Government’s policy to recommend the use of cholera-infected water for the control of scabies?

Dr Chituwo: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament for Lusaka Central is a councillor. I am surprised that he did not engage my experts if he was given that advice, which is far fetched. We do not offer advice which is far from being professional.

I thank you, Sir.

RURAL ELECTRIFICATION PROGRAMME

523. Mr Chimbaka (Bahati) asked the Minister of Energy and Water Development when the Rural Electrification Programme would be inaugurated in Bahati Parliamentary Constituency.

The Deputy Minister of Water and Energy Development (Mr Sichilima): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Rural Electrification Programme has already been inaugurated in Bahati Parliamentary Constituency.

In 2004, Kabunda Girls’ High School was connected to the electricity grid while Mutiti Basic School was electrified with solar energy in 2006.

The Rural Electrification Authority will also consider any other projects in the constituency as is the case for all rural areas in Zambia. However, execution of such projects is dependent on funds being available.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kanyanyamina: Mr Speaker, how will the Government develop rural areas on electrification when fuel around the country is not available? Even if it is available, it is very expensive.

Hon Members: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}

Mr Speaker: Order! Only a few minutes ago, the House heard the ministerial statement by the hon. Minister of Energy and Water Development, but he is free to deal with that special one.

The Minister of Energy and Water Development (Mr Konga): Mr Speaker, the question is about rural electrification, and I will concur with the hon. Mr Speaker, that I gave a comprehensive statement about its products. Since this is a new question, if you need any clarification, please, come and talk to me.

I thank you, Sir.

CONSTRUCTION OF A CLINIC IN CHAMBOLI TOWNSHIP-WUSAKILE PARLIAMENTARY CONSTIUENCY

524. Mr Chella (Wusakile) asked the Minister of Health when the Government would construct a clinic in Chamboli Township in Wusakile Parliamentary Constituency.

Dr Puma: Mr Speaker, Kitwe District Health Management Team has plans to include, in the District Action Plan for 2008-2010, the construction of Chamboli Clinic in Wusakile Constituency. The district plans to source funds for construction of the clinic from either Community Development Funds or Poverty Reduction Programmes.

However, the community of Chamboli are being sensitised to continue accessing health services from the nearest surrounding clinics in Wusakile, Mulenga and Ndeke Townships whose distances are less than 2.5 km.

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

BUILDING A CLINIC AT KATANGALIKA IN CHAMA DISTRICT

525. Mr Chilembo (Chama North) asked the Minister of Health whether there were any plans to build a clinic at Katangalika which is 38 kilometers from Chama District Hospital.

Dr Puma: Mr Speaker, I would like to inform the House that in 2005, the Chama District Health Management Team submitted a priority list of eight (8) sites for construction of health posts to the ministry including the Katangalika site. Out of this list, one health post, Kambwili Health Post, has since been built.

Sir, the Ministry of Health is aware that the community in Katangalika area are currently moulding bricks for the project as well as collecting contributions from the surrounding villages as a way of contributing to the project.

Mr Speaker, the Government is aware of the various requests from across the country for the construction of health facilities. However, these demands cannot be met at the same time. Therefore, Katangalika area, whose name has now been changed to Mwalala by the community, will be considered at an appropriate time when funds are available.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Chilembo: Mr Speaker, would the Government consider contributing something to the project since the hon. Member of Parliament together with the community have since started building an L-shaped health centre in the Mwalala area.

Dr Chituwo: Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Health always contributes something to community projects in terms of health posts or health centres. Therefore, we will be in contact with our district office to meet the shortfall. This goes beyond just the building. We have, also, to plan for equipment and members of staff.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

ACUTE SHORTAGE OF MEDICAL STAFF AT CHOMA GENERAL HOSPITAL

526. Mr Chazangwe (Choma North) asked the Minister of Health what immediate plans the ministry had taken to address the acute shortage of the following at the Choma General Hospital:

(i) Nurses;
(ii) Environmental health technicians;
(iii) Clinical officers; and
(iv) Doctors.

Dr Puma: Mr Speaker, I would like to inform the House that the implementation of the new structure for the Ministry of Health is aimed at addressing the problem or shortage of health personnel across the country including Choma General Hospital. Government has recognised that the human resource for health is operating at 50 per cent.

Sir, recruitment has started following the granting of Treasury authority to recruit 5,263 health workers for the new creations.

Increased intake in colleges and opening of new nursing schools, including Kalene, Nchanga and Roan, are some of the interventions that the ministry is putting in place.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Chazangwe: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that doctors and nurses are running away from Choma General Hospital because of poor infrastructure and because of lack of Hardship Allowance and some other allowances? Doctors are given allowances within the province.

Dr Chituwo: Mr Speaker, we are aware that Choma General Hospital needs a complete new structure and efforts have been made to improve the various segments of the hospital. We need to have a comprehensive plan to have that hospital completely replaced. This has to be within the budget of each year so that once started, the project does not stall.

Sir, on the issue regarding Hardship Allowance, there are circulars that define who qualifies for the various allowances and this has been communicated to the members of staff. Therefore, if they know, there would be no need for them insisting on having the Hardship Allowance which is meant for well-defined hard-to-reach remote areas of the country.

I thank you, Sir.

DEBTS OWED TO VARIOUS PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS BY GOVERNMENT

527. Mr Imenda (Lukulu East) asked the Minister of Finance and National Planning:

(a) how much money the Government owed the following institutions as at 31st January, 2007:

(i) Public Service Pension Fund;

(ii) Local authorities Superannuation Fund; and

(iii) National Pension Scheme Authority; and

(b) whether there were plans to privatise the pension schemes to facilitate competition and efficiency.

The Deputy Minister of Finance and National Planning (Mr Shakafuswa): Mr Speaker, I would like to inform the House that as at January 31st 2007, the Government owed statutory pension schemes a total of K210.5 billion broken down as follows:

 Statutory Pension Schemes   Amount (K billion)

 Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF)  159
 Local Authorities Superannuation Fund 29.8
 National pension Scheme Authority  21.7
 Total      210.5

Mr Speaker, there is no intention by the Government to privatise the current statutory pension schemes in the near future. Instead, the Government’s policy is to continue promoting the development of a comprehensive social protection system to address the needs of both the formal and informal sectors.

Furthermore, the non-privatisation of the schemes does not hinder competition and efficiency of these schemes, as the Government has put in place the Pensions and Insurance Authority whose mandate is, among other things, to protect the rights of the contributors and ensure compliance to the Pension Scheme Regulation Act No. 28 of 1996 under a competitive framework.

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

Mr Imenda: Mr Speaker, noting from the long list and backlog of the number of people queuing at the organisations referred to in the question, is the hon. Minister in a position to state how and when he could reduce this long list to a point where people are paid on time by reducing the indebtedness made to the organisations?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Shakafuswa: Mr Speaker, if you look at our Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), my ministry has budgeted for K300 billion, but this year, we got a Budget provision of K112 billion out of which we have already spent K56.5 billion. Therefore, we are reducing these arrears.

Sir, just to show our seriousness, we have provided K154 billion in the Budget this year. This means that starting this year, we are going be up to date. As we go on, we are going to clear the backlog and be current. Therefore, as a Government, we are concerned about your concern because it is also our concern and we are doing something to ensure that our people have a slight relief.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Magande: Hear, hear!

Mr L. J. Mulenga: Mr Speaker, taking into account that fact that the reason people contribute to these institutions listed on the Order Paper is to guarantee them a good future when they retire, is the hon. Minister aware of the pain and hardship the people go through to get their money that they have contributed?

Mr Shakafuswa: Mr Speaker, we are aware and that is why we have worked out a plan. Out of our Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, we will ensure that all the arrears are taken care of. I think this is the first time that this will be done. You must appreciate that all the arrears will be taken care of.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chimumbwa (Nchanga): Mr Speaker, I may be wrong, but I stand to be corrected by the Minister. I believe that these departments or wings were created as safety valves to control inflation in the economy. What is the Government doing to help the retirees get their money without saturating the economy?

Mr Shakafuswa: Mr Speaker, I will just correct him. These institutions were not made to control inflation. We have got other better means of controlling inflation than using the Pensions Scheme.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Katema (Chingola): Mr Speaker, since pensioners receive very meagre monthly payments, some up to K50,0000 per month, does the Government have intentions of adjusting upwards all the pensioners’ monthly payments so that it could be meaningful to their livelihood?

Mr Shakafuswa: Mr Speaker, with your indulgence, I think there is a similar question which will be asked in the course of this sitting on the same subject. With permission from my hon. Friend, I will ask that he waits for a similar question which is coming to this House so that we can answer it at an appropriate time.

I thank you, Sir.

COMPOSITION OF MEMBERS OF THE SURVEY CONTROL BOARD AND ISSUANCE OF LAND SURVEY PRACTISING LICENCES

529. Mr Msichili (Kabushi) asked the Minister of Lands:

(a) who the members of the Survey Control Board were; and

(b) how many times the Board had met to consider the issuance of land survey practising licences to eligible candidates from 2003 to 2006, year by year.

The Deputy Minister of Lands (Mr Hamir): Mr Speaker, the Survey Control Board is established by Section 6 of the Land Survey Act Cap. 188. Its membership comprises of: Surveyor-General (Chairperson), one Government Land Surveyor, two Private Land Surveyors and one Legal Practitioner.

Sir, this honourable House may wish to be informed that the Survey Control Board is appointed by the hon. Minister of Lands, in accordance with Section 6 of the Land Survey Act. The current Board was constituted in 1999, and has raised the number of registered land surveyors from fourteen to thirty since its appointment. We are currently consulting in order to reconstitute the Survey Control Board.

The names of the current Survey Control Board members are:
 
Name Position

Mr Danny Mubanga Chairperson/Surveyor-General;
Mr Raynold Moyo Member/Government Surveyor;
Mr Ricky L. Mwanza Member/Private Surveyor;
Mr G. M. Njekwa (late) Member/Private Surveyor; and
Dr. Patrick Matibini Member/Legal Practitioner.

Due to the busy schedule of the members from the private sector, it has become increasingly difficult to form a quorum of three to conduct scheduled regular board meetings since 2004. The meetings have been held as follows:

Year Meeting Held Licences Issued

2003 3 0
2004 1 1
2005 0 0
2006 0 0

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

CONSTRUCTION OF A SUITABLE POLICE STATION IN MPIKA

530. Mr Kapeya (Mpika) asked the Minister of Home Affairs when a suitable police station would be built in Mpika.

Ms Njapau: Mr Speaker, as soon as funds are released, through the Fifth National Development Plan 2006-2010 under the Public Safety and Order Sector, Infrastructure Development, a suitable police station will be built in Mpika.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

Mr Kapeya: Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister assure us when these funds would be available and what the Government policy of opening up police stations in places which are very far away from main police stations, especially where crime is reported to be on the increase is?

Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, the Government’s policy on the establishment of police posts is that, where possible, community involvement is needed. The community, with the help of the Member of Parliament, using the Community Development Fund (CDF), is allowed to construct police posts as long as one or two houses are made available for police officers. Then, we can move.

This policy has helped a great deal all over the country in establishing police presence where the crime rate is on the increase. In the same vein, funds for construction of a proper police post in Mpika are being sourced. When these are available, we hope to complete construction of a police station.

I thank you, Sir.

FOREIGN NATIONALS IN SHANGOMBO DISTRICT

531. Mr Mwangala (Nalolo) asked the Minister of Home Affairs whether the Government had any plans to repatriate foreign nationals who had illegally settled in villages in Shangombo District.

Ms Njapau: Mr Speaker, admittedly, there are thousands of spontaneously settled Angolans in particular areas such as Shangombo District. Suffice it to mention that these nationals have moved to neighbouring districts, notably Sesheke and Senanga.

Mr Speaker, it must be noted that most of these nationals are the ones who were supposed to be repatriated to Angola after the closure of Nangweshi Refugee Camp in 2006. The exercise was conducted with the assistance from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

Mr Speaker, while acknowledging the fact that the magnitude of the problem is quite big, the Department of Immigration in the area has been hampered with numerous problems ranging from inadequate staffing to a lack of logistical materials such as transport. However, concerted efforts are being made to reinforce the area with the necessary logistics and to conduct major joint operations to rid the area of prohibited immigrants.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwangala: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that in Imusho, Sinjembela, Sipuma and Mambolomoka, prohibited immigrants outnumber the locals and are involved in Karavina activities in the province.

Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, I would like to assure the hon. Member that we are aware of the sudden influx of refugees who had left for Angola. I can assure him that an operation is under way to try and normalise the situation in the area.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Sinyinda (Senanga): Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that some of the illegal nationals from Angola are former freedom fighters and are, therefore, the source of illegal firearms used by terrorists called Karavinas?

Laughter

Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, I would like to assure the hon. Member that we are aware, and hence have a programme in the Western Province for people to surrender illegal arms for money. This programme shall continue for a given period. Other operations by the Government will remove the illegal arms that are all over the Western Province.

I thank you, Sir.

DISPOSAL OF MACHINERY AT ESCO LIMITED

532. Mr Ntundu (Gwembe) asked the Minister of Works and Supply:

(a) how the machinery at ESCO Limited in Lusaka was disposed of;

(b) whether the machinery was sold and, if so, at what cost;

(c) what type of machinery it was; and

(d) whether the premises were sold and, if so, to whom and at what cost.

The Deputy Minister of Works and Supply (Mr Tetamashimba): Mr Speaker, the machinery was disposed of in two parts. Firstly, it was through tender that was advertised to the public and the highest bidder was offered to purchase. Thereafter, another invitation to a public auction was advertised in the local newspapers for sale of ESCO machinery. The auction was conducted by RDF Auctioneers.

Mr Speaker, the tender sales realised K226,360,000; the auction sales realised K448,440,000 and the total amount from tender and auction machinery was K674,800,000.

Mr Speaker, the auctioned machinery consisted of vehicles, graders, workshop equipment and other assorted machinery. I wish to lay the list of machinery sold on the Table for hon. Members, including Hon. Ntundu, to go through.

Mr Speaker, the ESCO buildings have since been advertised by the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and tenders closed on 30th June, 2007. The process of sale is no longer under the Ministry of Works and Supply, but Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry.

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) will, therefore, inform the public of the successful bidder. Could the ministry, therefore, advise the hon. Members and the general public that the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry is the right ministry to deal with regarding the sale of the buildings although before sale, it is still Government’s property under the Ministry of Works and Supply.

Could I be allowed to lay on the Table the two copies of the list of people who bought the various items which were in excess of 1,120. The hon. Member for Gwembe can pick one, if he so wishes.

Mr Tetamashimba laid the paper on the Table.

Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, now that the machinery has been sold, what is the Government policy on servicing Government vehicles?

Mr Tetamashimba: Mr Speaker, it is true that during the second term of office of the ruling party, MMD, decisions were made to have the Public Works Department (PWD) workshops in all the provinces sold. This has almost taken place in all the provinces. At the moment, Government ministries take their vehicles to the garages that have been contracted to carry out the repairs. Most of the Government vehicles are taken to recognised garages such as Southern Cross, Toyota and so on and a few garages that deal in panel beating so as to support upcoming mechanics and workshop owners.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr C. K. B. Banda SC. (Chasefu): Mr Speaker, could my hon. Friend confirm to this House the fate of the people who were earlier offered to purchase this property. Who breached that agreement?

Mr Tetamashimba: Mr Speaker, first and foremost, I wish to confirm that the ESCO property was offered to individuals who formed a consortium. I also wish to confirm that had it not been for the diligence of the President of this country, the consortium would have ended up buying the property. The Government decided to cancel that consortium because at the time of sale to this group, it was not registered as a company with the Registrar of Companies. That is why the Government decided to re-advertise it so that people who were registered with the Registrar of Companies would apply and get preference to purchase.

There were also sitting tenants in the buildings, but very few of them were paying rentals. These were less than twenty, if not twelve. The adverts stated that whoever wanted to buy this property must also consider how sitting tenants, especially those that paid rentals to the Government would be looked after. This meant that the Government would have to find a plot on behalf of the prospective investor to relocate the people who paid rentals to the Government. Before this is done, they are to occupy the building until a decision has been made.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Scott: Mr Speaker, following that very lucid answer, could I know …

Hon. Government Members: Aah!

Dr Scott: … I am not being sarcastic. It was clear.  Following that very enlightening answer, could the hon. Minister tell us the fate of the tenants who have been evicted and with whom he organised a meeting with his ministry where an agreement was reached that, under certain conditions, they could return and continue operating their businesses. However, they are still, or maybe they have given up camping outside. What is the assurance of their future, as Zambians?

Mr Tetamashimba: Mr Speaker, I agree that every Government must, firstly, be concerned about the welfare of its own nationals. I remember the hon. Member of Parliament for Lusaka Central led a delegation to the Ministry of Works and Supply at which promises were made between himself and the hon. Minister’s delegation. The hon. Minister of Works and Supply agreed with the Member of Parliament to allow the people to remain in the building despite their failure to pay rentals. The hon. Member of Parliament’s delegation promised to pay what was due to the Government. The Member of Parliament promised the hon. Minister that if they did not pay, he would never talk about the issue again.

Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister of Works and Supply granted the Member of Parliament’s request and the next thing is he failed to abide by what he promised the ministry.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Tetamashimba: We did not evict them even after the agreed date expired, until the same people decided to appeal to the courts, but we, again, allowed them to stay. Later, they went to the Supreme Court …

Mr Shakafuswa: Who lost?

Mr Tetamashimba: … and they lost the case.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Tetamashimba: Even after losing the case, this Government said the good people who were paying rentals should not be evicted. These are still occupying the building, except the people, whom the hon. Member of Parliament brought to our office, who failed to pay the rentals.

Laughter

Mr Tetamashimba: These are the ones we have evicted.

Hon. Government Members: Shame! Hear, hear!

Mr Tetamashimba: Therefore, if there are any tenants who have been evicted despite paying rentals, I promise that we shall open the doors for them tomorrow.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kambwili: Balebepafye  ubufi tababapo.

CONSTRUCTION OF CATTLE DIP TANKS AND DAMS IN NANGOMA

533. Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives when the following infrastructure in Nangoma Parliamentary Constituency would be constructed:

(a) cattle dip tanks; and

(b) dams.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives (Mr Kalenga): Mr Speaker, construction of livestock disease control structures such as dip tanks is demand driven. These are constructed mainly for the control of tick-borne diseases such as East Coast Fever. Currently, there are no plans to construct a dip tank in Nangoma Parliamentary Constituency. However, communities in the area in need of dip tanks should contact the District Agricultural Co-ordinator’s Office (DACO) for additional information and facilitation.

Every year, the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives provides funds for dam construction and rehabilitation in its annual work plan and budget, especially for drought- prone areas. The beneficiary communities are required to contribute matching grants before these facilities are provided. Matching grants are contributions in kind by farmers in the form of locally available materials such as sand, stones, and clearing of roads etc.

Community contribution can be up to twenty-five per cent of the cost of the project. Therefore, communities of Nangoma Parliamentary Constituency in need of facilities such as dams should contact the District Agricultural Co-ordinator’s Office in Mumbwa for additional information and facilitation.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that the Government had no immediate plans to put dip-tanks in Nangoma Parliamentary Constituency. I would like to find out how the Government expects the people of Nangoma to improve their cattle stock, if they are not able to give them this facility now.

The Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives (Mr Kapita): Mr Speaker, the answer by the hon. Deputy Minister is straightforward. We said that we would provide dip-tanks where there would be a need. The dangers of putting up infrastructure such as dip-tanks anywhere and everywhere, without them being requested for, is that they would not be maintained by the people they are supposed to serve. When a dip-tank is requested for, we shall respond to that request because we feel that it is our duty. However, we firstly need the demand to be expressed to us.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Habeenzu (Chikankata): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out how many dams are earmarked for construction in the Southern Province on their work plan.

Mr Speaker: Order! That question is off the mark. The hon. Member is advised to formulate a question that will deal with the Southern Province.

WATER-BORNE DISEASES IN MWENSE DISTRICT

534. Mr Chongo (Mwense) asked the hon. Minister of Health:

(a) what the most common water-borne disease in Mwense District was;

(b) what the cause of the disease above was; and

(c) what measures the Government had taken to eradicate the disease.

Dr Puma: Mr Speaker, the most common water-borne disease in Mwense District is non-blood diarrhoea. The causes of the above are viruses and bacteria. In order to eradicate the disease burden, a number of measures have been put in place to improve on safe water availability and sanitation. These are:

(i) protection of wells in communities using Community Health Innovative Funds at Kanyemba, Chisheta, Mutipila, Lupososhi, Kampamba and Mululu communities;

(ii) construction of twenty ventilated improved pit latrines in Mambilima area under Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation;

(iii) rehabilitation of wells and providing an electric water pump at Musangu Rural Health Centre;

(iv) repair of a hand pump and Lumwiau Rural Health Centre, deepening of wells and equipping them with hand pumps in Mutipula catchment area; and

(v) promotion of chlorination of drinking water at the household level by way of distributing chlorine to vulnerable families in the lower valley of Mwense.

Mr Speaker, there has been collaboration with partners such as WATERAID who are promoting use of sanitary facilities …

Mr Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1615 hours until 1630 hours.

Dr Puma: Mr Speaker, I was actually responding to the measures that the Government had taken to eradicate the disease. I was saying that we had improved collaboration with partners such as WATERAID who are promoting the use of sanitary facilities.

Finally, we are providing information on safe water and sanitation to the people.

I thank you, Sir.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT FUND IN 2006

535. Ms Kapata (Mandevu) asked the hon. Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development how the K29 billion out of the K40 billion meant for youth empowerment in 2006 was utilised, province by province.

The Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development (Ms Cifire): Mr Speaker, I am making my maiden response from the back.

Laughter

Sir, in 2006, the Government allocated K40 billion as Youth Empowerment Fund. The fund had the following components:

(i) Constituency Youth Development Fund - K6 billion.

(ii) Young Inventors Fund   - K5 billion

(iii) Youth Empowerment Fund   - K29 billion

Of these, my ministry received K6 billion as Constituency Youth Development Fund. The Constituency Youth Development Fund was distributed to all the 150 constituencies, each one received K40 million.

Sir, the K29 billion meant for the Youth Empowerment Fund was not released and the Treasury did not carry forward the allocation to 2007. Instead, the Government allocated K30 billion in 2007 as Youth Empowerment Fund. The K5 billion was to be administered by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Vocational Training. Therefore, it is not possible to give the statistics, as requested by the hon. Member of Parliament, on how the total Youth Empowerment Fund was utilised for the reasons given above.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}

Ms Kapata: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out when the Government is going to implement the National Youth Policy and when it will release the remaining Youth Empowerment Fund.

Ms Cifire: Mr Speaker, with regard to the policy, it is being implemented and that is how we have got all the statistics and the various ways in which the funds should be utilised. These are the Constituency Youth Development Fund, Young Inventors Fund as well as the Youth Empowerment Fund.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kapeya: Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister be very specific on when we expect the next release of the Youth Empowerment Fund?

Ms Cifire: Mr Speaker, very soon.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze): Mr Speaker, I would like the hon. Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development to be very categorical whether in this year’s Budget, there is a budget line for the Youth Constituency Development Fund.

The Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development (Mr Namulambe): Mr Speaker, the hon. Member has a copy of the Estimates for 2007 and there is no budgetary provision for the Youth Constituency Development Fund in the 2007 Budget. Instead, we have a provision for the Youth Empowerment Fund amounting to K30 billion.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Sing’ombe: Mr Speaker, may I find out from the hon. Minister why they have not allocated an administrative fund on this amount. The youths have abandoned it because most of the time, they are not given transport money and food while sitting on these committees.

Mr Namulambe: Mr Speaker, the amount of K40 million is not enough to cater for administrative costs to meet the board and lodging expenses for youths that go for meetings. However, in most constituencies where people are determined to work and get this money, there has been no problem.

I thank you, Sir.

Mrs Musokotwane (Katombola): Mr Speaker, is the ministry going to increase the budget allocation for the fund for 2008 because this money, especially, in the rural areas has helped a little to alleviate poverty among the youths?

Mr Namulambe: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member for Katombola has not stated whether she is talking about the Constituency Youth Development Fund or the Youth Empowerment Fund. As such, it is very difficult for me to state whether we are going to increase or not because I do not know what she is talking about.

I thank you, Sir.

TITLE DEEDS FOR TOBACCO FARMERS IN CHADIZA

536. Mr Mbewe (Chadiza) asked the Minister of Lands when the title deeds would be issued to farmers at the following tobacco schemes:

(i) Zemba;

(ii) Katembwe; and

(iii) Madziayela.

Mr Hamir: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that tobacco schemes throughout Zambia are managed by the Tobacco Board of Zambia which is an institution that supervises the farmers that grow tobacco. In order for the farmers to get title deeds, they are required to apply to the Tobacco Board of Zambia who should, in turn, recommend them to the Ministry of Lands. Consequently, the Ministry of Lands will issue title deeds to the concerned farmers only when the Tobacco Board of Zambia makes such recommendations. So far, my ministry has not received any recommendations from the supervising institution.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister the procedure that is used to acquire title deeds, the period taken and why the issuance of title deeds can not be decentralised to the provinces?

The Minister of Lands (Mr Machila): Mr Speaker, the procedure for the issuance of title deeds is that if the land concerned is State land, then there is a requirement that the Tobacco Board of Zambia makes an application to the Ministry of Lands. If the land concerned is traditional, there is a requirement that they go through the council and, as per procedure, get the appropriate minutes supporting the application for that land.

With regard to the time it takes, we are in the process of trying to decentralise as much as we can, but currently, the Ndola Region Office is assisting us. As and when the situation allows, we may consider extending that facility.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr D. Mwila (Chipili): Mr Speaker, early this year, the hon. Minister informed this House that as soon as the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM) submit the papers for the houses offered to former ZCCM employees, the ministry will immediately issue the title deeds. I would like to find out what the problem is and when the ministry is going to issue title deeds to former ZCCM houses?

Mr Machila: Mr Speaker, the issuance of title deeds for ZCCM properties is being addressed by the ministry in conjunction with ZCCM Investment Holdings. There have been complications in that a number of the former employees of ZCCM who had obtained the property have since died or sold those properties prior to the issuance of their title deeds.

Over and above that, there was also a constraint with regard to having the survey being made for thousands and thousands of properties. However, as things stand, we are working hand-in-hand with ZCCM Investment Holdings. In due course, we shall make the title deeds available to the owners of those properties.

I thank you, Sir.

BANANA PRODUCTION IN KAPUTA DISTRICT

537. Mr Sikazwe (Chimbamilonga) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives whether the ministry had any plans to promote banana production through out-grower schemes in Mikose and Munwa areas of Kaputa District.

Mr Kalenga: Mr Speaker, the Out-grower Support Programme initiated by the Government in 2002, aimed at achieving economic growth through increased agricultural exports, has been supporting farmers to expand export crops, such as, tobacco, coffee, cotton, paprika, cashew nuts and pineapples. There are plans to include other cash crops including bananas. However, their inclusion in the programme will be after feasibility studies are carried out to ascertain the comparative advantage, market linkages, logistics and availability of funds. The Government is doing everything possible. These are demand-driven programmes. We will support the hon. Member for Chimbamilonga if he initiates the programme. In fact, he should contact the District Agriculture Co-ordinating Officer (DACO) in Chimbamilonga.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

RISK ALLOWANCE FOR POLICE OFFICERS

538. Mr Chisala (Chilubi) asked the Minister of Home Affairs when the meagre risk allowance rate for police officers would be increased to a reasonable amount.

Ms Njapau: Mr Speaker, the risk allowance which used to be paid to officers in the Zambia Police Force was abolished through the Public Service Management Division Circular No. B1 of 2004 and instead the Exposure Allowance was introduced.

Mr Speaker, the House may wish to know that the risk allowance was K2,000 per month while exposure allowance is pegged at K50,000 per month.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, following the economic hardships that our people, particularly the policemen, have been facing in this country, has the hon. Minister got any intentions of re-introduce this allowance since it can help some members of the Civil Service to, at least, be cushioned in one way or  the other?

Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, my Government is doing everything possible to improve the conditions of service for the police officers, inclusive of their allowances, so that they can draw according to what budget allocations are going to be given to us.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mtonga (Kanyama): Mr Speaker, I really would like to beg the hon. Minister, through Mr Speaker, to come out with a comprehensive response on the so-called allowances that are paid to the hard-pressed police officers in this country. It is a long time since a commission of inquiry was held. Does this Government envisage at all, a point, for example, this year, to examine realistically what take-home pay for a police officer free from corruption should be like and how to look after their children in the camps in terms of welfare?

Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Kanyama and, indeed, his concern as he was the Inspector-General of Police before. As a Government, we are concerned with the need for us to improve the conditions of service for the police and, indeed, as we are talking now, there are officials who are working to see how best we can improve their take-home pay.

Secondly, a number of allowances, such as the exposure allowance, were put in their take-home pay to see if we can separate the two and allow for them to benefit. As Minister, and, indeed, as a Government, we want to do everything possible to improve their take-home pay so that the men in uniform, who are looking at the security of the country, can be happy, hence we are dealing with the issue of accommodation as well.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what this K50,000 as exposure allowance is meant to achieve. Is the K50,000 meant to cushion the police officers for their exposure to risky operations?

Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, in the question the my hon. Deputy Minister answered, she addressed the issues of, first and foremost, the K2,000 risk allowance that was improved and made into an exposure allowance of K50,000. Further, I have said that we are working to improve that to ensure that a meaningful exposure allowance is paid to the police men and women.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Mr Speaker, I would like the hon. Minister to, please, tell the House how many cases on average we have, such as the one we are reading about in the paper that happened in Kabwe where police officers decided to help themselves with money that was supposed to be exhibit from a burglary, and can he confirm that this is as a result of the police officers getting meagre emoluments and allowances.

Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, there are good officers in uniform and with great integrity who have helped to provide security to lots of funds for many organisations, including the Government and private organisations, and have not fallen to the temptation of taking any money from that which is recovered. What we experienced in Kabwe is an exceptional case.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Malama (Mfuwe): Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that giving poor conditions to police officers is one way of fueling corruption in this country?

Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, I beg to disagree with that statement from the hon. Member of Parliament for Mfuwe. There are records- we have seen on CNN when ENRON went under how it was revealed that the company officials were getting millions of dollars per year as salaries, and yet they are corrupt. So, I do not agree with that statement.

I thank you, Sir.

539. Mr D. Mwila (Chipili) asked the Minister of Defence:

(a) how many workers were declared redundant during the closure of the Zambia China Mulungushi Textiles Joint Venture Ltd;

(b) how much was paid to the workers at (a) above; and

(c) how many employees were retired.

The Deputy Minister of Defence (Mr Akakandelwa): Mr Speaker, the answer to Hon. D. Mwila’s question is as follows:

(a) the total number of workers declared redundant were 752, composed of management, 174 and unionised staff, 578;

(b) the total amount paid to retrenchees is K8,573,233,525.73;

(c) the total number of workers who retired is three while the total amount paid to retired workers is K52,996,960.31;

(d) (i) the total number of workers who voluntarily retired is one while the total amount paid to voluntarily retired workers is K13,273,611.78;

(ii) the total number of workers medically retired is two and the total amount paid to medically retired workers is K22,950,700.22;

(iii) the total number of workers who died is five and the total amount paid to workers who died is K35,128,281.92

The total amount paid to retired, voluntarily and medically retired and workers who died is K124,349,554.23.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr D. Mwila: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister of Defence has said that the retrenchees were paid. Since it is a joint venture, I would like to find out where the sources of funding came from. Was it from the Chinese, Zambian Government or was it done jointly? I also would like to find out whether there are any future plans by the Government to open the Development Aid from People to People (DAPP)?

Mr Akakandelwa: Mr Speaker, retrenchment packages came from the two Governments because the Mulungushi-China joint venture is owned by both the Government of the Republics of China and Zambia.

As for the future of Mulungushi Textiles or joint venture, Grant Thornton has been enlisted to provide consultancy services with regard to the following:

(i) come up with a plan to resuscitate the operations of the joint venture; and

(ii) come up with a revised structure of the joint venture;

Once Grant Thornton finalises the above, the proposal will be submitted to the Board of Directors who will then study the document and come up with the way forward.

Once the review of the contract rating the shares, - this is a very contentious issue. Sorry, Sir, that was a bonus answer, I will end there.

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter{mospagebreak}

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out if the Chinese Government and the Zambian Government have failed to run a simple factory such as the Mulungushi Textiles. How then, can we have the confidence in private Chinese investors in Zambia?

Mr Akakandelwa: Mr Speaker, the Government of the Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Zambia have not failed to run the Mulungushi-China joint venture. The on-going appointment of Grant Thornton to develop a business plan to resuscitate the operations of the joint venture is one of the measures to ensure that the joint venture operates profitably.

I thank you, Sir.

KITWE/CHINGOLA ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

540. Mr Kambwili asked the Minister of Communications and Transport how many road traffic accidents were recorded on the Kitwe/Chingola Road from 2001 to 2006.

The Deputy Minister of Communications and Transport (Mr Mubika): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that 2,095 accidents were recorded between 2001 and 2006 along Kitwe/Chingola Road of which 264 were fatal, 425 resulted in serious injuries, 597 resulted in slight injuries and 1,619 resulted into damage of property only.

The above road accidents statistics for the period 2001 to 2006 along the Kitwe/Chingola Road are shown on a yearly basis in the table below:

Year Fatal  Serious Slight  Damage Total
    Injury  Injury  of Property  

2001 36  57  71  224  388
2002 39  38  79  219  375
2003 32  50  101  230  413
2004 36  80  91  273  480
2005 71  95  118  283  567
2006 50  105  137  390  682
Total 264 425  597  1,619  2,905

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, this question came three days ago and was asked by Hon. Simama. We were told in this House that fatalities between 2001 and 2006 were 139. Which figure are we going to go by? Are you telling me that within the last two days, 125 people have died on the same road?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mubika: Mr Speaker, I am unable to answer that question owing to the fact that I am not the one who gave that figure. However, the answer that I have given to the House are the correct statistics available at my office.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kambwili: Naubepa, naiwe!

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Milupi (Luena): Mr Speaker, the numbers produced by the hon. Minister in terms of fatalities and serious injuries and so on are, indeed, shocking. What is the Government doing to immediately prevent so many of our citizens from dying on this road?

The Minister of Communications and Transport (Ms Sayifwanda): Mr Speaker, there is that concern about the accidents that are happening on our roads. It is not only the Kitwe/Chingola Road that is affected by road accidents, but all the roads in this nation.

My ministry has put in some measures to make sure that these numbers are reduced. Some of the measures that we have put in place are intensifying the road patrols under the Road Transport and Safety Agency. We have to make sure that there are more patrols on the roads. We are also improving on the erection of signals along the roads. At the same time, we have to make sure that speed limits are also in place.

I think sometime, next week, I will be on air talking about the speed limiters, as this is one way of preventing future accidents.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mtonga: Mr Speaker, I sympathise with the answer arising from the last response to the question posed by my colleague, hon. Member of Parliament for Luena. In addition, since the answer is, in my view, inadequate, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister how you are avoiding shooting in the dark in trying to find the solution or preventive action. Have you found out was the largest causation factor of those thousands of accidents for over five years? Was it disobedience to rules, speeding, road engineering or what was the fault in all those accidents? There is a need to know the major cause so that you can draw a solution from there.

Ms Sayifwanda: Mr Speaker, the previous question that I was asked was to find out what remedies we were putting in place to make sure that the number of accidents is reduced. That is why I responded that way. Otherwise, I can still mention the causes of the accidents.

One of the causes of accidents is the increase of traffic on our roads. You are aware that at the moment, there is a lot of traffic on the road to the North-Western Province, not only on the Kitwe-Chingola stretch, but up to Solwezi, because of the development of the mines. Most drivers would like to reach Solwezi in time to catch up with business. Therefore, this is one of the causes.

Inadequate road signs are another contributing factor to the increase of accidents. The other, is drunkenness among drivers.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. Government Member: Especially Kambwili.

Ms Sayifwanda: Just a day ago, when I was coming from Chisamba, I impounded two buses because the drivers were totally drunk. I have instructed my officers to retain the buses for three months before they are released.

The other cause is obstruction.

Mr Speaker, these are some of the contributing factors to the high number of accidents. However, my ministry is making sure that this number is reduced by putting in place what I have just mentioned to this House.

Ms Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, how many of the accidents involved traffic officers themselves during their tours of duty?

Ms Sayifwanda: Mr Speaker, I am grateful to my hon. Sister for that question. If I could be given the time to go and research, I would bring back the answer to this House.

MEASURES TO BENEFIT FROM THE 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP TO BE HOSTED BY SOUTH AFRICA

541. Mr Sejani (Mapatizya) asked the Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development what measures the Government was taking in order for the nation to benefit from the 2010 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by South Africa.

Ms Cifire: Mr Speaker, the Government is committed to ensuring that Zambia reaps maximum benefits from South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. These benefits are expected to cut across all sectors.

With Cabinet approval for Zambia to host the 2011 All Africa Games, our vision is to use the 2010 World Cup as a stepping stone to the 2011 All Africa Games.

Sir, in this regard, the ministry will soon be meeting with the hon. Minister of Sport for South Africa to discuss the 2010 World Cup.

The Government has, in co-operation with various stakeholders, embarked on a Sports Infrastructure Development Programme. This includes, the proposed construction of an ultra-modern stadium in Ndola by the Chinese Government, construction of a modern sports complex by the International Olympic Committee in Lusaka and rehabilitation and modernisation of the Independence Stadium to which the Government has committed K30 billion in the 2007 Budget. In addition, the Government, through my ministry, is engaged in discussions with some Italian business people who have expressed interest in developing an ultra-modern sports complex in Livingstone.

Sir, all these are measures meant to ensure that the nation benefits from the 2010 World Cup. It is our hope that once this infrastructure is put in place, some foreign countries who will be participating in the 2010 World Cup may choose to use Zambia for camping and acclimatisation and also as a build up to the 2011 Games.

Mr Speaker, the expected benefits from this gigantic event are: improved service delivery through improved infrastructure, job and wealth creation and other services that will come as a result of increased traffic of tourists during the tournament due to the appreciation of the Zambian arts, culture, heritage and national identity.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Sejani: I thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to find out from the versatile and energetic hon. Ministers in this ministry how much co-ordination and cross fertilisation of ideas exists between the Ministries of Tourism, Education and other relevant ministries to ensure that we reap optimum results from this very important event which may never come so close to Zambia again?

Mr Namulambe:  Mr Speaker, there is a committee involving all the ministries that is co-ordinating the benefits that Zambia is going to accrue from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

I thank you, Sir.

FIRE SECTION AT ZAFFICO AND FORESTRY COMPARTMENTS DESTROYED BY FIRE FROM 2001 TO 2006

542. Mr Simama (Kalulushi) asked the Minister of Tourism and Natural Resources:

(a) whether the Zambia Forestry and Forests Industries Corporation (ZAFFICO) fire section wass operational and, if not, what happened to it; and

(b) how many forestry compartments were destroyed by fire from 2001 to 2006.

The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources (Mr Kaingu):

(a) Mr Speaker, the fire section is not operational. It was disbanded with the restructuring of the Zambia Forestry and Forests Industries Corporation (ZAFFICO) Limited in 2001. However, the corporation intends to reintroduce the section at the end of this year after procuring fire tender vehicles; and

(b) the forestry compartments that were destroyed by fire from 2001 to 2006 were as follows …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Mr Kaingu:

Year  No. of Fires  Area   Area  Area
  Reported  Compartments  Damaged Percent
  Affected  Affected (Ha)  (Ha)  Damaged
 
2001  3   66.1   50.8  76.9
2002  8   133.5   133.4  99.9
2003  5   76.3   1.6  0.2
2004  4   15.4   1.6  10.4
2005  1   16.3   16.3  100
2006  5   117.1   107.8  92.1
Total  26   424.7   311.5  379.5 

Mr Simama: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister how ZAFFICO will tender the young stands and Eucalyptus Grand Copsis since they are sensitive to fire, but ZAFFICO has no fire-fighting equipment. Is the hon. Minister aware that it takes a tree thirty years to grow and that thirty years’ cost of tendering just to have the trees burned in one day would be a very big loss to the Government.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Order! Did the hon. Minister of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources say that ZAFFICO was disbanded?

The Minister of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources (Mr Pande): Mr Speaker, it is the fire section of ZAFFICO that is disbanded. We know that it takes years for a tree to grow. That is why ZAFFICO will procure fire tenders by the end of this year.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mschili (Kabushi): Mr Speaker, in this country, we have a tendency of cutting trees without replanting. I would like to find out if there is any deliberate policy the Government is putting in place to start general planting of trees.

Mr Pande: Mr Speaker, although the question did not relate to ZAFFICO, I will give the hon. Member a bonus answer. What is happening is that before people go into forestry, they are given a licence. Therefore, there must be a programme for replanting. At the moment, ZAFFICO is planting on a hectarage of about 552 per year which is likely to increase.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Zulu (Bwana Mkubwa): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister why it has taken over five years to reintroduce the fire section at ZAFFICO and five years to buy a fire tender.

Mr Pande: Mr Speaker, ZAFFICO is not directly under the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Recourses after restructuring. Procuring fire tenders requires resources. Since there is a new management, we have seen an improvement in the performance of ZAFFICO. As a result, the corporation has managed to recoup some money which will allow them to buy fire tenders. The issue at hand is not the five years it has taken to procure fire tenders, but the resources that are now available.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

ZAMBIA DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

543. Mr L. J. Mulenga asked the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry:

(a) who the members of the Board of the Zambia Development Agency were;

(b) when the interviews for senior staff at the Zambia Development Agency were conducted and what the staff establishment was;

(c) what the total number of staff employed by the agency was;

(d) whether the staff of the dissolved institutions were paid their terminal benefits; and

(e) how efficient the agency was in terms of service delivery as opposed to the merged institutions operating on their own.

The Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry (Mr Mutati): Mr Speaker, the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Act No. 11 of 2006 provides for:

1. Constitution of a Board, which shall consist of the following sixteen members:

(a) a representative of;

(i) Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry;

(ii) a representative of the farmers;

(iii) the Civil Society Organisation; and

(iv) the agency promoting small scale industries;

(b) two private businesspersons;

(c) a representative of the Environmental Council of Zambia;

(d) eight representatives from ministries responsible for trade and industry,
finance, labour, agriculture, education, skills training and mining; and

(e) the Attorney-General of the Attorney- General’s Chambers.

The Minister shall appoint the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson of the board from among the members who are public officers.

The Board Members are:

Name      Institution

Mr Luke C. Mbewe (Board Chairman) Zambia Association of Chambers of 
Commerce and Industry

Mr Evans C. Chibiliti   Ministry of Finance and National Planning

Mr Davidson M. Chilipamushi  Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry

Mr Paul Zambezi    Ministry of Science, Technology and 
Vocational Training

Mr Lennard Nkhata    Ministry of Mines and Minerals 
Development

Mr Rusell M. Mulele Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources

Ms Lilian Kapulu    Ministry of Education

Mr Ngosa Chisupa    Ministry of Labour and Social Security

Dr Sam Mundia    Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives

Mrs Patricia Daka Jere   Ministry of Justice

Mr Guy Nicol Hallowes Robison  Zambia National Farmers Union

Ms Prisca Mwansa    Women’s Lobby Group

Mrs Christine Mulundika   Zambia Federation of Associations of 
Women in Business

Mr Edward Zulu    Environmental Council of Zambia

Sir, the positions for senior staff were interviewed on 29th June, 2007. The staff establishment for ZDA is 103.

ZDA undertook internal recruitment of staff following the expiry of the six months’ contracts that were offered to staff of the dissolved institutions in January, 2007.

During the first phase of the recruitment process, the agency engaged thirty-eight members of staff whose approval was granted by the board on 30th June, 2007. During the second phase, the agency recruited a further thirty-seven staff whose approval was granted by the board on 12th July, 2007, bringing the total to seventy-five.

The external recruitment of staff to fill the vacant positions will be undertaken once the substantive Chief Executive has been recruited. The external recruitments will be advertised.

Mr Speaker, members of staff of the dissolved institutions have not yet been paid their terminal benefits. However, the management of the then Zambia Export Processing Zones Authority, Export Board of Zambia, Zambia Investment Centre, Small Enterprise Development Board and the Zambia Privatisation Agency computed the benefits due to the employees as was directed by the ministry.

Sir, the ministry then, through the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Threshold Project, contracted Grant Thornton to verify the benefits computed by the managements of the above-mentioned dissolved institutions.

Mr Speaker, the Auditor-General then undertook audits to verify the figures computed by Grant Thornton for benefits due to the employees of the dissolved institutions from the end of January, 2007 to May, 2007. The verification exercise has been completed. The Ministry of Finance and National Planning has released funds to the Public Service Management Division (PSMD). PSMD is undertaking a final verification before the terminal benefits are paid. The payment of terminal benefits will start within this month. 

Mr Speaker, it must be noted that although the merged institutions started operating as one institution after 1st January, 2007, the effective merger has only taken place with the approving of the new organisation structure and the recruitment of staff, which only took place on the 1st July, 2007.

However, the ministry firmly believes that the merger of the dissolved institutions will create a one-stop facility that will definitely improve the efficiency in terms of service delivery as investors and businesspersons will only need to deal with the ZDA on matters relating to trade and investment as opposed to dealing with five different institutions. The merger will also result in the harnessing of competencies of the merged institutions, thereby improving efficiency in service delivery.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr L. J. Mulenga: Mr Speaker, I would like to believe that before the Act was put in place, there was a lot of planning that was made. Now that the Act is in force, could the hon. Minister tell this House why, after planning, ZDA has taken too long to be operational as envisaged in the Act?

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, in terms of the Act, ZDA was to be operational on 1st January, 2007. By being operational, it meant that ZDA had to come up with an organisational structure and establishment of the collapsing five institutions. The work involved in this process took longer than planned. It took six months, from 1st January, 2007 to the end of June, 2007 to finish this process, hence, the new operational date of 1st July, 2007.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

Mr Lubinda (Kabwata): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether individual board members of ZDA hold membership on other Government boards, commissions and agencies? If so, which ones are they, and what are the considerations that were taken for them to be on more than one board?

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, it is difficult to give a precise answer. All I can say is that on most of the boards, there is representation by the Government ministry officials. There is a consideration that the Government must remaining standing on most of the boards.

Regarding individuals, most of them are representatives of organisations, such as the Farmers Union. These organisations propose the names of members to be on these boards, and the Government takes those submissions seriously.

I thank you, Sir.

INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY BETWEEN ZAMBIA AND ANGOLA

544. Mr Mwangala asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs at what point the international boundary between Zambia and Angola was located in Shang’ombo District.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs (Mr Sikatana): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that the international boundary between Zambia and Angola is from a point about 4.8 kilometres south of Sianga, then it follows the Kwando River up to beacon AGM/37.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mwangala: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that there are three points of conflict in Shang’ombo, in the Western Province? Zambia recognises that the Kwando River is the borderline, while the Angolan Republic claims that the beacon in Shang’ombo Boma, behind the Immigration Department is part of Angola. Which one is the borderline?

Angola is also claiming another point, 15 kilometers into Zambia at Boiwa, as part of that country, and the other claim is that, right at the centre of Mambolomoka School in Shang’ombo, formerly known as Kalabo, is another point.

Sir, hon. Members will be enlightened that Zambians found fishing in the Kwando River are arrested. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister which point is the correct one out of the three.

Mr Sikatana: Mr Speaker, the answer I have given is the official response to Hon. Mwangala’s question. It cannot be a boundary with several choices. The boundary has been defined as that which is a point 4.8 kilometers south of Sianga, following the Kwando River up to beacon AGM/37. That is what the Government recognises.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Perhaps, before the other hon. Member comes in, the Chair would like to guide the hon. Member for Nalolo. When the House adjourns, hon. Members with access to the Internet at the Motel should key in the words “AngolaZambiaborder”. You will find a lot of history on this border, starting from 1905 or 1906, all the way to the North-Western Province. You will know how that border was fixed, and you will get more details than just those points he is referring to.

Mr Sinyinda: Mr Speaker, I am not content with the answer given by the hon. Minister. I am aware that it is the Kwando River that creates the boundary between Zambia and Angola. Is the hon. Minister aware that at the moment, the Republic of Angola does not recognise that border?

Mr Sikatana: Mr Speaker, I am afraid I will insist that the description given by the Government, through my statement, remains what Zambia recognises.

I thank you, Sir.

_______

BILLS

SECOND READING

THE PRESIDENTIAL EMOLUMENTS (Amendment) BILL, 2007

The Minister of Justice (Mr Kunda): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the Bill be now read a second time.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

This is a very important Bill you are legislating. You are legislating. You should participate in this legislation. If not, you will not hear what is going to happen. You come here pretending as if you are not part of the process because you are not listening and are also not participating.

Mr Kunda: Mr Speaker, the object of the Presidential Emoluments (Amendment) Bill National Assembly Bill No. 15 of 2007 is to amend the Presidential Emoluments Act so as to revise the salary payable to the President.

Sir, this august House will recall that, during the first quarter of this year, 2007, the Government approved a 16 per cent salary increment for all public workers, effective 1st April, 2007, which has since been effected.

The President, like any other worker in the land, is equally entitled to a review of his salary, which was last reviewed two years ago, in 2005. This change can only be effected by amending the Presidential Emoluments Act, Cap. 261 of the Laws of Zambia.

Sir, I therefore, seek the support of this August House for the Second Reading stage of this Bill.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: However, by custom, this House does not debate itself.

Mr Kunda: Mr Speaker, I just wish to express my appreciation for the overwhelming support that the House has rendered to this Bill.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Question put and agreed to and the Bill read a second time.

Committed to a committee of the whole House.

Committee today.

THE MINISTERIAL AND PARLIAMENTARY OFFICES EMOLUMENTS (Amendment) BILL, 2007

Mr Kunda: Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the Bill be now read a second time.

Mr Speaker, the object of the Ministerial and Parliamentary Office Emoluments (Amendment) Bill National Assembly Bill, No. 17 of 2007, is to increase the salaries of the holders of the Office of the Vice-President, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Cabinet Ministers, the Leader of the Government Business in the House, Leader of the Opposition, Deputy Ministers and Private Members of the National Assembly.

Sir, the salaries of holders of Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices were last increased in 2005. Meanwhile, in the first quarter of this year, all Public Service workers’ salaries were increased effective 1st April, 2007. It is, therefore, only fair that the salaries of holders of Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices be reviewed upwards to keep abreast with the other public workers.

This change can only be effected by amending the Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices (Emoluments) Act.

Mr Speaker, I therefore, seek the support of this august House for the Second Reading stage of this Bill.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kunda: Mr Speaker, once again, I wish to express my appreciation for the overwhelming support that the House rendered to this Bill.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Question put and agreed to and the Bill read a second time.

Committed to the Committee of the whole House.

Committee today.

THE CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICES EMOLUMENTS (Amendment) BILL, 2007

Mr Kunda: Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the Bill be now read a second time.

Mr Speaker, the object of the Constitutional Emoluments (Amendment) Bill National Assembly Bill No. 16 of 2007, is to amend the Constitutional Offices (Emoluments) Act so as to increase the salaries payable to holders of offices to which Article 119 of the Constitution of Zambia applies.

Mr Speaker, in the first quarter of 2007, the Government approved a 16 per cent salary increment for all public officers, effective 1st April, 2007. This directive has since been effected for public officers other than the holders of Constitutional Offices. The change can only be effected by amending the Constitutional Offices (Emoluments) Act, Cap. 261 of the Laws of Zambia

Furthermore, Mr Speaker, the holders of Constitutional Offices do not belong to any union to represent them. It is, therefore, important and fair that the Government takes care of their interests as a way of motivating them.

I, therefore, seek the support of this august House at the second reading stage of this Bill.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kunda: Mr Speaker, once again, I wish to express my appreciation for the overwhelming support that this august House has rendered to this Bill.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Question put and agreed to and the Bill read a second time.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Committed to the committee of the whole House

Committee today.

_____

HOUSE IN COMMITTEE

[THE CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the Chair]

THE PRESIDENTIAL Emoluments (Amendment) BILL, 2007

Clause 1 and 2 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Title agreed to.

THE MINISTERIAL AND PARLIAMENTARY OFFICES (Emolument) (Amendment) BILL, 2007

Clause 1, 2 and 3 ordered to stand part of Bill.

Appendices I and II ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Title agreed to.

THE CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICES (Emoluments) (Amendment) BILL, 2007

Clause 1 and 2 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Appendix ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Title agreed to.

_______

HOUSE RESUMED

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

The following Bills were reported to the House as having passed through Committee without amendment:

The Presidential (Emoluments) (Amendment) Bill, 2007

The Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices (Emoluments) (Amendment), Bill, 2007

The Constitutional Offices (Emoluments) (Amendment) Bill, 2007-07-20

Third Readings on Friday, 20th July, 2007.

______

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

The Minister of Justice (Mr Kunda): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

Question put and agreed to.

______

The House adjourned at 1754 hours until 0900 hours on Friday, 20th 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WRITTEN REPLY TO QUESTION

CRITERION USED IN POSTING MORE TEACHERS TO CHINSALI THAN ISOKA

528. Mr Sichamba (Isoka West) asked the Minister of Education:

(a) what criteria was used to post 389 teachers to Chinsali and only 28 teachers to Isoka; and

(b) when more teachers would be posted to Isoka District.

The Minister of Education (Professor Lungwangwa): Mr Speaker, whenever the Ministry of Education is carrying out a teacher recruitment exercise, it requests all District Education Board Secretaries in the country to submit information on the number of vacancies in their districts through their respective Provincial Education Officer.

It is on the strength of this information that the ministry decides how many teachers a particular district is going to recruit. Therefore, Chinsali District was allowed to recruit 389 teachers because that was the number of vacancies they submitted. The other factor was that Chinsali included community schools in their recruitment request.

The ministry will recruit teachers in the course of the year and when that happens, Isoka will get a number of new teachers according to vacancies that will be established.

I thank you, Sir.